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.
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.
“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.
