Yard to the Post @ Golden Pendant Day
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 24 September 2016
Dry firm conditions presented themselves at Rosehill Gardens today for the first time in many months after a long winter. Spring has been in the air for a few weeks and now finally it's in the turf too.
On-pace runners were slightly favoured all day, but that didn't stop the two classy colts IMPENDING and DIVINE PROPHET from fighting out the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes. Christian Reith made his move early on DIVINE PROPHET and James McDonald tracked his every move before driving past on the line.
It was a leader that took out the feature Group 2 Golden Pendant though as the track firmed later in the day, TYCOON TARA never headed to score by a clear margin on the line. The Snowden stable keeps suggesting that the mare is heading to the breeding barn soon. That opinion changed today, her form much too strong to stop racing.
In other races, favourite PRIZED ICON ran into trouble in the Gloaming Stakes before getting into 3rd on protest, and ALLERGIC narrowly won the 'match race' that was the Queen's Cup over 2,400 metres.
A full review from the yard to the post will be on-line from Sunday 9am.
photo credit: @atc_races
Track Info
| Rail | +5 metres |
| Conditions | GOOD 3 |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | FAIR to ON-PACE |
Race 1 #THERACES HANDICAP
All the way for Antonio
steady tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
on-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antonio Giuseppe | Chris Waller | Koby Jennings | 11 | 61.0 | |
| 2 | More to Gain | Amanda Turner | Peter Wells | 1 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Four Carat | Eric Musgrove | Jason Collett | 6 | 59.5 |
In The Yard
ANTONIO GIUSEPPE a nice big strong type with some quality about him. MORE TO GAIN looking well, OH SO SPLENDIDO and MANDALONG KISS OK, but only leaner types perhaps not suited on a firm Rosehill.
In The Running
ANTONIO GIUSEPPE jumped OK and rolled to the lead from CRAMMING and FOUR CARAT. Only a STEADY tempo set-up.
The Result
ANTONIO GIUSEPPE (1st) got rolling into the turn and drove clear from MORE TO GAIN (2nd), who pushed out and made good ground to grab FOUR CARAT (3rd) on the line. Margins 2.8L by 0.1L with a massive 4.3L back to SALTHOUSE (4th).
The Interest
The first sign of the ON-PACE and NEAR RAILS bias, ANTONIO GIUSEPPE winning well from a very game MORE TO GAIN. Both runs very good and the margins were big. MORE TO GAIN sprnited against the bias, but did peak on his run very late so be wary in a high pressure 2000m race. MANDALONG KISS featured in the vets report [poor post-race recovery and respiratory distress]. Follow ANOTONIO GIUSEPPE and MORE TO GAIN. Forgive MANDALONG KISS.
Race 2 2016 QUEEN'S CUP
Godolphin gets one over Waller
steady tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
on-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allergic | James Cummings | James McDonald | 4 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Junoob | Chris Waller | Brenton Avdulla | 2 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Alegria | Darren Beadman | Tim Clark | 5 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
Most horses looking well in the yard, JUNOOB a shine as always. CHAQUINTA a tough 'no-frills' type not suited to a very firm Rosehill.
In The Running
ZERO TO TEN took up the running at a STEADY tempo before ALEGRIA whipped around the pack from the 800m mark to start an early sprint for home.
The Result
ALEGRIA (3rd) led them into the straight, but was run down late by ALLERGIC (1st) and JUNOOB (3rd), who followed her when the sprint went on. Margins 0.3L by 0.5L with 5.8L back to ZERO TO TEN (4th).
The Interest
Simply a three-horse race with similar form ratings and that's the way it finished. Merit in all three runs, ALLERGIC was approx. 4kg better than ALEGRIA on ratings from the Autumn and that's the way it stayed, McDonald executing a perfect ride to win. JUNOOB chased well and might have been the run of the race. He likes the tempo on. CHAQUINTA in the vets report [lame in the off-hind leg] and will now be spelled. Forgive CHAQUINTA (no wet ground back in grade).
Race 3 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Distinctive Look | David J Smith | Koby Jennings | 13 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Shotgun Roulette | Wayne Wilkes | Tye Angland | 3 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Not for Export | Dar Lunn | Andrew Banks | 19 | 55.5 |
Race 4 TAB REGINALD ALLEN QUALITY
strong tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
on-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zenalicious | Les Bridge | Tim Clark | 9 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Invincibella | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 4 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Overstep | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 1 | 56.5 |
In The Running
ROSA CAROLINA worked up on the outside of OVERSTEP and PECANS was up in between them early, keeping ROSA CAROLINA wide. INVINCIBELLA was slow to start. ZENALICIOUS got well back. There was pressure and a STRONG tempo.
The Result
ZENALICIOUS (1st) ran on up in the inside and stormed past INVINCIBELLA (2nd), who had fought on past OVERSTEP (3rd) from the box seat. Margins 1L by 0.8L with 1.6L back to PECANS (4th).
The Interest
The inside ground seemed to be better and the strong tempo helped ZENALICIOUS get home, a muscular type that enjoyed the firm conditions. Hard to knock many runs in the race though. OVERSTEP (up on tempo), INVINCIBELLA (slow jump), PECANS (also up on tempo), SMART AMELIA (5th, track too dry,? James Cummings thought so) and ROSA CAROLINA (6th, worked early) all running OK. PURRARI in the vets [coughing]. FABVIER off for a spell after running last. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 5 STAN FOX STAKES
Caulfield Guineas favourites hold form
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
on-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Impending | James Cummings | James McDonald | 6 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Divine Prophet | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Christian Reith | 5 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Good Standing | James Cummings | Rory Hutchings | 2 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
Nice colts. GOOD STANDING standing over many others in the yard. DIVINE PROPHET well and IMPENDING compact/muscular. THRONUM a tough balanced type, a firm Rosehill a risk?
In The Running
THRONUM moved up on the outside of GOOD STANDING and took over. CELLARMAN strode up outside the leader. The tempo was FAIR.
The Result
DIVINE PROPHET (2nd) moved up wider on the turn and took over, but IMPENDING (1st) followed him through and was too strong. GOOD STANDING (3rd) stuck on. Margins 0.3L by 0.8L with 2.9L back to CELLARMAN (4th).
The Interest
IMPENDING and DIVINE PROPHET both showed their class and fought out a close battle, perhaps Reith going a touch early. That's two runs in a row where there's been nothing between them and the Group One Caulfield Guineas awaits them. GOOD STANDING good and only a length behind, but the track bias would have helped. THRONUM in the vets [cardiac arrhythmia]. Follow IMPENDING and DIVINE PROPHET.
Race 6 SCHWEPPES GLOAMING STAKES
Hutchings steals the prize from favourite backers
steady tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
on-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Veladero | Chris Waller | Rory Hutchings | 6 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Honeywine | Rhys Archard | James McDonald | 1 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Prized Icon | Kris Lees | Blake Shinn | 3 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
PRIZED ICON a good strong robust type, very different to SWEAR, a nice leggy son of Redoute's Choice. HIGH MIST and VELADERO both with good muscle and strength for Waller.
In The Running
VELADERO took up the running and backed it off mid-race, setting a STEADY tempo. OCULIST strode up on the outside and COONAWARRA was three wide no cover. PRIZED ICON just behind them, HIGH MIST (Schofield reported saddle slipped) back of midfield and SWEAR out the back. PRIZED ICON shuffled back on the turn.
The Result
In a blanket finish, VELADERO (1st) hung on from HONEYWINE (2nd) up the inside and RETALIATION (4th), who lost to PRIZED ICON (3rd) on protest after some bumping in the straight. 0.8L between the top 6 and HIGH MIST (7th) 1.5L from the winner.
The Interest
All you can say after a race like this "that's horse racing". Favourites PRIZED ICON (held up), HIGH MIST (saddle slipped) and SWEAR (well back off the steady tempo and bias against) all finding circumstances against them. VELADERO got the job done, but don't expect the result to be the same next time. Forgive PRIZED ICON and HIGH MIST.
Race 7 RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE WESTMEAD GOLDEN PENDANT
Tara keeps her winning run going
steady tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
on-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tycoon Tara | Peter & Paul Snowden | Joshua Parr | 2 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Dixie Blossoms | Ron Quinton | Tim Clark | 10 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Pearls | John O'Shea | James McDonald | 1 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
TYCOON TARA very fit in the yard. FIRST SEAL big, impressive and seems to have done enough. ZANBAGH carrying condition and not 100% fit. PEARLS athletic and perhaps not suited to conditions.
In The Running
TYCOON TARA took up the running from DIXIE BLOSSOMS and DENMAGIC with PEARLS in the box seat. HEAVENS ABOVE slow to begin and moved to midfield. Just a STEADY tempo set-up.
The Result
TYCOON TARA (1st) got rolling into the straight and held off DIXIE BLOSSOMS (2nd, who kept chasing and PEARLS (3rd), who stuck on well late up the inside. Margins 2L by 0.5L with 0.5L back to DENMAGIC (4th).
The Interest
All of the top six runners performed OK, TYCOON TARA showing her strength up on the pace and taking advantage of the bias and tempo. She's won 3 from 4 this prep now and won't be heading to the breeding barn any time soon (Snowdens keep suggesting she is...). DIXIE BLOSSOMS, PEARLS, DENMAGIC and HEAVENS ABOVE (6th) all fine given the conditions. FIRST SEAL ran the fastest 400m to 200m sectional before her run peaked. First-up over 1400m was too much in the end. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 8 SHANNON STAKES
Martin's Moral matures like a fine wine
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
on-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moral Victory | Tim Martin | Jason Collett | 6 | 53.0 | |
| 2 | Caped Crusader | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 7 | 53.0 | |
| 3 | Cosmic Cube | Chris Waller | Rory Hutchings | 3 | 57.5 |
In The Yard
CAPED CRUSADER a tough fit looking type. MORAL VICTORY more muscle and also very tough. HI WORLD a touch unsettled.
In The Running
CAPED CRUSADER rolled forward to lead from HI WORLD and ENTIRELY PLATINUM. COSMIC CUBE behind them and MORAL VICTORY took a trail. Some early work done by leaders and an honest FAIR tempo set-up.
The Result
MORAL VICTORY (1st) trucked up on the inside and drove past CAPED CRUSADER (2nd). A clear margin to COSMIC CUBE (3rd). Margins 1.3L by 2L with 0.6L back to OLD NORTH (4th).
The Interest
They came through the same form-line and MORAL VICTORY once again got past CAPED CRUSADER to win this very weak Group 2. The fact that the dominant form-line was a BM 85 is concerning, but they did run good time so let's hold judgment until they run next. MORAL VICTORY keeps getting stronger and stronger in his older age. There was good money for him too! UNEQUIVOCAL good second-up over 1500m and probably had the most improvement. Melbourne raiders HI WORLD and ENTIRELY PLATINUM both flops, although the track was probably too firm for HI WORLD. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 9 HYLAND RACE COLOURS HANDICAP
Snowden's mare extends again
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
on-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extensible | Peter & Paul Snowden | Blake Shinn | 5 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Bullrush | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Christian Reith | 4 | 59.5 | |
| 3 | O'reilly's Revenge | Paul Murray | Ms Deanne Panya | 12 | 58.5 |
In The Yard
EXTENSIBLE and BULLRUSH both with good athleticism in frame, nice types. ENCOSTA LINE and HERNE'S OAK looked fit enough in the yard.
In The Running
BULLRUSH strode to the lead from HARRY HOTSPUR, HERNE'S OAK and O'REILLY'S REVENGE. EXTENSIBLE just behind them. ENCOSTA LINE three-wide at the back. A FAIR tempo set-up.
The Result
BULLRUSH (2nd) drove clear in the straight, but EXTENSIBLE (1st) picked up and ran him down. A big gap back to O'REILLY'S REVENGE (3rd) fighting on. Margins 1.5L by 3.3L with DYLAN'S ROJO (4th) only 0.1L away. 1.2L between 4th and 8th placed PINDAN PEARL.
The Interest
Two dominant horses and the margin suggests we can follow these with confidence. BULLRUSH strong up on the pace and EXTENSIBLE over-coming the bias to win. She hits the line with force and is ready for a mile now! In-face they both are. HAPPY HANNAH (6th) did enough. HERNE'S OAK (12th) and ENCOSTA LINE (11th) obviously not fit enough! Follow BULLRUSH and EXTENSIBLE.