Race Day Review - Saturday Racing at Rosehill Gardens
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 02 August 2014
A beautiful sunny Winters day with a fresh breeze ensured a good racing surface for one of the last 'off-season' Saturday meetings before Spring. A touch of favour for horses on the pace kept the jockeys busy looking for the ideal position and a couple of protests were fired in successfully to add to the interest. The most significant objection came in Race One, in which the heavily backed Liberation decided to dart out when seeming to have the race in his keeping. Most on track though it wouldn't get upheld, but the news was wrong as Press Report was declared the winner.
Two classy performances shone brightest in the key races later in the day. In Race Five He's Your Man (pictured above) took a step towards better races with a strong win in the Winter Challenge, and in Race Seven Rock Sturdy ran down a game Lorna May to prove he is a horse with more than his fair share of talent.
A race-by-race analysis of the day is provided from the mounting yard to the finish. The complete guide from your team at the track.
Track Info
| Rail | TRUE |
| Conditions | GOOD 3 |
| Weather | FINE (cool breeze) |
| Bias | ON-PACE* (preference for on-pace horses, but tempo stronger factor) |
All The Race Finishes
Race 1 TAB EARLY QUADDIE PLATE
Berry sidesteps like a Waratah
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Press Report | Kris Lees | Ms Winona Costin | 1 | 53.0 | |
| 2 | Liberation | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tommy Berry | 5 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Amicus | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 6 | 54.0 |
Press Report beat a wayward Liberation in a very close protest
In The Yard
Nice two year olds and all paraded well. LIBERATION had the most power, and there was strength also in AMICUS and NIP OF TIME. FORBIDDEN JEWEL and PRESS REPORT were leaner and more athletic. It was clear that LIBERATION is a short-course sprinting type.
In The Running
PRESS REPORT jumped best and took up the box seat. LIBERATION moved up to take the lead and NIP OF TIME sat outside the leader. An EVEN TEMPO was set up.
The Result
LIBERATION (2nd - lost on protest) cruised into the straight and looked like he would hold on easily until ducking out late. The margin was only small to PRESS REPORT (1st - won on protest), who chased gamely with the light weight. AMICUS (3rd) held the remaining place comfortably.
The Interest
There wasn't much interference between the 100m and the 50m, but it was enough for the stewards to favour the filly. The 10kg turnaround that PRESS REPORT had on LIBERATION clearly made a big difference, but LIBERATION really should of held on if he went straight. Suggest that he doesn't want much further based on type though (strong-set sprinting type) and he was favoured by the bias on the day. AMICUS returned well and can be followed. FORBIDDEN JEWEL lacked the power needed and perhaps prefers a more testing track. Follow LIBERATION (over sprint trips), PRESS REPORT and AMICUS.
Race 2 SCHWEPPES HANDICAP
An express mare from Melbourne delivers
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Venta | Darren Weir | Kerrin McEvoy | 8 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | My Sabeel | Kevin Moses | James McDonald | 9 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | First Class Ticket | Allan Denham | Taylor Marshall | 2 | 58.5 |
La Venta was just too strong
In The Yard
FOREVER CRAZY paraded the best and CHATEAU LAFAITE was also impressive. FIRST CLASS TICKET was a bit keen as usual, a smaller and lighter type. LA VENTA, STAR OF HELICON and CHEZ HARMONY all looked well.
In The Running
FIRST CLASS TICKET jumped best and box seated in third on the rails. CHEZ HARMONY took over to lead, from LA VENTA in second. MY SABEEL was stuck wide near the pace. A steady EVEN TEMPO was set up.
The Result
LA VENTA (1st) moved up stylishly at the 300m and sustained a good run in the straight. MY SABEEL fought on bravely (2nd) and FIRST CLASS TICKET (3rd) chased honestly as always up the inside.
The Interest
Speed was key on the hard track and the well backed LA VENTA was simply the superior sprinter. MY SABEEL has improved lengths with James McDonald on board and is racing very gamely at the moment. FIRST CLASS TICKET was honest as always, one of the more genuine horses going around. DIVERTIRE looked well in the yard with a bit more muscle this prep for her new trainer and did a good job. It just wasn't the race today for FOREVER CRAZY and she didn't get much room in the straight either. CHATEAU LAFAITE seems to have her mind elsewhere. Follow LA VENTA and DIVERTIRE. Forgive FOREVER CRAZY and MY SABEEL.
Race 3 DE BORTOLI WINES HANDICAP
Arrogance from 'Larry' as he bounces back
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laidback Larry | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | James McDonald | 4 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Single | Craig Carmody | Ms Winona Costin | 2 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Multilateral | Matthew Williams | Tommy Berry | 7 | 58.5 |
Laidback Larry wore out his opposition
In The Yard
Most horses looked well. SINGLE is an impressive type that has looked better this campaign. LUCKY LIAISON was just a little unsettled.
In The Running
LAIDBACK LARRY took up the lead from DONE NOTHIN’ WRONG outside in second. SINGLE pushed up and got the box seat. LAIDBACK LARRY built up and started rolling mid-race, setting up a GOOD TEMPO.
The Result
LAIDBACK LARRY (1st) kept going to hold on just from SINGLE (2nd), who tracked up behind and almost got there. MULTILATERAL (3rd) ran on nicely after having to come three wide on the turn.
The Interest
LAIDBACK LARRY enjoyed a dry track and a good ride. He needs conditions to suit to win, but he is impressive when he does. He just seems to lack the top speed in the run home if he can't lead and set a good clip. SINGLE did very well, but the best run may have been MULTILATERAL given he carried some weight and had to come wider on the turn to chase. Not the pattern of the day. SABOR A TRIUNFO wasn't suited either, but was still very disappointing. Given she isn't the most robust type (tall and angular) it will be interesting to see if she can bounce back. Follow MULTILATERAL.
Race 4 TAB REWARDS HANDICAP
Grace commands the older jockeys
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakfield Commands | Todd Howlett | Mr Lester Grace | 8 | 58.5 | |
| 2 | The Peak | Bart & James Cummings | Taylor Marshall | 1 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Skip Town | Tim Martin | Kerrin McEvoy | 5 | 55.5 |
Oakfield Commands got a nice run and held on
In The Yard
TESTARHYTHM, OAKFIELD COMMANDS, TERRITORY and SKIP TOWN paraded best. CANNY BALLAD had some condition, so improvement to come. TOO MUCH TORQUE lacked power in comparison to the other sprinters.
In The Running
TERRITORY jumped ok and was ridden differently, moving forward to 2nd. OAKFIELD COMMANDS jumped best to lead and set up an EVEN TEMPO. SKIP TOWN was stuck wide near the pace.
The Result
OAKFIELD CMMANDS (1st) kept going to claim the win from THE PEAK (2nd) who threaded through late. SKIP TOWN fought on bravely (3rd).
The Interest
SKIP TOWN was tough as usual and is ready for a 1400m assignment now. He seems to have come back well this campaign and can be followed with some confidence given how hard he tries. OAKFIELD COMMANDS got the favours on a leaders track, but still did a good job. THE PEAK showed his acceleration and can win a race of a similar grade soon. Not sure about the run of TERRITORY, who was close up in 4th after looming. He will be better when he gets cover off a decent tempo in the future. Follow SKIP TOWN and THE PEAK. Forgive TERRITORY.
Race 5 WINTER CHALLENGE
Class shines in the main event
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | He's Your Man | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 3 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | I'm Imposing | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 6 | 57.5 | |
| 3 | Coup Ay Tee | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 1 | 58.5 |
He's Your Man delivered a professional win
In The Yard
A good looking bunch. DISCLAIMER was level below the rest at the distance given he was a smaller and less muscular type. SCREAM MACHINE, HE’S YOUR MAN and ROMANTIC MOON paraded best. QUEENSTOWN was in good shape, but it was noted that she is a nicely built staying type, rather than a sprinter.
In The Running
QUEENSTOWN was given a crack with the whip to lead, but TOUGHER THAN EVER pushed on too and took over setting up a GOOD TEMPO. ROMANTIC MOON tracked up behind them in third and DISCLAIMER found a spot on the rails in fourth. The tempo eased marginally mid-race.
The Result
HE’S YOUR MAN (1st) peeled out from midfield and wound up strongly, from COUP AY TEE (3rd on protest) who was blocked for a run and should have finished closer. I’M IMPOSING (2nd on protest) waited for a run after being checked and stayed on well late.
The Interest
They went hard in this and QUEENSTOWN was forced to try something back from 2350m. She did an ok job and will be better suited up in trip next start HE’S YOUR MAN is the most promising horse in the race and delivered a very professional win. He can improve further this preparation and could even be a contender for early Spring carnival racing. COUP AY TEE and I'M IMPOSING were both a little unlucky, but they had the best runs off the rolling tempo. I'M IMPOSING has now been in the perfect spot in his last two races. ROMANTIC MOON was a bit disappointing and just didn't have the gas in the tank to raise an effort after the early fireworks. SCREAM MACHINE found the wrong part of the track, but may need a break now. Follow HE’S YOUR MAN. Forgive QUEENSTOWN.
Race 6 JOCKEYS CELEBRATION DAY HANDICAP
The 'Crow' flies home
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Murder of Crows | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 5 | 58.5 | |
| 2 | Masterstroke | Jason Coyle | Tye Angland | 2 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Worldly Impact | Craig Carmody | Jason Collett | 4 | 56.0 |
Murder of Crows powered from the back
In The Yard
KANJISTAR, MURDER OF CROWS, TRALFAZ, BONSAI and WORLDLY IMPACT were the best in the yard, but WORLDLY IMPACT lacked the power of most others. MAGIC JEWEL was unsettled as she paraded.
In The Running
Lots of early pressure, with MAGIC JEWEL firing to the lead setting up a GOOD TEMPO. KANJISTAR got a nice trail on the rails and TRALFAZ and BONSAI were stuck wide with no cover near the pace. MURDER OF CROWS and WORLDLY IMPACT were slowish to begin and went to the back. TERRA AMATA took over from MAGIC JEWEL early in the straight.
The Result
MASTERSTROKE (2nd) tracked up well from midfield and hit the lead, but MURDER OF CROWS (1st) powered late and was too strong. WORLDLY IMPACT (3rd) also ran on late after threading through the middle of the pack. LYRIC and BECKON were blocked for a run at crucial stages.
The Interest
Even though they went hard in this one, which set it up for the top three to run home, you had to be impressed with the winners final 200m. MURDER OF CROWS is a lovely strong type, but not the most sound of horses, so a tough one to recommend to follow. MASTERSTROKE, LYRIC and BECKON were all in good spots in the run and only the former found room when it mattered. BECKON was so badly checked in the straight that he was eased down. Given the hot tempo, there could be some form turnarounds from this one. Forgive TERRA AMATA, LYRIC, TRALFAZ, BECKON and BONSAI.
Race 7 GO THE TAHS HANDICAP
Tough and genuine takes the prize
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rock Sturdy | Joseph Pride | Hugh Bowman | 5 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Lorna May | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | James McDonald | 2 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Wouldnt It Be Nice | Paul Perry | Serg Lisnyy | 8 | 58.5 |
Rock Sturdy chased very gamely to win.
In The Yard
BURBERO and LORNA MAY paraded the best. No knock most others, including ROCK STURDY. AUSTRALIAN STAR seemed a level below the rest.
In The Running
LORNA MAY jumped best, but PRINCE PEDRO sped forward take the lead. A steady SLOW TEMPO was set. ROCK STURDY was a bit sluggish to jump, but pushed up to get a trail on third.
The Result
LORNA MAY (2nd) had natural speed to move up and take over at the top of the straight, but ROCK STURDY (1st) was urged to keep the trail and he proved too strong late. WOULDNT IT BE NICE (3rd) ran on nicely.
The Interest
A great ride by Hugh Bowman to keep in touch on the turn and use the power underneath him late to get the win. ROCK STURDY is simply a strong and genuine horse, a good combination. LORNA MAY was very well backed, and while she may enjoy a trail more, it is hard to say the winner doesn't deserve it. Follow ROCK STURDY.
Race 8 BIG SPORTS BREAKFAST HANDICAP
Leading a slow tempo is a moral
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moral Victory | Tim Martin | Yusuke Ichikawa | 9 | 57.5 | |
| 2 | Hydro | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | James McDonald | 2 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Black Revolver | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 8 | 56.0 |
Moral Victory kicked well at the turn to win
In The Yard
MADE TO ORDER, MORAL VICTORY, ADABOY ROSS, BLACK REVOLVER, HYDRO and CAPE CLEAR best in the yard, which by this stage of the day was getting very cold.
In The Running
MORAL VICTORY moved up to take the lead and HYDRO took the box seat. PALASPORT sat outside the lead. Not much pressure was applied and a SLOW TEMPO was set up. MORAL VICTORY upped the tempo on the turn and pinched a 2L break into the straight.
The Result
MORAL VICTORY (1st) maintained his sprint in the straight and just held off BLACK REVOLVER (3rd), who flew late from midfield. HYDRO (2nd) challenged gamely.
The Interest
The top three cleared out in a pretty weak race. BLACK REVOLVER looked well placed in the event and ran on very strongly against both pace and bias. MORAL VICTORY has had an amazing run of cheap leads now and while he is clearly a talented horse, his luck must run out soon. HYDRO returned well for Gai Waterhouse and did look fit enough in the yard, so not sure how much improvement there is. MADE TO ORDER is one-paced, but even that doesn't explain such a poor run. She dropped back sharply from 4th. Follow BLACK REVOLVER.