Two Wins for Walker

Champion jockey Manoel Nunes was in rampant form on Friday when he booted home a fantastic four-timer to take the night's honours hands down.

Though he sits on top of the log, the Brazilian has not been able to break away to a big lead like at his previous two premiership-winning seasons this term. More depth to the riding ranks with the likes of Vlad Duric, Danny Beasley joining the fold this year has contributed to the more bunched-up top of the heap.

But Nunes had never paid much heed to all the talk he had loosened his grip on a third crown, and nothing like four winners to remind the knockers he should not be written off too early.

“People can say what they want. I am confident in my own ability, and it was just a matter of being patient and getting on the right horses and a bit of luck,” he said.“I'm not far from riding 2,000 winners and that goes to show I have not forgotten what I know best - ride winners.

“Some days I go in with two to three good chances and end up riding no winners. On other days, things fall into place and I get four like tonight.”

Nunes began his juggernaut with Our Touche ($33) before finishing out of the placings with Pretty Elusive in the next race, but his next three rides all saluted one after another - King Savinsky ($26), So Perfect ($20) and finally Speedy Dragon, the only favourite ($16) among his winners.