Yard to the Post @ Randwick Guineas Day
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 04 March 2017
Tommy Berry found the fast lane early and the rest of the jockeys followed for the rest of the day, hard against the outside rail the place to be on a boggy Randwick track.
Relentless rain throughout the week resulted in a very testing surface for the gallopers, one that the previously unbeaten SHE WILL REIGN couldn't produce her best on in the Group 2 Riesling Stakes. The Golden Slipper favourite fought bravely in the middle of the track as Tommy Berry sailed down the outside fence on $13 roughie FROLIC. The winner firming in Slipper betting immediately after the race.
Slipper markets got another shuffle-up one race later, boom colt MENARI only plodding in the mud as Snowden pair GUNNISON and INVADER strode clear to fight out the finish in the Group 2 Todman Stakes.
In both Group 1 features we were treated to grandstand finishes, Canterbury Stakes winner LE ROMAIN and CHAUTAUQUA going toe-to-toe right to the post, before later Hawkes colt INFERENCE (picture) needed every yard of the Guineas mile to catch the very tough mare INVINCIBLE GEM.
A full review will be online Sunday at 9am.
picture: @atc_races
Track Info
| Rail | +4 metres |
| Conditions | HEAVY 10 |
| Weather | OVERCAST |
| Bias | OUT WIDE |
Race 1 AFFINITY SHIPPING REISLING STAKES
Tommy Berry take a bow
strong tempo
Bias:
out-wide
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frolic | Edward O'Rourke | Tommy Berry | 7 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | She Will Reign | Gary Portelli | Ben Melham | 6 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Villa Carlotta | Kris Lees | Blake Shinn | 3 | 55.5 |
In The Running
FROM WITHIN led from SHE WILL REIGN moving up on her outside and they rolled along at a STRONG tempo given the track conditions. LUCKY LOUIE up near the pace this time. FROLIC went out to the back and Berry navigated a wide course into the straight.
The Result
FROLIC (1st) stormed down the outside rail to win, SHE WILL REIGN (2nd) drifting wider on the track and fighting on well. A big gap back to VILLA CARLOTTA (3rd).
The Interest
Wow! Jockeys do make the difference sometimes and on this occasion in particular, FROLIC finding the best ground thanks to some smart track walking from her jockey before the race. No love lost for SHE WILL REIGN, who was up on a STRONG tempo and beat the other on-pacers by huge margins! FROM WITHIN (5th) 9L away and LUCKY LOUIE (7th) 23.9L away from the winner. LUCKY LOUIE in the vet report [vet: poor post-race recovery]. Follow SHE WILL REIGN and FROLIC.
Race 2 UNSW TODMAN STAKES
Snowden put two more in the Slipper mix
strong tempo
Bias:
out-wide
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gunnison | Peter & Paul Snowden | Blake Shinn | 5 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Invader | Peter & Paul Snowden | Joao Moreira | 7 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Veranillo | James Cummings | Brenton Avdulla | 4 | 55.5 |
In The Running
GUNNISON led from LIGHTZ and PERAST out wider racing a touch keenly. MENARI out the back early then started an early run wider. A STRONG tempo set up given the track conditions (i.e race sectionals continually slower).
The Result
INVADER (2nd) picked up coming wider to the outside and chased hard, but couldn't quite get past, GUNNISON (1st) fighting on bravely to win. VERANILLO (3rd) found the outside rail too and was solid to the line. SHOWTIME (4th) not far off down nearer the inside and MENARI (5th) found the outside, but peaked on his run.
The Interest
The Snowdens make a late play for the Slipper with these two, INVADER such a genuine chaser and GUNNISON particularly impressive at only his second run. MENARI seemed to peak on his run late, but you wouldn't want to be too harsh on him, a powerful colt that will much prefer a drier Rosehill than this track. VERANILLO always honest and SHOWTIME still going quite well, showing slight improvement every time. The top five all capable Slipper or Sires contenders. As you might expect, the fav' MENARI appeared in the vet report [vet: poor post-race recovery]. Follow GUNNISON. Forgive SHOWTIME (bias against)
Race 3 BRADLEY AUSTRALIA FIREBALL STAKES
Small, tough and loves the mud
strong tempo
Bias:
out-wide
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samantha | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Corey Brown | 7 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Glenall | John Ramsey | Tim Clark | 2 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Super Maxi | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 11 | 56.0 |
In The Running
SCARLET RAIN led from SUPER MAXI on her outside and CONCHITA on her inside at a STRONG tempo. GLENALL just behind the leaders. SAMANTHA ridden quietly this time and HONESTY PREVAILS out the back.
The Result
SUPER MAXI (3rd) found the outside rail and fought on, while GLENALL (2nd) drove through the centre and then came wider. They were fighting out the finish until SAMANTHA (1st) surged through late out wide too. FAITH'S ENCORE (4th) not far away.
The Interest
Two very honest runs from SUPER MAXI and GLENALL up on pace, it was the smaller SAMANTHA that had the fitness when it mattered though, conditions suiting the filly perfectly. She looks like a wet track type and Gerald Ryan confirmed on the radio Saturday morning that she had worked very well recently in the mud. FAITH'S ENCORE returned well, but we won't see her for 3 months now [vet: bled]. Forgive CONCHITA (5th), who was pinned on the inside and did much better than SCARLET RAIN (9th). SCARLET RAIN in the report too after that run [vet: poor post-race recovery]. Forgive CONCHITA (bias against)
Race 4 SCHWEPPES WENONA GIRL QUALITY
A blanket finish for the mares
fair tempo
Bias:
out-wide
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rocket Commander | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Tommy Berry | 2 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Hieroglyphics | Anthony Cummings | Joao Moreira | 1 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Zestful | Kris Lees | Jason Collett | 5 | 57.0 |
In The Running
ROCKET COMMANDER led them up two wide from ZESTFUL on her outside and HIEROGLYPHICS on her inside. NANCY just off them getting a nice trail. SERENE MAJESTY restrained to the back, perhaps by too much, McEvoy having to immediately get to work on her as they quickened into the turn. HIEROGLYPHICS kicked for home and came to the outside.
The Result
In a strange finish, HIEROGLYPHICS (2nd) looked like she had the race won before ROCKET COMMANDER (1st) came again late to grab her. ZESTFUL (3rd) fought on too to beat home NANCY (4th), who had picked up nicely coming wider into the straight and peaked late.
The Interest
HIEROGLYPHICS is going better than ever and she probably deserved the win here, doing all the work, kicking clear early and only getting grabbed late. ROCKET COMMANDER very honest, ZESTFUL still in great form and no love lost for NANCY. SERENE MAJESTY (6th) hit the line well after a strange ride. Her final 200m was the fastest by 0.2 seconds and faster than CHAUTAUQUA's final 200m too! Follow HIEROGLYPHICS, ZESTFUL and SERENE MAJESTY.
Race 5 CANTERBURY BMW STAKES
Two of the best produce an epic finish
strong tempo
Bias:
out-wide
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Le Romain | Kris Lees | Glyn Schofield | 6 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Chautauqua | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Hauraki | John O'Shea | Blake Shinn | 8 | 59.0 |
In The Running
UGO FOSCOLO led them up from LE ROMAIN working up on his outside and MUSIC MAGNATE on the inside. A STRONG tempo set up, CHAUTAUQUA way out the back urged along before the turn plotting a course up the inside before peeling wider from the 200m.
The Result
CHAUTAUQUA (2nd) moved quickly through the the middle of the track and came wider, dovetailing with LE ROMAIN (2nd) fighting on down the outside. They joined shoulder to shoulder at the 100m for a driving two-horse war. HAURAKI (3rd) running on OK down the outside rail.
The Interest
What a finish, a final furlong that will be getting replayed for years to come. Both of these great gallopers had to overcome difficulty, CHAUTAUQUA taking the lesser inside ground until the 200m mark and LE ROMAIN working up on a solid tempo that left MUSIC MAGNATE (5th) and UGO FOSCOLO (8th) floundering. That didn't stop them finding their way to exactly the same position 100m from home and crossing the line together, the bob of LE ROMAIN's head more in sync with the winning post this time. HAURAKI a strong return. UGO FOSCOLO has failed in the HEAVY before, which made the very strong betting plunge on him look all the more strange [vet: lost near-hind plate, poor post-race recovery]. Follow LE ROMAIN, CHAUTAUQUA and HAURAKI.
Race 6 HYLAND RACE COLOURS CHALLENGE STAKES
Back-to-back sprint wins for Gai
strong tempo
Bias:
out-wide
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Blake Shinn | 1 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Redzel | Peter & Paul Snowden | Kerrin McEvoy | 10 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Supido | Michael Kent | Luke Nolen | 6 | 58.5 |
In The Running
BALL OF MUSCLE led up from JUNGLE EDGE, REDZEL and DAL CIELO at a very STRONG tempo through the mud. ENGLISH got the trail behind the pack and cut up inside them coming into the straight.
The Result
ENGLISH (1st) joined in coming wider, hitting the lead and holding on from REDZEL (2nd), who kept lifting down the outside rail. SUPIDO (3rd) found the right run wider and FELINES (4th) fought on solidly.
The Interest
ENGLISH had edged out REDZEL in a trial and that form held up on the bog, ENGLISH enjoying a nice trail off the STRONG tempo and REDZEL very brave up on a pace that was too hot for BALL OF MUSCLE (9th), JUNGLE EDGE (5th) and DAL CIELO (7th). The win made it back-to-back wins for ENGLISH in this race. FELINES was probably the third best run, SUPIDO getting every chance. BALL OF MUSCLE beaten 14.2L and in the report [vet: abraded its off-hind bumper, poor post-race recovery. Follow ENGLISH and REDZEL.
Race 7 GIRVAN WAUGH RANDWICK GUINEAS
The Derby fav' arrives in time
fair tempo
Bias:
out-wide
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inference | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 11 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Invincible Gem | Kris Lees | Brenton Avdulla | 6 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Comin' Through | Chris Waller | Joao Moreira | 4 | 56.5 |
In The Running
INVINCIBLE GEM led at a FAIR tempo from MAN FROM UNCLE on her outside. INFERENCE got back to last. COMIN' THROUGH on the rails midfield.
The Result
INVINCIBLE GEM (2nd) got going for home into the turn and drifted out to the outside rail, looking home before INFERENCE (1st) drove down the smallest of gaps between the filly and the rail to win. COMIN' THROUGH fought on well after cutting up from the inside and coming wider. IMPAVIDO (4th) looked to be coming into the race as well as the winner when badly checked at the 200m.
The Interest
Another exciting finish, the 'sivertail' INFERENCE grabbing the 'fibro' INVINCIBLE GEM right on the line, delivering some rapid sectionals to get there. He's a beautiful So You Think colt that keeps improving and firmed quickly to a clear Derby favourite after this race. INVINCIBLE GEM continues to defy her previous form, now a fully fledged G1 competitor. COMIN' THROUGH did well and no luck for IMPAVIDO, who is also shaping as a big Derby chance and is bred to relish the 2400m. Follow INFERENCE, INVINCIBLE GEM and COMIN' THROUGH. Forgive IMPAVIDO.
Race 8 CITY FORD GROUP ASPIRATION QUALITY
Too much acceleration from Elle
steady tempo
Bias:
out-wide
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elle Lou | Chris Waller | Glyn Schofield | 8 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Alegria | Darren Beadman | Tim Clark | 3 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Vandancer | Michael Moroney | Tommy Berry | 5 | 53.0 |
In The Running
SEWREEL led from COUNTESS MARINOV at a STEADY tempo only, SONG AND LAUGHTER racing keenly just off the pace wider and striding up into the straight to take over. ELLE LOU and ALEGRIA out the back.
The Result
ELLE LOU (1st) sprinted up the inside and came wider to join in 150m out, going on to win from ALEGRIA (2nd), who surged home late down the outside rail. VANDANCER (3rd) strong just inside of them and SONG AND LAUGHTER (4th) unable to maintain her long run.
The Interest
No tempo early in this race and a long sprint resulted as SONG AND LAUGHTER strode for home early, unfortunate for her that she raced keenly and threw her chances away. ELLE LOU handled the step up to the mile and is in flying form now, winning her last two. Perhaps the STEADY tempo helped her to get the mile? ALEGRIA ready for further now, as is VANDANCER, who was good here after a break. Follow ELLE LOU, SONG AND LAUGHTER and ALEGRIA.
Race 9 GIRVAN WAUGH RANDWICK CITY STAKES
A genuine mudder wins easily
slow tempo
Bias:
out-wide
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Astronomos | John Thompson | Jason Collett | 6 | 53.5 | |
| 2 | Cafe Society | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 5 | 53.5 | |
| 3 | Montauk | Graham Browney | Tommy Berry | 10 | 53.5 |
In The Running
BILLS A GOODIE led at a SLOW tempo from CAFE SOCIETY, ALLERGIC back in the field with ASTRONOMOS on his inside. The tempo increased from the 800m.
The Result
ASTRONOMOS (1st) sliced through the pack and came wider, striding clear to win easily. CAFE SOCIETY (2nd) fought on and MONTAUK (3rd) quickened down the outside.
The Interest
He's been proven before in the mud and ASTRONOMOS produced his best ever win to take out this Listed level 2000m race. The competition may have not been strong though, CAFE SOCIETY first-up, MONTAUK prefers it dry, ALLERGIC only plodding and KINEMA a real grinder that needs further/more tempo. Watch the form out of this race carefully. No Follows or Forgives.