Chris Waller & Damien Lane combined with Private Life claiming victory in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on Saturday afternoon, giving Waller his third win in the three-year-old feature, and his first since The Autumn Sun in 2018.
It was a front-running masterclass from Lane ticking over some soft sectionals in the early stages, with the expected speed horses, Mayfair and Wanaruah, nowhere to be seen in the battle for the top.
It left Rue De Royale lobbing into the leaders’ back position throughout, while the heavily backed Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) winner Broadsiding was dragged back to the rear of the field under James McDonald from barrier nine.
The eventual runner-up Feroce got the perfect split at the top of the straight and looked to be ready to launch over the top of Private Life in the final furlong, while Broadsiding and Evaporate were making big strides down the centre of the course to fill out the minor money.
As it turned out, they were all playing for placings in the end, with Private Life continuing to stride clear at the end of 1600m, claiming Group 1 glory at only his fifth-career start.
Stable representative Charlie Duckworth was on course to breakdown the victory and gave full credit to star hoop Damien Lane on electing to take up the running despite original plans to take a sit in the $3 million feature.
“No, it certainly wasn’t (the plan),” said Duckworth.
“When you put these world-class jockeys on like Damian, who obviously was successful for us only seven days ago at this elite level, you’ve got to leave a little bit to them, but ultimately the idea was to just try and settle around midfield.
“But he began so well, Damian must have taken it into his own hands and to his credit, he’s played an absolute masterstroke. So, full credit to Damien, he does plenty of homework.
“He came here to gallop on Tuesday as Joao Moreira in his first up run just mentioned that he took a little bit of time to balance around the Caulfield turn, so that’s why we brought him back here for a gallop.
“Damian was on that morning and he’s on again today and it’s amazing.
“Obviously, these stallion syndicates are unbelievable. They’re pumping a lot of money into the game, but they need to get results and they’ve certainly got a good result today.”
Damien Lane was delighted with the win and what it meant to secure his first Caulfield Guineas win.
“Yeah, great,” said Lane.
“It’s obviously a race with great prestige. I’ve been close a few times, so to win one is great. And just to repay a bit of faith in Chris Waller, Charlie Duckworth, and the ownership group is a big thrill.
“I’ve got a light ride at Seymour tomorrow, so I don’t think I’ll be doing much, but catching up with my wife and quite a celebration, the two of us, so it’ll be nice.”
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