Sizzling has claimed his first Group 1 win and has also taken out the Queensland Winter Carnival triple crown for two-year-olds after a hard fought win in the $500,000 Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The Kelso Wood-trained juvenile was sent out a short priced $1.70 favourite by punters, and didn’t disappoint, scoring a narrow short head win over the Gai Waterhouse-trained Kabayan in the last stride.
Last start listed winner Boban made sure there was a fast early tempo striding out to a 7 lengths lead at one stage, with Kabayan in second place and Sizzling getting a dream run in behind the speed around fifth on the fence.
Rounding the turn Chris Munce aboard Sizzling strode up to third place behind Kabayan and the pair went after Boban who was collared half way up the straight.
Kabayan on the inside appeared to have the measure of Sizzling who took an age to find the lead but finally got to the brave Kabayan in the last stride to score a narrow win with Academus running on for third two and a quarter lengths away.
The son of Snitzel came into the race having won four from seven, including the Group 2 Champagne Classic and Group 2 BRC Stakes and has now won almost $800,000.
The win was Eagle Farm trainer Kelso Wood’s second Group 1 win after Unequalled claimed the 1993 Doomben 10,000.
“He really dug deep today,” said Kelso Wood.
“I can’t say I was certain he would run him down but I knew he was going to fight him and Kabayan would have a fight on his hands.” He added.
“He will have a break now and then head to Melbourne in the Spring.
“It’s not too bad at all two group one win’s I only have a small stable and I am sure this bloke can give me another one as well.”
Jockey Chris Munce said the horse had definitely earned his shot at the Caulfield Guineas and won’t let anyone down if that’s where he goes.
“A bit of his quality showed there for sure.” Said Munce.
“He is a little beauty I just love this bloke and he deserves a group one win,” he added.
“With Boban bolting out in front it put the race in a completely different complexion of what I thought it would be and he had to adapt which he did and I tell you what he is a tough little bugger.
“I have to congratulate Kelso and all the staff, it is a boutique stable but he is a super horseman and a super trainer.”
Gai Waterhouse trainer of second placegetter Kabayan was her usual upbeat self after the race and was happy with the way Kabayan went.
“The horse gave his all and a better horse beat us on the day but put him in book for Caulfield guineas, it was fantastic,” Waterhouse said.
Sizzling is out of the General Nediym mare Admirelle and is owned by D H T Devine, Mrs D M Devine, M C Power, Mrs D M Power, N Morgan, Mrs J G Morgan & L R Matthews. His record extends to five wins and two minors from eight starts.
