An inspired ride by a nerveless Jason Collett resulted in trainer Kris Lees earning his first win in the Listed Iron Jack Grafton Cup (2350m) with Sixties Groove (IRE).
Making light of his 61kgs, Sixties Groove (IRE) came with a weaving run from second last to defeat The Lord Mayor (Rock 'n' Pop) by with his Chris Waller-trained stablemate Carzoff (FR) (Zoffany) back in third.
Following placings in the Group III Hawkesbury Cup, Group 1 Doomben Cup and Group II PJ O'Shea Stakes, the Australian Bloodstock colour-bearer won the Group II Brisbane Cup at Eagle Farm on June 8.
The 7yo imported son of Sixties Icon advances his record to 8 wins, 4 seconds and 4 thirds from 29 starts with earnings of $865,636.
Stable representative Lucas Miller said Collett deserves all the praise.
“What a ride, it’s one of the best rides you will ever see,” Miller enthused.
“He had a lot to do coming around the turn but that’s why you put the best jockeys on.
“He had some issues (after winning the Brisbane Cup) and the team has done really well to get him back in this order on a track that is a bit firm for him.”
Purchased by Hugo Merry for 80,000 guineas from Book 2 of the 2014 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Sixties Groove (IRE) is the best of two winners out of the unraced Imperial Dancer mare Gift Dancer, is a half-sister to Group 1 Irish 1000 Guineas and Grade 1 Garden City Stakes winner Samitar (Rock Of Gibraltar) who is the dam of the Group III winning Deep Impact colt Danon Chaser a Group III winner in Japan and fourth in the Group 1 NHK Mile at Tokyo.
Sixties Groove (IRE) is one of 14 stakes-winners for the Group 1 St Leger winner Sixties Icon (Galileo).
