No Evidence Needed bounced back from a career-threatening injury to give the Patinack Farm operation a satisfying victory in Saturday’s Group Three Southern Cross Stakes at Rosehill.
Ridden by Singapore-based superstar Joao Moreira, No Evidence Needed ($9) scooted along the fence after box-seating to take out the 1200m contest by 1-1/2-lengths over Neeson ($5) with a short-head to dual Group One winner Secret Admirer ($4.80).
It was No Evidence Needed’s first start since being injured in May last year and trainer John Thompson labelled the comeback win as a great result.
“She was in Queensland last year and finished fourth to Black Caviar (in the BTC Cup). Then going into her next run she went amiss,” Thompson said.
“She chipped a joint pretty badly and had about six months off.”
Thompson, who is the head trainer for Nathan Tinkler’s Patinack operation, said there were definite thoughts of retiring No Evidence Needed who won the Group Two Let’s Elope Stakes in 2010 and was second in the Group One Schweppes Stakes and Rupert Clarke Stakes the same year.
“We did think about retiring her but she’s one of our favourites and is just a real racehorse,” Thompson said.
No Evidence Needed is being aimed at the Group One Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.
Moreira jetted in from Singapore after competing there on Friday night and left to return straight after the Apollo Stakes as he has to ride in Singapore again on Sunday afternoon.
The jockey’s victory on No Evidence Needed came after seconds on both Potions and Maules Creek earlier in the day.
“Before the races I was speaking with John Thompson and said I came from Singapore and didn’t have much luck over there last night,” Moreira said.
“I said to him I’m very hungry and looking for winners. Luckily we got some good placings and a winner so I’m just so happy for them.”
Neeson has never won in six first-up attempts and after taking up the running he fought on well in a pleasing return.
“It was his best first-up run so it looks like he’s in for a very good preparation,” jockey Peter Robl said.
Brenton Avdulla declared Secret Admirer was on target for her Group One autumn missions after running on well for third with 59.5kg on her back.
“She ran super and I’m looking forward to getting further into the preparation with her,” Avdulla said.
