Mates leave it late with Settlers

Settlers had failed to greet the judge in seven starts, despite leading three of his past five into the straight.

But, in Saturday’s 900-metre scamper for three-year-old maidens, Thompson held him up in fourth place behind the fast pace and he raced past the leaders to win by three quarters of a length.

Musical Query, given no peace in front, was courageous in finishing second, a neck ahead of Kennywyn.

Sylvester and co-owner Thor McDowell claimed the $16,800 first prize and a $5000 BOBS bonus.

Sylvester was best man at Thompson’s wedding, and the former Cessnock baker learnt how to train from the jockey’s late father, Arthur.

“This horse was that slow earlier in his career I thought he would end up in the baker’s cart,” Sylvester said. “His original owners bailed out and leased the horse, and Thor came in with me.

“He led in a 900m maiden at Newcastle last start, but there was a lot more speed today, and I said to Robert what about riding him off the speed, and he agreed.” 

Thompson chalked up a double two races later with the Hawkes stable’s Cordero, Jeff Penza extended his lead in the jockeys premiership with a treble, and John O’Shea won with both his starters after telling Godolphin last week he would step down as their head trainer.