The gelding, trained and ridden by Menangle Park rider Bailey McDonough, led the way from gate eight, stopping the clock in an impressive 1:50.0 for the mile run, justifying his reputation as the $3.10 race favourite.
The second chosen Final Deadline benefited from an economical run along the way to finish second, while outsider Seasider surprised by rattling home from well back to claim third place, just two meters behind.
For McDonough and the owners, the Rees family of Johnny Starr Racing of Leeton, the thought of having a live shot at a feature race like the Chariots is a huge thrill, and the excitement of their stable star has been growing for some time.
“He has been a wonderful horse to ride since the day he first walked into my stable last September,” McDonough said.
“The horse was sent to me in good condition by Pete Romero and the Rees family and gave me my most important win to date when I competed in the three-year-old final of the Breeders Challenge to claim his first Group 1 and also mine as a trainer.
“I am so grateful to all of them for giving me the opportunity to participate in this ride.
“His run on Saturday night was huge.
“We had to burn off the arm and then rode a very fast first half of the race.
“That workload only hit him late, but he was still good enough to persevere.
“It is now Chariots’ turn and I will manage his work carefully and do my utmost to ensure he is ready for the big occasion.
“Hopefully we can get a handy barrier draw in as I have no doubt he can make his presence felt.”
Through Michael Dumesnyfor HRNSW
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