There will be no shortage of hard luck stories emanating from Friday’s $200,000 Listed Darley Scone Cup (1600m), but little can be taken away from the winner, Sky Lab.
Ridden by Koby Jennings for Paul Perry, the son of Real Impact (JPN) was caught wide the trip from an outside barrier. Still among the tailenders on straightening, Sky Lab launched down the centre of the track to deny the luckless favourite Waterford (IRE) (Awtaad) by a head, with Lion’s Roar (Contributer) back in third.
First-up from a 17-week break, Sky Lab broke a long drought dating back to the $1 million Frizelle Sunshine Magic Millions Subzero (2200m) on the Gold Coast in January last year.
Sky Lab advances his record to six wins, five seconds, and three thirds from 33 starts with earnings of $1,414,980.
Paul Perry’s son Nathan said it was a reward for a horse that has raced consistently without luck. His notable placings included the Rosehill Guineas, Craven Plate, Summer Cup, and Cameron Hcp.
“That was great. He was back and wide as we knew he would from that barrier,” Nathan Perry said.
“He has been so unlucky throughout his career, getting back and not getting runs, so he deserves this. It has been bad luck after bad luck.
“Paul wanted Koby on, so he made the right choice. It’s a shame for Aaron (Bullock), but he could not get down to the weight.
“We have won this race a few times, even on the old track, but the Scone Cup Carnival has built.”
A $48,000 buy for his trainer from the Arrowfield Stud draft out of Book 2 at the 2019 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Sky Lab is the best of three winners from four to race from the Flying Spur mare Gold Mission.
The non-winner is the 3yo Mikki Isle gelding Golden Mikki, who has finished second in all three starts for Paul Preusker.
Gold Mission died in 2021, and Gilden Mikki is her final foal.
Sky Lab is the fifth stakes-winner for the Group 1 Ryder Stakes winner Real Impact (JPN), who shuttled to Arrowfieldf for three seasons (2016-18)
