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Skyman Captures McKell Cup

Mark Smith - Saturday June 18

A picture-perfect ride by Willie Pike paved the way for the Chris Waller-trained Skyman (GB) to open his stakes account in Saturday’s Listed Drinkwise W J McKell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill.

Skyman wins the McKell Cup - image Steve Hart

Pike eased Skyman (GB) around the tiring leader Surf Dancer (IRE) before drawing clear to defeat Dr Drill (GB) (Dansili) by two and a half lengths with Welsh Legend (Camelot) a length back in third.

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Breaking a 14-month drought, Skyman (GB) has been a reliable money-spinner since his 42,000 gns purchase by Go Racing at the 2019 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale.

With his black-type breakthrough at his sixth stakes attempt, Skyman (GB) advances his record to six wins, six seconds, and three thirds from 29 starts with earnings of $530,926.

Skyman a 42,00gns purchase at Tattersalls

The rising 7yo son of Group 1 Eclipse Stakes winner Mukhadram (Shamardal) is the best of three winners from six to race for the Dalakhani (IRE) mare Skyrider, a sister to Group III Milan Premio Chiusura winner Gothic Dance.

Skyman credits former Shadwell Stud stallion Mukhadram with his fourth stakes-winner.

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Race Result - Drinkwise W. J. McKell Cup LR 2000m

Rosehill Track: Good(4) Time: 2:02.87
1
Skyman
- 6g Mukhadram (GB) x Skyrider (IRE) (Dalakhani (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: W Pike 53
2
2.5
Dr Drill
- 7g Dansili (GB) x Pongee (GB) (Barathea (IRE))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: K S Latham 58
3
3.5
Welsh Legend
- 6m Camelot (GB) x Onethingatatime (AUS) (Catcher In The Rye (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J Ford 53
4
3.6
Youth Spirit
- 4h Camelot (GB) x Rocana (GB) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Tim Clark 54.5
5
3.7
The Frontman
- 4g Makfi (GB) x Imposingly (AUS) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J R Collett 54.5
6
3.8
Surf Dancer
- 5g Lope De Vega (IRE) x Beach Belle (GB) (Invincible Spirit (IRE))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Rachel King 55
7
6.8
Southern France
- 7g Galileo (IRE) x Alta Anna (FR) (Anabaa (USA))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: K Mc Evoy 59.5
8
10.6
Spirit Ridge
- 7g Nathaniel (IRE) x Tates Creek (USA) (Rahy (USA))
Tnr: Mark Newnham Rdr: J Parr 57
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