Darley Victoria sire Reset has claimed his 5th Group 1 courtesy of a last-to-first burst by Hauraki in the $1 million Epsom Hcp (1600m) at Randwick.

Hauraki came from the heavens to prevail in a thrilling photo-finish to the Big Mile on Saturday.  “I can’t believe it,” trainer John O’Shea said.  “I thought we was going to run a good fifth and didn’t even get to cheer because he came that quick.

“He’s earned a run in the Cox Plate,” O’Shea added.  “But everything after today is a bonus.”

Hauraki joins Fawkner, Pinker Pinker, Rebel Raider and Set Square at the elite level for Reset who stands for a $16,500 (inc gst) fee at Darley’s Northwood Park nursery in Seymour.

A Darley homebred, Hauraki is from Youthful Presence (Dehere) and is a half-brother to black-type winners Kidnapped (G1 South Australian Derby), Academus (G2 Western Australian Guineas) and Deledio (LR SAJC Hill Smith Stakes).

The Epsom prizemoney catapulted Reset’s earnings to $1.17 million this season.  He’s within $150k of Written Tycoon at the top of the Victorian sires’ premiership and immediately firmed into $15 with tab.com.au for the $3 million Cox Plate.

“He’s a strong-willed horse and is my favourite at the moment,” winning jockey James McDonald said.  “There have been a few doubters but he’s always raced against the best and John has timed this preparation to perfection.”

Hauraki had been placed five times at Group 1 level before the breakthrough including a last-start second to Winx in the George Main Stakes.  He will clash with the champion mare again at Moonee Valley on October 22.

RESET