Jonathan Riddle. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today
He had to do it the hard way but New Zealand gelding The Hombre raced his way into Queensland Derby calculations with a strong staying performance to win the $125,000 Rough Habit Plate at Doomben yesterday.
The Hombre was second past the post behind wayward Melbourne 3-year-old Tee Emar but
a successful protest by part-time jumps jockey Jonathan Riddell resulted in him being elevated to the winner's stall.
The Hombre was a short neck behind Tee Emar on the line but stewards were satisfied the interference, which occurred when Tee Emar bored out under pressure at the 250m, cost him the 2020m feature.
"He clearly came out under my neck and took my line and I have no doubt the interference cost me the race," Riddell told stewards.
The panel agreed and upheld the protest in less than a minute.
"Tee Emar shifted at least two to three horses and caused significant interference and we are convinced The Hombre would have won the race had that not happened," chief steward Wade Birch said.
Winning trainer John Bary said The Hombre would almost certainly go straight into the Derby at Eagle Farm on June 12.
Gold Coast gelding Sanderson ran on late to finish a length and half away third and is also on target for the Derby.
Tee Emar's trainer Peter Moody was at a funeral but his stable foreman Danny Hickey said the horse would go to the Grand Prix and on to the Derby.
Bevan Laming and Chris Munce will chase their third Brisbane Cup following Crossthestart's commanding win in the Group Three Chairman's Handicap.
In a daring ride, Munce took off from midfield when the pace slackened to hit the front in the back straight before going on to score a decisive two-length win over Victorian Larry's Never Later in the 2020m feature.
Kiwi stayer The Grogoch a long head away third.
Crossthestart's win was Munce's third of the day and his second for Laming after the pair combined to win the Listed Hampden Stakes with Ringa Ringa Rosie.
- AAP
