William Pike has been hailed an “absolute genius” after landing an early blow on Melbourne Cup Day, steering home the WA-owned Beach Pad to win at Flemington.
In the Australian Heritage Handicap (2800m), Pike settled $11 chance Beach Pad sixth from last before pulling to the outside at the 700m.
Pike perfectly timed his run to reach the front with 250m to go and while a late rush erupted from Highland Bling ($31), Beach Pad won by a neck.
Beach Pad is owned by WA’s Geoff Evans and winning trainer Shane Jackson crooned over Pike’s brilliance.
“Beautiful ride. It was an absolute genius ride from barrier 10,” Jackson said.
“Thankfully, Willie Pike is a small little fella, and he can do that weight (53kg) as well.”
Pike will steer $20 shot Zakouma in the Melbourne Cup (3200m), also owned by a West Australian in Trevor Delroy, which runs at 12:00pm WA time.
Fellow WA-born jockeys Mark Zahra and Damian Lane will ride Middle Earth ($18) and Wine Dark Sea ($34), respectively.
