Another Feature for Military Mission - Barnstorming Victory in Zipping Classic

Mark Smith - Saturday December 2

The winner of the Hobart Cup in February, Military Mission (IRE) has given connections thrills this spring in the Group III Newcastle Cup and Group III Herbert Power Stakes before closing out a successful campaign in Saturday’s $750,000 Group II Whispering Angel Zipping Classic (2400m) at Caulfield.

A grey in the wet (image Grant Courtney)

Ridden by Jye McNeil for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, the 5-year-old son of Mastercraftsman (Ire) came from the rear of the field to overpower Bankers Choice (Mongolian Khan) by two and three-quarter lengths with Duke De Sessa (IRE) (Lope De Vega) a short-neck back in third.

With his fourth stakes success, Military Mission advances his record to eight wins, five seconds, and three thirds from 29 starts with earnings of $1,410,435.

“Absolutely amazing for these owners, they’re such big supporters of our team and they’re all so much fun to go to the races with, it’s so rewarding to get a win like this one,” assistant trainer Rebecca Shanks said.

“When it started to open up at eight o’clock at the stables this morning, we definitely thought we were a good chance, this horse’s wet track form is super, three runs on a heavy for a win and a third.

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Pretty in pink (image Grant Courtney)

“He’s been exceptional this preparation, so brave to run in his first Cup over that distance he’s never stepped over before in a high pressure race and then to step back in trip today and be so competitive, he’s so tough.”

“They do an amazing job with these stayers, they can keep them up for so long.”

A €170,000 purchase for Mckeever Bloodstock/Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott from the Kremlin Cottage draft at the 2021 Goffs London Sale, the former Hugo Palmer-trained gelding is the best of two winners from four to race for the Tamayuz mare Atlantic Isle, a 3-time winner in Germany.

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Race Result - Whispering Angel Zipping Classic Gr2 2400m

Caulfield Track: Soft(7) Time: 2:31.73
1
Military Mission
- 6g Mastercraftsman (IRE) x Atlantic Isle (GER) (Tamayuz (GB))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Jye McNeil 59
2
2.8
Bankers Choice
- 6g Mongolian Khan (AUS) x Signorina (NZ) (Conatus (AUS))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: John Allen 59
3
3
Duke De Sessa
- 5h Lope De Vega (IRE) x Dark Crusader (IRE) (Cape Cross (IRE))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: M Zahra 59
4
5.7
Amade
- 10g Casamento (IRE) x Sheba Five (USA) (Five Star Day (USA))
Tnr: P Stokes Rdr: Zac Spain 59
5
8.2
Vow And Declare
- 8g Declaration Of War (USA) x Geblitzt (AUS) (Testa Rossa (AUS))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: W Egan 59
6
8.3
Muramasa
- 4g Deep Impact (JPN) x Omei Sword (AUS) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: T Busuttin & N Young Rdr: D Moor 58
7
10.6
Deny Knowledge
- 6m Pride Of Dubai (AUS) x The Paris Shrug (GB) (Manduro (GER))
Tnr: M C Kent Rdr: Jamie Kah 57
8
10.7
Port Philip
- 6g Camelot (GB) x Aymara (GB) (Darshaan (GB))
Tnr: Julius Sandhu Rdr: J Mott 59
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