Yard to the Post | Chipping Norton Stakes Day
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 25 February 2023
The brilliant ANAMOE continued his dominance of the Royal Randwick turf today winning his fourth Group One at the track. That’s now half of his incredible eight wins at the highest grade, stretching his lead as the most prolific Group One winner breeding giant Godolphin has ever raced.
James McDonald kept the son of Street Boss (USA) in a nice rhythm midfield and the mid-race pressure made sure it would be the best horse that prevailed. FANGIRL and MO’UNGA tried hard in the placings, but they were no match as ANAMOE produced a ‘Winx-like’ finishing burst in-front of the stadium named after Australia’s famous champion mare.
In the other Group One on the day, Annabel Neasham’s SUNSHINE IN PARIS chased hardest in a four-way finish to rise to the highest level in her first racing campaign. RUTHLESS DAME (wide), IN SECRET (track bias against) and ZOUGOTCHA (not 100% fit after a setback) all right in the finish too.
The track favoured horses in the front half of the field that could get into the lanes just off the rails in the straight.
A full review by Mike Wood and Adrian Sciglitano is provided below.
Track Info
| Rail | +3 metres |
| Conditions | SOFT 5 to GOOD 4 |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | OFF RAILS, nearer pace suited |
Race 1 MIDWAY HANDICAP
strong tempo
Bias:
2w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dalaalaat | Nathan Doyle | Dylan Gibbons | 3 | 60.5 | |
| 2 | Mabel | Tracey Bartley | Zac Lloyd | 10 | 59.5 | |
| 3 | Prince Invincible | Sara Ryan | Tyler Schiller | 18 | 58.0 |
In The Yard
A warm day in the mounting yard at Royal Randwick and only a small number of people watching the horses for the early races. XPRESSO and DALAALAAT both continue to parade well deep into their preparations, DALAALAAT a stronger type in the yard. BARTOSELLI has made good improvement between the runs, similar to PRINCE INVINCIBLE who parades well for him (can get warm). MAYROSE, CATESBY and NICTOCK all appear as though they will benefit from the run. No knocks on LANCASTER BOMBER and MABEL.
In The Running
BARTOSELLI led from XPRESSO on his outside. DALAALAAT (4th 2W WC) got into a nice spot with PRINCE INVINCIBLE (5th 3W NC) outside him.
The Result
DALAALAAT (1st) held on from MABEL (2nd 0.05L) charging through the pack late and PRINCE INVINCIBLE (3rd 1.5L) bravely holding on for a place.
The Interest
DALAALAAT and MABEL continued their strong form following good rides from two very talented 2kg-claiming apprentices Dylan Gibbons and Zac Lloyd. MABEL (Lloyd) a touch unlucky weaving through the pack late to miss in a photo finish. PRINCE INVINCIBLE (wide) and BARTOSELLI (inside, bias against) improved second-up and should be right at their peak next start, PRINCE INVINCIBLE 'old' enough to qualify for the 5YO+ Midway over 1200m in two weeks' time. MAYROSE (wide/keen) and NICTOCK (lame) could be worth forgiving even though they finished out the back.
Race 2 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
strong tempo
Bias:
2w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mogo Magic | Scott Collings | Tim Clark | 10 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Dollar Magic | Scott Singleton | Reece Jones | 8 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Sumptuary | Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | William Pike | 3 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
Favourite MOGO MAGIC a solid type in the yard and having a good look around, on his toes but holding it together and he seemed very fit. ABSOLUTE LEGEND and SUMPTUARY both parade well. LETHAL LADY a slighter type in the yard who may lack the power for 1000m. IRON WILL a touch anxious again in the yard and getting warm.
In The Running
MOGO MAGIC went to the lead and charged along keenly at a STRONG tempo.
The Result
MOGO MAGIC (1st) put a gap on DOLLAR MAGIC (2nd 2.2) with SUMPTUARY (3rd 3.1L) running on after being held up in the pack.
The Interest
MOGO MAGIC is very raw and very, very talented. He went to the lead early and blasted home at a speed the rest simply couldn't keep up with. We will have to wait for another day to see if he is professional enough to race in amongst other horses and quicken. Scott Collings has a very exciting horse on his hands that can reach much higher grade if he can iron out a few chinks.
Race 3 ELITE SAND & SOIL SKYLINE STAKES
fair tempo
Bias:
2w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corniche | James Cummings | Brenton Avdulla | 7 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Shinzo | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 2 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Bases Loaded | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 3 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
No clear standouts in the yard and most young 2YOs handling the occasion well. BASES LOADED more robust than most in the yard, focused and moving well. GANBARE has improved between the runs and parades much better than last start where he got very warm. No knock on SHINZO and CORNICHE who both hold good condition in the yard, professional types. TAVS and DISNECK lighter framed types in the yard.
In The Running
BASES LOADED took up the running at a FAIR tempo. CORNICHE (4th 2W WC) and SHINZO (5th rails WC) trailing the on-pacers.
The Result
CORNICHE (1st) edged wider off the rails and was too good for SHINZO (2nd 1.6L) who had to make his run up the inside and BASED LOADED (3rd 1.9L).
The Interest
The top three dominated this with CORNICHE just getting into a better part of the track than favourite SHINZO. Both of them came into the race with form a couple of lengths off the better 2YOs, but they could be on the improve. The time was sharp (faster than fillies race) and you have to be impressed with the gap back to 4th.
Race 4 FITZGERALD JENKINS RECRUITMENT HANDICAP
fair tempo
Bias:
2w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glory Daze | Ciaron Maher | James McDonald | 6 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Bold Mac | Chris Waller | Tim Clark | 7 | 57.5 | |
| 3 | Almania | Kris Lees | Hugh Bowman | 2 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
GLORY DAZE a well-balanced type in the yard and looking ready to go in Sydney for the first time. CLAIM THE CROWN and ALMANIA have both improved between the runs. TAZARAL continues to parade well, holds good condition, coat starting to poke through in his first Australian preparation. CABOCHE, LE BAOL and ALAKAHAN all appear as though they will benefit with the run under their belt, ALAKAHAN warm under the saddle.
In The Running
TAZARAL pushed up to lead from FIRST IN LINE on his outside. GLORY DAZE stalking them in the perfect position (4th 2W WC).
The Result
GLORY DAZE (1st) stayed on best from BOLD MAC (2nd 1L) an ALMANIA (3rd 1.3L).
The Interest
This was a solid staying test which suited GLORY DAZE perfectly. He's an import that was outclassed, but not outstayed, when 5th in the G1 2414m Irish Derby and can continue to improve up in distance in Australia. BOLD MAC took some time to get clear and then was safely held by the winner in the closing stages.
Race 5 GUY WALTER PROVEN THOROUGHBREDS STAKES
fair tempo
Bias:
2w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hope In Your Heart | Kerry Parker | Tim Clark | 2 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Larkspur Run | James Cummings | Chad Schofield | 4 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Mustang Valley | Andrew Forsman | Hugh Bowman | 1 | 58.0 |
In The Yard
HOPE IN YOUR HEART a touch warm in the yard, will improve in the coat but isn’t far off the mark first-up from a spell. NORWEGIAN BLISS has improved between the runs, focused in the yard and at her top. MIRRA VISION and DYNASTIES not far off the mark fresh up in the yard, DYNASTIES a touch better than the stable mate. No knocks on MORE PORPHETS and MUSTANG VALLEY who parade well.
In The Running
MIRRA VISION had to be urged to take up the running from NORWEGIAN BLISS on her outside. HOPE IN YOUR HEAR (7th 2W WC) back in the pack with MORE PROPHETS (5th 3W NC) wide no cover on her outside.
The Result
HOPE IN YOUR HEART (1st) quickened through the pack and ran on best from LARKSPUR RUN (2nd 0.7L) who had sprinted to the lead. MUSTANG VALLEY (3rd 0.7L) found some trouble up the inside.
The Interest
A little bit of jostling for position early made sure there was an honest tempo, which not many were predicting before the race. The classy HOPE IN YOUR HEART simply too strong for these at the Set Weight conditions once she got her chance. MUSTANG VALLEY (found trouble, bias against) was very good too following a sharp parade. MIRRA VISION and DYNASTIES probably needed the run.
Race 6 CATANACH'S SWEET EMBRACE STAKES
strong tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lazzago | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 7 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Facile | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Tim Clark | 10 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Blanc De Blanc | Michael Freedman | James McDonald | 11 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
SKIRT THE LAW a very professional 2YO in the mounting yard, holds good condition and handling the occasion well. BLANC DE BLANC parades much better today, has made good improvement between the runs and handling the heat well. No knocks on LAZAGGO and FACILE who both parade well. ONE KIND a touch plain in the yard.
In The Running
SUMMER LOVING was urged to the lead and went at a STRONG tempo. Favourite SKIRT THE LAW pushed up on her outside with FACILE (3W NC) and BLANC DE BLANC (4W NC) outside them. LAZZAGO in a trailing spot (8th 3W WC) and for some reason EMPRESS OF WONDER (Chad Schofield) whipped up around them mid-race, ending up 5W NC on the turn.
The Result
LAZZAGO (1st) got the outside and ran past the tiring on-pacers late. FACILE (2nd 0.2L) and BLANC DE BLANC (3rd 0.5L) both brave after riding the speed.
The Interest
SUMMER LOVING a surprise leader and she got them rolling at a tempo that the favourite SKIRT THE LAW (poor recovery) couldn't handle. The Inglis Millennium form held up with FACILE and BLANC DE BLANC running very strongly after wide runs on a hot speed. LAZZAGO was the one that got the right run though, Bowman letting the others work early before he swept on them late. Chad Schofield with a very poor ride on EMPRESS OF WONDER, who might have been in the finish if she held her spot behind LAZZAGO mid-race. AUGUST BLOOM wound up strongly late and could be a horse to follow over distance, along with PORTOROSA, who was out sped before keeping on late.
Race 7 DRINKWISE SURROUND STAKES
steady tempo
: early pressure
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sunshine In Paris | Annabel Neasham | Ryan Maloney | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Ruthless Dame | Ciaron Maher | Tyler Schiller | 8 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | In Secret | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 4 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
Most of the fillies parading well, WOLVERINE just a touch unsettled and warm. IN SECRET parades very well, no knocks. ZOUGOTCHA seemed close to full fitness (touch of improvement to come?) after a slight set-back, healthy in the coat and moving well in the yard. MADAME POMMERY and CINDARELLA DAYS strong types on the improve. REVOLUTIONARY MISS, NORTH STAR LASS and A LOT MORE LOVE have all made the natural improvement between their first and second up runs.
In The Running
A stop-start tempo for the G1. NORTH STAR LASS did some work early to find the lead and then backed it off to be a STEADY tempo mid-race. ZOUGOTCHA got across into a nice spot (4th 2W WC) and was just a bit keen when the tempo slowed mid-race. IN SECRET jumped better this time and found the box seat (3rd rails WC) with SUNSHINE IN PARIS behind her (6th rails WC) and RUTHLESS DAME out 3W NC in midfield.
The Result
SUNSHINE IN PARIS (1st) followed the favourites through and drove hard late to win in a tight four-way finish. RUTHLESS DAME (2nd 0.04L) missed out by the barest of margins. IN SECRET (3rd 0.1L) had hit the lead up the inside and ZOUGOTCHA (4th 0.14L) right there too.
The Interest
What a star filly this girl is, capturing a G1 in her first campaign. Cool and calm in the yard, professional in the run and brave in the finish - the mould of a perfect racehorse. IN SECRET (had to go into inside ground) and ZOUGOTCHA (touch keen, probably more fitness to come) just as good as the winner, along with RUTHLESS DAME (stuck 3W NC). The tempo of this race meant that the top few positions behind the leaders had an advantage, which is right where the favourites were stalking. SHEEZA BELTER the best from the back and seems ready to fire third-up now.
Race 8 TAB CHIPPING NORTON STAKES
fair tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anamoe | James Cummings | James McDonald | 3 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Fangirl | Chris Waller | Kerrin McEvoy | 1 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Mo'unga | Annabel Neasham | Hugh Bowman | 11 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
Most parading well for the Chipping Norton. ANAMOE a picture of health again in the yard and handling the heat and occasion well. FANGIRL, HINGED and MO'UNGA all very well in the yard, similar to LAWS OF INDICES who parades more focused today. STOCKMAN, ARAPAHO and BENAUD all appear as though they will continue to improve with racing as they look for longer distances.
In The Running
Some surprise tempo in the race with KNIGHTS ORDER pushing on to lead from MO'UNGA up on his outside. FANGIRL moved up the inside (5th rails WC) and ANAMOE was a touch slow before getting into midfield (8th 2W WC).
The Result
ANAMOE (1st) charged home best to beat FANGIRL (2nd 1.3L), who had to make her run up the inside. MO'UNGA (3rd 1.5L) fought on gamely from on-pace.
The Interest
The brilliant ANAMOE continues to be the most reliable and prolific G1 winner in Godolphin's illustrious history. The tempo was on, James McDonald guided him to the better ground and his big powerful stride did the rest, our Weight for Age champion gliding past the Winx Stand like the great mare used to. FANGIRL and MO'UNGA both brave in defeat, along with HINGED (checked 250m) who was unlucky not to finish closer. LAWS OF INDICES (relishes high tempo mile races) and MONTEFILIA (nice return ahead of 2000m+ features) worth following over the Carnival too.
Race 9 LIVERPOOL CITY CUP
fair tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Think About It | Joseph Pride | Sam Clipperton | 2 | 53.0 | |
| 2 | Gravina | James Cummings | James McDonald | 6 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Bandersnatch | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Brenton Avdulla | 9 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
PROFONDO parades well first-up into his preparation, fit enough and bright in the yard. No knocks on THINK ABOUT IT and GRAVINA who both parade well, THINK ABOUT IT more settled today in the parade. ROCKETING BY, BANDERSNATCH, and RIODINI all appear as though they will benefit with the run. QUANTICO has tightened up from his first-up effort and is handling the conditions well.
In The Running
THINK ABOUT IT got control at a FAIR to STEADY tempo after they took up their positions under no pressure early. GRAVINA settled on the pace with BANDERSNATCH (big wide early) behind him in the 2W line.
The Result
THINK ABOUT IT (1st) kicked clear for a big win with GRAVINA (2nd 1.6L) sticking on. BANDERSNATCH (3rd 1.6L) and SIBAAQ (4th 1.8L) chasing honestly too.
The Interest
The progressive THINK ABOUT IT much too good for these and he looks set to go onto better things, perhaps a trip to the Queensland Winter Carnival based on the comments from trainer Jo Pride pre-race. He had won only narrowly his last two starts with his true ability masked by slower tempos mid-race. The opportunity to lead presented itself early (change of tactics) and he never looked back. SIBAAAQ perhaps the other horse to follow into his campaign out of the race as he steps up in distance. The stallion PROFONDO showed no interest in chasing the leaders and tailed off last.
Race 10 DYNAMIC SYNDICATIONS HANDICAP
strong tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Much Much Better | Sara Ryan | Brock Ryan | 13 | 57.5 | |
| 2 | Nicci's Fling | Gary Portelli | Reece Jones | 9 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | More Secrets | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Ryan Maloney | 8 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
MUCH MUCH BETTER and SONORA both looking well. CAVALIER CHARLES and MORE SECRETS seemed quite fit first-up with NEVER TALK (coat improvement) and SAINT BATHANS seeming to have some improvement to come.
In The Running
SONORA led from MUCH MUCH BETTER (2nd 2W WC) on her outside. They rolled along at a STRONG tempo.
The Result
MUCH MUCH BETTER (1st) kicked on held off NICCI'S FLING (2nd 0.2L) running on out wider. MORE SECRETS (3rd 1.4L) made ground and DYNAMIC IMPACT (4th 1.7L) was strong late after getting blocked in the straight.
The Interest
A brave effort by MUCH MUCH BETTER after riding a hot speed and holding on. He's taken some time to find his best form this campaign for new trainer Sara Ryan and he was close to THINK ABOUT IT last start so the form looked good. NICCI'S FLING much better back to 1200m now this campaign and DYNAMIC IMPACT was unlucky running on off a suitable tempo mid-race. The favourite SONORA (6th 2.3L) went a touch quick in the lead on a track with a long testing straight.