Punjabi Landing Returns to Winning Form with Tough Eagle Farm Victory

Punjabi Landing produced a terrific turnaround in form at Eagle Farm, charging home to claim victory in Race 2, the Benchmark 78 Handicap over 2200m, under a well-judged ride from Mark Du Plessis.

After a disappointing performance at his previous start, it was a deeply satisfying result for the entire team and ownership group to see the talented stayer bounce back in Saturday metropolitan grade — and in impressive fashion.

While he still stepped only fairly as the gates opened, the smaller field and rain-affected conditions allowed him to settle in a much more favourable position, just behind midfield along the fence. A key gear change also proved pivotal, with the removal of the blinkers allowing him to settle beautifully throughout the middle stages. Racing more kindly and conserving his energy, Punjabi Landing travelled strongly as the genuine tempo unfolded up front. As the field approached the home turn, the intention had been to angle to the outside gradually, however circumstances saw him forced very wide on the corner. Despite covering additional ground, he sustained a powerful run all the way to the line, showing plenty of grit and determination to secure the victory.

The wet conditions were always expected to play in his favour, and Punjabi Landing proved exactly that — relishing the testing surface and showcasing his quality as a genuine wet-track stayer.

To see him rebound from a defeat margin of 10 lengths at his previous outing and return to win at Saturday metropolitan level was an outstanding result and a credit to both the horse and the patience of his connections.

Congratulations once again to all involved on a fantastic and thoroughly deserved win. We’re sure it provided a huge thrill for everyone connected with Punjabi Landing!