Headline-hogger Winx was not the only stakes winner from Street Cry's sixth Australian crop on Saturday, she had to share the honour with the Anthony Freedman-trained Nozomi who prevailed in a tight finish to the Group III TAB Multiplier Autumn Handicap (1400m) at Flemington.
While Winx was chalking up her 24th stakes win, Nozomi added a second to his Listed Geelong Classic win over Preferment back in October 2014 before finishing third to that horse in the Group 1 Victoria Derby.
Not always the punter's friend, Nozomi was sent off a $21 chance under Jye McNeil on Saturday, which was considerably shorter than the $151 he paid at his previous win on the same track in August last year.
The 6yo gelding defeated Violate (Sebring) by a long head with Cool Chap (High Chapparal) short half-head away third. (photo Grant Courtney).
Carrying the colours of Godolphin, Nozomi advances his record to 6 wins, 3 seconds and 2 thirds from 28 starts with earnings of $533,720.
"They (Godolphin) are great to have horses for, Freedman said.
"They've said to me 'whenever you're ready to retire him, just do it', but I said I think he deserves another preparation.
"He had a good spring without winning so we'll push on to maybe the Blamey and maybe the Easter Cup.
"He always works well. He's a good track worker and he looks magnificent. He's a lovely old horse, a stable favourite."
Bred by Darley, Nozomi is a half-brother to Group II Moonee Valley Classic winner Kazanluk.
He is the eighth and penultimate foal of triple Group II winner Rose Of Danehill, a half-sister to Group 1 William Reid Stakes winner Wrap Around, who was pensioned in 2015.
