Just Party ends 19-month drought to land Goulburn Cup and Big Dance spot

Source: https://racehub.com.au/news

Just Party had not visited the winner's stall since March 2024, but when the drought finally broke it came in the best possible circumstances — a $200,000 Goulburn Cup victory that also punched his ticket to Randwick's $3 million Big Dance.

The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained gelding made it two wins from 21 starts on Sunday at Goulburn, sitting off a scorching tempo before Jay Ford threaded him through along the inside rail to score comfortably. Race favourite Cross Tasman ($3) finished second, with Chris Waller's Declichy Boulevard ($5) filling third.

The win hands the stable its third Goulburn Cup in six years, a record Alexiou acknowledged with pride — though he was measured about what comes next. He told reporters he remains unconvinced the son of Justify will measure up over the Big Dance's 1600 metre trip, preferring to secure another win first before committing to the Randwick feature.

"I'm still not sold on him at a mile but obviously it is still a good carrot to chase but we'll just let the dust settle because I want to win another race with him first," Alexiou said.

Ford, who covered the gelding up behind Cross Tasman through the run, was the guiding hand on a horse he believes thrives when protected from the pressures of racing wide and exposed. The jockey said Just Party's ability belied his lean record.

"He's run some great races in good company so it is amazing to think he hasn't won in such a long time," Ford said. "I think he really appreciates being cuddled and weaving through them rather than exposing him too early."

Ford described how the strong pace set up the race perfectly, allowing him to tuck in behind one of the key players and let the gelding find his feet naturally. "He travelled really strongly behind the strong tempo and I was able to find the back of one of the main chances and he took me right into the race," Ford said. "It was good to see the horse do the rest."

Whether the Big Dance becomes a genuine target remains to be seen, but Sunday's performance at least keeps the option alive.