Although drawn wide, trainer Neville Saunders wanted Equissential ridden positively. Brad Stewart obliged. After the jump Equissential landed just off the pace but settled on a limb three wide. Taking the initiative, Brad urged the gelding forward to cross and lead. Challengers loomed in the straight but Equissential refused to give in. He won by half a length. It was Equissential’s second win at Eagle Farm over a mile and took his earnings to
more than $160,000. Earlier this year he finished second in the Group 3 Gunsynd Classic at the same track and distance.
“Brad rode him really well – his experience paid dividends. With the rail out, the front was the place to be. The tempo was slow and Brad made the right decision to roll forward,” said Neville after the race. “It was a good win because the horse showed versatility. He is better ridden off the speed.”
