Written by Paul Vettise
Darren Weir has got hundreds to choose from, but he had no hesitation in putting Cliff’s Edge (Canford Cliffs {IRE}) in the favourite category.
The champion Victorian trainer espoused his admiration for the millionaire earner after he proved superior to his rivals in the G2 Schweppes Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
“He’s got the perfect racing style, up on the speed and he makes his own luck,” Weir said. “He’d be a great horse to own, he never runs badly.”
Cliff’s Edge raced outside the leader Siege Of Quebec (Fastnet Rock) and he went past him at the top of the straight and stayed on strongly to have Prized Icon (More Than Ready {USA}) comfortably covered at the finish.
“He’s had a fetlock chip removed and he appreciates a smidgeon of give in the ground.” - Darren Weir.
“He’s had a fetlock chip removed and he appreciates a smidgeon of give in the ground,” Weir said. “It was the right race for him.”
The 4-year-old is now a dual Group 2 winner, having won last season’s Alister Clark S., and Weir is now looking to take him to the next level in seven days’ time.
“Hopefully, he has a good week and we’ll back him up next Saturday in the G1 Kennedy Mile,” Weir said.
“If you fire enough bullets hopefully a few hit now and then.” – Darren Weir.
“We train a large amount of horses and we’re expected to win more with the number of runners we have. If you fire enough bullets hopefully a few hit now and then.”
Irish jockey John Allen has become a vital member of the Weir team and he rode a copybook race aboard the free-going Cliff’s Edge.
Irish jockey, John Allen
“It’s all thanks to Darren and all the team, they put their faith in me and it’s good to be able to pay them back,” he said.
“He’s as tough as old boots this horse.” – John Allen.
“He’s as tough as old boots this horse. He didn’t want to go early so I had to roust him up to get outside the leader.”
Cliff's Edge connections celebrating his win in the G2 Crystal Mile
Allen elected to give Cliff’s Edge his head near the turn to burn off Siege Of Quebec, who wilted to finish fourth.
“I put the pressure on early enough, he likes a dog fight and he toughed it out,” he said.
The Kris Lees-trained Prized Icon enjoyed a cosy run in the trail and he closed off well with Godolphin’s Duca Valentinois (IRE) (Holy Roman Emperor {IRE} turning his recent form around with a solid run for third.
