In what might be an important lead up to the G1 Doncaster Mile, the kiwi He's Remarkable showed a top turn of foot to win the G3 HSG Newcastle Newmarket Hcp at Broadmeadow.
With Roger James having a great run of winners at the moment including the NZ Derby winning filly Silent Achiever, he brought He's Remarkable ($4.60 SP) over from New Zealand in order to race his way into the big mile at Randwick.
This was his first run since being relegated to second in an 'interesting' protest decision at Ascot in the G1 Railway Stks back in November.
On a day when it had been hard to make ground, He's Remarkable settled midfield with a charge early to find spots settling.
Dao Dao and Snow Alert rolled over from wide draws with the race favourite Under The Eiffel just in behind them.
Just as Tony Vasil's runner swept up to strike the front, Corey Brown let the winner go and he came away by ¾ length over Dao Dao ($14) with Star Of Octagonal ($7.50) a long neck back third.
It is the highest weight carried since the metric system began.
“We wanted to run him only on a dry track,” James said.
“He'll take plenty of benefit from the run and we'll be third up into the Doncaster.”
For his jockey Corey Brown it was a good reunion with the 4yo son of Pentire having ridden him in the Crystal Mile on Cox Plate day.
“There is plenty of improvement in him. He's much better on top of the ground, loves the firm going.”
“I had to make my own luck with nothing towing me into the race.”
James indicated his next run will be the George Ryder at Rosehill on Golden Slipper day on his way to the Doncaster where he has 52kg.