There might not be many slots in this year's Kosciuszko left, but Kody Nestor boosted his chances of earning one of those when scoring a quinella in Sunday's final event at Dubbo Turf Club.
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Jailbreak beat home stablemate Sneak Preview and the result was not only special because it boosted the Dubbo trainer's chances for The Kosciuszko, but also because the race was one which meant plenty to his family.
The John Nestor Memorial Showcase Flying Handicap (1100m) was the feature sprint event on Sunday and honoured the memory of Kody's grandfather, who passed away in March.
"It's good to finish with this," Kody told Sky Thoroughbred Central after the win.
"Especially the race named after my late grandfather. This is a good way to finish it all off."
There was only two slots left in the $1.3 million Kosciuszko on Monday morning but Nestor still remains in the hunt.
The one-two finish on Sunday was also a welcome consolation after the Nestor team had missed out in day's main event.
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Kody saddled up the favourite, Fast Talking, in the $100,000 Dubbo Gold Cup but the talented gelding ran home well for sixth while stablemate Toulon Brook was fourth in the feature.
There was better luck for the trainer's duo in the final event as Jailbreak and Sneak Preview ran two completely different places on the way to being the first to pass the post.
Some plans were ruined early as the Rodney Robb-trained Thermosa ($12) bucked shortly after leaving the gates and threw jockey Clayton Gallagher to the turf.
Gallagher was unscathed while Thermosa stayed on his hooves and carted around the track with the rest of the field unpiloted.
Anthony Cavallo, meanwhile, had pushed forward with Jailbreak ($6) from gate 12 and worked his way across near the front while Mathew Cahill Sneak Preview ($3.80) favourite settled well back after jumping from gate 14.
Jailbreak had only the two trials since last racing in late May but he was up to the task once he got to the front midway through the trip.
Jailbreak soon put a gap between himself and the rest of the field but Sneak Preview, who was second last when entering the straight, soon got the outside and wound up.
Snbeak Preview rocketed home but it wasn't enough as Jailbreak won by one-and-three-quarter lengths while Good Time Charlie ($101) produced a shock by running third.
"I thought both horses ran terrific," Mestor said.
"I've got to give credit to Anthony Cavallo. I said to ride him more conservative but things went out the window when that horse bucked and he pulled the right rein.
"He rolled forward and I thought he (Jailbreak) was a touch under done so he's done well to fight on.
"And Sneak Preview has done a great effort to get home from there."
Nestor is set to be well represented at Narromine Turf Club's seven-race meeting on Thursday.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
