Race Result:

1st: Protagonist (W Haggas/J McDonald) - $5
2nd: Zeyrek (M, W & J Hawkes/R Maloney) - $7
3rd: Sunshine Rising (M Newnham/N Rawiller) - $6.50

Winning Time: 2:01.43 Last 600m: 34.88

Margins: ½Head x Neck

Protagonist marks his mark in Sydney!@mcacajamez guides the European to victory for @WilliamHaggas. pic.twitter.com/IOhYnzKvb4

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 11, 2023

 

Winning Trainer: William Haggas (stable representative Isabella Paul)

On the effort: "Delighted with him, they're only out of quarantine today. It's a tough ask to do two weeks quarantine after a long flight and come straight out on ground we weren't sure he was going to love and do that. What a little star and so excited for what he can do for the rest of the carnival."

On what's next: "We'll have to wait and see, we'll see how he comes out of this. He's got a few different targets, I'm sure the boss (trainer William Haggas) will be having a conversation with Australian Bloodstock and take it from there."

On if stablemate Purpleplay can win the next race (Coolmore Classic): "That would be nice. Again not sure the ground will suit the filly but we'll see how we go."

Winning Jockey: James McDonald

On the effort: "He was good, he's a nice solid galloper. He handles himself beautifully and I think he'll improve a bit off that as well. He hit the front a fair way from home, stargazed a bit, just had a good look around. When they got to him he found a gear so that was impressive."

On when he knew he'd won: "As I crossed the line. When I come back and seen number 16 in the frame.

On the feel it gave him: As soon as I went two furlongs, because he was really running through the bridle at one point of time, and then he spat it out around the back and gave himself a chance. He's a lovely horse, great mover, suits these conditions."

Beaten Jockeys:

Tim Clark (Knights Order): "He is going quite well. Wants a little bit further and any rain around will only enhance his chances."

Jay Ford (No Compromise): "Track too firm for him."

Regan Bayliss (Selino): "He just needs to get out in trip."

Kerrin McEvoy (Magical Lagoon): "She just raced a little bit fresh. Will be better for the run and stay at a similar trip next time you'll see a better effort."

Dylan Gibbons (Stockman): "Don't think there is any more you can say about him. A warrior who tries his guts out every time."

William Pike (Alegron): "A lovely ride and tried hard."

Nash Rawiller (Sunshine Rising): "He's gone brilliantly. Happy with the way he finished off. He'll be right in a couple of weeks."

Brett Prebble (Benaud): "Should pay to ride him. A beautiful horse. Just needs the cut in the ground. Fast track too fast for him."

Ryan Maloney (Zeyrek): "Huge run. Obviously the barrier played a big part in that. Stepping up from 14[00] straight to 2000m it was a huge run.

Tyler Schiller (King Frankel): "Right on track for the Sydney Cup. He was a little bit dour. Very happy with him."

Zac Lloyd (Normandy Bridge): "I liked him. He needs a wetter track and a bit further."