Black Forge Wins Drama Charged Maitland Cup

BLACK Forge broke through for a deserved group race victory at Maitland on Thursday night, landing the $40,000 to-the-winner Ladbrokes sponsored Maitland Gold Cup in rather bizarre circumstances.

Appearing all over a winner when railing underneath race favourite Fernando Blaster turning for home, Black Forge, a son of Fabregas and top producer Hail Queenie, shot a few lengths clear before seemingly losing concentration and drifting to the centre of the track, scoring by a head at the finish in 24.90.

Finishing second was fastest qualifier Fernando Blaster for trainer Terry Jordan, while Burning Fuel filled third for Mark Wilcox, 5 ½ lengths away.

Trained by Darren Sultana, Black Forge extended his record to 18 wins from the 36 starts with Thursday night's Gold Cup success, his prizemoney earnings now a cool $131,000.

Stewards paid close attention to Black Forge's actions in the latter stages of the Gold Cup, giving the Golden Easter Egg hopeful the benefit of the doubt in regards to failing to pursue the lure, citing an offside shoulder muscle injury sustained in the run as a mitigating factor.

It was a red letter night for Londonderry trainer Darren Sultana, claiming three winners on the nine race card.

In the $2,800 to-the-winner Middle Distance Championship (565m), Oxley Rebel ran down piping hot favourite Zipping Bailey right on the line, the son of Barcia Bale posting a nippy 31.75 to score by a head in a thrilling finish.

Sultana's other winner was the very impressive Flying Ella in the fifth event, the daughter of Don't Knocka Him and Ella Lezah scoring by 3 ¾ lengths in a fast 22.23.