SEVEN YEAR'S learning the ropes with Michael Stoute paid dividends for Gerry Cusack when the Irishman turned his first runner in England into a rewarding victory at Chester yesterday.
Undeterred by opponents from the big yards of Henry Cecil, John Gosden, Barry Hills and Peter Chapple Hyam, he produced Tout A Coup, ridden by Michael Kinane, to clinch the Shadwell Stud Cheshire Oaks and a possible run in the Epsom.
The filly was introduced at 20 to 1 for the classic, available only if Cusack persuades owner Edmund Loder to pay £15,000 to supplement her, after she swept to a two lengths win over Solar Crystal. However, unless the remaining English trials prove inconclusive, the Irish Oaks is a more realistic big race target.
Cusack moved to The Curragh two years ago after five years as assistant to Stoute, a period when champion miler Zilzal and champion hurdler Kribensis were among the stable stars. He now has 20 horses in his care, a figure sure to rise following yesterday's listed race victory.
"Tout A Coup has been running over a mile before today but I was confident she would get the trip. She does very little when she hits the front and if you took any notice of her home work she wouldn't run at all," he said.
"The supplementary entry deadline for the Oaks is on May 31st and we will have to think about that. But we will see how the other trials unfold before we make a decision."
Solar Crystal attempted to make all the running under a 5lb penalty and remains among the Oaks outsiders. But Cecil will wait to see how the better fancied Quota and Magnificent Style progress before finalising his lineup.
Jockey Jimmy Quinn's prayers were answered as Merit narrowly missed elimination from the Tote Chester Cup and then proceeded to run away with the historic staying handicap.
Merit was the last horse to squeeze into the 18 runner field after two horses were withdrawn at the overnight stage. "I was keeping my fingers crossed that he would make the cut and I was going to ride Opera Buff if he didn't get in," said Quinn.
The Irishman had less to worry about during the race itself, moving his mount smoothly through the field to challenge long time leader Fujiyama Crest with four furlongs to go.
Sweeping into the lead before the home turn, Paul Cole's colt, racing from 4lb out of the handicap, stretched away to defeat Daraydan with Corradini third.
Trainglot, the 4-1 favourite, was never able to strike a serious blow and finished sixth.
"The race was run to suit me. He was helped by being able to come off a strong pace and in the end he's done it very well," said a jubilant Quinn.
The hard working 28 year old had risen at 4.00 am and driven about 350 miles before stepping into the Chester Cup limelight.
"I went down to Littlehampton to ride Nanton Point for Lady Herries this morning and then came back by car to ride at Chester," said the Newmarket based light weight.
Quinn, who has already had 323 rides this year will be maintaining a tiring schedule. His main aim this year is to have 1,000 mounts.
