James Cummings-trained sprinter Deprive has survived a protest to claim a sixth straight victory at Randwick, winning the Group Three Sydney Stakes (1200m).
Sent out at $9, Deprive swooped from the outside to hold off Champagne Cuddles ($7) by a long head, with pre-race favourite Brutal ($1.95) a 1/2 head further back.
“He was undefeated at Randwick and he’s still undefeated,” Cummins said on the Godolphin-owned runner.
“We’ve lowered the colours of some pretty quality animals there.”
Champagne Cuddles’ rider Nash Rawiller protested, claiming interference in the final 50m as Deprive shifted across toward the rail.
But stewards quickly dismissed it, ruling the contact wasn’t enough to overturn the result.
Cummings admitted to nerves as he watched the race replay.
“I’ve got one eye on the last 25 metres of that race,” he said.
“I hope that he’s not in any trouble.”
Rawiller seemed less than impressed with the finish.
“No comment,” he said.
Deprive’s jockey Hugh Bowman said the five-year-old gelding, who galloped with Everest runner Alizee last week, struggled out of the gates.
“I let it all unfold in front of me but I had the horse to do that,” Bowman said.
“He actually threw his head to the side. I didn’t come out on terms. He was going to settle back there anyway but he might have been a bit closer in the run.”