Cascadian comes close in G1 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington

Godolphin warrior Cascadian again showed his great courage when a fighting second in the $2 million Mackinnon Stakes over 2,000m at Flemington on Saturday, 6 November.

At his first attempt beyond 1,600m, Cascadian (Brett Prebble) charged home to beat all but race favourite Zaaki - who led all the way to win the G1 weight-for-age feature.

Zaaki’s stablemate Mo’unga finished third.

Cascadian (Brett Prebble) and Colette (Damian Lane) flew the flag for Godolphin and, although beaten, did the “Blue Army” proud.

Bred in Ireland, by New Approach out of Falls Of Lora, Cascadian has been a model of consistency this preparation and was unlucky when third at Flemington in the G1 Cantala Stakes seven days earlier after coming from nearly last.

Trainer James Cummings had no hesitation backing up the flashy chestnut and jumping in distance.

Cascadian handled the trip with ease and indicated he could be suited in a race like the Australian Cup (2,000m) at Flemington next autumn. He has now earned a massive $3,637,575 in career prizemoney.

Colette has done a wonderful job, winning the G2 Tristarc Stakes and G1 Empire Rose Stakes after a slight injury setback ruined her Caulfield Cup campaign.

Earlier at Flemington, improving stayer Alcyone, beautifully ridden by Hugh Bowman, ground out a strong win in the $150,000 Very Special Kids Pin And Win Trophy over 2,000m.

“Twelve months ago we thought he was a (Victoria) Derby horse but he wasn’t mature enough” Cummings said.

“His throat wasn’t quite there, we gave him a break so to see him win first-up from a 10-month spell was a pretty promising sign.

“Now he’s scored a win at the Flemington carnival, albeit in a lower-tier race, it would be nice to be back next year running in Cup week in something stronger.”  

Cummings indicated the son of former Irish champion galloper Teofilo, who stands at Darley's Kildangan Stud in County Kildare, could be a Ballarat Cup and Pakenham Cup contender in coming weeks.