Yet another big payday for the blue-collar champion Eduardo in Saturday's $1,000,000 Classique Legend Stakes at Rosehill.
The Joe Pride-trained 8yo gelding did what he does best, go straight to the front and challenge the chasing pack to catch him. None could. The son of Host (CHI) defeated Lost And running (Per Incanto) by one and a quarter lengths with Standout (Exceed And Excel) a further two and a half lengths back in third.
Eduardo has the prizemoney of some of Australia's best sprinters in his sight with ten wins, three seconds, and five thirds from 24 starts with earnings of $4,876,900.
"He just had control and when he's got control he's just so hard to beat," Pride said.
"It was a little dip down in grade for him today, and I didn't underestimate that when I made my decision about bringing him here.
"He’s got such a great record here at Rosehill, and unfortunately there’s not many races here for him.
“He won’t be back for The Galaxy in the autumn because he’ll get too much weight, but he absolutely loves this place, and Nash.
“He’s a special horse, isn’t he? It’s been amazing what he’s been able to do over the last year and a half or so.
“It’s just really special for my family, for the stable. I’m just proud to be his trainer. He really runs his opposition into the ground. I was pretty confident coming to the corner. He was probably a touch soft late but it is 1300 metres. He loves this place, Rosehill, he really loves it.”
“He’ll go to the paddock now, and we’ll see him again in the autumn. I think he will probably resume in the Lightning (Stakes).
“There are two seasons left in this horse, I can guarantee you. He’s got joints and knees as good as any horse in my stable. There is life in him and he’ll be around for a while yet. I think he might be a horse who, later in life, actually starts breaking a few records for the age of winning feature races. He’s an amazing horse, so good to train and so good to look after.”
Raced in partnership by his breeder Jane Kaufmann, Eduardo is the best of three winners from as many foals out of the unraced Fantastic Light (IRE) mare Blushing who has not been returned to the Stud Book since Eduardo was foaled in 2013.
Blushing is a granddaughter of the Group III QTC Lightning Handicap winner Peggy Ann.
Eduardo is one of seven stakes-winners for Hussonet's Chilean-bred son Host (ARG) who died last year.
