Seymour, Bet365 Seymour Cup, 1600m, $200,000
Race Summary:
Late-bloomer Admiral's Joker (Bel Esprit) has secured his first stakes success, proving too classy for his rivals in the Listed Bet365 Seymour Cup.
Jockey Craig Williams gave the 7-year-old a quiet ride at the back of the field before getting him through the pack and to the outside where he finished over the top to defeat A Shin Rook (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) by 0.75l with Chapada (Bullet Train {GB}) another length back in third.
Trained by Colac-based Kylie Vella and owned by the Butler family, who live in Seymour, Admiral's Joker has now won six of his 13 starts and over $400,000 in prizemoney.
Vella indicated afterwards that he is likely to contest the G1 Kennedy Cantala S. at Flemington at his next start.
Pedigree Notes:
Bred by Frank Butler, Admiral's Joker is the only winner from the Danehill (USA) mare Admiral's Lady. An eight-time winner herself, she is one of three winners from Moonstruck (Fr) (Shirley Heights {GB}).
That family also contains stakes-winners Vinland (Sebring), Mella Maria (Star Witness) and Valliano (Equiano {Fr}) as well as the stakes-placegetters Viking Turf Belle (Elusive Quality {USA}), Sayahailmary (Keep The Faith) and Sweet Dreamin' (Dream Ahead {USA}).
Admiral's Lady has a 2-year-old colt by Brazen Beau and 3-year-old colt by Toronado (Ire), but both are unnamed and she hasn't been served the past two seasons.
Admiral's Joker becomes the 27th stakes winner for Sun Stud's Bel Esprit and his first of the season.
