BATES CONTINUES GREAT SPRING

DECLAN Bates continued his great form with another feature spring carnival win this time on Charterhouse in the $500,000 Cranbourne Cup (1600m).

In contrast to his back-to-back Group 1 wins over the Flemington carnival when he led throughout on Pride Of Jenni, this time the former Irish jockey had to bide his time at the rear of the field on Charterhouse.

He timed his run to perfection as Charterhouse stormed home from a long way back to secure the feature event.

Again it was the trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, as they did with Pride Of Jenni, who trained Bates’ winner.

Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull gave Bates a huge wrap after the victory.

“He’s got a magnificent clock, a great set of hands and he’s very mature at letting the race develop,” Turnbull said.

“He doesn’t rush. He works hard and he’s probably had the best spring he’s ever had and thankfully it’s been on our horses.”

Bates who moved to Victoria six years ago and settled originally in Warrnambool is now based in Ballarat.

“It’s super to win a feature race like this under the belt again. A special thanks to Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and the team and I’m very lucky to get the rides on some good horses. It’s nice to get the win for the team,” Bates said.