Sue knows Tom will be watching his top colt from above

There’ll be a little nod to the heavens if short-priced favourite Bay Of Biscay can salute in tonight’s Nutrien Equine Classic Final for three-year-old colts and geldings.

The Emma Stewart-trained youngster was the last horse raced by legendary owner, breeder and bookmaker Tom Hogan before his passing in September, and his partner of close to 50 years, Sue Murray, remains one of the pacer’s connections.

Murray recalls Hogan – or “Tara” as he was known to all and sundry – communicating with those at the 2022 Nutrien sales in Sydney in order to purchase the impressive son of Somebeachsomewhere and Nike Franco.

“We weren’t there, but I remember watching the live stream and Tom being on the phone to someone at the sales urging syndicate manager Tim Bunning to hang in there and get the horse,” she said.

“We were very excited to be in the ownership as he’s so well bred and Clayton (Tonkin, Stewart’s partner) loved him.”

The early wraps on Bay Of Biscay were justified when it came time to head to the racetrack, with the brown colt winning his first two starts before a second placing to The Bigboss in the Nutrien two-year-old final last year.

He then qualified for a Group 1 Vicbred Super Series final before Hogan’s passing.

“All of our others are in my name only, but he thought that Bay Of Biscay was extra special so wanted to officially be in the ownership,” Murray said.

“Tom was still with us to watch him race the semi-final of the Vicbred series and was looking forward to cheering him home in the final, but it wasn’t to be. Tom passed away on September 14 and the final was on the 16th. Bay Of Biscay was eventually scratched due to a minor issue.”

Bay Of Biscay’s last outing was a runner-up placing in the Group 1 NSW Derby during March and he will start a prohibitive favourite in this evening’s $150,000 contest from gate five for driver Mark Pitt.

“We have raced many horses with Tim going back to Our Little General, Hardhitter and Centenario, and more recently Khafaji and Banglez just to name a few. Our ownership group is fantastic and we have shared many great times together,” Murray, who plans to be on track tonight, said.

“Here’s hoping for some success on Saturday night. Tom will be cheering from above, I’m sure.”