The Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes over 1400 metres delivered a thrilling finish, with That’s Gold (Lucky Vega {IRE}) powering home late to reel in To Cap It All (Capitalist), who had looked the winner deep into the final 50 metres. That’s Gold scored by half a length, with L’aigle Noir (NZ) (Ribchester {Ire}) a further length and a third back in third.
To Cap It All struck the front early in the straight and held off challengers for much of the run home, but That’s Gold, after taken a few strides to balance up, let down strongly and surged past to claim a stylish victory.
“It has been a little while since I’ve won a Group race,” an emotional Wood said.
“I really like this horse. I probably over raced him as a two-year-old and I was kicking myself because I thought he’d win a race in that time frame, but I’ve always had a lot of faith in him. He’s got a lot of ability. It was a 10 out of 10 ride from Tayla (Mitchell) and thank you to my staff back home.
“He’s matured mentally and physically from his two-year-old season. After a few runs, Yulong rang me and tried to buy him back, but I wasn’t going to pass him up – I knew he had that in him to get where he is now, and today was his day. We have to look forward to the big races on Boxing Day now.”
That’s Gold’s win confirmed the promise he showed at Te Aroha 10 days earlier, demonstrating marked improvement since his two-year-old season.
Sales: That’s Gold was a $57,500 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale purchase in 2024 from the draft of Yulong Stud. He was bought by trainer Chris Wood in partnership with Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Catheryne Bruggeman.
Pedigree: That’s Gold is the second winner from Sebring mare Longmu, herself a daughter of Listed SAJC Redelva Stakes winner Hooness (Exceed and Excel). Longmu has a yearling filly by Written Tycoon and was due a foal by Lucky Vega (Ire) this spring.
Written for TTRAusNZ
