It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.
The diminutive Destiny's Kiss epitomises those words, famously said by 19th Century American writer Mark Twain.
With 60kg and his four rivals carrying 6.5kg – 7kg less, the nine-year-old gelding produced another vintage win over the Randwick 2400m course when claiming Saturday's Listed Tattersalls Club Cup.
At the 300m mark, backers of Destiny's Kiss ($4.60) would have just about torn up their ticket as the favourite Alward ($2.40) shot to a seemingly unassailable lead.
But true to his fighting spirit, Joe Pride's stable stalwart gradually cut back the margin and lunged on the line to claim his 17th career win at start number 75.
"I don't know how I'm going to replace a horse like him," Pride said.
"I've had better horses, quite a few, but none as gallant – he's amazing. He's just such a courageous little horse.
"When the rain came I knew we were a chance, but I still had healthy respect for the younger horses that were going to get a lot of weight off him."
Winning rider Jay Ford was also glowing in his praise for Destiny's Kiss, now an earner of more than $1.26 million despite having never won beyond Listed grade.
"I thought he was in a bit of trouble but once he got around the turn he started to rally and reel them in slowly," Ford said.
"Over the last furlong he really powered to the line. It was a mammoth effort from the horse – he's a little warrior with a heart of gold."
Pride said Destiny's Kiss would now be sent out for a freshen-up with a view to returning for the Summer Cups.
