Yard to the Post @ Royal Randwick
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 25 June 2016
Long coats, a soft track and a sting in the breeze at Royal Randwick today, there was no doubt we were in the heart of the winter racing season.
Trainers aim the right horses at these conditions, Allan Denham scoring in the feature Winter Dash with the very tough MOUNT NEBO who relished the muddy Randwick course. Similarly ELLE LOU, SUPER TYCOON and THREE SHEETS all surged through the soft ground best to win the other legs of the quaddie.
The most exciting win of the day came from Snowden's two-year-old RUSSIAN REVOLUTION, who blew his competition away in rapid time to remain unbeaten after two starts. Running three and a half lengths quicker than the three-year-old NOBLE JOEY (winner of Race 1) is no mean feat for a young horse.
Well bred three-year-old NOT A GYPSY was too good for the older horses over 2,600 metres and FAROLITOS won again over the famous Randwick mile.
And we have to mention the unlucky runners up in Brisbane, a wicked OFF RAILS bias ending the hopes of many good quality carnival horses on another trick day for the new sand-based track.Trainer John O'Shea even trying to scratch his sprinter MOGADOR (eventually finished 3rd) due to the bias.
A full review of Royal Randwick from the yard to the post will be on-line Sunday 9am.
Track Info
| Rail | +9 metres |
| Conditions | SOFT 6 |
| Weather | FINE & COOL |
| Bias | FAIR / OFF RAILS later |
Race 1 CAN ASSIST CANCER SUPPORT HANDICAP
Joey on the spot sneaks the win
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noble Joey | Robert & Luke Price | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 4 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Static Lift | Anthony Cummings | Tim Clark | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Yuma Desert | Peter & Paul Snowden | Andrew Adkins | 8 | 58.5 |
In The Yard
All 3yos looked OK in the yard, DARK EYES muscular and ready. KING'S TROOP neat and genuine. No knock on others.. NOBLE JOEY wants it wetter?
In The Running
In an oddly run race, NOBLE JOEY took up the lead from GENDEBIEN, UNTAMED DIAMOND and YUMA DESERT, who was slow and got pushed out four wide. DARK EYES was supposed to push forward but was also slow and got back. STATIC LIFT was last. Every sectional was progressively slower, so while it looked steady, we've got no choice but to call it a FAIR tempo. DARK EYES couldn't get a run in the straight.
The Result
NOBLE JOEY (1st) hung on to win and STATIC LIFT (2nd) ran on from the back. YUMA DESERT (3rd) stuck on and there was a gap to the rest.
The Interest
Sectionals of 11.00, 11.15, 11.58, 11,63 and 12.43 from NOBLE JOEY and nothing could get past him. Disappointing. He's a tough little galloper that naturally cruises at a good speed under a hold, he would be an even better horse over 1100m on a heavy track perhaps. A solid win none-the-less. STATIC LIFT had his chance, YUMA DESERT and DARK EYES (blocked) didn't. Arguably Sam Clipperton shouldn't have stopped riding so soon on DARK EYES, he may have got into 4th. Forgive YUMA DESERT and DARK EYES.
Race 2 CAN ASSIST VOLUNTEERS PLATE
Winter racing unveils a new star
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russian Revolution | Peter & Paul Snowden | Rory Hutchings | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Morton's Fork | Lindsey Smith | Tim Clark | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Treviso | Allan Denham | Tye Angland | 12 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
WHO SAID IT'S EASY looked good, MORTON'S FORK fit enough and strong, CONCHITA and INFRA DIG looked well, RUSSIAN REVOLUTION is a nice type; they're the best.
In The Running
SQUARED moved up out wide and RUSSIAN REVOLUTION moved up nearer the rails to take up the running from TREVISO just behind them. CONCHITA couldn't get on-pace and settled in 5th, pushing three wide mid-race. AL MINHAD was even wider.
The Result
RUSSIAN REVOLUTION (1st) was strong and broke clear of MORTON'S FORK (2nd), who made ground up through the inside. TREVISO (3rd) fought on OK.
The Interest
This is a high quality 2yo. Unbeaten from two starts now, RUSSIAN REVOLUTION ran very quick time for a youngster and is a big follow in the future. As for the name, hopefully the China Horse Club (the owners) don't know something we don't know...! Complete forgives for CONCHITA and AL MINHAAD chasing a much better horse stuck out wide, they simply hit the wall and can bounce back. MORTON'S FORK only 2 lengths off and can be followed too. INFRA DIG a touch disappointing (wide at the back with cover and didn't hit the line). Follow RUSSIAN REVOLUTION and MORTON'S FORK. Forgive CONCHITA and AL MINHAAD.
Race 3 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
Swoopers fastest in the Highway
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rock On Zariz | Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones | Ms Winona Costin | 12 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Charge of Light | Greg Campbell | Thomas Huet | 13 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Star Shaft | Tim McIntosh | Tye Angland | 16 | 58.5 |
In The Yard
CHEEKY is quite a plain small type, STAR SHAFT stood out as a bigger classy type, MOSSMAN'S GOLD,TRADES HALL and FLASH IN THE DARK all OK. ROYAL ENGINEER quite powerful and looked well too.
In The Running
SISTER JOY led from KINGMANDU on her inside and CHEEKY on the outside wider. ROYAL ENGINEER was wide just off the pace and RAISED A LEGEND just inside. KINGMANDU dropped back quickly into the path of SNAPPY ONE, who was taken right back to last. ROCK ON ZARIZ, CHARGE OF LIGHT and STAR SHAFT got back in the pack. A STRONG tempo was set up.
The Result
CHARGE OF LIGHT (2nd) swept home and hit the lead briefly before ROCK ON ZARIZ (1st) came over the top. STAR SHAFT (3rd) made ground through the pack without much room at times.
The Interest
Not unusual for the jockeys to overdo it in these Country Highways and the top three came from the back as a result. ROCK ON ZARIZ coming off a Sapphire Coast win in heavy ground. The little CHEEKY ran a cheeky race (5th beaten 3.9 lengths) after racing near the pace, she looks a tough type that handled the conditions better than most. STAR SHAFT didn't quite get the luck and should have been closer (could have won). KINGMANDU bled and RAISED A LEGEND had a poor recovery. Don't be too harsh on ROYAL ENGINEER after getting stuck wide. Forgive ROYAL ENGINEER and KINGMANDU.
Race 4 PRATT FOUNDATION HANDICAP
Too much class from Snowden agaiin
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Not a Gypsy | Peter & Paul Snowden | Tim Clark | 4 | 53.5 | |
| 2 | Defrost My Heart | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 9 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Murphy's Delight | Eric Musgrove | Koby Jennings | 6 | 61.0 |
In The Yard
No knocks in the yard for these stayers, NOT A GYPSY a nice type if he can stay, ZATOPAZ, JO JO GIRL and MAJOR MAJOR are all solid staying types.
In The Running
ZATOPAZ went to lead at a STEADY tempo from DEFROST MY HEART and NOT A GYPSY. DREAM FOLK over-raced at the back and whipped around the pace to lead mid-race. ZATOPAZ only gradually moved up to put pressure on 700m, not as aggressive as usual.
The Result
DEFROST MY HEART (2nd) sprinted off the turn to go to a clear lead, but NOT A GYPSY (1st) got clear and was too strong late to just get there as the leader tired. MUPRHY'S DELIGHT(3rd) way back in-front of the surging MAJOR MAJOR (4th)
The Interest
They didn't go hard in this which helped DEFROST MY HEART, a stayer with a rare turn-of-foot, who dashed clear at the top of the straight. Everything she as in terms of sprint and acceleration is lessened by her lack of a strong last 100m and the improving 3yo NOT A GYPSY took advantage of that. A great victory for a horse with talent and scope. MAJOR MAJOR unlucky not to get a place from the back after wobbling on the turn (which he has been doing lately). Perhaps they should have gone harder on the one-paced ZATOPAZ, although his last 200m was weaker than usual. Follow NOT A GYPSY.
Race 5 CAN ASSIST CHARITY RACING TO WIN HANDICAP
Horses for courses over the famous mile
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farolitos | James Cummings | Tim Clark | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Berry Delicious | Jason Coyle | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 8 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Ammirata | Joseph Pride | Sam Clipperton | 4 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
BERRY DELICIOUS looked fit/well, but most looking good here, even CANDELARA.. FAROLITOS is tough and relishes this track.
In The Running
CANDELARA led from VOILIER and MARENOSTRO behind them. FAROLITOS and BERRY DELICIOUS got back. A FAIR tempo was set up.
The Result
FAROLITOS (1st) came wider and surged strongly to the line to beat BERRY DELICIOUS (2nd), who had sprinted and loomed briefly. AMMIRATA (3rd) fought on gamely too.
The Interest
Horses for courses. This galloper loves Randwick, able to sustain a strong surge right to the line in the tough conditions. BERRY DELICIOUS good again, but bled unfortunately, disappointing for connections. BLACK JAG (5th) did enough and looked ready in the yard to run well over 1800m next start. CASINO DANCER last and the iron-horse of Sydney racing has now been retired to stud. An amazing 61 starts for 6 wins and 17 placings, she earned over $500,000 and gave us plenty of memories. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 6 JBS AUSTRALIA HANDICAP
Bonny Elle wins at Randwick again
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elle Lou | Chris Waller | Rory Hutchings | 13 | 58.5 | |
| 2 | Zelda | Les Bridge | Grant Buckley | 8 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Harlem Lady | Chris Waller | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 6 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
ALART looked strong, well and has class if handles the wet, KOKOMO and ZELDA quite good down bottom, all Ok though, perhaps TENDER a touch plain.
In The Running
ALART was well out and found the box seat as DISTRAUGHT came across to lead. TROIS CHOIX was left outside the leader with no cover. KOKOMO a touch keen behind them and ELLE LOU near the back. A FAIR tempo was set up.
The Result
ELLE LOU (1st) came to the outside and surged home best from ZELDA (2nd), who ran home OK too. HARLEM LADY (3rd) weaved through the pack and hit the line late.
The Interest
She's come back in fine form, winning first-up before taking a slight step back second-up, which she has done before. ELLE LOU can win again this winter in suitable soft conditions. HARLEM LADY good and perhaps a more aggressive rider was needed to find the right gap. Poor old ALART can't take a trick, the inside ground starting to cut up late in the day and she wasn't far off them. A drier track would be better for her. Follow ELLE LOU.
Race 7 RON FINEMORE TRANSPORT HANDICAP
Super skips up the Randwick straight
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Super Tycoon | Gregory McFarlane | James Innes Jnr | 2 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Conarchie | Clarry Conners | Jason Collett | 14 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Grunderzeit | James Cummings | Koby Jennings | 11 | 60.5 |
In The Yard
GUNDERZEIT holding condition well, but can he get 1400m? FIGTREE a nice big horse. ELUSIVE RUNNER 95% fit. SUPER TYCOON a fit athletic horse suited to these conditions.
In The Running
CONARCHIE and GRUNDERZEIT took up the running from SLYDINI behind them. METALLIC CROWN urged into a spot, but was checked and raced keenly for a while. FIGTREE was wide with no cover in midfield. SUPER TYCOON back in the pack on the rails. A FAIR tempo (on steady side) was set up.
The Result
SUPER TYCOON (1st) quickened best in the soft ground and ran past the leaders CONARCHIE (2nd) and GRUNDERZEIT (3rd), who fought on.
The Interest
He had hit the line with gusto in what is turning out to be a good form race (BM 78 won by Shadow Lord) over 1200m and relished the 1400m today. SUPER TYCOON is now 3 starts for 3 wins at the distance. A leaner tough type that relished the sticky conditions. CONARCHIE and GRUNDERZEIT good and both had their chance. DUBAIINSTYLE (6th, hit the line, needs further) and FIGTREE (stuck wide) the other horses worth noting. METALLIC CROWN bled and is out for 3 months. Follow DUBAIINSTYLE (up to 1600m).
Race 8 CAN ASSIST WINTER DASH
The Frenchman flies down the outside
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Nebo | Allan Denham | Thomas Huet | 11 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Decision Time | Clarry Conners | Taylor Marshall | 9 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Shadow Lord | Joseph Pride | Ms Deanne Panya | 1 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
What do you do with SEBRING SUN, looks great, but is his heart in it? SMART VOLATILITY looked well, INZ'N'OUT and MOUNT NEBO very solid. OFFICE BEARER had a nice shine. HIDDEN WARRIOR is suited to the conditions.
In The Running
INZ'N'OUT and SMART VOLATILITY took up the running at a STRONG tempo, from OFFICE BEARER, BARBED and HIDDEN WARRIOR was stuck wide with no cover. MOUNT NEBO and DECISION TIME went back.
The Result
MOUNT NEBO (1st) came wider and sprinted well in the conditions, getting home from DECISION TIME (2nd), who also picked up well. SHADOW LORD (3rd) kept lifting from near the inside.
The Interest
The Frenchman Thomas Huet produced a perfect ride on this tough Randwick specialist. As the leaders tired, he produced MOUNT NEBO to the outside for a dash that was too much for the tiring leaders to handle. What about DECISION TIME! 8 years old and out of form recently, he was also ridden well by young Marshall for a big finish. INZ'N'OUT (6th) and SMART VOLATILITY (7th) finished alongside each-other and could be worth forgiving. IINZ'N"OUT had the blinkers on and SMART VOLATILITY was fresh so they both went a touch too hard. SEBRING SUN does what he does, sprint nicely then get a stitch! Forgive HIDDEN WARRIOR.
Race 9 DE BORTOLI WINES HANDICAP
This mudder sails through the conditions
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Three Sheets | Jeremy Sylvester | Robert Thompson | 3 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Hot Hit | Mark Mason | Tye Angland | 4 | 57.5 | |
| 3 | Minnesota | Gwenda Markwell | Taylor Marshall | 10 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
No knocks in the last, RAIDO, HOT HIT and MINNESOTA all tough and suited in these conditions. THREE SHEETS nice but ready for further now?
In The Running
PLATEAU GOLD sped through to lead from MINNESOTA and QUELL wider. PRINCESS AILANI was wider out just behind them. HOT HIT in midfield. THREE SHEETS got back.
The Result
THREE SHEETS (1st) found space and was much too strong over the final 100m, from HOT HIT (2nd), who fought on nearer the inside. MINNESOTA (3rd) was brave up near the pace.
The Interest
A real mudlark, THREE SHEETS took his record to 8 starts for 5 wins and 2 placings on wet ground, his only start outside the placings a 4th to All Summer Long at Randwick. He's been smashing the line lately so 1200m+ at his next start should prove no problem. Ol' Rob Thompson came down for one ride and one win. HOT HIT brave again nearer the inside and MINNESOTA is super tough in the wet. Follow THREE SHEETS.