GAI Waterhouse equalled her father Tommy Smith's record of six Golden Slipper wins when the starting favourite Vancouver ($2.50) scored a narrow win in the world's richest two-year-old race.
Despite drawing the outside barrier, jockey Tommy Berry was able to sit three wide with cover and launch its claim at the top of the straight. Stablemate English loomed as the major threat, but no runner could deny Vancouver the $3.5 million prize.
“He is a joy. He is a dominant colt,” Waterhouse said.
“The filly [English] was no disgrace either. The way she attacked the line, she was really fantastic.”
Only one horse has won from barrier 16 since 1957 – Phelan Ready in 2009 – but Vancouver relaxed nicely under Berry before kicking away for a three-quarters of a length win.
“I've got no words. One of my best moments on a racetrack was winning it last time [Overreach] with my brother Nathan by my side and I'm so thankful that he's looking after me today,” Berry said.
“I've got my son here, Kaidan – one person leaves you in the world and another one comes along. I'm just so blessed to have my family here.”
Punters had eased Vancouver in the market from $2.50 to $3, but they rallied late in the betting. Vancouver dropped from $3 to $2.80 before closing at $2.50 with CrownBet.com.au.
Second favourite Exosphere ($4.60) was extremely disappointing in last position and the best John O'Shea-trained runner was Furnaces in sixth position.
“There's something wrong with him. He never raced up to his best,” James McDonald said of Exosphere.
Tommy Berry was more upbeat about Vancouver in the jockey's room.
“Like I said, he'll win the Slipper then go on and win the Sires and the Champagne by further.
“I've got one right. I hope I'm right about the other two. He just does it too easily.
“He had them covered easily today. He's a pleasure to ride,” Berry said.
The son of Medaglia D'oro is currently $1.90 to win at WilliamHill.com.au in the second leg of the Triple Crown (ATC Sires Produce) over Blue Diamond winner Pride of Dubai.
The Mick Price-trained Ready For Victory cost itself a closer position by running wide in the straight and jockey Nicholas Hall believed it would have won.
“Make no mistake he would have won that race had he tracked true. Onwards to the Sires,” Hall said.
Ready For Victory sits on the third line of betting at $11 for the Sires.
ATC Sires top market chances
Vancouver – $1.90
Pride of Dubai – $6
Ready For Victory – $11
English – $11
Lake Geneva – $15
Perignon – $15
Rageese – $17
Tarquin – $17
Always Allison – $17
Furnaces – $21
Serenade – $26
Odds courtesy of WilliamHill.com.au*