Arrowfield champion Redoute’s Choice opened the Melbourne Cup carnival with Galah’s G3 victory in the VRC Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Galah (3c Redoute’s Choice – Rinky Dink by Distorted Humor) took the length of the straight to get up and win by a short half-head from Highly Recommended (Fastnet Rock) and Saint Etienne (Spinning World).

“There’s plenty of upside to the horse,” Darley trainer Peter Snowden said.  “He is still learning what it is all about and is probably another six months away from being at his best.”

Galah is raced by Sheikh Mohammed and is one of 20 3YO winners by Redoute’s Choice in Australia this season.  His dam Rinky Dink was a G1 winner of the 2004 Australasian Oaks in Adelaide.  Darley bought her for $750,000 at the 2007 Inglis Broodmare Sale.  

Redoute’s Choice consolidated his position at the head of the Australian sires’ premiership at Flemington.  The $250,000 Carbine Club prizemoney helped him pass $3.55 million in earnings on Saturday.