Noir De Rue has owners dreaming of more Cup glory

ANDREW O’TOOLE

Courtesy of NT News

Noir De Rue, aided by a ten-out-of-ten ride from Vanessa Arnott, proved far too strong for his rivals with a decisive win in the $60,000 Asian United Food Service Cheif Minister’s Cup, feature event on Day 2 of the Darwin Cup Carnival at Fannie Bay on Saturday.

The ROANT Cup winner a fortnight earlier backed up that performance with another dominant display, and will surely now start favourite for his grand final, the $200,000 Great Northern Darwin Cup, in just over the three weeks.

The 8yo son of Blackfriars, third and fourth in the last two Darwin Cups, seems better than ever, and trainer Jason Manning and his large contingent of owners have every right to be dreaming of Cup Success this year.

Noir De Rue began well from the inside gate but was soon headed by Siakam and Hettinger, who set up a strong pace. Grandslam, after racing wide for a time, slotted into third ahead of stablemate Thought Of That, with Noir De Rue perfectly positioned on the fence.

The two leaders were still hard at it on the home turn, but Arnott had moved her mount into a challenging position, with Sanblas looking a distinct danger.

With about 250m to go, Noir De Rue assumed control and cleared away late to win by close on three lengths from a game Sanblas, with AS Cup winner Write Your Name doing his best work late to finish third. Hettinger stuck on bravely for fourth ahead of Siakam…

Read full article on NT News website here. Page 28.