Four-year-old gelding Wayed To Go delivered a stunning upset at Geelong on Wednesday, taking out the 2246m race at $158 on the tote and upwards of $201 with some betting sites.
Trained by Shane Bottomley and ridden by Adam McCabe, the outsider led throughout and held off late challenges to win by half a length, beating Just Explosive ($10) into second and Cool King ($4.60) into third.
The step up in distance proved pivotal. “The distance was exactly what he was looking for,” Bottomley told racing.com, describing the gelding as a “big, gangly type” well-suited to staying trips.
McCabe credited the horse’s relaxed nature and tactical pace-setting for the victory. “He relaxed, we had it nice and easy early … then just maintained that gallop,” he said.
Despite a disrupted preparation, Wayed To Go’s solid fitness base and perfectly judged ride secured the shock win, marking a career highlight for connections.
