BALLARAT trainer Darren Weir added another feature country cup to his trophy cabinet yesterday when Streets Away took out the $100,000 NMIT Kyneton Cup (2000m).
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Weir has dominated the country cup scene in recent seasons and the Streets Away victory yesterday came just seven days after stablemate Puissance De Lune won the Jayco Bendigo Cup (2400m)in track record time.
“I’ve had a couple of runners in the Kyneton Cup but haven’t been able to win it, so it’s a big thrill to win it,’’ Weir said.
Streets Away ($4.60) crossed from its wide barrier to sit outside leader Massoni.
Winning jockey Steven Arnold put the pressure on approaching the home turn and Streets Away burst clear.
Kiwi stayer Back In Black ($5) battled on bravely to finish second three lengths away, while topweight Shenzhou Steeds ($4.60) was third.
“I had to keep rolling down to the post a bit just to get that spot and then we were in a controlling spot from there,” Arnold said. “He floated a little bit around the corner, but when I got serious on him he picked up and sprinted good.”
Streets Away has only been in Weir’s care since June.
The six-year-old was previously trained by Alan Bailey in Queensland where he won six races.
Streets Away has thrived at Weir’s Warrnambool base, winning three races from seven starts. He also finished runner-up in last month’s Cranbourne Cup (2000m).
“I have to thank Alan Bailey for recommending the horse be sent to me,’’ Weir said.
“He sent the horse down to me in fantastic order and it’s been easy for me since.
“The horse has enjoyed the environment at the beach at Warrnambool.”
The $200,000 Ballarat Cup (2200m) on November 25 is a tempting target for Weir with Streets Away.
“I’ll probably send him to the paddock,’’ Weir said.
“But I’ll talk to the owners and see what they want to do.
“Obviously the Ballarat Cup is an option and you don’t get the chance to run in $200,000 races very often.
“The horse has done a good job, so we’ll put him first.”
Meanwhile, Kyneton trainer George Osborne celebrated a winning double yesterday.
Osborne won race two with Raktangle ($8.50) and then backed up in the next race with Lionpower ($5) winning in fine style.