News

Desert Jeuney heading to Sydney

7th Sep 2013

TVN - Neale Donnelley - Saturday, 7 September 2013

Progressive stayer Desert Jeuney is heading to Sydney for the Group 1 $400,00 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on October 4.

Following his narrow but solid win in the $100,000 Sofitel Girl's Day Out 2000 at Flemington today, trainer Nigel Blackiston announced his plans.

"He's got a nomination in for The Metropolitan in Sydney and we might head that way and that could be his swan-song this prep," Blackiston said after today's win.

Following a brilliant rails-hugging ride by James Winks, Desert Jeuney ($5.00) held on to beat Anagold ($16) by a nose, with a half neck away to the easing $4.40 favourite Keep Cool in third place.

"He was very strong today and he keeps raising the bar. The further he runs over it seems the better he goes," Blackiston added.

Winks said he had a lovely run in behind the pace and the rails run was a big help.

"Everything went right but he was strong on the line," he said.

Desert Jeuney (Desert King x Preps) was purchased by the late Vern Rayner (founder of Classic Bloodstock Services) for just $16,000 at the 2011 Inglis Melbourne Autumn Yearling Sale.

Saturday's victory was Desert Jeuney's fourth win from six starts.