Previously trained in England by Sir Michael Stoute, Captain Cook (GB) opened his winning account in Australia at his fourth local start in Friday night's Group III JRA Cup at Sandown.
Winner of the Group III Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in May 2017 when known as Autocratic, the Chris Waller-trained gelding took up the early running under Linda Meech and refused to yield when challenged by Brett Prebble on the Reliable man gelding Sully in a thrilling battle over the final 200 metres.
In a head-bobbing finish, Captain Cook (GB) nosed out Sully with the consistent Mosh Music (Moshe) a fast finishing third. (images Grant Courtney)
"I think it
was a very well-deserved win, he has been knocking on the door without a lot of
luck and he had to do it the hard way today," Waller said.
"The intention wasn't to lead but Linda took the initiative to go forward when it looked like being caught wide, so well done to her.
"We might look at the Mornington Cup and Cranbourne Cup worth about $400,000 looks pretty good. There are some big races coming up and the Rosehill Cup is worth $500,000 but I think he will stay down here."
The son of Dubawi raced as a homebred for Cheveley Park in England but now sports the silks of Richard Pegum and partners.
A half-brother to Group III Newbury Horris Hill Stakes winner Evasive (Elusive Quality), Captain Cook (GB) is one of four winners out of the stakes-placed Storm Cat mare Canda who is a daughter of East Of The Moon (Private Account) the Champion 3YO Filly in France in 1994 whose 4 wins nincluded the Group 1 Prix de Diane, Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois and Group 1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.
East Of The Moon is a half-sister to Kingmambo.
