The Patrick Payne-trained Bold Soul has proven a lucrative asset on the flat, but a move to jumps racing is now on the horizon.
Bold Soul added the Deane Lester Flemington Cup 1849 (2800m) at Flemington on Saturday to his tally of seven previous wins from 33 starts, with the victory pushing his career earnings beyond $800,000.
Under the guidance of jockey Jake Noonan, Bold Soul ($5.50) achieved a short-head victory over the $2.60 favourite Highland Blaze, with Tempesti ($16) a further half-head adrift in third. Bold Soul’s win was an upset, according to online bookmakers.
Harry Coffey, the rider of third-placed Tempesti, lodged a protest against the winner, claiming interference as they neared the finish. However, following a brief review, Racing Victoria stewards dismissed the objection.
Neal Greaves, representing trainer Patrick Payne, confirmed that Bold Soul is likely to contest jumps races next.
“I think the plan is, you might see a pretty nice jumper at Ballarat on August 16,” Greaves said. “I think the intention is he will have a jumps run this season.”
Greaves observed that Noonan has a unique rapport with Bold Soul.
The gelding had previously been ridden by Billy Egan for his last two placings at Flemington over 2540m and 2600m.
Noonan had secured the Tasmanian Derby and later the Chairman’s Stakes at Morphettville aboard Bold Soul, marking his first time on the gelding since the Lord Reims Stakes in Adelaide earlier in the year.
“It’s interesting, as some of the riders have not found him that easy to ride,” Greaves explained. “If you can’t get him to settle, and that’s the case with a lot of horses, you’re in a world of hurt, but for some reason Jake has been able to.
“We were concerned with the weight as when the weights first came out, Ciaron Maher had one (Smokin’ Romans) in it with topweight of 60 kilos. We had 55-½ kilos, so we were a bit disappointed when Ciaron didn’t accept with his, and they pushed the weights up, but it affected everyone else as well.”
With Bold Soul potentially making a transition to jumps, it’s worth checking the latest racing odds.