A disappointing acceptance of six runners in Saturday's Group III Tattersall's Cup at Eagle Farm provided the opportunity for Luncies (GB) to enter the winner's stall for the first time in 112 weeks.
Luncies deserved that one (image Michael McInally/Racing Queensland)
Ridden by Tim Clark for Kris Lees, Luncies (GB) settled back at the tail of the field as Spirit Ridge (GB) set the pace. Improved to be in stalking fourth on the turn, the 6yo son of Iffraaj (GB) powered down the centre of the track to defeat Spirit Ridge (GB) (Nathaniel) by two and a quarter lengths with Young Werther (Tavistock) a long head back in third.
Luncies (GB) has placed in eight black-type races since winning a benchmark 78 at Hawkesbury in May 2021 at his second start in Australia.
"His form has been great, and he hasn't put in a bad one but hasn't been able to win," Clark said
"He was really well suited there at the weight scale, and I just wanted to be patient on him not to get there too soon.
"I wanted to be the last one off the bridle, and his turn of foot was too good for them.
"I think that Kris and the connections would be happy to get him the win and give him a bit of confidence."
Stable representative Mel Eggleston said The Big Dance could be a likely target.
"It is worth a bit of money, so they'll probably give him a freshen-up", Eggleston said.
"He's a smart horse. He's too smart, but today Kris and Tim had a plan not to let him go too early, and it has come to fruition."
A 4-time winner in England for Simon and Ed Crisford, Luncies (GB) advances his record to six wins, eight seconds and a third from 28 starts with earnings of $880,254.
Bred by Stetchworth & Middle Park Studs, Luncies (GB) is the most successful of five winners from seven to race for the Fantastic Light mare Under The Rainbow, a Listed stakes-winner and second in the Group II Lancashire Oaks.
Under The Rainbow's stakes-placed half-sister, Starfala (Galileo) enjoyed a successful association with Fastnet Rock, leaving the Group III winner Stay Alert and Listed winner and multiple Gr II placed Star Rock.
Luncies (GB) is a milestone 100th black-type winner and 94th stakes-winner for the former Haunui Farm shuttler Iffraaj (GB), who stands at Darley's Dalham Hall Stud at £15,000.
