Big races are not handed out; they are hunted down, and on Saturday at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse our courageous mare Piggyback did exactly that, storming home to capture the Group 3 ATC Parramatta Cup (1900m) in a performance that blended patience, power and poise.
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From the prized inside draw in barrier one, our jockey Dylan Gibbons allowed Piggyback to find her rhythm early. Despite the temptation to take up a more prominent position, he trusted the clear instructions from the Dynamic / Ciaron Maher camp: ride her quiet, let her settle, give her the last crack at them. We are teaching her to settle for the Sydney Cup trip.
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She switched off beautifully midfield, tracking the speed, relaxed and balanced beneath Dylan.
In Group racing, that composure is priceless.
As the field approached the home turn, the leaders attempted to steal the race, quickening sharply and trying to break it open. But Piggyback had travelled too sweetly to be denied. Eased into clear air at the 300 metres, Gibbons asked her to extend and her response was immediate.
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With long, raking strides she began to reel in the leaders, the margin narrowing at the 200m, tightening further at the 100m.
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Inside the final fifty metres she surged,
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collaring Bois D’Argent in the shadows of the post
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to score by a widening short neck, with Travolta another half-neck away in third.
She stopped the clock at 1:55.92, her final 600 metres a slick 35.25. A genuine Group-class performance full of grit and timing.
Piggyback was one of only a handful of horses at the meeting that could defy the pattern of the programme that was favouring horses up and in , leading or sitting close and no wider than 3 deep. It was a wicked advantage being forward on the paint so for Piggyback to overcome this pattern of the day displayed even more what a fantastic run it was.
Even more satisfying was the fact that Piggyback was the ONLY Runner in the race bred in Australia!
So for a local to take on the imports and beat them offers connections a tremendous sence of pride.
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Gibbons later admitted it took discipline not to go too early.
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“Before I spoke to the team, I thought it would be pretty simple — put her in the box seat and ride her like a good thing,” he said.
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“But they know this mare so well. They said she appreciates being back a couple of pairs and given the chance to finish off. It took everything in me not to give her a squeeze early and have her too close.”
Prepared to perfection by champion trainer Ciaron Maher, this was a superb second-up performance off a spell, confirming she has returned in outstanding order.
Assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord revealed that the team has genuine Group 1 aspirations.
"We came here today thinking if she could repeat the sectionals she ran first-up, she was going to be hard to beat and she's got it done with another booming finish," Maher's stable spokesman and NSW assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord.
"She tries and that's a big thing for a staying type of horse.
"From barrier one she was going to need a bit of luck in the run at some point and Dylan rode her perfectly.
"It's important she travels in her races.
"She never lost any momentum from the time the barriers opened and he was able to keep building momentum throughout the run and that's what you need to happen on a horse like her."
Gerard-Dubord indicated that Saturday's success could force Maher and his team, with managing owners Dynamic Syndications, back to the table to decide on the daughter of Trapeze Artist's autumn targets.
"It's very promising for the rest of the preparation," he said.
“There is the Randwick City Stakes in two weeks. Longer-term, there is the Chairman’s Handicap and the Sydney Cup,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“But she likes Rosehill, so a race like the Tancred Stakes would have to be considered now. It’s weight-for-age, which is different, but she stays — and we don’t know how much better she can be.”
Indeed, lofty goals are firmly on the radar. The two miles of the Sydney Cup now looms as a tantalising target. Gibbons even likened her to Maher’s 2023 Sydney Cup hero Explosive Jack.
“I think she will run 3200 metres. She has that same big, gangly action. She settles well, has a great attitude and she’s trained by the right camp.”
Piggyback’s rise has not come overnight. A hit-and-run trip to Brisbane last spring proved the making of her, toughening her mentally and physically.
Winning the Gr3 Colin Stephens Quality 2400m
On the back of that preparation she claimed the Gr3 Colin Stephen Quality, and she has continued to build with each campaign. As her stable says she is still on the way up.
By Trapeze Artist, Piggyback continues to elevate her profile as a versatile, high-class mare.
Piggyback was purchased for $27,000 at the Magic Millions by Dynamic Syndications / Dean Watt Bloodstock
From 20 starts she has recorded 7 wins and 4 placings, banking $612,850 in prizemoney.
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She has now secured two Group 3 victories and proven herself from 1200 metres through to 2400 metres — a testament to her toughness, adaptability and class.
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This victory belongs to our outstanding mare and her Dynamic co-ownership team: Dynamic Syndications Racing, Mr S D Murray, Mr S J Brereton, Mr P S Chiu, Mr M R Egan, Mr M R Alston, Mr L C Griffiths, Mr A L Giddings, Ya Beaten, Dr J Caspersz, Mr R Boekel, Mr S L Lamont, Pig Sty, Mr J Yianni, TS and Ohh Eight.
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These are the moments that define why we syndicate racehorses — the shared anticipation, the collective roar and the pride of standing in the winner’s stall of a Group feature.
Saturday’s triumph marked Dynamic Syndications 31st race win for the current season and our 982nd race win overall as we surge toward the milestone of 1,000 victories.
The momentum is building. The belief is strong and with horses like Piggyback flying our colours, the message rings loud and clear.
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Won It !
Piggyback now sits on the fourth line of TAB's Sydney Cup market after firming from $15 into $11 while she was also installed as a $15 chance in the Tancred Stakes.
It is no coincidence that Dynamic Syndications targeted and purchased a yearling filly by Trapeze Artist at the 2026 Magic Millions.
Trapeze Artist x Sally's Realm Yearling Filly
She is a fabulous-looking filly and we believe lightning can strike twice.
Details are available on our website.
On Saturday at Rosehill, Piggyback did more than win another race ..... she delivered on belief, ambition and opportunity.
Race The Best with the Best.