Onesmoothoperator has rocketed into contention for this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup, with the overseas runner taking out the Group 3 Geelong Cup.
The seven-year-old, who was having just his first start on Australian soil, shot to the front on the home straight and never looked back, winning by four lengths.
It was a real statement victory for Onesmoothoperator after spending the majority of its career running in the UK and winning just four races from 37 starts.
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The result marked the sixth time jockey Craig Williams has taken out the race.
Interpretation ran second in the 2400m race, with Muramasa finishing in third spot.
Onesmoothoperator takes out the Geelong Cup. Racing.com
“I’ve been here a few times and had a few bits of bad luck,” trainer Brian Ellison said.
“This horse has been brilliant, he put weight on during his trip over … he’s doing good things. I just said to Craig, he’s not your normal stayer, he’s got loads of speed.
“He’s always had a good turn of foot and he gave him a great ride.”
Pre-race favourite Unusual Legacy was pulled out after just 100 metres and broke down in concerning scenes for the Chris Waller-trained five-year-old.
Over the years, three horses – Media Puzzle, Americain and Dunedin – have managed to pull off the rare Melbourne and Geelong Cup double in the same year.
While not officially an exemption race, the Geelong Cup winner earns a penalty that allows it to qualify for the race that stops the nation at Flemington.