An ice-cold ride by Tyler Schiller saw the favourite Fawkner Park (IRE) come from last to land Friday's $200,000 Listed Lucas Road Sealing 2024 Wagga Wagga Gold Cup (2000m).
In similar fashion to his last start win in the Listed Albury Cup, the Annabel Neasham-trained son of Zoffany (IRE) came with a barnstorming finish to defeat the brave So You Think gelding Political Debate by three-quarters of a length with the Dansili gelding Taramansour back in third.
The Bennett Racing colour-bearer advances his record to seven wins, a second and third from 15 starts with earnings of $501,702.
Brought up in Young, Tyler Schiller said winning before his family and friends was a thrill.
"I have won the Albury Cup twice, but to win the big one closer to home is unreal," Schiller said.
"Mom was here today with my girlfriend and a couple of friends, so it's great to get the cup.
"Annabel wanted me to be a touch closer than I was, but he does not have a lot of speed nowadays, and I don't think it hinders him. He loves getting back and using his finish.
"I was a bit worried coming around the bend; we were a bit far off them, so I put him in the race at the 600m. He is so brave. He was all out at the 100m but found a half-head to get past Tommy, which felt good."
A €46,000 Goffs Orby purchase for Joseph O'Brien, Fawkner Park (IRL) made three starts in Ireland, the last of which was a six-and-a-half length win over the Galileo x Atlantic Jewel colt Fleet Commander in a 10-furlong maiden win at Dundalk.
Consigned to the 2022 Autumn Horses In Training Sale, Fawkner Park (IRL) was knocked down to Blandford Bloodstock / Bennett / Annabel Neasham Racing had the final say at 120,000gns.
Fawkner Park (IRL) is a half-brother to Saracen Knight (IRE) (Camelot), who enjoyed success in Australia in the Group II Herbert Power Stakes and Listed RM Ansett Classic.
His dam Za'Hara (Raven's Pass) is a half-sister to Gr1 Arlington Million Stakes winner Debussy (Diesis), Group III Princess Elizabeth Stakes winner Laugh Aloud (Dubawi), and the stakes-placegetters Celtic Prince (Shamardal), Cantilena (Dubawi), and Entertainment (Halling).
