The Dan McCarthy-trained four year-old found a way to victory for its most significant win to date in the 2024 Sun Valley Australia the AF Honeychurch Memorial.
The Deep Field/Caruselle gelding was ridden well to the finish by Echuca apprentice jockey Rose Hammond.
Run over 1600m, Basso Caruso was followed closely throughout the race but managed to stave off challenges from Okra and Showno, the $2.35 favourite, who rounded out the placings in the day’s last race.
In the presentation that followed, McCarthy and Hammond were only too happy to accept the trophies and prizes from Berrigan Race Club president Geoff Swann.
In the other coveted win of the day, Albury-trained Albert’s Melody was too strong in the RSM Accountants Albury Finley Autumn Cup (1400m).
The consistent Magic Albert/Overture six year-old surged ahead of the pack to take the win by a convincing three lengths.
The placings went to Wagga-trained Media Chick, ridden by well-travelled jockey Jason Lyon, with Jerilderie-trained horse Decker from Ross Purcell’s stables in third.
Race favourite Keith ($3) brought up the rear, finishing seventh in the field of eight.
Purcell also had a third placing with Gobbo’s Mate in race three, the 1200m GA Finley & Country Club Hotel Class 1 Handicap.
Ridden by Michael Heagney, Gobbo’s Mate finished 5.14 lengths behind winner News At Five ($1.70 fav).
Wagunda was second past the post, five lengths behind the winner.
In race one - the Pether Ag Benchmark 58 Handicap (1100m) - Mountain Ibis claimed the spoils, with Sheila ($1.80 fav) 1.25 lengths behind and Kadena third.
Race two was a close one, with just one length between eventual winner Thrill Of The Fight and race favourite Miss Beautiful ($2.80). Silver Dancer rounded out the placings.
Heading into race four as equal $3 favourites, Paultalkstoomuch and Sheza Snake lived up to expectation, going one and two with less than a length separating them. Written In Style rounded out the placings.
18°C