Bred to win a Derby at Epsom, the Liam Howley-trained Midterm (GB) opened his Australian account with a tough staying performance in Saturday's Group III NE Manion Cup at Rosehill Gardens.
The 6yo son of Galileo was set to an all-out drive at the 600 metres by Jamie Kah and he galloped his rivals into submission to win by two lengths from Big Duke (IRE) (Raven's Pass) with Shraaoh (IRE) (Sea The Stars) completing a clean sweep for imports, a length back in third. (photos Steve Hart)
The former Sir Michael Stoute-trained gelding won the Group III Classic Trial at Sandown Park back in April 2016, but his Epsom Derby dream came crashing down when beaten out of a place as the favourite in the Group II Dante Stakes at York.
Given a spell, he finished second in the Group II Prix Niel at Chantilly but his form was patchy after that.
Now raced by a syndicate led by Lloyd and Nick Williams and Gerry Ryan, Midterm broke his Australian maiden at his sixth local start.
From one of Juddmonte Farm's most prized families, Midterm is out of the champion racemare Midday (Oasis Dream) whose 9 wins included three runnings of the Group 1 Goodwood Nassau Stakes, the Group 1 Prix Vermeille, Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks, and Group 1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
"It's a real credit to all the team up there at Macedon and Liam's done a good job with this horse," Nick Williams said.
"We've had him a while, he just hadn't had a lot of luck since we've had him. He's run a lot of placings but hadn't got his nose in front.
"Jamie rode him beautifully today, gave him every chance. It was just a beautiful staying ride. She would've looked at home at Royal Ascot the way she rode that horse.
"She was just asked to get him into a rhythm and make the horse happy, then from the 1000m start improving and see what happens. She did a great job and the horse obviously relished the ground.
"Hopefully he pulls up okay and we can head back into the big city for the Sydney Cup."
