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Source: JustHorseracing.com.au, by Lucy Henderson
The Metropolitan 2024 was won in a photo thriller and saw the Chris Waller-trained Land Legend hold onto his Group 1 success after surviving a protest launched by the Zac Lloyd-ridden runner-up Zardozi at Randwick on Saturday.
It was a tightly contested battle with the two horses going stride-for-stride over the closing stages in this year’s Group 1 $750,000 The Metropolitan (2400m) on Epsom Handicap Day.
Lloyd, chasing a winning hat-trick and Group 1 double after his Flight Stakes and Premiere Stakes victories earlier in the day, nearly got there on the James Cummings-trained VRC Oaks winner Zardozi.
He had to overcome a three-wide run throughout before the mare got into the right spot to challenge Land Legend late, but eventually had to settle for second in the staying showdown on the card.
Reece Jones secured his first Group 1 victory after Lloyd’s protest was ultimately dismissed.
“That’s unbelievable. When he was a little bit tardy into stride and a little bit further back than where I wanted to be I thought it was just going to be a little bit tougher. I just had to keep my cool, let him build into it,” the young hoop told Sky Thoroughbred Central post-victory.
“I knew I found the back of Zardozi, I’d be right in the finish. Took me everywhere I needed to go. I didn’t want to trust his turn of foot against her, so I just made sure he was up and mobile, similar to when he won the St Leger.
“He was terrific and tough then, to come here and do the same again today, credit to the Waller camp, they’ve got him absolutely spot on for today.”
The winning Waller-trained five-year-old import prevailed by a narrow margin in an improved run on his two spring lead-ups to post his second victory in Australia adding to the St. Leger win here back in October last year.
All eyes are now on the upcoming Group 1 $5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) in Melbourne on October 19 for which Land Legend is at a current quote of $15 through Ladbrokes in all-in markets to win.