Exceed and Excel three-year-old Jabali has broken through for a maiden victory in the best way possible at Doomben this afternoon; mustering a huge turn of foot in the straight to take out the $400,000 Group 2 Queensland Guineas.
Group 1 placed having finished a close second to Earthquake in the 2014 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), Jabali has steadily faded out of focus over the last 12 months and remained unable to break through for a maiden race win despite being entered as a short favourite in several minor sprints over the last few months.
Allocated the ideal barrier 4, Jabali jumped from the gates well in the 2015 Queensland Guineas and was immediately settled in ideal running position by in-form hoop Jim Byrne on the heels of fast-paced leaders Traveston Girl, Lucky Tom and Deiheros.
Remaining on the rails over the back straight and approaching the turn, Byrne pressed the son of Exceed And Excel back into the main pack at the turn and prepared the three-year-old for a final straight assault.
Quickly spooling up, Jabali pushed forward with 400m left to run, and while appearing to be blocked for a run, found a clear racing line before jetting to the lead and finding the line ahead of the fast-finishing Bachman trained by Gerald Ryan.
Jim Byrne delivered a gem of a ride on Jabali in the 2015 Queensland Guineas and was thrilled with the three-year-old’s performance for maiden success.
“The horse ran really well today, he ran the mile strong,” Byrne said.
“I think with that hot speed and being able to hold him together as long as possible … sure enough he worked home and was too strong.”
Jabali took Champion Stallion Exceed and Excel’s tally of Stakes-Winner to 98 following his impressive victory at Doomben on Saturday.
Dynamic Syndications have a magnificent filly by Exceed and Excel to be trained by Gai Waterhouse, our filly has been extremely well sought after; for further information do not hesitate to contact Adam Watt on 0409464378 or via email adam@dynamicsyndications.com.au