Adelaide Cup an option for in-form Taramansour

Taramansour may be headed for an Adelaide Cup campaign after his commanding victory in a staying event at Flemington on Saturday, where he powered past his rivals in impressive fashion.

Ridden by Jaylah Kennedy, the eight-year-old gelding ($4.40) was maneuvered into clear running at the top of the straight, surging past leader Newfoundland ($5), who held on bravely for second place.

Coming off a solid run in Sydney two weeks prior, trainer Phillip Stokes indicated the South Australian staying feature is a genuine consideration for Taramansour.

“It looked a bit messy there for a while, but she (Kennedy) found clear room, and he was strong,” Stokes said post-race. “From here we might go towards a Torney Cup or maybe an Adelaide Cup. He’ll be back at the farm tomorrow, and we’ll keep him ticking over there, keeping him mentally happy. Hopefully, he can win more races for his connections.”

Kennedy praised Taramansour’s performance and was confident in his chances well before the finish.

“I really didn’t expect to be that far back, but he settles well in the first part of the race,” she said. “I just had to nurse him for as long as I could, and as soon as I got out, he was electric—he’s got a really good turn of foot.

“He’s a tough horse. I hit the front early, and to his credit, he really toughed it out.”