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Nick Hall's dream weekend continued on Sunday as he guided Sysmo to Seymour Cup glory.
The French-bred five-year-old Sysmo scored a good win here, having his second start since his third to Quintessential (Fast ‘n’ Famous) in the Chairman’s Handicap (Gr 3, 2100m) at Eagle Farm in May.
He was eased from his outside barrier (9) and settled in last place. He was giving the leader about seven lengths nearing the 600m point as he commenced to improve wide, with cover. He switched wide on straightening, put in a quick run passing the 200m, took the lead shortly after and went on to win comfortably.
The Darley runner Proverb was ridden patiently and settled in second last on the rails. He was shuffled back to last coming to the turn and was blocked on turning for home. He finally got a split at the 100m marker and then battled on well for a sound second.
Lord Wimble was fifth on the rails to the 600m, switched between runners at the turn, got into the clear on straightening and challenged at the 200m before battling on for third.
The favourite The Great Snowman ($4.25) had a good run most of the way in fourth place, one out and one back. He challenged three wide at the turn but only battled on in the straight to finish (two and half lengths) fourth after appearing to have every chance.
Road Trippin’ missed the start and was last to leave the barrier. He was then ridden hard and recovered to get a good run in sixth place one off the rails. He fanned wide nearing the home turn, challenged at the 200m and stuck some interference at the 200m before finishing fifth. He later lodged protests against The Great Snowman and Proverb which were both dismissed.