1 Jan 2023Dionysus proved the superior stayer to claim top honours in the G3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup over 2400 metres at Te Rapa.
The Cambridge Stud graduate had finished runner-up at his previous start in the G3 Waikato Cup on a heavy track and he had no trouble going one better on a firmer surface.
The son of Ocean Park settled well back in the running before picking up ground to corner with the leading pack in his sights.
When rider Warren Kennedy asked him to lengthen stride in the run home, Dionysus responded positively to outstay his rivals.
“We have been pretty happy throughout the preparation and expected a big run,” said Roger James, who trains the gelding with Robert Wellwood.
“The race was truly run and when it is the best horse usually wins.”
James believes the best is yet to come from Dionysus, who was a $45,000 purchase at Karaka.
“I think he will be a better horse again next year, but in the meantime I would dearly love to win a G3 Wellington Cup,” he said.
Dionysus was bred by Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan and was part of the weanling crop when Cambridge Stud changed hands.