Yard to the Post | Apollo Stakes Day
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 11 February 2023
Some of the best horses in Australia lined up at Royal Randwick today on a track that favoured horses making their run down the centre of the track.
James McDonald and ANAMOE combined perfectly again to produce a classy win in the Group Two Apollo Stakes (Race 8), but Waller’s pair of mares FANGIRL and HINGED might be closing the gap with FANGIRL producing one of the runs of the day from an impossible position at the back.
The $2 million feature Inglis Millennium for two-year-olds (Race 6) was the other feature race and favourite LEARNING TO FLY kept her perfect record intact with a big swooping finish out wide. It was a race marred by a fall mid-race when HELLISH (Josh Parr) veered wider and bumped DOROTHY GAIL (Tom Marquand), leaving both jockey and horse on the turf. Marquand was thankfully left with no serious issues following a hospital check-up, and the filly DOROTHY GAIL pulled up sound with only slight lameness noted by the Randwick vets.
A full review from the Yard to the Post is provided below.
Track Info
| Rail | TRUE |
| Conditions | GOOD 4 |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | OFF RAILS |
Race 1 COOLMORE PIERRO PLATE
strong tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cafe Millenium | John O'Shea | Tom Marquand | 8 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Remedies | James Cummings | Brenton Avdulla | 3 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Empress Of Wonder | Annabel Neasham | Ryan Maloney | 4 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
Interesting 2YO race to start the program, DON CORLEONE parading well, as does CAFE MILLENIUM (size and scope) who is well built but still a little raw on debut. ROUSSILLON and HIGH KING both getting warm in the yard and parade with improvement to come. EMPRESS OF WONDER and BONDING both slighter types than most and anxious in the yard.
In The Running
CHEVRON rolled to the lead and sped along at a STRONG tempo. CAFE MILLENIUM (slow to begin) out the back (9th 2W WC) urged along mid-race to keep up and DON CORLEONE (slow to begin) (6th rails WC) made his run up the inside. HIGH KING stuck 3W NC midfield.
The Result
CAFE MILLENIUM (1st) wound up down the outside and stormed home late to beat REMEDIES (2nd) and EMPRESS OF WONDER (3rd).
The Interest
They went hard here and the first starter CAFE MILLENIUM charged home late for a very impressive debut. He's an exciting horse and ran faster time than the Inglis Millennium later in the day, but perhaps follow him with caution as he looks like the type that prefers galloping room and tempo, which he got plenty of today. Short-priced favourite DON CORLEONE was safely held in 4th and ran the same time as KUNDALINI (same form-line) on the day so perhaps he just wasn't up to them? He was closer to the inside though (bias against) and may have gone a touch flat second-up.
Race 2 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
fair tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amarantz | Danielle Seib | Tyler Schiller | 8 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Mr Severino | Sue Grills | Kerrin McEvoy | 4 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Spitfire | Matthew Dale | Dylan Gibbons | 11 | 55.0 |
In The Yard
KING OF SPADES continues to parade well deep into his preparation, no knocks. YOU ARE KING and LORD DESANIMAUX both very well, robust types. MR SEVERINO (as per last start), BYAKKO and THE HUNGARIAN all getting a touch warm in the hot conditions.
In The Running
RACE AGAINST TIME led at a FAIR tempo from EPIC RANGER and KING OF SPADES out 3W NC. AMARANTZ (12th 2W WC) quietly ridden out the back.
The Result
AMARANTZ (1st) stormed down the outside for a strong win from MR SEVERINO (2nd) and SPITFIRE (3rd) running on nearer the inside.
The Interest
AMARANTZ had more progression than most of these for her new stable and clearly relished the step up to 1800m, sprinting rapidly down the outside in the best ground to win. SPITFIRE a touch held up and may be better suited to 1600m, definitely the type of horse that can pick up a Highway soon and is another on the up for a new stable. KING OF SPADES a forgive after getting stuck wide the whole way. YOU ARE KING and LORD DESANIMAUX too close to the inside (bias against) and needed more tempo in the race.
Race 3 MIDWAY HANDICAP
strong tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mabel | Tracey Bartley | Jason Collett | 5 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Xpresso | Nathan Doyle | Tim Clark | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Another Cognac | Bryce Heys | Brett Prebble | 8 | 54.5 |
In The Yard
Majority strong types in the yard, CONCEITED and PRINCE INVINCIBLE appear like they will need the run. DEPTH THAT VARIES and BARTOSELLI very well in the yard, strong types, as is BUDWHAR. Favourite HARD TO SAY very fit in the yard, but lacking the power of his rivals deep into the campaign.
In The Running
BUDHWAR led from PRINCE INVINCIBLE and VEGAS RAIDER out 3W NC on-pace. OAKFIELD TWILIGHT and BARTOSELLI stuck wide NC in midfield. MABEL back in the pack (12th 2W WC).
The Result
MABEL (1st) threaded through and ran on best late to beat XPRESSO (2nd) and ANOTHER COGNAC (3rd).
The Interest
An even-looking race on paper and it ended with an exciting finish. MABEL and XPRESSO relished the 1000m and they repeated their effort from Wyong, quinellaing the race and beating HARD TO SAY ($2.9 fav) with ease. BARTOSELLI (very wide) and CONCEITED (fitness to come, off rails bias against) a couple to follow next time. DEPTH THAT VARIES with a big sprint, but he keeps peaking on his run late.
Race 4 $1M INGLIS PINK BONUS HANDICAP
fair tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ascension | Ciaron Maher | Brenton Avdulla | 1 | 60.5 | |
| 2 | Bazooka | David Payne | Reece Jones | 6 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Tazaral | Peter & Paul Snowden | Kerrin McEvoy | 8 | 53.0 |
In The Yard
Most parading well. KING RATEL and BOLD MAC very well in the yard, as was BAZOOKA holding condition deep into their preparations. No knocks on ACCESSION and RUBY TUESDAY who both paraded well. ATHABASCAN (on toes) and CABOCHE both appear like they’ll need the run.
In The Running
ASCENSION got control in the lead and set an honest FAIR tempo.
The Result
ASCENSION (1st) kept going and was too strong for BAZOOKA (2nd) running on down the outside.
The Interest
A hard fit horse with more stamina leading is always hard to run down, especially when a jockey like Brenton Avdulla rates things perfectly from start to finish. KING RATEL (wants 2000m now?) and BOLD MAC made ground from the back, but never threatened. BAZOOKA did his thing in second, a horse that runs on and doesn't always finish off late.
Race 5 DAVALI THOROUGHBREDS SOUTHERN CROSS STAKES
fair tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quantico | John O'Shea | Kerrin McEvoy | 2 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Titanium Power | Joseph Pride | Tim Clark | 9 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Gravina | James Cummings | James McDonald | 4 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
HARD EMPIRE and TITANIUM POWER both very well in the yard, with STAMPE holding condition, just a bit unsettled and on his toes down from Queensland. GRAVINA (90%) and ESPIONA (90%) the fittest of the first -up runners, QUANTICO (powerful type) appeared as though he would take benefit from the run. MR MOZART not far off the mark and warm as he usually is.
In The Running
STAMPE went to the front from TITANIUM POWER tracking him near pace. QUANTICO (6th 2W WC) keen in midfield and MR MOZART was slow to begin and out the back.
The Result
QUANTICO (1st) ran on well for a narrow win from TITANIUM POWER (2nd) who hit the lead and just laid in a touch late. GRAVINA (3rd) right there and MR MOZART (4th) running on late after finding trouble.
The Interest
QUANTICO seemed to have fitness improvement to come in the yard, but he had plenty of class too in dry conditions he relishes. MR MOZART the unlucky runner storming home from the back. Follow him over 1300m to 1400m next start especially if he finds wet conditions. Wallers pair of ESPIONA (laid in again) and RANCH HAND remained below their best.
Race 6 INGLIS MILLENNIUM
strong tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Learning To Fly | Annabel Neasham | Chad Schofield | 19 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Blanc De Blanc | Michael Freedman | James McDonald | 16 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Kundalini | Ciaron Maher | Jason Collett | 5 | 54.5 |
In The Yard
Busy yard for the Inglis millennium. KUNDALINI and ARKINSAW KID the best in the yard, no knock on LEARNING TO FLY and FACILE, scopey fillies who parade well, as does LAZZAGO who is more a sprinting type. BLANC DE BLANC warm and not handling the occasion the best. PERFECT PROPOSAL and GANBARE also warm and anxious in the yard for the Waterhouse Bott stable.
In The Running
PERFECT PROPOSAL and CELUI pushed hard on-pace at a STRONG tempo with MEXICO 3W NC, COINCIDE 4W NC and SALTAIRE out 5W NC giving LEARNING TO FLY (13th 5W WC) a trail.
The Result
LEARNING TO FLY (1st) ran on down the outside best with BLANC DE BLANC (2nd). KUNDALINI (3rd) right there with LAZZAGO (4th) weaving through and FACILE (5th) sticking on up the inside.
The Interest
A big run from LEARNING TO FLY down the outside and she remains the horse to beat in the Golden Slipper. A beautifully balanced type in the yard, she should have no problems with the 1200m of the G1 feature, but if there is one knock it's that she has had plenty of galloping room in both starts to date and we don't know how she will react to being tightened up in the pack. FACILE was stuck in the lesser ground on the inside and looks like 1200m will suit better. BLANC DE BLANC doing a very good job given how she paraded. All five classy fillies running well. Interestingly they ran a slower time than the earlier 2YO race won by CAFE MILLENIUM and the form-line of DON CORLEONE/KUNDALINI matched up with both running a very similar time after finishing alongside each other last start.
Race 7 TAB LIGHT FINGERS STAKES
fair tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In Secret | James Cummings | Nash Rawiller | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Sunshine In Paris | Annabel Neasham | Ryan Maloney | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Cinderella Days | Grahame Begg | Sam Clipperton | 12 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
IN SECRET forward first-up in the yard and pleasingly she has filled out as an Autumn 3YO. SUNSHINE IN PARIS very well in the yard, dappled up. MADAME POMMERY has made significant physical improvement after the spell, looks to be in for a good preparation. SHEEZA BELTER, REVOLUTIONARY MISS and FIREBURN appear they will improve with the run under their belt.
In The Running
CINDERELLA DAYS led clearly at a FAIR tempo from SHEEZA BELTER and NORTH STAR LASS, who usually leads but didn't quite jump well enough. IN SECRET a touch slow to begin and managed to get up to midfield on the inside (6th rails WC) following SUNSHINE IN PARIS in-front of her.
The Result
IN SECRET (1st) and SUNSHINE IN PARIS (2nd) moved through and fought hard in a driving finish. They ran down CINDERELLA DAYS (3rd) who gave a big kick from on-pace.
The Interest
IN SECRET remained the leading 3YO filly with Nash Rawiller pouncing at the right moment from the pack. She got a scare though and her recent habit of missing the start continued, perhaps a touch lucky that the horses in-front of her took her into the race. One of those was the progressive SUNSHINE IN PARIS, who shone in the yard and gave the race a huge shake at only her fourth start. CINDERELLA DAYS has come back a strong filly. MADAME POMMERY with plenty of size and scope this time in too.
Race 8 TAB APOLLO STAKES
steady tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anamoe | James Cummings | James McDonald | 8 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Hinged | Chris Waller | Brenton Avdulla | 7 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Fangirl | Chris Waller | Kerrin McEvoy | 6 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
FANGIRL very well first-up into her campaign, focused in the yard and shining. A good parade for ANAMOE who can get unsettled, only slightly warm as the jockey mounted. HINGED and ICEBATH were not far off fresh. STOCKMAN and SUREFIRE paraded with improvement to come as they kickstart their campaigns. EL BODEGON a smaller type that may be suited better on wet.
In The Running
HINGED got the lead at a STEADY tempo before sprinting hard into the turn. ANAMOE found the perfect spot early on (4th 2W WC). FANGIRL slow to begin and was back in a very tricky spot on the inside. MO’UNGA out 3W NC.
The Result
ANAMOE (1st) moved up strongly and kicked on best from a brave HINGED (2nd), who was only 0.7L behind and coming again on the line. FANGIRL (3rd) sprinted very strongly up the inside from the back.
The Interest
Another Group win for the very classy ANAMOE, but it wasn't dominant. Waller's pair of HINGED and FANGIRL keep maturing and they are almost there now, FANGIRL reeling off two sub 11 second sectionals from an impossible position. MO'UNGA paraded well and should improve into the campaign as he usually does. All four are horses to follow over the Autumn Carnival.
Race 9 ROBRICK LODGE TRISCAY STAKES
fair tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Po Kare Kare | Bryce Heys | Tyler Schiller | 4 | 53.0 | |
| 2 | Jump The Broom | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Jason Collett | 3 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Swats That | Ciaron Maher | Brenton Avdulla | 7 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
LARKSPUR RUN didn't look to be fit first-up in the yard. NORWEGIAN BLISS (bit warm) and WRITTEN BEAUTY close to full fitness with perhaps a little bit of improvement to come. JUMP THE BROOM and SWATS THAT looked fit. PO KARE KARE a very muscular sprinting type.
In The Running
JUMP THE BROOM jumped to the lead from NORWEGIAN BLISS working up onto her outside. SWATS THAT got a trail behind them with MORE PROPHETS outside her left 3W NC on the turn when NORWEGIAN BLISS finally got outside the lead. PO KARE KARE with a nice trail midfield (7th 2W WC).
The Result
PO KARE KARE (1st) sprinted through the pack best from JUMP THE BROOM (2nd) holding on for second and SWATS THAT (3rd) chasing solidly.
The Interest
A perfect ride from Tyler Schiller on the powerful PO KARE KARE who was presented in great condition by the in-form trainer Bryce Heys. Schiller settled her beautifully in the pack before threading through and charging clear for an impressive win. SWATS THAT (lost some momentum on the turn) and MORE PROPHETS (wide) also good runs. BELLATRIX BLACK looked like a nice mare in the yard and could be worth following in her first Australian campaign. JAMAEA and WRITTEN BEAUTY got a long way back and ran OK, but didn't threaten over the final 200m.
Race 10 WILD OAKS SPRINT
steady tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Think About It | Joseph Pride | Sam Clipperton | 12 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Pizarro | John O'Shea | Brenton Avdulla | 6 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Kanazawa | James Cummings | Nash Rawiller | 3 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
KINGSHEIR a well-built type that looked like he had some fitness improvement to come and THINK ABIOUT IT was a touch anxious with two handlers in the yard. Most others fine with the promising WATERFORD seeming to be fit enough to perform fresh.
In The Running
MUCH MUCH BETTER got to the lead with ROCKET TIGER trailing and KANAZAWA just behind them. VRENELI didn't jump well enough to lead and was left wide NC racing a touch keenly. THINK ABOUT IT ridden quietly at the back (8th 2W WC). A STEADY tempo through the mid-section of the race before MUCH MUCH BETTER sprinted hard into the turn.
The Result
THINK ABOUT IT (1st) got clear and ran on well with PIZARRO (2nd). KANAZAWA (3rd) and MUCH MUCH BETTER (4th) fought on from near pace in a close finish.
The Interest
THINK ABOUT IT better suited than WATERFORD (5th) by the track pattern on the day and produced another rapid finishing burst to win. WATERFORD was outsprinted off the STEADY tempo and laid in a touch too, James McDonald suggesting after the race that getting to the outside of horses suited better. You could forgive VRENELI (needs to lead) and DESTINATION (wide, back to 1200m) probably too, both horses stuck out wider on the turn when MUCH MUCH BETTER sprinted.