Express Pass Arrives At Flemington

Matt Cartwright comes back to scale after winning aboard Express Pass at Flemington.

After coming agonisingly close just a week earlier at Sandown, apprentice jockey Matt Cartwright didn’t have to wait long to taste victory aboard the Nick Ryan trained Express Pass.

Cartwright and Express Pass were nosed out by the in form Zipping Boy in an open handicap at Sandown last Saturday at Cartwright’s first ride aboard the talented sprinter. Trainer Nick Ryan opted to back up Express Pass and apply the blinkers for the first time which proved a winning move.

Express Racing Director, Darcy Judd was full of praise on the day.

“He has really come into his own this prep. We gave him a long break after his last campaign where we took him to Sydney for a run and I think the trip away really toughened him up.” Judd Explained.

“I never thought he would be a horse that would handle the back-up, but after that trip north he has really matured. That is just a credit to Nick Ryan and how well he knows his horses.”

It was a cool headed ride from Cartwright who found himself in a sticky position as the whips started cracking.

“Matty handled the occasion extremely well. A lot of Jockeys may have panicked and started going for runs that weren’t there. He remained calm and when the gap finally opened he put the horse into a great position and it was game over.”

The win now takes Express Pass’ earnings in excess of $220,000 for connections. Initially a modest $38,000 purchase, he is proving a great buy and a lot of fun for Express Racing and their owners.