Spectroscope makes it two-from-two in Australia

Stakes-race victories to the French import Spectroscope and the local runner Tally were overshadowed by a tragic accident for Godolphin in Australia on Saturday.

Spectroscope made it two-from-two in his new home, weaving through the field to score impressively in the G3 Doncaster Prelude at Rosehill.

The success may well have earned the son of Medaglia d’Oro a place in the field for next week’s G1 Doncaster Handicap, although trainer John O’Shea was cautious about committing to the race.

"We think he is up to the top level, particularly in Australia," O'Shea said.

"There's an opportunity for us to run in the Doncaster with no weight.

"If he happened to have a good week, we'd give good consideration to that. It appears he's going to get in with a nice, light weight so it's an option."

Formerly trained by Andre Fabre in France, where he won two 2000m races, Spectroscope arrived in Sydney late last year and had his first start earlier this month, winning at a non-graded race.

A repeat win seemed unlikely at the 300m when Spectroscope was last of the eight runners.

But his rider Corey Brown found a way through and the pair came away to win by a length.

At Mornington in Victoria, Tally returned to winning form in the Listed Mornington Cup, breaking a 12-month drought.

Aided by an inspired Andrew Mallyon ride, Tally put his head in front a couple of strides from the line to beat Vengeur Masque.

A G1 ATC Derby placegetter this time last year, Tally’s previous win had been in the 2016 G2 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Tally’s victory, however, was soured somewhat by an incident just after the finish when the Charlie Appleby-trained (The) Gold Trail suffered a broken sesamoid and had to be euthanised.

His rider Craig Williams fell heavily as (The) Gold Trail stumbled soon after crossing the line in fourth place. He reportedly suffered no serious injuries but was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Speaking from Dubai, Appleby described The Gold Trail, who was having his first Australian start, as a stable favourite.

“It is very unfortunate that The Gold Trail could not be saved,” he said.

“He was a favourite among the staff at Moulton Paddocks and was a pleasure to have in the stable. But first and foremost our thoughts are with Craig and we wish him a speedy recovery.”