Anthony Azzopardi is not usually short of a word or two but even he was bowled over by My Boy Snoop’s victory in this year’s Group 3 Sportingbet Bulli Gold Cup Final.
The jovial trainer saw his charge produce a superb last 200m to claim the $25,000 top prize in Wednesday night’s race, overhauling eventual runner-up Stilton Blue and finishing almost two lengths ahead.
Victory in the 472m race was My Boy Snoop's first success at Group 3 level and he will now be primed for a possible shot at the Melbourne Cup later this year.
Azzopardi admitted he thought his $7.60 shot had blown his chance with a shaky start, but was delighted with the outcome.
“When I saw him turning for home I knew he was going to do it,” the Londonderry trainer said.
“To win a Group race is the icing on the cake but it’s a great feeling to win. It’s an indescribable feeling when you win one of these.
“It’s overwhelming.”
It was a seventh win in 19 starts for My Boy Snoop, who will now head south to Victoria and a potential run at Sandown Park in November.
“Can he cope at that level?” Azzopardi said.
“Most definitely. He is a very fast animal.
“The only hiccup is box nerves but in time he might get better and better.
“I really think he will be on the podium again in the future."
Owner Terry Kingcott only arrived at the track a few minutes before the race after driving up from his country farm near Ballarat.
The triumph made the long journey worthwhile for Kingcott, who celebrated the win in jubilant fashion.
“I jumped around and hit my mate George on the head,” he said.
“Sorry George - I was pretty emotional.
“(Anthony) just knows how to get the best out of the dog when you need him to.
“I don’t ask him too many questions. I just stand back and let him get on with it.
“Words cannot describe how happy I am. I’m over the moon.”
Kingcott also thanked everyone at Bulli for hosting the meeting.
