Eraset surges past $500k in prizemoney
Ever consistent galloper Eraset took his career stake earnings past half a million with an impressive win at Flemington yesterday.
The Danny O’Brien-trained gelding had not won since June 2012 although in that period has finished around the mark more often than not.
Eraset was settled fifth by jockey Oisin Murphy who kept close a close eye on equal favourite He’s Your Man who was positioned one pair ahead of him.
He’s Your Man was the one who commanded attention as he loomed large on straightening however when asked upon 350m from home didn’t respond as expected.
Murphy and Eraset then pounced, hitting the front 200m from home going on to claim the Craftsman Handicap (1720m).
Prince Of Penzance rattled home for second with He’s Your Man third.
Saturday’s Craftsman Handicap was Eraset’s ninth career win from 48 starts although his eighth came over the Flemington mile back in June 2012.
Eraset’s wins don’t come as frequently as they once did, the son of Reset posted four straight successes during his maiden campaign commencing in spring 2009.
“They (owners) refuse to let this horse go and it's great the horse has repaid them with another win,” O’Brien said.
“He will stay with us until he retires, they are really fond of him. He’s won over half a million for them so I guess they are entitled to be.
“He has come back in as good a form as he’s been in. These are his days, Summer, Flemington, hard track.
“He is a bit of an awkward horse to ride but he got the perfect ride today from Oisin [Murphy] and he did the rest.”
The seven-year-old has improved with each run this campaign under the guidance of apprentice Oisin Murphy.
“We’ve really enjoyed having him [Murphy],” O’Brien said.
“He is a very talented ridee and a great young kid.
“I’m sure he will go back to England and have a great season over there as well.”
Despite the winning drought Eraset Horseform had been in the midst of, Murphy had been confident going into the Craftsman Handicap.
“He is a very genuine horse,” Murphy said.
“I am delighted for the owners because they’ve kept faith in him and Dan has done a great job.
“He’ll improve up to a mile and a quarter if he keeps settling the way he does.”
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Photo by Bruno Cannatelli, to view Bruno's website click here