Ciaron Maher has gone one better than last year’s extraordinary result in the $3 million Big Dance, producing not just the quinella, but the trifecta in Sydney’s Melbourne Cup Day feature.
Gringotts ($3 fav) repeated his 2024 triumph with another commanding display, kicking clear late to again defeat stablemate Vivy Air ($16) by 1-1/4 lengths, while Lugh ($31) held his spot in third after leading throughout.
Gringotts had initially been aimed at the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) but was withdrawn from the 7 Stakes when routine blood tests showed suboptimal levels.
With his fitness otherwise sound, the stable redirected their spring target toward defending the Big Dance title.
“He’s always been a horse we thought would run very well here,” assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord said.
“The King Charles was Plan A, but sometimes you have to adapt. This is certainly a race worth adapting for.”
Despite carrying 62kg, Gringotts travelled sweetly behind the speed before sprinting sharply under Nash Rawiller.
“He gave me a top feel. He’s the real deal,” Rawiller said.
Both Vivy Air and Lugh may back up into the $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill.
Earlier, Osipenko landed the $750,000 Little Dance (1600m) for Chris Waller, with Zane Jones confirming a likely next stop in The Gong later this month.
If you’re placing a bet this weekend, compare odds and offers using the Australian betting sites list.