Race Day Review - The Championships Day One at Royal Randwick

Published: 13 Apr 2014

Day One of The Championships at Royal Randwick overcame the wind and rain to create on-track moments that will last for a lifetime. The performances of all four of the Group One winners were memorable, having been presented in great order by their trainers and ridden to perfection by each jockey. The confidence of Craig Newitt on-board Lankan Rupee in particular showed that the son of Redoute’s Choice has now reached a level clearly above all other sprinters in Australia. The power and speed displayed to win the TJ Smith was breathtaking.

Thumbs up from Craig Newitt after winning the TJ Smith on Lankan Rupee

The classic 2400m Group One for three year olds, The BMW Australian Derby, was won by the David Payne trained colt Criterion who prevailed in a tough slog to the line in saturated conditions. As one of the most valuable Group Ones on the calender for colts, both in terms of prize-money and stud value after the race, this was always the grand final for the well-backed favourite. After being praised for the last fortnight about his skilful piloting in the Guineas, Hugh Bowman produced another classy and patient ride to produce the athletic son of Sebring at the top of the straight having enjoyed the perfect run. While most of the other staying types were battling home, the place getter Hooked produced an effort that looked sure to disappoint favourite backers, defying his smaller build and previous failures on wet tracks to loom up and give Criterion an almighty fright. Over the final few strides the superior stayer prevailed.

Focussed - Criterion parading before his Derby win

Outside of the main races, a touching moment occurred when the members stand came to their feet to applaud Tommy Berry as he returned to scale on The Offer, winner of The Chairman's Handicap. After the race, Berry spoke of the importance of achieving in his career, both for himself and his recently passed twin brother Nathan.

A race by race analysis of the day is provided below. The complete guide from your team at the track.

Rail: Normal
Conditions: HEAVY 9
Weather: OVERCAST (periods of heavy rain, strong wind coming from behind horses in home straight)
Bias: OFF RAILS (better ground 4-5 horses off rails and wider)

Race 1 WIDDEN KINDERGARTEN (2YO SET WEIGHTS) - 1100m

"Professional Cummings two-year old does the job"

HALLOWED CROWN (Bart & James Cummings)
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (Gerald Ryan) - 1.3 lengths
KLAMMER (Gerald Ryan) - 2.6 lengths

Hallowed Crown was genuine right to the line

In the yard (@theraceguide)

There were a bunch of nice two year olds in the yard, especially KURO and WASHINGTON HEIGHTS. I AM SNIPPETY was a little too keen, while KAEPERNICK and ECHO GAL still carried some condition with fitness to come.

In the running

I AM SNIPPETY sped across to set a GOOD TEMPO, with KLAMMER just sitting off the leader in second. HALLOWED CROWN settled well towards the back, with KAEPERNICK outside of him (three wide and no cover).

The result

HALLOWED CROWN (1st) improved up closer to the inside than most as others tired, and maintained his effort to the line. WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2nd) stayed on well as others paddled and KLAMMER (3rd) held on for a place after being left in front early in the straight.

The interest

Just how professional and genuine each two year old is can make a big difference as they are all still learning their trade. HALLOWED CROWN has the attributes of a horse that can continue to win races, when the gap opened up he wanted to run through it. ECHO GAL was beaten a long way from home and after some tough runs in her first preparation you have to wonder if she has her heart in it any more. KAEPERNICK looked a nice enough horse in the yard, but just had some condition and improvement to come. The three wide trip wouldn't of helped his chances and Craig Williams was easy to him in the home straight once he started to struggle. KLAMMER was brave to hang on after the early speed set by I AM SNIPPETY, who unfortunately broke down at the top of the straight.

Follow HALLOWED CROWN
Forgive KLAMMER and KAEPERNICK

Race 2 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH CARBINE CLUB STAKES (3YO) - 1600m

"The diamond shines in the gloom and shows her class"

GYPSY DIAMOND (John O'Shea)
CASINO DANCER (Mike Van Gestel) - 2.0 lengths
ROCK STURDY (Joseph Pride) - 2.5 lengths

Gypsy Diamond loomed up, then really pulled away from them late

In the yard (@theraceguide)

The stand-outs in the yard were GYPSY DIAMOND, MALICE and O'REILLY'S REVENGE. Some of the horses carried a bit of condition, or were heavier types, including ROCK STURDY. The Joe Pride trained horse is a strongly-set galloper that looks like he will improve with racing. CAST IN STONE looked very trim and fit.

In the running

OREILLY'S REVENGE came across to take a clear lead from LIBERTY'S CHOICE. Not much pressure was applied in the middle of the race ensuring just an EVEN TEMPO was set. CASINO DANCER couldn't find cover in a midfield position out wide and GYPSY DIAMOND settled in the back half.

The result

The filly GYPSY DIAMOND (1st) toyed with her rivals, sprinting clear across the muddy Randwick turf. CASINO DANCER (2nd) used her speed to out-quicken some of the others in the field and ran well. ROCKY STURDY (3rd) and MALICE (5th) both made ground nicely from near the back.

The interest

You can add a note to the book that GYPSY DIAMOND is a level above this grade, she was quite impressive, especially in the last 100m. ROCKY STURDY and MALICE finished off well after an unsuitable tempo was set up early. ROCK STURDY in particular is a nice type of horse that did well do perform on such a sodden surface. Even though she was trapped wide, the slow pace helped CASINO DANCER use her sprint home at the finish.

Follow GYPSY DIAMOND
Forgive ROCK STURDY and MALICE

Race 3 THE OTHER WOMAN P J BELL STAKES (3YO F) - 1200m

"Politeness sprouts wings to produce a classic Randwick finish"

POLITENESS (Robert Smerdon)
COSMIC ENDEAVOUR (Gai Waterhouse) - 1.3 lengths
MINIATURE (Peter Snowden) -1.6 lengths

Politeness peeled off the pack out wide and swept home

In the yard (@theraceguide)

A nice group of three year old fillies in the yard. MONTSEGUR did not look as fit as some of the others, while both MISS TENPINS and NUCLEAR CLASS were unsettled.

In the running

Four horses raced at the head of the pack, CALMING INFLUENCE (nearer rails), DUBLIN LASS, NUCLEAR CLASS and OH SO ADORABLE (four wide). The speed was controlled though, ensuring an EVEN TEMPO for the race. COSMIC ENDEAVOUR was out very wide on the track throughout the race in midfield, while FARE WELL missed the start and was last.

The result

A classic Royal Randwick finish as POLITENESS (1st) used the cover provided by the pack to build into the race and swoop from last. COSMIC ENDEAVOUR (2nd) fought hard right to the line, while MINIATURE (3rd) put a a strong finishing burst through the middle and looked the winner, until her run just tapered off late.

The interest

The horses out wide dominated this race. The limited room and worsening track closer to the rails didn't help some of the other fillies that were a victim of circumstances. CHAMPAGNE CATH, who is a lean and athletic filly, seemed to resent being stuck in the pack and drifted back mid-race, before finishing off quite well. She will enjoy a smaller field and getting closer to the pace next time. Despite the track seeming to be better off the rails, the effort of COSMIC ENDEAVOUR was still mighty after being five wide the whole way. MINIATURE and POLITENESS both seem to have a bit of class about them and a nice turn-of-foot.

Follow POLITENESS, COSMIC ENDEAVOUR and MINIATURE
Forgive CHAMPAGNE CATH

Race 4 SCHWEPPES CHAIRMAN'S HANDICAP (3YO&UP) - 2600m

"Tommy Berry guides home a special winner"

THE OFFER (IRE) (Gai Waterhouse)
TREMEC (NZ) (John P Thompson) - 2.3 lengths
HIPPOPUS (NZ) (Gai Waterhouse) - 2.6 lengths

Once again The Offer showed superior stamina in the wet

In the yard (@theraceguide)

THE OFFER looked very impressive again, he has come along nicely for Gai and seems to be as well as he possibly could, a beautiful type. SERTORIUS also looked well and slightly more relaxed in the yard this time, while LIKE A CAROUSEL was clearly unsettled after travelling up from the southern states for this race.

In the running

RETORT COURTEOUS rolled to the front from HIPPOPUS and TREMEC. In periods of the race they slowed, but overall an EVEN TEMPO was set up. THE OFFER found a nice spot sixth in the running line.

The result

THE OFFER (1st) responded to the urgings of Tommy Berry and stayed on very strongly. TREMEC (2nd) and HIPPOPUS (3rd) battled on well to the line but were no match.

The interest

You will not see a better presented stayer in Sydney at the moment. If he shows up looking as good for his next run, the Sydney Cup, you can bet THE OFFER will be extremely hard to hold out. TREMEC is making gradual improvement and may be a chance of turning around the margin on a dryer track. LIKE A CAROUSEL didn't look happy at all in the yard, he may need a break and should be forgiven for the run.

Follow THE OFFER
Forgive LIKE A CAROUSEL

Race 5 INGLIS SIRES' (2YO SET WEIGHTS) - 1400m

“A stunning filly flashes home to spark The Championships into action"

PEGGY JEAN (Gerald Ryan)
SCRATCH ME LUCKY (Paul Perry) - 0.5 lengths
CORNROW (Mick Price) - 6.0 lengths

Two fit and athletic two year olds battled right to the line

In the yard (@theraceguide)

PEGGY JEAN and CORNROW both paraded very well, with a nice shine to the coat and good muscle tone. ZULULAND also looked good in the yard, while it was clear BELIEVE YOURSELF had been running on heart to date. She was the smallest in the field and looked grades below the others on type.

In the running

TIME FOR WAR took up the lead from UNKNOWN DESTINY in second. UNENCUMBERED settled in a much closer spot (3rd rails), while MISS INTERIORS couldn't find cover out three wide in fifth. The natural speed of the leader ensured there was a GOOD TEMPO set up.

The result

PEGGY JEAN (1st) had plenty to give at the top of the straight when Nash pulled her out at the 350m for a strong run home. SCRATCH ME LUCKY (2nd) made his run alongside the winner and toughed it out well right to the line, while CORNROW (3rd) was kept balanced by the 'pumper' in the tested conditions to keep on to the line.

The interest

Gerald Ryan had four runners in the race and the horse that crossed the line first stood out in the yard, she was clearly a more athletic type well suited to 1400m. The wet track would have played havoc with the chances of many and it may pay to forgive some of the poor performances. CORNROW didn't seem to handle the conditions when put under pressure coming around the home turn, but Jimmy Cassidy kept him balanced up nicely for a solid run to the line. TIME FOR WAR also did well after setting up a good rolling tempo, he looks to have talent. As for BELIEVE YOURSELF, we have all been surprised by her massive runs to date given how small and plain she looks in the yard. She has a lot of heart, it might just be tricky trying to place her now unless she develops.

Follow PEGGY JEAN
Forgive CORNROW and TIME FOR WAR

Race 6 BMW AUSTRALIAN DERBY (3YO SET WEIGHTS) - 2400m

“Criterion uses his new found strength to claim the classic race"

CRITERION (NZ) (David Payne)
TUPAC AMARU (Peter Snowden) - 0.4 lengths
HOOKED (John P Thompson) - 1.2 lengths

Criterion fought off challenges from both sides to win

In the yard (@theraceguide)

CRITERION, THUNDER FANTASY, TERONADO, SINGING FLAME and SURGING WAVE all looked very well in the yard. KOROIBETE, BEST CASE and SOLO SAGA looked a bit flat and dull in the coat compared to a pretty high standard of three year old.

In the run

PUCCINI rolled to a clear lead from SURGE AHEAD. CRITERION, HOOKED, TUPAC AMARU and SAVVY NATURE all raced together in a group midfield

The result

CRITERION (1st) was given a great ride again, giving him every chance to produce a strong run home and show his class. HOOKED (2nd) travelled better than the favourite at the 200m and was just outstayed late in the race, while TUPAC AMARU (3rd) had made and early run for home from the 700m and never shirked his task.

The interest

The class rose to the top here, CRITERION is clearly a quality three year old with all the attributes of a good horse. He has had a few convictions over shorter distances in the past with a string of placings, fourths and fifths to his name. Those performances look much more impressive now given 2000m+ appears to be his best trip. THUNDER FANTASY looked to be tracking into the race fairly well until the pressure went on at the 500m, once he let down there wasn't much to give on the wet. TUPAC AMARU was tough as nails in the heavy, he just didn't have the class of the winner to quicken in the straight. The other star performer was HOOKED, a might effort on an unsuitable wet track from a horse with a bit of class of his own.

Follow CRITERION and HOOKED
Forgive THUNDER FANTASY

Race 7 DARLEY T J SMITH STAKES - 1200m

"A million dollar performance by the 'Rupee'"

LANKAN RUPEE (Mick Price)
REBEL DANE (Gary Portelli) - 2.0 lengths
BUFFERING (Robert Heathcote) - 2.1 lengths

The muscular Lankan Rupee proved he is a champion sprinter

In the yard (@theraceguide)

A powerful and well-presented group, all a credit to their trainers. SWEET IDEA and AERONAUTICAL were well enough, but lacked the size and strength of some of their competitors.

In the run

LANKAN RUPEE jumped well and pushed to the lead. In the clear running room Craig Newitt was able to ease out wider into the better ground. BUFFERING trailed in second and the two charged along in front ensuring a GOOD TEMPO. SNITZERLAND in third was already being ridden at the halfway point.

The result

LANKAN RUPEE (1st) simply ran his rivals into the ground to score the most impressive of victories, a class above. REBEL DANE (2nd) ran on nicely from midfield, while BUFFERING (3rd) fought hard from start to finish.

The interest

Many Sydney folk were keen to see this sprinting sensation perform and he didn't let them down. It was a performance for the ages and the only question that remains after no horse has beaten him this preparation is - just how good is he? REBEL DANE is back in fantastic order and may have not loved the wet track surface. Keeping him fresh for the sprints is a smart strategy by trainer Gary Portelli.

Follow LANKAN RUPEE (in any race, anywhere) and REBEL DANE

Race 8 THE STAR DONCASTER MILE (3YO&UP) - 1600m

"The master trainer Chris Waller plays the perfect hand"

SACRED FALLS (NZ) (Chris Waller)
ROYAL DESCENT (Chris Waller) - 0.5 lengths
WEARY (FR) (Chris Waller) - 3.0 lengths

Sacred Falls produced an amazing burst in the wet to get past Royal Descent

In the yard (@theraceguide)

A nice group of horses paraded before this classic handicap. Many looked well, including MY KINGDOM OF FIFE, SACRED FALLS, MOURO, ROYAL DESCENT, DEAR DEMI, LIDARI, DISSIDENT and EL ROCA. HANA'S GOAL was a lot smaller than most.

In the run

FAT AL rolled to the front and STREAMA used her adaptable racing style to get nearer the lead this time. The big pack was a pretty close quarters coming to the home turn, just eight lengths covered the field and there were five across the track.

The result

Zac Purton produced SACRED FALLS (1st) up the inside and he finished off very strongly. ROYAL DESCENT (2nd) once again had to make a long run around the outside of the field, while WEARY (3rd) stayed on very solidly.

The interest

SACRED FALLS proved himself as one of the best wet trackers in Australia and a horse that can really try when the conditions are tough. A lot of the field struggled in the deteriorating ground, and while it is hard to tell exactly how much it impacted the result, horses such as MESSENE, DISSIDENT, EL ROCA, NINTH LEGION and TOYDINI had moments in the run where they were slightly off balance. The horse to follow looks like it could be ROYAL DESCENT after she had to cover ground again before running home bravely. She will be a challenger to the current Weight For Age stars in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes next week.

Follow ROYAL DESCENT
Forgive MESSENE, DISSIDENT and EL ROCA

Race 9 TAB ADRIAN KNOX STAKES (3YO F) - 2000m

“The daughter of Dubawi swims to the finish of Championships Day One"

ARABIAN GOLD (David Vandyke)
MISSVONN (Guy Walter) - 1.3 lengths
LADY CUMQUAT (Roger James) - 1.8 lengths

Arabian Gold loomed ominously and finished the job well

In the yard (@theraceguide)

A gloomy end to the day making it difficult to get a clear look at the horses. ROLE MODEL, METAPHORICAL, LADY CUMQUAT, MOORLUV and PARIS MATCH all appeared well.

In the run

AMANPOUR jumped better this time and found her favoured roll leading the field from PARIS MATCH in second. The pace of the race increased slightly from the 1100m. Overall an EVEN TEMPO was set up.

The result

ARABIAN GOLD (1st) cruised through the very wet track, putting in a sustained run down the outside to old off MISSVONN, who seemed to be staying on well right to the line. LADY CUMQUAT followed the first two home right down the straight.

The interest

A big turnaround from ARABIAN GOLD back onto a wet track. The trainer was confident that her work leading up to this run had showed she was back on track, and he was proven right. The turf was very chopped up by this stage of the day and many of the fillies didn't handle it. ROLE MODEL and LADY CUMQUAT in particular never seemed to be completely balanced in the conditions.

Follow LADY CUMQUAT and MOORLUV
Forgive ROLE MODEL