Preusker Throws up Another Cup Surprise

Metaphorical 'Struggle Street' triumphed over the monarchy on Thursday when Torranzino surged past race favourite Gilded Water in the Geelong Cup, handing Horsham-based trainer Paul Preusker a coveted Melbourne Cup berth and jockey Celine Gaudray a career-defining moment in the saddle. According to racing.com, it was a classic David and Goliath scenario, with Preusker's hardy stayer wearing down the highly touted Gilded Water over the long Geelong straight. Despite starting a clear second elect, Torranzino's determined finish denied the favourite and booked a spot in the race that stops the nation. The win gives Preusker his first Melbourne Cup runner since Gr2 Adelaide Cup winner Surprise Baby in 2020 - she finished fifth in the Cup - and his joy was unmistakable. "That's what it's all about for me - getting a go. I came here yesterday thinking I'd run one-two. He's done plenty of work for it and I love the way he's going," he said. It's been a journey to get there. "We came through the hurdles yesterday, but we might camp away next time," Preusker said, referring to the gelding's unconventional background. "He's been unbelievable all the way through. I've hurdle-schooled him, steeple-schooled him - we've locked horns - but he's a happy horse now." Gaudray's winning ride saw her become just the second female jockey to claim the Geelong Cup, following in the footsteps of Debbie Healey (1983). Her emotion after the win by the son of Tarzino was genuine and unguarded. "It is so surreal. Ever since I was a little girl I watched the Melbourne Cup - as does everybody - and to get a ride is unbelievable," she said. The $1.80 favourite Gilded Water was chasing a piece of history but instead became the latest odds-on elect to falter in the Geelong feature. Midlander (1967) also failed to salute when sent out odds-on, while the last to succeed at such short odds was Crete, all the way back in 1911. Reflecting on the run, Gaudray added, "The whole race I was giggling to myself. He was travelling really well, and I thought at the 600 I'd pop out and let him come into it. I had so much horse underneath me and he took me to the line." Preusker believes Torranzino is where he needs to be heading into Cup Week. "He's pretty much there. Just need to keep the weight off him. He's a horse that does well, so we'll keep him ticking over." For those that follow roughies in the Cup, that ticking noise might be indicative of tick-tick boom and maybe even better Surprise Baby's effort.