BANDIT JOINS SYDNEY CUP WINNER AT FLEMINGTON

SYDNEY Cup winner Changingoftheguard won’t be the only provincial representative in Saturday’s Melbourne Cup “free ticket” feature at Flemington.

Multiple Group 1 winning Kembla Grange trainer Kerry Parker has decided to also start Flying Bandit (above) in the $300,000 Andrew Ramsden (2800m).

The Listed event provides the winner with exemption from ballot for the $10m Melbourne Cup (3200m) at the same track on November 3.

Parker was understandably pleased with Flying Bandit’s return to form when third to Bianco Vilano in the Listed Wagga Cup (2000m) on May 1.

He had won the Cup last year – his sixth career victory – but has not won in nine subsequent starts.

“Flying Bandit showed intent at Wagga in this year’s Cup,” Parker said.

“It was pleasing to see, and even though he didn’t win, it was a nice return to form.

“Hopefully we get a good track for him at Flemington on Saturday.”

Melbourne jockey Beau Mertens has been booked for Flying Bandit, who has 58.5kg under the set weights conditions.

Leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees’ Changingoftheguard (Declan Bates) also has 58.5kg, and is obviously well placed at Flemington with only 3kg more than his Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) winning weight at Royal Randwick on April 11.

Flying Bandit’s stablemate Well Timed is also a Flemington entry, and has 55.5kg in the Listed Straight Six (1200m).

Well Timed, a Benchmark 94 Handicap (1200m) winner at home in March, last time ran eighth to fellow Kembla Grange trainer Paul Murray’s Harry’s Bar in the Wagga Town Plate (1200m) on April 30.

Leading Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup clocked up 50 wins for the season when Losrae scored at Bathurst today.

It was also an important result for Widdup’s new apprentice Leeshelle Small, who rode her first winner for him since recently joining the stable.

Small rode Bondi Blossom to victory at Newcastle on April 11 for Widdup before officially linking with him.

“Leeshelle has settled in really well at Hawkesbury, and I’m sure she will do well,” Widdup said this evening.

Previously apprenticed to Scone trainer Rod Northam, the New Zealand expat claimed 1.5kg on Losrae ($2.15 favorite) in the Maiden Handicap (1200m), bounced her away smartly and then gave her the run of the race.

Losrae was too strong for fellow Hawkesbury trainer Claire Lever’s Sant Gervasi ($5.50) over the closing stages, and won by nearly two lengths.

A three-year-old daughter of North Pacific from a Lonhro mare (My Sister Carole), Widdup paid $40,000 for Kosrae on behalf of Mulberry Racing as a 2024 Gold Coast Magic Millions yearling.

“Kosrae is a real trier, and it was good to see her break through at her fourth start,” Widdup said.

Meanwhile, stable star Jedibeel has undergone tie-back surgery in Sydney.

The operation was necessary after Jedibeel tailed out in the $5m The Quokka (1200m) at Perth’s Ascot racetrack on April 18.

Jedibeel has been a wonderful performer for the stable, winning eight races and earning just over $2m prizemoney.

“Hopefully Jedibeel will be able to return to training after recuperating,” Widdup said.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, MAY 12, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS