Not a bad way to break through for your first Australian victory as the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Nellie Leylax (IRE) cleared out by more than two lengths to claim the Group 3 ATC Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick.
Improving off a last start second at Moonee Valley, the imported son of Coolmore’s ill-fated Calyx (GB) is still in his first local preparation, so surely connections would expect further improvement.
Settled just behind the Rachel King ridden Hasty Honey (Epaulette) who took up the running, jockey Alyshea Collett was content to allow Nellie Leylax to track along before starting to come to the outside of the leader as the field commenced to round the home turn.
As Nellie Leylax took the lead, race favourite Saltcoats commenced to make his run, but as Collett kicked for home, it was evident the favourite wasn’t in a position to challenge.
Pulling clear in impressive fashion, Nellie Leylax had two and a quarter lengths to spare over the second placed Belvedere Boys (Maurice) with John O’Shea and Tom Charlton’s Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes winner Good Banter (NZ) (Tavistock) back in third.
Speaking on behalf of the training duo, Rob Archibald was pleased with the effort of Nellie Leylax considering how far into the prep the winner was.
“He has been up for a little while now. We've always thought he was probably not too far away from a break. That was a great effort,” said Archibald.
“Alysha rated him beautifully outside lead. He is getting better each run this preparation and it was nice to see him put it together.
With the heavy rated track, Archibald was confident of a forward showing.
“He does relish it doesn't he. Relished it in Europe and handling it really well here. That will give him a lot of confidence. Nice for the connections who have been very patient throughout the prep. Nice to see a good win."
Like Archibal, Collett was also suitably impressed with the victory of the 5yo gelding.
“He did it that comfortably that the last 100m I went to sit up because I thought I was just putting paid to the field” said Collett.
"Loved it (the wet). He is very light framed and he has got a high knee carriage. I've had a couple of rides at trackwork on wet tracks with him and he absolutely thrives. He got through that very easy"
Purchased for just £20,000 by Tom Dascombe Racing from the consignment of Glenvale Stud at the 2022 Tattersalls September Yearling Sale, Nellie Leylax was then secured privately to race in Australia where he has now raced on six occassions for a win and two second placed efforts.
The first stakes winner and second stakes performer out of the High Chaparral mare Lovelocks, herself a sister to the stakes performed High Grounds, Nellie Leylax is from the family of Group 1 WATC Railways Stakes winner Amelia’s Jewel (Siyouni) as well as the Group 3-winning, multiple Group 1 placed Bosustow (Blue Point).
Nellie Leylax becomes the ninth stakes winner for the former Coolmore’s Calyx (Kingman) who shuttled to Australia for just two seasons.
