Owner makes right call in Eagle Farm win
Owner Kim McCasker's insistence apprentice Baylee Nothdurft rode Violet even though he can no longer claim paid off when the filly won at Eagle Farm.
Nothdurft brought Violet ($2.60) through the field from last to beat Cosmic Haze ($11) by a length in the Pipeline Pharmacy Three-Year-Old (1800m).
Trainer Michael Nolan admitted he had not wanted to start Violet in the race with 58.5kg.
"She isn't very big but Kim was very keen to run her. It was a race he had picked out for her," Nolan said.
"Then I wanted to claim but Kim said no he wanted Baylee. Looks like Kim is right. It was a top ride and big performance."
McCasker bred Violet when he put his mare Maypole to sire Tycoon Ruler.
He thought Maypole, who won twice as a two-year-old, could have developed into a staying-type mare later in her career.
Maypole may have provided some stoutness for Violet who looks to have a bright staying career.
Nolan and McCasker have been a formidable team since they first teamed up with the 1999 Doomben 10,000 winner Laurie's Lottery.
Nothdurft lost his city claim last week and will ride for the next six months as a non-claiming apprentice until he joins senior ranks.
