Cullens and Orange pair up to win Supremacy

Bruce Stewart Journalist

Trainers Hayden and Amanda Cullen and driver Blair Orange are well respected and a lethal combination. And that’s how it played out in todays $60,000 Group Two Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes at Ascot Park.

Although one of his main rivals Marble Arch had drawn the one marble, Orange decided the front was the best place to be for Mystery Creek (Downbytheseaside) and after a  short sharp battle with Marble Arch and Carter Dalgety that’s where he landed.

“Some of his main rivals were on the second row and I just had to settle in front of them. He had to do a little bit and Carter made me do enough and I copped a bit more pressure a lap out. Not many horses can do it at both ends but I was lucky he could,” Orange said.

Once in front Mystery Creek made his own terms.

“He’s pretty laid back and never travels on the bit.”

Later in the season Orange thinks Mystery Creek could develop into a Derby horse.

“He’ll enjoy the extra distance and stronger tempo. He’ll be a nice Derby horse going forward.”

It was Orange’s third win in the Supremacy. He won with Highview Tommy in 2009 and also last year, driving Five Crowns.