Story Courtesy Brad Gray www.racingnsw.com.au
Our Century has already gone a long way to paying back the $145,000 forked out for him, having taken out the $200,000 Listed Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) at just his second outing for new trainer Kim Waugh.
The seven-year-old stayer was bought from Lloyd Williams, along with Goathland, who has already won himself for Waugh, and after an encouraging return over 1400m a fortnight ago, Our Century simply proved the superior stayer out to 2000m.
“They live like they do at Lloyds,” a thrilled Waugh said, “They get very spoiled and have got lots of paddocks and I think that has really helped. They have adjusted to our way very easily. I really appreciate Lloyd tipping us into these two.”
The wide draw tempered Waugh’s confidence somewhat going into the race but she knew he was a horse thriving in his work so the win came as no surprise.
“I didn’t want him three deep being second up 2000m but he was three deep for half the race! When he got across I thought he’d done a bit of work but what a strong win,” she said.
“He is working as good at Gothland and they’ve worked together every day. They are both flying. The tricky barrier is what I was a little bit worried about.”
Punters knew what they were doing backing Our Century in from $19 on Wednesday with TAB Fixed Odds to jump $9.
“He looked good in the yard,” said jockey Jason Collett, “And felt good going to the start which gave me good confidence. He was soft around the turn and even when I went for him, it was very easy.”
“He was very quick away but I was going to have burn him to get across so I got him under me and he was able to get outside the lead (eventually) but did it still on the bridle.”
Our Century will now head to the Listed WJ McKell Cup (2400m) on May 26 at Royal Randwick before tackling the Brisbane Cup.
Nettoyer, meanwhile, ran another teasing race for punters running into third but was left without any excuses.
“I thought she had every chance to be honest,” said jockey Brenton Avdulla.
“She actually jumped into the bridle and put herself into the spot but wasn’t good enough.”