Deckhand Delivers

Hot on the heels of a Group 3 success for the stable in New Zealand – Surpass (pictured) proving too strong for his rivals in the Waikato Gold Cup – we’ve cheered home another winner with Deckhand saluting in determined style at Kilmore on Monday.

Finally drawing a good gate having been out wide at all five of his local runs since coming over from New Zealand earlier in the year, Deckhand made the most of it enjoying a good run behind the leaders.

Clear into the straight, the four-year-old was soon in front and the challengers were coming out wider.

But he fought – and fought. Digging deep when it mattered to hold on in a three-way photo finish.

Jockey Daniel Moor was not sure if he had held on but was delighted to have done so, reporting that Deckhand is a horse with plenty of upside.

“He still does a bit wrong,” he said – “he was going to go away and space them today but he just got left in front a bit early.”

“The two who set the tempo came off the bridle early and I didn’t want to get cluttered in behind them.”

“He just has to learn to hit the line but he is progressive little horse.”

A two times winner from nine starts having won his maiden in New Zealand in January, Deckhand has always been well regarded by the stable.

A son of Darci Brahma, Deckhand hails from an in-form family with his dam being a daughter of the Listed winner Altrista, in turn daughter of the Gr.1 Railway Handicap winner Alynda.

Sunday’s runaway Hong Kong International Mile winner Able Friend is also a member of this prolific family.