Second To Nun continues rapid rise with Leon Macdonald Stakes win at Morphettville

Second To Nun has come a long way in a short time, winning her seventh race for the year in the Leon Macdonald Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday.

Second To Nun wins the Listed Leon Macdonald Stakes on Saturday at Morphettville. Picture: Makoto Kaneko

Second To Nun just keeps getting better and better, and the progressive mare’s star has risen again, charging through to seize the Listed Leon Macdonald Stakes (1400m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

Beginning the year in a Class 1 at Murray Bridge on New Year’s Day, the five-year-old has now won seven races in 2024 for Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea.

Jockey Kayla Crowther settled midfield on the rail aboard Second To Nun, pinching a gap at the 300m before kicking clear to hold off gun rivals Attrition, Nicolini Vito and See You In Heaven.

It was an emotional win for connections and while the mare’s 2024 feats have come thick and fast, it’s all been part of an arduous journey to get the mare racing at her potential.

“She’s come a long, long way in a short amount of time, she was inches close to going online at one stage we were so frustrated with her,” Clarken said.

“We were trying to run her over short trips, we rolled the dice and got her breathing better in her races, she’s ticking along beautifully, she’s done a really solid job there to have to carry the weight (57kg) – she’s just going terrific.”

It's Second To Nun's Leon Macdonald Stakes! 🔥

Congratulations to breeder & part-owner, @eaglepunt 👏 @KaylaCrowther2@Clarken_Racingpic.twitter.com/YSlBndnKxE

— Racing.com (@Racing) August 24, 2024

Saturday’s memorable win saw the mare’s prizemoney eclipse $400,000, and she looks set to continue her path to the Balaklava Cup on September 11.

“She’s done it all in six months, I’ve never had a horse accumulate (this much) prize money over about six months without winning a decent race like she has today – she’s been a ripper for the stable,” he said.

It was the perfect day for Murray Bridge trainer John Macmillan, who snared winners with both of his runners, with evergreen geldings Aiguilette and Commander Meroo both saluting. Aiguilette continues to race in great heart as a nine-year-old, while Commander Meroo’s win also secured a riding double for Jake Toeroek after the hoop punched home The Golden Fist in the opening race.

“I was actually working for him (Macmillan) early days, so it’s good to repay the debt,” Toeroek said.

“He’s worked the horse (Commander Meroo) out now, ride him quiet, he’s got that short, sharp burst of energy so when you do get the runs you need, he really quickens.”

The Guava (left) holds off a gallant Sir Kingsford. Picture: Makoto Kaneko

Saturday’s nine-race card also produced a milestone win for Shayne and Chelsea Cahill.

The married couple notched their first metro win as a training pair with The Guava under the riding of Jason Holder.

Stablemate Tippa also ran third in the race.

“We’ve hit the ground running, the team is going good, it’s good to get a metro win as a partnership,” Shayne Cahill said.

“Tippa might’ve been laying in a little bit, trying to get out into fresh air, I think if he had of got out earlier we would’ve gone one-two.

“It’s a good return with him (Tippa), hopefully we can get a run in the Balaklava Cup with him, The Guava, I’m not sure where we’ll go next.”

Melbourne Cup contender The Map also made her return to racing in Saturday’s Leon Macdonald Stakes, the gun mare bungled the start but hit the line well as trainers Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray now aim to take the rest of her campaign to Melbourne.

Originally published as Second To Nun continues rapid rise with Leon Macdonald Stakes win at Morphettville