Yard to the Post @ Chipping Norton Stakes Day
Race Day: Warwick Farm on Saturday, 28 February 2015
It was all smiles as John O'Shea scored his first of what is sure to be a string of Godolphin Group Ones. Contributer beat home stable-mate Hartnell in the day's feature, the 1,600 metre Chipping Norton Stakes.
That special win added to a big day for the gallopers in Royal Blue. It's Somewhat showed his class to win the Liverpool City Cup and Exosphere dominated the other two-year-old colts and geldings in the Skyline Stakes.
None of them impressed as much as John Thompson's flying filly First Seal though. She produced a devastating sprint finish to win the Group Two Surround Stakes by a widening margin.
The Coolmore, Doncaster and even Queen Elizabeth await.
A race-by-race review is provided from the yard to the post. The complete guide from your team at the track.
Track Info
| Rail | TRUE |
| Conditions | SOFT 5 |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | OFF RAILS |
All The Race Finishes
Race 1 SCHWEPPES HANDICAP
Big strides right on the line
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sasenkile | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Serg Lisnyy | 5 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Phrases | Bindi Cheers | 6 | 57.0 | ||
| 3 | Danjeu | John Thompson | Jason Collett | 7 | 54.5 |
In The Yard
ARTIBAI and DANJEU looked well in the yard, more strength than most. GHOST PROTOCOL and BLAZING DRAGON both fine. SASENKILE and LAST WISH just a bit hot in the warm weather
In The Running
A bit of action in during the running of this race. PHRASES took up the running from DANJEU, who had to work forward. PLANET PURPLE and ARTIBAI were just in behind. DREAM FOLK was stuck wide and pushed on to take up the running mid-race. Overall, a FAIR TEMPO was set up.
The Result
PHRASES (2nd) moved up and fought on gamely, but SASENKILE (1st) put in the big bounds down the outside late. DANJEU (3rd) stuck on.
The Interest
An evenly matched race and there wasn’t a whole lot between them. ARTIBAI might have found the grade a bit hot for him – he had every chance. The improver is LAST WISH after he got very hot in the yard and looked to be cruising on the turn (didn’t have clearest of room, but not blocked). SASENKILE and DANJEU can continue to race well too. As for PHRASES, he will battle on in almost any race, a very tough grey! Follow SASENKILE and DANJEU. Forgive LAST WISH.
Race 2 PRO-RIDE SKYLINE STAKES
A serious Slipper contender
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exosphere | John O'Shea | James McDonald | 1 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Odyssey Moon | Robert Smerdon | Tye Angland | 2 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Wolf Cry | Stuart Webb | Hugh Bowman | 4 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
2yos handling heat OK, no big knocks. SEBRING SUN was a touch hot, but well. Good strength in others. SALERNO a touch leaner/athletic
In The Running
EXOSPHERE was slowish early and got back and SEBRING SUN went back with him. SALERNO took up the lead and was hassled by MOGADOR on his outside. ODYSSEY MOON and WOLF CRY were just in behind. Blake Shinn took SEBRING SUN wider early in the run.
The Result
EXOSPHERE (1st) swept past them for a big win. ODYSSEY MOON and MOGADOR (4th) kept on fairly a few lengths behind. WOLF CRY hung tough to the line (3rd) - he got some interference from MOGADOR and won a minor protest.
The Interest
He went way too hard on debut, but this time around things are different. EXOSPHERE is one serious youngster that is good enough to show up in the Golden Slipper. Interesting that WOLF CRY and SEBRING SUN finished alongside each other (similar form) - that isn't a good marker for HAPTIC and FURNACES (raced against them last start). It was a poor ride on SEBRING SUN though, he's only got a short sprint. Follow EXOSPHERE. Forgive SEBRING SUN.
Race 3 LES JOHNSON MEMORIAL SWEET EMBRACE STAKES
Too much muscle from Waller
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Always Allison | Chris Waller | Glyn Schofield | 1 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Speak Fondly | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Kerrin McEvoy | 6 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Tibrogargan Miss | Darryl Hansen | Luke Tarrant | 4 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
The fillies handled the conditions well. ALWAYS ALLISON had more power than most, a nice type. No knock on SPEAK FONDLY or MICCUCI. MOWGLI and ITALY were leaner, more efficient types than the other sprinters.
In The Running
TIBROGARGAN MISS took up the lead from SPEAK FONDLY and CIRCULAR out three-wide. ALWAYS ALLISON was a bit slow to begin and pushed up to the box seat. MOWGLI was also slow and pushed up into the pack. A FAIR TEMPO was set up.
The Result
TIBROGARGAN MISS (3rd) gave a good kick, but SPEAK FONDLY (2nd) and ALWAYS ALLISON (1st) chased home best out wider.
The Interest
Good runs from the top three in this, especially the winner, who is a serious racehorse. She just needs to lose the habit of a slow jump. The form-line of ITALY and MOWGLI held up, they both finished very strongly and look like 1400m+ types. Not much wrong with SPEAK FONDLY or TIBROGARGAN MISS, the Queenslander staying nearer the inside. CIRCULAR could be forgiven, she raced out wider. Follow ALWAYS ALLISON, ITALY and MOWGLI. Forgive CIRCULAR (in easier race).
Race 4 SURROUND STAKES
A future champ shows her class
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Seal | John Thompson | Blake Shinn | 7 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Supara | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tommy Berry | 2 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Slightly Sweet | Jason Coyle | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 3 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
FIRST SEAL is a classy type, 95% fit. AMICUS and WINX looked well. ADRIFT was fine, bigger type. PEGGY JEAN and SLIGHTLY SWEET looked ok, but a bit leaner (lack power). ABDUCTION ready. WINE TALES is a powerful type, might be hard from Barrier 1 first-up
In The Running
LUCKY RAQUIE took up the lead and set a STEADY TEMPO, HIGH ABOVE and SUPARA in the box seat. WINX and ADRIFT were a bit slow to begin, both getting stuck wider and further back. ABDUCTION was a bit keen in the run.
The Result
FIRST SEAL (1st) came to the outside and sprinted straight past them for a big win. SUPARA (2nd) kept on solidly and SLIGHTLY SWEET (3rd) made ground up the inside. WINE TALES was held up for the early part of the straight and ABDUCTION never got a run.
The Interest
She is good, very good. You don't often see a filly with such a mix of power, strength and stamina, but this girl has got it all. A few hard luck takes in behind. WINE TALES could have placed and ABDUCTION never got a clear run at them, they could win something easier. WINX was OK out very wide on the track and SLIGHTLY SWEET is a very genuine filly that always tries. The ratings of SUPARA jumped, she is better than most thought. It just wasn't ADRIFTs race, she can do better in a more genuinely run race over further. Follow FIRST SEAL. Forgive ADRIFT, WINE TALES (in easier) and ABDUCTION (in easier).
Race 5 LIVERPOOL CITY CUP
Another Godolphin import shines
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | It's Somewhat | James Cummings | James McDonald | 5 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Rudy | Helen Page | Luke Tarrant | 11 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Gypsy Diamond | Peter & Paul Snowden | Sam Clipperton | 14 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
TERRITORY and THUMP looked good in the yard with power. PORNICHET looked OK despite drift in market. RED EXCITEMENT was impressive. IT'S SOMEWHAT is toned/balanced, not a sprinter?
In The Running
AOMEN and HOT SNITZEL paired off and set a STRONG TEMPO. THUMP was bustled to keep up with the speed. TERRITORY was wider just off the pace and RED EXCITEMENT had a nice trail. MALAVIO missed the start and GYPSY DIAMOND was restrained out the back.
The Result
IT'S SOMEWHAT (1st) sustained a strong surge to the line, from RUDY (2nd), who made good ground. GYPSY DIAMOND (3rd) and MALAVIO (4th) flashed from the back. THUMP and AOMEN stuck on OK.
The Interest
IT'S SOMEWHAT didn't look like a 1300m horse and he probably isn't, but the strong speed let him show who had the class. He is a smart galloper that could have a Group 1 over 1600m to 2000m in his reach. RUDY returned in great style, and the classier gallopers MALAVIO and GYPSY DIAMIOND both ran on well. THUMP was brave and AOMEN produced a big effort nearer the inside. It was clear by now that the OFF RAILS bias wasn't that strong. DESTINY'S KISS finished off nicely again. Follow IT'S SOMEWHAT and RUDY.
Race 6 LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL CHIPPING NORTON STAKES
O'Shea gets his maiden Godolphin Group One
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Contributer | John O'Shea | James McDonald | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Hartnell | James Cummings | James Doyle | 14 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | He's Your Man | Chris Waller | Blake Shinn | 15 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
HARTNELL (strong/balanced), SILENT ACHIEVER and LUCIA VALENTINA (athletic) all looked well. CONTRIBUTER has power for sprint. FORETELLER and HE'S YOUR MAN fitter.
In The Running
WEARY pushed forward with NINTH LEGION setting a rolling FAIR TEMPO. FIVEANDAHALFSTAR as in the box seat and HE'S YOUR MAN slotted in. BOBAN and HAWKSPUR were out wider and HARTNELL got restrained to the back.
The Result
HE'S YOUR MAN (3rd) loomed on the turn, but CONRIBUTER (1st) came around him and was too strong. HARTNELL (2nd) surged home through the pack late.
The Interest
Godolphin brought two very good horses to the race, but only one was ridden to win. HARTNELL was every bit as impressive as CONTRIBUTER - they are both serious Group One horses. SILENT ACHIEVER and FORETELLER will continue to get better and HE'S YOUR MAN is a proven WFA contender now. WHO SHOT THEBARMAN and OPINION were very good first-up. Lil' LUCIA VALENTINA couldn't find the sprint needed on a drying track. Follow CONTRIBUTER and HARTNELL
Race 7 GUY WALTER STAKES
A great training effort in memory of Guy Walter
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Danesiri | John Thompson | Christian Reith | 10 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Cosmic Endeavour | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tommy Berry | 6 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Mahara | Peter & Paul Snowden | James McDonald | 12 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
COSMIC ENDEAVOUR, NEENA ROCK, MAHARA paraded well. COSMIC ENDEAVOUR is big strong and tough. ARABIAN GOLD looked fine and 90% fit. DEAR DEMI was a touch hot and TARLOSHAN a bit unsettled.
In The Running
Quite a fair line from the start. TARLOSHAN worked up outside and hassled SOLICIT for the lead with MY SABEEL out wide with no cover. DANESIRI didn't have much cover midfield. COSMIC ENDEAVOUR and DEAR DEMI were in behind the leaders. TINTO and MAHARA went back.
The Result
DANESIRI (1st) got out in the best ground and kept lifting, from COSMIC ENDEAVOUR (2nd), who fought on bravely. MAHARA (3rd) made ground down the outside to beat home SOLICIT (4th).
The Interest
She is one game little mare this girl and John Thompson has her going better than ever. A great training effort in memory of a great trainer - Guy Walter. COSMIC ENDEAVOUR did a great job nearer the inside and SOLICIT fought on after being hassled mid-race. TINTO was the eye-catcher, storming home as always! She is very good. DEAR DEMI and DIAMOND DRILLE did enough - they will be suited in different races. Follow COSMIC ENDEAVOUR, SOLICIT and TINTO. Forgive MY SABEEL (always wide).
Race 8 CAL REI HANDICAP
A flashing filly takes the last
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Press Report | Kris Lees | Jason Collett | 14 | 53.0 | |
| 2 | Earnest Ernest | Joseph Pride | Brodie Loy | 2 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Floral Insight | Jim Delaney | Ms Priscilla Schmidt | 8 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
LE CORDON BLEU impresses, big and strong. PRESS REPORT is athletic and well. FLORAL INSIGHT, EARNEST ERNEST, BANG BANG all look ready. MAXIMILIAN fitness to come, BIG BUDDIE was a bit hot
In The Running
EARNEST ERNEST was a bit slow to begin. FLORAL INSIGHT took the lead from CAPROSSA and PERFECT WEAPN out wider. BANG BANG snuck up the inside and LE CORDON BELUE was in behind. PRESS REPORT was restrained out wider.
The Result
PRESS REPORT (1st) came to the outside of the track and flashed late to catch EARNEST ERNEST (2nd), who had sprinted up the inside. FLORAL INSIGHT (3rd) and LE CORDON BLEU (4th) stuck on from on-pace.
The Interest
Most of them stuck nearer the inside here and the only question is why? PERFECT WEAPON’s run – stuck three wide, steered wider, made late ground – proved it was better out there. PRESS REPORT didn’t have anyone out there for company so it’s hard to knock the effort, despite her finding the best ground. She's a very game type that always gives her all. As usual EARNEST ERNEST 'pulled up' as soon as he saw the winning post! The placegetters are just solid benchmark sprinters though. No follows or forgives.