SUPERSTORM DROPS FROM THE HEAVENS TO CLAIM CANTALA

Danny O'Brien joined the chorus of praise for legendary jockey Damien Oliver after the hoop produced another incredible late-charging ride to claim the $2 million Group 1 Kennedy Cantala (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Oliver earlier took the Empire Rose Stakes on Colette when she weaved her way through the field to score narrowly and it was a similar story with Superstorm, who had to change direction late before getting his head down in the shadows of the post to score in a blanket finish.

"He is (a freak)," O'Brien said after the numbers were confirmed. "His two Group 1 wins today have been as good as you'll ever see.

"He's no spring chicken and he's still riding as well as he's ever done."

The win was also Oliver's 25th G1 winner at the Melbourne Cup Carnival, taking him past the legendary Bobbie Lewis.

Superstorm ($8), who was bred and is raced by Bob Peters in WA, had a short half-head margin on the line over Icebath ($6.50), with the same margin to third-placed Cascadian ($13).

The first six horses home were all within a length of the winner, with $5 favourite Mr Brightside being beaten about a neck into fourth place.

O'Brien said it was a satisfying result given connections were tempted by the Cox Plate but ended up aiming at the Cantala.

"Bob tossed up about running him in the Cox Plate but he really was keen to see him at Flemington, in a really high-pressure mile is probably the best set up for him," he said.

"He's raced in top class throughout his career. He won the Feehan, placed in the Underwood and the Toorak, so it's great to knock off a big one with him."

Oliver said he feared his chances may have gone when he was forced to change course in the desperate drive to the line.

"I was getting a good run through and then I just had to switch off one's heels suddenly when it straightened," Oliver explained. "Fortunately, it didn't cost him any momentum and he stuck his head out on the line.

"It's great for Danny. He always does well here at Flemington and nice to get a good winner for him.

"Feels pretty good. It was nice to get a narrow victory. There were horses everywhere, typical of a big mile handicap."

Story by Andrew Eddy for Racing.com

Pic by Racing Photos