The Patrick Payne-trained Bold Soul has been a good money spinner for connections on the flat for connections, but his future may lie over jumps.
Bold Soul added the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday to his previous seven wins in a 33-start career, while the victory took his prize money to in excess of $800,000.
Ridden by Jake Noonan, Bold Soul ($5.50) scored a short-head victory from the $2.60 favourite Highland Blaze with Tempesti ($16) a half-head away third.
Harry Coffey, rider of the third-placed Tempesti, fired in a protest against the winner alleging interference close to the finish, but after a short deliberation Racing Victoria stewards dismissed the objection.
Neal Greaves, representing trainer Patrick Payne said Bold Soul was likely to have his next start over jumps.
“I think the plan is, you might see a pretty nice jumper at Ballarat on August 16,” Greaves said.
“I think the intention is he will have a jumps run this season.”
Greaves said for some reason Noonan had clicked with Bold Soul.
Billy Egan had ridden the gelding in his previous two placings at Flemington over 2540m and 2600m.
Noonan won the Tasmanian Derby on Bold Soul and later the Chairman’s Stakes at Morphettville while the jockey was having his first on the gelding since riding him in Lord Reims Stakes in Adelaide earlier in the year.
“It’s interesting, as some of the riders have not found him that easy to ride,” Greaves said.
“If you can’t get him to settle, and that’s the case with a lot of horses, you’re in a world of hurt, but for some reason Jake has been able to.
“We were concerned with the weight as when the weights first came out, Ciaron Maher had one (Smokin’ Romans) in it with topweight of 60 kilos.
“We had 55-½ kilos, so we were a bit disappointed when Ciaron didn’t accept with his, and they pushed the weights up, but it affected everyone else as well.”
