Yard to the Post @ The Championships Day Two

Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 11 April 2015

Track Info

Race 1 ADINA APARTMENT HOTELS FERNHILL HANDICAP

Bowman keeps the good times rolling

steady tempo
Bias: on-rails

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		The Barrister	Jason Warren	Hugh Bowman	8	58.0
2		Chachapoyas	John O'Shea	James McDonald	1	55.5
3		Reckless Russell	Noel Mayfield-Smith	Jay Ford	5	55.5

In The Yard

Waterhouse had CLASH OF CLANS looking well in the yard - coat shining and relaxed. THE BARRISTER stood out, with more scope and strength than many of the other youngsters. MUZYKA was a leaner type.

In The Running

THE BARRISTER crossed and set a STEADY TEMPO, from CLASH OF CLANS on his outside. CELTIC DIAMOND pressed forward out wide with not cover. CHACHAPOYAS got the box seat in behind the leader. Most youngsters settled ok, apart from MUZYKA, who was just a little keen to go faster. CLASH OF CLANS started to struggled entering the turn.

The Result

THE BARRISTER (1st) surged clear of the pack. There was a big margin back to CHACHAPOYAS (2nd), who stuck on OK, and RECKLESS RUSSELL (3rd), who gave chase along the inside (better part of the track). MUZYKA (4th) made ground a bit wider out.

The Interest

THE BARRISTER looked the goods winning in classy style aided by another gem Hugh Bowman ride. He took control of the race from the jump, got into a nice rhythm, and the big striding youngster did the rest. CHACHAPOYAS and RECKLESS RUSSELL both chased well along the inside - they found the better ground (jockeys hadn't worked out bias yet). MUZYKA was an eye-catcher, she was a bit keen in the run, got slightly out-sprinted on the turn and ran on. Follow THE BARRISTER and MUZYKA.

Race 2 MCGRATH ESTATE AGENTS SOUTH PACIFIC CLASSIC

Another promising Godolphin galloper

steady tempo
Bias: on-rails

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Federal	James Cummings	James McDonald	4	54.5
2		Snake Charmer	Phillip Stokes	Craig Williams	6	54.0
3		Ygritte	Darren Weir	Tim Clark	8	56.0

In The Yard

FEDERAL was clearly a more muscular type than most. SNAKE CHARMER's coat was shining, looking in great shape. THINKING OF YOU was more athletic and leaner than many of the others.

In The Running

SNAKE CHARMER and YGRITTE jumped nicely and they controlled the race at a STEADY TEMPO. SADLER'S LAKE strode up three wide with no cover. FEDERAL and REDOUTABLE HEART had the trail in behind the leaders. SADLER'S LAKE loomed ominously on the turn.

The Result

FEDERAL (1st) sprinted best to overhaul SNAKE CHARMER (2nd). There was a gap back to YGRITTE (3rd), who held off SADLER'S LAKE (4th) in the final strides.

The Interest

James McDonald stalked the leaders and FEDERAL showed his power to sprint best for a convincing victory. He's a nice type with more to give. The margin back to the pack from SNAKE CHARMER in 2nd was a good sign, she has always looked like a filly that would relish a longer distance (leaner and sired by Pentire). SADLER'S LAKE was wide throughout and fought on gamely, he probably just lacked the 'ping' of the others in the straight - a nice enough return ahead of the Queensland Derby. REDOUTABLE HEART was found to be lame in the near hind leg. THINKING OF YOU needs a drier track and stronger tempo. Follow FEDERAL. Forgive REDOUTABLE HEART (lame).

Race 3 PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Collett finds the short-cut to win

fair tempo
Bias: on-rails

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Sure And Fast	Graeme Murray	Jason Collett	4	56.0
2		Electric Power	Kris Lees	Damien Oliver	5	54.0
3		Oxford Poet	Kim Waugh	Blake Shinn	1	56.0

In The Yard

HARMONIC looked well with strength, while PAARRA is leaner than most. SURE AND FAST and DARCI MAGIC both looked fine - SURE AND FAST keen and on his toes, and DARCI MAGIC was very relaxed.

In The Running

OXFORD POET moved up on the inside to lead from MAGIC OF DREAMS and SLOTS (three wide), who had jumped well. A FAIR TEMPO was set up. HARMONIC was stuck four wide with no cover, while POWER LINE got right back after a slow start.

The Result

SURE AND FAST (1st) picked up best along the rails to drive to the line to beat ELECTRIC POWER (2nd), who ran on well. OXFORD POET (3rd) stuck on and DARIC MAGIC (4th) made late ground.

The Interest

Jason Collett found the short-cut and the best ground to guide SURE AND FAST through for a strong win over one of Kris Lees' six runners. ELECTRIC POWER also hugged the rails behind the winner and really got going late to finish a length behind. DARCI MAGIC was another that made up plenty of ground from the back (also along the inside) after he was in a tricky position on the turn. OXFORD POET was game and SELECTIFY also stuck on OK after he drifted wider into the worst ground. Follow SURE AND FAST, ELECTRIC POWER and DARCI MAGIC. Forgive HARMONIC (wide run).

Race 4 GIRVAN WAUGH PERCY SYKES STAKES

A classy 'rogue' finally delivers

steady tempo
Bias: on-rails

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Ottoman	John O'Shea	Sam Clipperton	2	54.0
2		Calaverite	John O'Shea	James McDonald	7	55.5
3		Lake Geneva	Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes	Tommy Berry	8	54.0

In The Yard

LAKE GENEVA a neat type with good power in her frame. OTTOMAN is a very classy-looking galloper with good balance, she was a bit more relaxed in the yard. CARTIER ROCK and SEMPRE LIBERA both strong and well.

In The Running

SERENADE railed through to lead CALAVERITE at a STEADY TEMPO. LAKE GENEVA was posted wide without cover but under a good hold. OTTOMAN was slow to begin and over-raced in the pack.

The Result

LAKE GENEVA (3rd) pushed to the lead 150m from home, only to be denied by two on her inside in OTTOMAN (1st) who worked home best along the rails after a sluggish start, and CALAVERITE (2nd) who picked up and dived late. SEMPRE LIBERA (4th) flashed late out wide.

The Interest

OTTOMAN missed the start and over-raced, but was just too strong on the line in a real blanket finish. She's a seriously classy filly that defied a big betting drift ($6.50-$11) to win - she's just got a lot to learn! Stable-mate CALAVERITE was coming again on the line, but the other good runs came from LAKE GENEVA, who couldn't quicken late in the heavy going after a wide run, and SEMPRE LIBERA, who was tightened at the top of the straight and hit her straps late down the outside (bias against). SERENADE was the first horse beaten along the inside, she may not be as good in the wet. Follow OTTOMAN and LAKE GENEVA. Forgive SEMPRE LIBERA

Race 5 ARROWFIELD 3YO SPRINT

A big finish from Waller's quirky sprinter

strong tempo
Bias: on-rails

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Delectation	Chris Waller	Hugh Bowman	11	56.5
2		Bring Me the Maid	Ciaron Maher	Chad Schofield	4	54.5
3		Rekindled Power	Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich	Craig Williams	2	56.5

In The Yard

RUBICK and KURO both looked relaxed in the yard, strong sprinters. DELECTATION was OK in the yard, an impressive horse that doesn't always race genuinely. BRING ME THE MAID was fit enough, a more athletic type.

In The Running

KURO jumped best but couldn't find cover and went back. MOSSFUN pushed on to the lead on a wide run from NOSTRADAMUS with RUBICK (slowish again, had to be pushed forward) on the rail. Those three tussled to set up a STRONG TEMPO.

The Result

DELECTATION (1st) worked through the field and surged to the lead, getting a big enough break on the fast-finishing BRING ME THE MAID (2nd). REKINDLED POWER (3rd) ran on well from last along the inside.

The Interest

DELECTATION is a difficult horse at times to ride but Hugh Bowman got the best out of the powerful sprinter. He still pulled in the run, but nowhere near as much as usual - another talented 'rogue' with more to give (like Ottoman in race before). BRING ME THE MAID enjoyed the STRONG TEMPO and WET TRACK, she chased all the way to the line. REKINDLED POWER ran on very nicely after getting on heels mid-race. Blake Shinn made the right move on KURO when he restrained to look for cover, but he couldn't lift off the testing speed - very disappointing in the end. MOSSFUN and RUBICK (well backed) did OK after going hard early. Follow DELECTATION. Forgive MOSSFUN.

Race 6 SEVEN NEWS AUSTRALIAN OAKS

A strong surge from a tough filly

fair tempo
Bias: on-rails

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Gust of Wind	John Sargent	Tye Angland	7	56.0
2		Winx	Chris Waller	Joao Moreira	1	56.0
3		Candelara	Tim Martin	Hugh Bowman	2	56.0

In The Yard

WINX and SAVARIA looked nice and balanced. THUNDER LADY a big and strong type. Most fillies well in the yard.

In The Running

CANDELARA pushed on and set a FAIR TEMPO, from RUSTIC MELODY, with WILDENSTEIN facing the breeze.

The Result

GUST OF WIND (1st) railed well and didn't go around a horse to draw clear from WINX (2nd), who chased gamely out wider. There was a clear margin back to CANDELARA (3rd).

The Interest

The fillies stepped out to a distance range where stamina was key - GUST OF WIND had hit the line strongly at all her starts to date and showed her toughness to win (she was held up in the Adrian Knox and flashed late). Tye Angland produced a classy ride, she didn't have to go around another runner the whole race! WINX was gallant after getting shuffled back in the pack, she is a classy filly that can perform over most distances. Interestingly, the Group 3 Adrian Knox out-rated the Group 1 Vinery, as CANDELARA and RUSTIC MELODY did much better than THUNDER LADY and BALLET SUITE (raced wide). SAVARIA never seemed to handle the going. Follow GUST OF WIND and WINX.

Race 7 CELLARBRATIONS QUEEN OF THE TURF STAKES

Another Queen for Lady Gai

steady tempo
Bias: on-rails

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Amanpour	Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	Kerrin McEvoy	3	57.0
2		Catkins	Chris Waller	Joao Moreira	10	57.0
3		Noble Protector	Robert Smerdon	Craig Williams	7	57.0

In The Yard

CATKINS held her condition well in the yard, while NOBLE PROTECTOR was fit - a lighter middle-distance type. FIRST SEAL and SPORTS ILLUSTRATED were in good shape.

In The Running

AMANPOUR jumped the gates and set a STEADY TEMPO, from DIADEME. CATKINS got a lovely trail with SPORTS ILLUSTRATED on her outside (bit keen). NOBLE PROTECTOR raced wide without cover. GYPSY DIAMOND missed the start (2L) FIRST SEAL was slow out too.

The Result

AMANPOUR (1st) controlled the race and gave good kick on the turn to defeat CATKINS, who tried her heart out again. NOBLE PROTECTOR chased gamely down the middle.

The Interest

AMANPOUR showed her bold front running abilities and liking for the soft ground to give a good kick to win convincingly - another 'Queen of the Turf' for Gai Waterhouse. A mare that can excel up to 2000m, it was always going to be tough to run her down once she got an easy time in the lead. It might have been the Group 1 made-to-order for CATKINS, she got a wet track and STEADY TEMPO, but just found one better again over a distance that is as far as she wants. NOBLE PROTECTOR dispelled any of the market myths about not handling the wet track and chased gamely after racing wide throughout. FIRST SEAL was slowish out and was never really in the race. She will go for a spell now. There were lots of runners you could forgive, including DIAMOND DRILLE, who had everything against her out the back. Follow AMANPOUR and NOBLE PROTECTOR.

Race 8 SCHWEPPES 150TH SYDNEY CUP

The 'Pumper' wins an epic duel

fair tempo
Bias: on-rails

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Grand Marshal	Chris Waller	Jim Cassidy	4	52.0
2		Who Shot Thebarman	Chris Waller	Blake Shinn	10	54.5
3		Like a Carousel	Ken & Kasey Keys	Chad Schofield	6	52.0

In The Yard

PROTECTIONIST and DOMINANT were in good shape with their coat shining. HARTNELL a classy type that seemed calm. AU REVOIR the only horse not relaxed, a little on his toes.

In The Running

Tommy Berry took HARTNELL to the lead and set a FAIR TEMPO. DON DOREMO led the chasing with BIG MEMORY in a nice position.

The Result

WHO SHOT THEBARMAN (2nd) shot through along the rails on straightening and had the race won before GRAND MARSHAL (1st) came out of the pack to wear him down on the line. They cleared out by 6 lengths to LIKE A CAROUSEL (3rd) who stayed on. HARTNELL (4th) weakened in the straight.

The Interest

GRAND MARSHAL won the biggest race of his career in a gutsy performance. He rolled in over the final 50m but Jimmy Cassidy straightened him up to score. WHO SHOT THEBARMAN was game in defeat and proved his Melbourne Cup placing was no fluke. They are both proper two-mile gallopers, trained by the master conditioner of stayers Chris Waller. LIKE A CAROUSEL showed his liking for the longer distances at big odds. HARTNELL was backed into $1.65 on track , but the form and ratings analysis didn't mean much when he couldn't find the stamina late to hold on. DOMINANT made a move before the turn but peaked on his run 200m out. PROTECTIONIST was disappointing. Follow WHO SHOT THEBARMAN and GRAND MARSHAL.

Race 9 LONGINES QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES

Royal Ascot next for Australia's best

fair tempo
Bias: on-rails

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Criterion	David & B Hayes & T Dabernig	Craig Williams	4	59.0
2		Red Cadeaux	Ed Dunlop	Kerrin McEvoy	3	59.0
3		Royal Descent	Chris Waller	Joao Moreira	10	57.0

In The Yard

A quality group of horses.TOSEN STARDOM ready and on his toes, CRITERION coat shining and looking very fit, TO THE WORLD in good shape too.

In The Running

FIVEANDAHALFSTAR pressed on out wide led out from AOMEN at a FAIR TEMPO, with CRITERION striding up on the outside of the leader mid-race. TOSEN STARDOM raced wide without cover.

The Result

CRITERION (1st) stormed to the lead at the top of the rise and put the race beyond doubt in emphatic style. The old marvel RED CADEAUX (2nd) stayed on late, while ROYAL DESCENT (3rd) backed up well from the Doncaster on Monday and ran on.

The Interest

He's a world-class horse now! CRITERION blew his rivals away... He was too strong after sitting near the pace and simply strode clear in the straight. RED CADEAUX weaved through the field over the last 100m and proved again how competitive he is in the world's best races. ROYAL DESCENT loved the wet track and was brave as always. Of the others, SPILLWAY was good along the inside while TOSEN STARDOM kept on after the wide run. ADELAIDE and LUCIA VALENTINA couldn't lift in the lesser ground out wide. TO THE WORLD prefers the firm Japanese tracks. Follow CRITERION. Forgive TOSEN STARDOM (wide throughout).

Race 10 DRUMMOND GOLF SAPPHIRE STAKES

Never Avoid a 'mudder' at Randwick

steady tempo
Bias: on-rails

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Avoid Lightning	Les Bridge	Tim Clark	8	55.5
2		Griante	David Brideoake & Matt Jenkins	Steven Arnold	1	55.5
3		Fine Bubbles	Kris Lees	Zac Purton	12	55.0

In The Yard

SHAMALIA looked fit and GRIANTE's coat was shining. CHLOE IN PARIS was ready to go, but she is a neat speedster that may lack the stamina. AVOID LIGHTNING has well-defined muscle, a real athletic speedster.

In The Running

FINE MIST led out at a STEADY TEMPO from AVOID LIGHTNING, who pushed forward this time. CHLOE IN PARIS was posted wide without cover. GRIANTE had the box seat along the rails.

The Result

GRIANTE (2nd) kicked to the lead along the rail only for AVOID LIGHTNING (1st) to overhaul her and claim the lead on the final strides. FINE BUBBLES (3rd) ran on well.

The Interest

The money came for AVOID LIGHTNING and her love for the wet tracks showed as she overhauled the gallant GRIANTE. They are both very genuine mares that can be followed. FINE BUBBLES got on heels near the turn and rattled home late - she is flying and can win next start over 1400m. ATMOSPHERICAL loomed but peaked on run - she doesn't get 1200m at all. BELLE DE COEUR was making ground out wide and PERON ran on OK too, they could have preferred a stronger tempo. SHAMALIA is simply 'unreliable', a moody mare that needs everything in-place for her to win. Follow AVOID LIGHTNING and GRIANTE.