Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have kicked off their Melbourne Cup Carnival in fine style with Kaizad (+1000) leading every step of the 1600m to claim the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington.
Although the son Capitalist has only missed the placings once throughout his career, he was unwanted in betting, jumping at (+1000) with online bookmakers.
However, after he jumped perfectly and went straight to the lead for Tim Clark, Kaizad was always going to be hard to run down.
Clark allowed his mount to get into a rhythm and run the race to suit himself before giving a big kick on the home turn to put two lengths on his nearest rival at the 300m mark.
The two favoured runners in the race, Brave Mead (+200) and Heman (+210) chased gamely, but they were never a winning chance, as Clark got the most out his gelding late and recorded a nice victory.
2023 Carbine Club Stakes Replay – Kaizad | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott| J: Tim Clark
Gai Waterhouse was on track for Kaizad's victory and she spoke post-race.
“He's terrific, Tim (Clark),” Waterhouse said.
“He just understands pace perfectly. He bounced him out of the gates, got him right on the bunny and it was see you later alligator.
“He's improved out of sight. He was the most nerdy two-year-old and then the moment he was gelded he changed his attitude and he's never looked back.
“This is a really good win today.
“It is a hard race to win, the Carbine Club, and it is nice to win it with a nice horse so I'm really pleased.
“Every time you'd ask him to do something he'd want to do the opposite.”
Tim Clark kicked off his Melbourne Cup Carnival in the best way possible, and he spoke post-race.
“He's got great tactical speed and we were able to utilise that,” Clark said.
“I wanted to make sure we didn't back off it too much and turn it into too much of a sit-sprint.
“Wanted to make sure we kept up the gallop and tested the rest of the oppositions' stamina.
“He's made leaps and bounds this preparation.
“He's a completely different horse and obviously the gelding operation played a part in that but also a bit of maturity as well.”
“They've done a good job handling him and they've turned him out a treat today and it is nice to star the carnival off with a win.”