9 Feb 2024Impressive Embellish three-year-old Bold Soul doubled his stakes tally on his Hobart sojourn with success in the Listed Tasmanian Derby.
The Patrick Payne-trained three-year-old had landed the Listed Launceston Guineas metres at his previous start and produced a gallant display to add the Derby to his record in the hands of Jake Noonan.
"He had to dig deep, but he got there and that's all that matters," said Payne’s sister Michelle, who was representing the stable.
"Obviously, it’s great for Patrick and all of his owners, we are just thrilled, and it was a really great ride by Jake Noonan."
Bold Soul tardily away and Noonan did well to extricate himself away from the fence coming into the straight.
"He probably doesn't really help himself, he just missed the start a little bit and gets keen mid-race, but he was able to get him to the outside and gave him smooth sailing from there," Payne said.
"It was great to see him get over the line in front."
Having ridden the three-year-old to win the Launceston Guineas last start, Noonan felt there was a trick to riding Bold Soul.
"The key to him is just trying to get the first half of the race right, it's not about where you are positioned but just ensuring you have got him in the right rhythm," he said.
"He did a really good job because he was quite fierce for a good three furlongs there and that's hard to do over this trip (2200m).
"His class shone through and a credit to the horse, he did a great job."