The decision to bypass Friday night’s Pakenham Cup paid off the connections of Gear Up (IRE), who dealt punters a blow in the Listed Sportsbet Victoria Gold Cup (2000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Ridden by Jamie Mott for Annabel Neasham, Gear Up (IRL) travelled outside of the leader Mankayan (IRL), and the pair settled down to fight the race out.
In a driving finish, the 6-year-old son of Teofilo (IRE) opened his Australian account with a half-head win from Mankayan (Intello), with the odds-n favourite Carini (FR) (Siyouni) a disappointing third.
“He was only second-up, and we were just a little query over the 2500 last night,” stable representative Rob Archibald said.
“It wasn’t an easy decision because we were confident with how he’s going and how he’s come on from that first-up run.
“I thought Jamie summed it up really well. He got him into a lovely spot, had him travelling beautifully and he was strong late. It’s pleasing for everyone.
“He (Mott) is just a very good rider. He gets on well with him and is quite fond of the horse, which is always quite special.
“Just pleased for the owners; they’ve been great supporters of Annabel since Day 1, and it’s nice to see him find a bit of form.
“I think he’ll go up in trip. Not sure what the options are yet. Annabel will make that decision in time, but just so happy to see him in a bit of form.
“I’d say that (Mornington Cup) is very much on the table, but I’d say the boss up there in Sydney will make a decision.”
The son of Teofilo won three of four starts as a juvenile, including the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud and Group III Acomb Stakes when trained by Mark Johnston.
The Teme Valley Racing colourbearer failed to win a race at three and transferred to Joseph O’Brien, for whom he won the Group III Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown in 2022.
Gear Up made a promising enough start in his adopted homeland when third to Zeyrek
(in the Group III Neville Sellwood Stakes at Rosehill in March last years but failed to find the winners circle in six starts.
A €52,000 purchase for Johnston Racing from the Redmondstown Stud consignment at the 2019 Goffs Orby Sale, Gear Up advances his record to six wins, a second and two thirds from 21 starts, with earnings of $559,114.
A brother to Group III winner Guaranteed, Gear Up is the best of five winnrs from seven to race for the Toccet mare Gearanai.
