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Anamoe unleashes powerful finish to capture Listed victory

Mike Hedge

The signs are all positive for Anamoe following the colt’s brilliant win to give Godolphin its second success in as many years in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes at Sandown on Saturday, 14 November.

Anamoe, a Street Boss colt out of the G1-winning mare Anamato, snatched victory in the last stride thanks to a stunning turn-of-foot over the final 100m.

Having only his second start, the colt looked to have too much to do after being forced to make a drastic change of course late in the race.

But jockey Damien Oliver balanced him and Anamato did the rest, making up many lengths to get the victory.

The win came after Anamato had shown plenty of promise on debut at Flemington a month ago and then made good progression in his training, according to the stable’s Melbourne spokesman Sean Keogh.

“As far as our two-year-olds are concerned, this guy from his first start has probably improved the most,” Keogh said.

“He’s come on really well in the coat and not only that, he’s grown a bit physically and got a bit more strength between runs.”

Anamoe settled just off the pace and was ridden to stay in touch for the first half of the 1,000m race, only staking his claim when his hopes appeared slim.

“The pace was genuine from early on and it never looked like he was comfortable,” Keogh said.

“Damien had to bustle him along but it was probably only at the 200 that he was travelling and that’s when Damien made that decisive move to get him to the outside.”

Oliver predicted the colt would have more to give once he is stepped up in distance.

“I’ve done a bit of work on him and once I got the chance, I let him run,” Oliver said.

“They might’ve got away a bit in the run but he’s a nice horse with ability. He’s scopey and will get better when he gets over 1,200 metres.”

Anamoe’s win was followed shortly after by that of Slider who scored on debut in the Max Lees Classic at Newcastle.

Like Anamoe, he is a son of Darley shuttle stallion Street Boss who also sired last year’s Merson Cooper winner Hanseatic.