Despite facing less-than-ideal conditions, the father-daughter training duo of Tony and Maddysen Sears had unwavering faith in their determined gelding, Steady Ready, as he clinched victory in the King Of The Mountain at Toowoomba on his third attempt.
After finishing runner-up to stablemate Yellow Brick in the inaugural event on New Year’s Eve 2022 and again placing second to Rothfire on New Year’s Day in 2024, Steady Ready finally secured the $750,000 1200-metre race in 2025.
The Sears team made a bold call by entrusting apprentice Cody Collis with the ride, despite the race being a no-claim event where experienced senior jockeys were available.
“He’s the King, and it feels just as good as the first time,” said Maddy Sears.
“I can’t believe he’s won, but at the same time, I can because he’s a class horse.
“He’s incredibly talented and truly deserved this after finishing third in the first year and second last year.
“He kicked clear early, and I was a little worried he might be vulnerable late, but he’s tough, and Cody judged the ride perfectly. I’m absolutely thrilled.”
In the wet and foggy conditions, Steady Ready ($5) surged forward on the home turn, putting pressure on his rivals. Russian Alliance ($19) and Millane ($4.80) loomed as threats late, but he held them off to secure a narrow half-neck victory.
“The wet track concerned me a little, but I can’t take much credit for this,” Sears admitted.
“Dad has been looking after him up here, and I’m just so proud of the horse. He’s been underrated for so long, and now he’s proven his worth.”
For Collis, securing the win meant just as much as the show of faith from his trainers.
“There’s no better feeling, especially when you know you could have been overlooked,” Collis said.
“For them to stick with me, despite me not being able to claim, when they could have had any other Brisbane jockey—there’s nothing like that kind of loyalty, and I’ll never forget this win.
“That horse is an absolute machine.
“He just keeps fighting and gives everything he has. It’s an incredible feeling to ride him.”
Steady Ready will now be aimed at a campaign during the Queensland Winter Carnival.
Bookmakers favourite Cifrado ($3.40) struggled on the heavy track, finishing 25 lengths behind the winner, with connections reporting he failed to handle the conditions.
