The punters were right on the ball when they unloaded on Excelleration in Wednesday's $300,000 Group III Launceston Cup (2400m).
Ridden by Harry Coffey for Richard Cully, the lightly weighted son of Excelebration launched down the centre of the track to defeat the Patrick Payne-trained Alhambra Lad (Proisir) by one and a quarter lengths with the Jason Warren-trained Grand Pierro (Pierro) back in third.
Going for his third consecutive win in the race, Aurora's Symphony was going backwards a long way from home.
A lightly raced 7-year-old son of Excelebration (IRE), Excelleration advances his record to six wins, six seconds, and a third from 18 starts with earnings of $425,900.
It was Harry Coffey's second win in the Cup after Aurora's Symphony in 2022.
"It was similar to Aurora's; he had a good run and was strong late," Coffey said.
"He pulled throughout; he was very strong, but it was his race a long way from home.
"His light weight and class kicked in, and he was too good late despite looking around.
"He made me work for it because I am blowing worse than him.
"Richy is a great horseman and does a tremendous job. He is well known and liked, especially down home where we are."
A bargain basement $6,000 purchase for Emma Scott from the Riverina Downs draft at the 2018 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, Excelleration is the best of three winners from four to race for the Red Ranson (USA) mare Rare Subject.
The winner of four races, Rare Subject, was a $6,000 purchase at the 2013 National Broodmare Sale. She has a 2-year-old colt by Vert De Grece (IRE) and missed in 2021.
Excelleration is the 19th stakes-winner for Exceed And Excel's 4-time Group 1 winner Excelebration (IRE), which shuttled to Coolmore Stud for four seasons.
