Racing
Pallaton wins Schweppervesence Plate: Post Race Trainer and Jockey Quotes
Trainer and jockey quotes following the Schweppervesence Plate won by Pallaton at Flemington on Tuesday.
Race Result:1st: Pallaton (Michael Freedman/James McDonald) - $3.10 fav2nd: Street Artist (Anthony & Sam Freedman/Mark Zahra) - $3.60
3rd: Vangogh Bankcheque (Lloyd Kennewell/Jamie Melham) - $13
Winning Time: 58.53 Last 600m: N/A
Margins: 1¼L x Nose
Back with a bang @mcacajamez arrives at Flemington in style, riding PALLATON to victory in The Schweppervescence Plate.
@wwos | #MelbourneCup | #MelbCupCarnival pic.twitter.com/tAIk67f4ni
— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 4, 2025
Winning Trainer: Michael Freedman
<NO POST-RACE INTERVIEW CONDUCTED>
Winning Jockey: James McDonald
"He gave me a beautiful ride and sailed into it really nicely. He's genuine. He's a really nice colt.
"I think the straight suits his style."
"First time up the straight he relaxed well; he did all the fundamentals really well and breezed into it nicely. He ran with a bit of authority, it felt like he had a bit to come, and it was good when Michael was prepping him up. He's had a tough prep, but he's come here and got the prize."
First winner of Cup week: "I was looking for Zahra (after the line), where is he? No, we always have a bit of fun and he's flying, so it's good banter."
"I reckon he (Zahra) might run us down this year because he's absolutely riding unbelievably, it's good competition. He's definitely getting everyone to rise to because he's absolutely flying.
