Queensland brings out best in Kukeracha

Kukeracha made an overdue return to winning form in his favourite state when he prevailed in a driving finish to claim the G3 Premier’s Cup at Eagle Farm.

The Waikato Stud graduate was last successful in the Listed Tails S. at Doomben a year ago, but a most recent third in the Listed Wagga Cup was a serious indication the Chris Waller-trained representative was back to his best.

Kukeracha was given a sweet run close to the pace by rider James McDonald and, after improving three wide 500 metres from home, maintained a strong gallop for the fifth victory of his career.

“He seems to find good form in Queensland each year and is obviously a G1 Queensland Derby winner over this distance at Eagle Farm,” Waller said.

“His run at Wagga was very good and he was fit and was ready to run a strong 2400 metres.”

Bred by Dr Chris Phillips, Kukeracha was purchased out of the Matamata farm’s Book 1 draft at Karaka in 2019 by bloodstock agent Guy Mulcaster for $130,000.

He is out of the imported AP Indy mare Portrait Of A Lady, also the dam of the G3 Keith Nolan Classic winner Cameo.