Cascadian (+650) has become the second horse since 2000 to win back-to-back Australian Cups, after getting a peach of a ride from Ben Melham to finish over the top of the brave Pride Of Jenni (+270) in the concluding stages at Flemington.
The James Cummings-trained gelding put the writing on the wall with a strong finish in the All-Star Mile last start over 1600m when he finished third, and he has produced a similar run to claim his first victory since winning the same race 12 months ago.
As always, Declan Bates took Pride Of Jenni to the front and allowed her to bowl along at her own speed, and they put four lengths on the rest of the field at the halfway mark.
The race favourite Mr Brightside (+190) was one of the first favoured runners to be asked for an effort, but Atishu (+380) and Cascadian went straight past him with 300m to go, but the former began to struggle to go with the winner a few strides later.
Under the urgings of Melham, the son of New Approach continued to find and he nabbed the front-runner in the shadows of the post, while Atishu held on from a fast-finishing Vow And Declare (+2500) in third and fourth.
Nacim Delmi represented the Godolphin stable on course and he spoke about the win post-race.
“We knew tactics were going to be tricky obviously with Pride Of Jenni over the 2000-metres and Declan rode a great race,” Delmi said.
“The temp suited him perfectly. When they came up to the top of the straight and he was travelling we knew he was going to give it a good shake.
“Once he peeled out and Ben Melham timed it perfectly, it was great.
“He is easy to do anything with. He has been really fresh the last few days and we had to keep him as calm as possible.
“He came here today in great order and when we saddled him up and did the girth, he grabbed hold of the strapper's arm and wouldn't let go. We knew he was on song today.
“Back-to-back, it is unreal.”
Ben Melham also went back-to-back in the Australian Cup after he partnered Cascadian in the 2023 edition.
“That's the way he loves it. James and the Godolphin team have done a tremendous job with this horse.
“He ran really well the other day, like he did last year in the All-Star Mile and came out and won.
“I tell you what, if you could ever declare a horse on the way to the barrier, this is him.
“Couldn't have been in better order which gave me the confidence to ride him like I wanted to.
“He loves pinching runs and sneaking around the place. He's just too good for them.
“To see horses his age still beating the best horses in the land at this trip is phenomenal to see.
“Massive feat for him to win two in a row.
“Ride of the year, I reckon.”