Generalissimo is the South Pacific Classic Winner

Generalissimo has produced an impressive turn of foot in the final straight at Royal Randwick to win the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) this afternoon.

Generalissimo beat Rosa Carolina on the line in the South Pacific Classic this afternoon. Photo: Steve Hart

Generalissimo beat Rosa Carolina on the line in the South Pacific Classic this afternoon. Photo: Steve Hart

Generalissimo jumped from the gates well, but was settled off the early pace of Alliterate, Rosa Carolina and Hussterical, who ensured that the South Pacific Classic would be run at a genuine tempo.

Settling into a good rhythm and experiencing a reasonably carefree run in transit, the Dream Ahead gelding held a position on the inside of the field leading into the final straight, but was allowed plenty of time to balance by jockey Blake Shinn before mounting his late assault.

Having hit the lead with 200m to run, Generalissimo locked in a fierce sprint battle with Rosa Carolina, but was able to sustain his half-head lead and savaged the line for a career-best result to date.

Shinn’s ride was undoubtedly key in Generalissimo being named the 2017 South Pacific Classic winner and the in-form hoop was thrilled with the feel offered up by the three-year-old.

“It was very good there, obviously coming up the inside and making my run,” Shinn said.

“The horse did a really great job. He obviously ran on that really wet track on Golden Slipper Day, which made a difference today in coming back a little bit in grade and up in distance.

“It’s great for Gary White – he’s a Hawkesbury trainer and this is his biggest client, Mr Mapp and I’m sure winning a race on Day 2 of The Championships, they’re going to get a huge thrill today.

“I found him really nice to handle and Gary told me he was going to give me a good ride. We came here with a little bit of confidence.

“He put himself in a nice position, but I was a little bit concerned when Hussterical handed up the front and Alliterate was leading.

“I was able to navigate a way through approaching the turn, find that passage on the inside and the horse did the rest, I just had to steer him so it was good.”

Generalissimo has returned to racing in strong and largely consistent form this season; running third in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) and fifth in the Listed Darby Munro Stakes (1200m) most notably, through four starts prior to the South Pacific Classic.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.