Our Big Mike Smokes Them in Pakenham Cup

Mark Smith - Saturday December 8

A long-range plan by New Zealand trainer Craig Phelan has paid off with Our Big Mike leading every step of the way in Saturday's $300,000 Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m).

Ridden by Jye McNeil, Our Big Mike kept up a relentless gallop to smash the course record by over 2 seconds to defeat Berisha (Al Samer) by two lengths with Dal Harraild (Champs Elysees) back in third.

A model of consistency in New Zealand, Our Big Mike earned a trip across the Tasman after a meritorious sixth in the Group 1 Livamol Classic at Hastings on June 10.

He finished third in the Kyneton Cup won by Another Coldie on November 7 then third again at Moonee Valley last Saturday.

The 6yo son of Don Eduardo advances his record to 7 wins, 3 seconds and 3 third from 24 starts with earnings of $301,069.

"That's something else," Phelan told Racing.com. "We thought we'd come over and target some country cups, but this is special.

"My son Shaun and his partner Emily (Farr) are jumps jockeys back home. They gave me a kick in the backside and said I had to get over here to chase the money.

Advertisement

"He keeps cruising at that same rate, all day.

"He was booked to go home on the plane on Tuesday, but we might have to leave him here a bit longer - the money over here is so great.

"We haven't thought any further than this, our heads are up in the clouds at the moment."

A half-brother to the Melbourne winner Oforawesome, Our Big Mike is out of the Felix The Cat mare Landvetter who was not covered in the five years after foaling Our Big Mike but was served by Jakkalberry (IRE) last spring.

Our Big Mike becomes the 11th stakes winner for Don Eduardo (Zabeel) who began his stud career at Fayette Park Stud before being transferred to Haunui Farm. He now stands in semi-retirement at his owner's Gooree Park Stud where he has covered just three mares in each of the past two seasons.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Winning Hat-Trick for Gold Standard 2YO
When an unheralded sire produces a Group I winner in their first crop as happened for Sebring stallion Gold Standard it can take a long time for the benefit of that early splash to take effect, but in his case the wait is nearly over and in the meantime Destiny’s Summit is a good reminder as to his merit.
St Mark’s Basilica Filly Impressive at Ascot
Due back at Coolmore Australia this spring, St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) had an impressive new winner overnight at Ascot in the UK where Princess Petrol stormed to victory.
One to Watch Wins Again in Saturday Class
The half-brother to Group II winner Stretan Angel, lightly raced three year-old Brutal gelding Glorious Moments was in a class of his own at Randwick on Saturday.
Spring Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at Warwick Farm on Friday morning with a couple of heats for Group and Listed winners that included Lady Shenandaoh, Ceolwulf, plus Cups contender Sir Delius (GB).
Inglis Digital Now Online - G1 Winner Velocious the Star
The G1-winning Champion 2YO Velocious (Written Tycoon) has been joined by a host of outstanding racing and breeding prospects in a tantalising Inglis Digital July (Late) Online Sale catalogue.
Exciting Farnan Colt Wins for Mulberry Racing
A standout in the mounting yard on type at Randwick on Saturday, Farnan colt Nashville Jack has also been an eye-catcher at the recent trials in Sydney and he delivered on potential when resuming from a spell with a stylish win.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at the Warwick Farm trials with some of the big banger older stars in action and some exciting rising three year-olds that include a filly that has potential superstar written all over her.
Sires With Winners - Friday July 25
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Hello Youmzain Filly Wins NZ Last Stakes Race of Season
Talented juvenile filly Platinum Diamond made all posts a winner when she captured her second consecutive stakes victory in the last black type feature of the 2024-2025 racing season, the Listed Phils Electrical & Gypsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Ole Kirk’s Daughter Ole Dancer
Successful in the Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic at Murray Bridge on debut back in March, the Peter Moody and Katherine Colemen trained filly Ole Dancer resumed at Sandown on Saturday, winning the Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1200m) to remain unbeaten.