By Richard Edmunds
Saturday’s G3 Moet & Chandon Cockram S. was the first black-type win for exciting sprinter Pippie (Written Tycoon), but Ben Melham doubts it will be her last.
Melham guided the 4-year-old mare to an impressive front-running win in the 1200 metre feature, extending her career record to four wins from six starts. She is trained by John and Chris Meagher for owners Heran Racing Pty Ltd.
Melham had ridden Pippie on two previous occasions, almost 12 months apart. He was aboard in an unplaced finish in the G3 Quezette S. in August of last year, then reunited with her last start for a three-length win over 1100 metres at Caulfield on August 17.
Pippie won by only half of that margin on Saturday, but the performance was every bit as good.
She speared forward from gate seven to take her customary front-running position, running into a stiff breeze.
Pippie
She faced strong opposition in the straight from Sylvia’s Mother (Snitzel) and Spanish Whisper (Lope de Vega {Ire}), but Pippie showed admirable tenacity and held on for a clear-cut win. The 1200 metre were run in 1:10.18.
“She’s a lovely filly, this,” Melham said. “She had to work. She had a bit against her today, up against a head-on breeze.
“She looked like the only leader, but nothing has led into the breeze today and won. She goes a very good gallop, this filly.
“She looked like the only leader, but nothing has led into the breeze today and won. She goes a very good gallop." - Ben Melham
“I thought the track was a little bit worn on the fence, and I thought the only genuine 1200m horse in the field was Sylvia’s Mother. She was drawn one, so I was happy to stay off the rail and let her face the breeze as well.
“She did a tremendous job to win today, and she’s a terrific filly. The boys have done a great job, and she’s going to win better races than this, I think.”
Ben Melham
However, not even Pippie’s exciting performance and bright future could take Melham’s thoughts away from the family of Mikaela Claridge, who tragically died in a trackwork accident at Cranbourne on Friday.
“On behalf of all the jockeys, I’d like to send out my condolences to young Mikaela’s family,” he said. “I couldn’t fathom what they’re going through at this time.
“I’m sure the VJA and jockeys will do all we can to support the grieving family at this time. May she rest in peace – she was taken too soon.”
