Williams wins sixth Cup

Joao Moreira getting final instructions at the Geelong Cup. (Ivan Kemp) 438848_05

By Justin Flynn

Geelong Cup favourite Unusual Legacy was pulled up early in the race today as Onesmoothoperator won the 2400m race.

Master jockey Craig Williams rode the $13.30 winner and pulled away from the rest of the field to win comfortably.

Second was Interpretation with Muramasa third. Mister Wolfgang was fourth.

Joao Moreira had the ride of Unusual Legacy, but pulled the five-year-old gelding up within the first few hundred metres and he failed to complete the race.

“I’ve been here a few times and had a few bits of bad luck,” Onesmoothoperator trainer Brian Ellison said.

“This horse has been brilliant. He came over, he put weight on the trip over. I said to Craig he’s not your normal stayer, he’s got loads of speed…he’s always had a good turn of foot. This horse has been bouncing.”

It was veteran Williams’ sixth cup win. Onesmoothoperator has now automatically qualified for the Melbourne Cup.

“I think he’s well placed for this year’s race (Melbourne Cup),” Williams said.

“He stays really well. Brian Ellison and his team have done a great job, he’s a fit horse, he’s a healthy horse, he was a lovely horse to have for a rider in today’s race. It’s (Geelong Cup) a great lead up race especially for international horses going to the (Melbourne) Cup.”

Onesmoothoperator ran a time of 2.27.98 and was paying $11 for the win.