English import Home Of The Brave showed his Everest credentials and a clean set of heels with an all the way win in the Group 2 $200,000 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill today.

Home Of The Brave, above, scored an all the way win in the 2018 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Home Of The Brave, above, scored an all the way win in the 2018 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Winning jockey Glyn Schofield had the James Cummings trained Home Of The Brave dictating the race from the front from the jump and the Godolphin royal blue colours were never challenged in the run to the line.

“He’s all about go this fella. For the majority of the race I just tried to keep him happy without trying to fight him too much, but without letting him run too hard,” Schofield said.

“Conditions are trying and testing, he got through them really well and congratulations to James and the team.”

“He’s got a lot of spunk about him, his foot is always on the accelerator, he wants to go but he’s got ability to go with it which is great.”

Home Of The Brave ($5.50) had plenty of space up his sleeve when the judge called a halt to proceedings while the Chris Waller trained D’Argento ($2.90 favourite) tried hard all the way down the straight under the hard riding of Hugh Bowman to finish two lengths from the winner.

“Really pleased with him,” Bowman said.

Third placegetter Trapeze Artist ($5.50) also tried hard on the heavy 8 surface and lost no admirers for his chances in the $13m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 13.

Home Of The Brave was having his second run for the James Cummings stable following his first up second to Voodoo Lad in the Group 3 $150,000 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on August 11.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.