Making his first start on the Moonee Valley track proved no problem for the Kris Less-trained Cleveland, who came with a barnstorming finish to open his Australian account in Friday night’s $750,000 Group II Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m)
Given a James McDonald special, the 5-year-old son of Camelot was midfield early but was a menacing presence on the turn when the field packed up.
Carrying the colours of Lloyd and Nick Williams, Cleveland was strong to the line in defeating the rejuvenated Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War) by three-quarters of a length, with Future History (Showcasing) a nose back in third.
In May last year, Cleveland won the Chester Cup over 2 miles two and a half furlongs for Aidan O’Brien, defeating the top-class stayer Coltrane. When transferred to Joseph O’Brien, Cleveland ran Gear Up to a neck in the Group III Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown.
Before his Moonee Valley Gold Cup triumph, Cleveland finished second to Land Legend in the $500,000 St Leger at Randwick.
Kris Lees said the Melbourne Cup is on the radar.
“He got a lovely ride; just chimed in at the right time,” Kris Lees said.
“He’s just taken a little improvement out of every run. We decided to take the blinkers off today, and I thought he reacted well.
“He’s got a few little quirks, but he’s a lovely horse, and I’m really honoured to be training him in these colours and great to get a result for them.
“He’ll come on again. I think he’s found a bit of form, and I think he’ll hold it now.
“I’ve been mates with Nick for a very long time. I’m very fortunate he’s given us an opportunity to take some nice horses and I repaid him with one today.”
Nick Williams explained the decision to send Cleveland to Kris Lees.
“We have been mates for probably thirty years, so once we decided to stop doing Macedon Lodge, we went up and had a look at Newcastle at his facilities,” he said.
“He’s got a fantastic facility, and I thought he’s the logical guy to give some horses to; it’s been a very enjoyable experience.
“I’m sure David Hegan (Racing Victoria Chief Handicapper) is probably watching tonight… probably not a very good race this, I’m sure the 51 and a half he’s got there is enough, not any more.
“We’ll see how he pulls up and make a decision on Saturday or Sunday, but obviously, you’d think we would head in that direction, but we’ll see.
“It’s been a great race, it’s wonderful being here in this cauldron, we’re not going to have it for much longer in this format so it’s wonderful to be here and win some races, it’s great.”
Bred by Coolmore, Cleveland is the best of two winners for the Duke Of Marmalade mare Venus de Milo a dual Group III winner who was beaten a half-length when second to Chicquita in the Group 1 Irish Oaks, second in the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks, second in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes, and third in the Group 1 Nassau Stakes.
Venus De Milo is a half-sister to multiple Group III winner and Group 1 placed Inchinor, a very successful stallion.
Cleveland is the 59th stakes-winner for Coolmore Stud’s Camelot (IRE).
