Epaulette scores commanding win

Three-year-old Commands colt Epaulette confirmed his place as one of the most valuable colts in Australia with an emphatic win in the G1 Doomben 10,000 over 1350m, May 25.

The victory was the second win at the elite level for the three-quarter brother to Darley’s triple G1-winning stallion Helmet, following his win in the G1 Golden Rose at Rosehill in September last year.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy allowed Epaulette to settle back worse than midfield in what was a frantically run Doomben 10,000.

Still well back turning for home, McEvoy weaved a path through the field and Epaulette burst to lead in the final 200m, going on to record a dominant two-length win.

The Commands colt was immediately installed favourite to claim his third G1 victory in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on June 8.

Epaulette is the third foal to race out of unraced Singspiel mare Accessories, whose two other foals to grace the track are Helmet and G3 winner and G1 runner-up Bullbars.

Along with Appearance and Commanding Jewel, Epaulette is one of three individual G1 winners for Commands this season. No stallion has had more G1 wins in Australia this year with the trio having combined for six victories at the elite level.

The sire of 57 Stakes winners including nine G1 winners, Commands will stand the forthcoming breeding season at Darley Kelvinside at a fee of $55,000 inc. GST, while Helmet will stand at Northwood Park at a fee of $33,000 inc. GST.