Plate win may lead Komachi on Cup journey
Komachi recorded a maiden win at stakes level on Saturday with success in the Sportsbet Premier’s Plate (2006m) at Morphettville.
The eight-year-old gelding looks to be in career-best form and trainer Will Clarken gave Komachi his first shot at a Listed race after 46 starts and he delivered.
Komachi show great resilience to held off a late rally from several contenders down the home straight.
Clarken, who has had Komachi in his stable since April last year, was confident he had the horse as fit as he could and was pleased to see him cling on for the win.
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Saturday’s victory has Clarken pondering a tilt at the 2026 Sportsbet Adelaide Cup, but he admits he’ll need to pump a bit more work into him to run out the two miles.
With leading jockey Rochelle Milnes was on board for the ride, Komachi was able to navigate from a tricky barrier to get across and lead.
Jockey Kayla Crowther, who is normally the regular rider of Komachi, was on board Crimson Vine for Saturday’s feature and nearly spoiled the party, finishing a close second.
Milnes’ victory was one of her two for the day, the other success on board Longer Route in the AIG Security Handicap (1800m).
Clarken’s victory with Komachi was the first of a winning treble for the trainer on Saturday, saluting with Mic Drop in the next event, the Sportsbet Fast Form Handicap (1100m), then again with Thunder Shoc in the last of the day, the Adelaide Galvanising Industries Handicap (1200m).
Jockey Jacob Opperman also scored a winning double on Saturday, claiming honours with Rebel Tuesday in the opening event, the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (1050m) and World’s My Oyster in The Fotobase Group Handicap (1600m).
