Yard to the Post @ Epsom Day
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 01 October 2016
Close finishes made for exciting racing on a windy and sunny Saturday in Sydney. With racing on one side of the grandstand and the AFL on the other, there was plenty to cheer about!
In the Epsom, Waterhouses lightweight chance FABRIZIO charged along at a manic tempo while Godolphin's HAURAKI was ridden patiently way back in last. James McDonald guided him to the outside and charged late to grab the perennial placegetter DIBAYANI on the line,
One race later it was a bigger margin to SIR JOHN HAWKWOOD, who was perfectly ridden by Blake Spriggs to score from the well-backed Waller runner ANTONIO GIUSEPPE.
A hard day for Waller with no winners and five horses in the placings.
Upsets included RUSSIAN REVOLUTION (picture), who held off ASTERN, and GLOBAL GLAMOUR, who led all the way too and beat the swooping YANKEE ROSE.
A full review of Randwick will be online Tuesday 9am.
Track Info
| Rail | +3m |
| Conditions | GOOD 3 |
| Weather | FINE & WINDY |
| Bias | FAIR (leading not ideal early) |
Race 1 KEENELAND GIMCRACK STAKES
Looks like a puppy, races like a panther
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jorda | James Cummings | James McDonald | 4 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Kanga's Eye | Anthony Cummings | Kerrin McEvoy | 2 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Lucky Louie | Joseph Pride | Glyn Schofield | 3 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
JORDA not much to look at in the yard, small and without much power. MADAME MOUSTACHE is muscly. Credit to all trainers with all 2yos handling the yard.
In The Running
DIDN'T MENTION IT sped to the lead from CHAIN OF FOOLS with MADAM MOUSTACHE and JORDA on their back. KANGA'S EYE missed the start and got back to last. They rolled along at a STRONG tempo. CHAIN OF FOOLS rolled into a MADAM MOUSTACHE and checked DIDN'T MENTION IT badly at the 200m.
The Result
JORDA (1st) moved up and was too strong, while KANGA'S EYE (2nd) was held up 'tl the 125m, weaved through late and hit the line. LUCKY LOUIE (3rd) also ran on nicely. MADAM MOUSTACHE (4th) wasn't far away. MARGINS 0.8L x 0.5L.
The Interest
Mounting yard watchers were worried when she walked in the yard, a small "woolly" filly without much presence, but McDonald described her as a "panther" and she proved too good. Both leaders tired badly after rolling along into the wind and a couple of swoopers made big runs, especially KANGA'S EYE! It proves the barrier trials are no test of stamina, she looked average in her warm-ups and started 80/1. Don't completely sack the on-pacers after a tough run. Folllow JORDA and KANGA'S EYE. Forgive KANGA'S EYE.
Race 2 NEWGATE BREEDERS' PLATE
The Snowdens rule again
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khan | Chris & Michael Gangemi | Blake Shinn | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Condor Heroes | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Tim Clark | 10 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Bowerman | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Kerrin McEvoy | 3 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
Nice 2 yos! BOWERMAN, CONDOR HEROES, MISTY LAD, PIRACY and THE MISSION all nice types, CONDOR HEROES with a "big backside", according to Ron Dufficy.
In The Running
CONDOR HEROES led from PIRACY and they rolled along at a STRONG tempo. THE MISSION, THY KINGDOM COME and MEDAL KUN were all slow to begin. SPENCER stuck wide with no cover.
The Result
CONDOR HEROES (2nd) shook off the other on-pacers, but KHAN (1st) surged late to grab him. A gap back to BOWERMAN (3rd) who fought on up the inside. INVADER (4th) fighting on behind. MARGINS 1.3L X 2.3L.
The Interest
A big run from CONDOR HEROES up on the pace into the wind and KHAN ran the fastest time out of any of the 2yos on the day. Those facts along with a big margin back to 3rd suggest they are two horses to follow. Most others safely held, an interesting run from THY KINGDOM COME, who travelled OK out wider at the back and just peaked late. THE MISSION featured in the report [vet: poor post-race recovery]. Follow CONDOR HEROES and KHAN.
Race 3 APN OUTDOOR CRAVEN PLATE
Somewhat easy for James Mac
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | It's Somewhat | James Cummings | James McDonald | 1 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Spiritjim | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Hugh Bowman | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Pinstripe Lane | Leon & Troy Corstens | Blake Shinn | 7 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
SPIRITJIM a very light and lean type that will need an aggressive ride, he lacks the power of others. IT'S SOMEWHAT and PINSTRIPE LANE both well.
In The Running
IT'S SOMEWHAT jumped well and travelled behind SLOW PACE, who was urged forward. A STEADY tempo set-up, but they did sprint for home early.
The Result
IT'S SOMEWHAT (1st) quickened around the bend and into the straight best for an easy win. SPIRITJIM (2nd) and PINSTRIPE LANE (3rd) battled on well behind.
The Interest
IT'S SOMEWHAT reeled off a 22.52 seconds for the 600m to the 200m and SPIRITJIM could only manage 22.98 under the urgings of Bowman. They had similar form out of their most recent start, but dry conditions and a STEADY tempo left it as a no contest this time. The fav' way too good and word is he'll be heading west to the WA Carnival. Follow IT'S SOMEWHAT.
Race 4 TAB DULCIFY QUALITY
Home track form miles better
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moqueen | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 8 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Nemrud | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Tim Clark | 3 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Earth | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 10 | 57.5 |
In The Yard
OUR BELISA and NEMRUD both shine in the yard, as does EARTH. CALABASAS and OCTAVIAN AUGUSTUS looked well but muscular, mile ok?
In The Running
No pressure early. HESSDALEN moved up to lead from CALABASAS and OUR BELISA stuck wide no cover. OCTAVIAN AUGUSTUS in the box seat. NEMRUD was badly held up 'til the 175m.
The Result
MOQUEEN (1st) swept down the outside from last to beat NEMRUD (2nd), who flew home once clear. There was a gap back to EARTH (3rd) at the head of a clump of horses. OUR BELISA (4th) fought on. MARGINS 1.3L x 1.8L.
The Interest
A Listed race that was there for the taking and MOQUEEN broke her Maiden to win! She was 3rd at Goulburn and 5th at Canterbury before this, you can see the reason why she jumped at $15. Her last run at Randwick was 3rd in a Group 2 though (behind French Fern as a 2yo in the Reisling). NEMRUD was ever so unlucky and there was a gap to 3rd. Both fav's CALABASAS and OCTAVIAN AUGUSTUS didn't seem to stay the mile and OUR BELISA was brave. CALABASAS [vet] mildly lame in the near-foreleg.Follow MOQUEEN (at Randwick!) and NEMRUD. Forgive NEMRUD and OUR BELISA.
Race 5 THE STAR ROMAN CONSUL
The boys in blue sunk by Snowden
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russian Revolution | Peter & Paul Snowden | Kerrin McEvoy | 8 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Astern | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 7 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Capitalist | Peter & Paul Snowden | Blake Shinn | 3 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
Three standout colts in the yard, ASTERN, CAPITALIST and RUSSIAN REVOLUTION, all muscular and shining in the yard. Classy types. FLASH FIBIAN well put together.
In The Running
RUSSIAN REVOLUTION led up from MOUNT PANORAMA at a STEADY tempo. ASTERN restrained in last. The leader got rolling into the turn and kicked.
The Result
RUSSIAN REVOLUTION (1st) held off the fast finishinig ASTERN (2nd) and CAPITALIST (3rd), who had every chance. A big gap back to NIKITAS (4th). MARGINS 0.2L X 1.3L.
The Interest
Wow! Looking at the race, did James Mac leave himself too much to do? ASTERN sprinted well after the leader, who didn't have to do any work to lead in the first sectional, but couldn't quite get there. ASTERN's 400m to 200m was 10.41 and 200m to 0m was 11.08, so he was 'all out' on the line. CAPITALIST 1.5L behind the winner and had every chance. Follow RUSSIAN REVOLUTION and ASTERN.
Race 6 SYDNEY AIRPORT FLIGHT STAKES
Gai's Glamour outshines the favourite
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Global Glamour | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Yankee Rose | David Vandyke | Blake Shinn | 5 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Sezanne | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 6 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
Still a little wintry in the coat but hard to knock YANKEE ROSE. SEZANNE and AWOKE looked well. SKYLIGHT GLOW powerfully built, too far? GLOBAL GLAMOUR looked a little keen in the yard.
In The Running
GLOBAL GLAMOUR took off to lead from BRIDLE LANE, SKYLIGHT GLOW and AWOKE. YANKEE ROSE back to last. The mid-sections were steadier and a STEADY tempo set up. YANKEE ROSE took off early on the turn out wide.
The Result
GLOBAL GLAMOUR (1st) kicked from in the lead and held off YANKEE ROSE (2nd), who kept chasing right to the line. SEZANNE (3rd) quickened up with YANKEE ROSE but couldn't sustain late. A big gap to SKYLIGHT GLOW (4th). MARGINS 0.5L X 2L.
The Interest
All credit to both horses here. GLOBAL GLAMOUR relishing the mile and well-ridden by Clark, and YANKEE ROSE was ever so brave making an early run and fighting right to the line. The track was firm and near the pace was OK by this stage of the day. A slightly softer surface would suit YANKEE ROSE much better. SEZANNE good too. Follow GLOBAL GLAMOUR and YANKEE ROSE.
Race 7 TAB EPSOM HANDICAP
Last to first in the big Group 1!
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hauraki | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 10 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Dibayani | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Damian Lane | 11 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Mackintosh | Richard Litt | Tommy Berry | 2 | 52.0 |
In The Yard
MCCREERY well, but does he need further? HAURAKI fit and ready to go. No knocks in the yard ahead of the G1. PALENTINO behaving himself OK.
In The Running
FABRIZIO rolled forward and set a very STRONG tempo from SONS OF JOHN and LE ROMAIN chasing. MACKINTOSH and DIBAYANI got cover behind them. HAURAKI back to last. FABRIZIO rolled 8L clear mid-race. PALENTINO never settled and was pushed wide on the turn. MIGHTY LUCKY wide no cover.
The Result
HAURAKI (1st) flew from last to grab DIBAYANI (2nd) and MACKINTOSH (3rd) by the smallest of margins. HAPPY CLAPPER right behind them (4th).
The Interest
Johan Victoire went mad on the leader, who reportedly raced keenly, and was still only beaten 3.5L. Despite the headwind the track was racing slightly leaderish which made HAURAKI's effort so much more impressive. He flew! The sectionals of the chasing pack actually weren't that testing which is why the other on-pacers ran OK too. Great runs from plenty of horses. DIBAYANI always the bridesmaid! PALENTINO a hard horse to follow. Follow HAURAKI, DIBAYANI and LE ROMAIN. Forgive MIGHTY LUCKY.
Race 8 MCGRATH ESTATE AGENTS METROPOLITAN
New trainer and now a Group 1 winner!
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sir John Hawkwood | John Thompson | Blake Spriggs | 6 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Antonio Giuseppe | Chris Waller | Glen Boss | 5 | 51.0 | |
| 3 | Allergic | James Cummings | Michael Dee | 2 | 51.5 |
In The Yard
Most stayers in the yard including ALLERGIC. Stablemate MAGIC HURRICANE just not hitting the line this prep?
In The Running
Only a STEADY tempo set up, STORM THE STARTS led and SIR JOHN HAWKWOOD got a nice trail on the inside. ANTONIO GUISEPPE not far off them. ALLERGIC back in midfield.
The Result
SIR JOHN HAWKWOOD (1st) tracked up and went to the lead, holding off ANTONIO GUISEPPE (2nd) easily. ALLERGIC (3rd) and SACRED MASTER (4th) ran on well.
The Interest
A nice race set-up for SIR JOHN HAWKWOOD, his and ALLERGIC's form-line stacking up well, bot very good runs in the race along with SACRED MASTER. SIR JOHN HAWKWOOD now with John Thompson (formerly Vandyke) and the new trainer has found a couple of lengths for sure. What do you say about ANTONIO GUISEPPE, a stayer that jumped from benchmark grade to figure in the placings, a mighty effort. STORM THE STARS [vet] lame and not at his UK form levels at all for Waller. The Weight For Age form-line of WHO SHOT THEBARMAN etc. couldn't get into it given the STEADY tempo. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 9 SANTOS COFFEE PREMIERE STAKES
Big, strong and doesn't lie down easily
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takedown | Darren Weir | Blake Shinn | 2 | 58.5 | |
| 2 | Our Boy Malachi | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Christian Reith | 12 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Danish Twist | Kris Lees | James McDonald | 9 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
REBEL DANE getting a little warm, GOOD PROJECT looked vet fit, does he have the power of these? OUR BOY MALACHI a big strong boy. ENGLISH dynamic and a bit flighty, not as big.
In The Running
TAKEDOWN in the box seat on an honest FAIR tempo and OUR BOY MALACHI wide no cover. ENGLISH back in the pack.
The Result
OUR BOY MALACHI (2nd) moved up, but just peaked on his run to be beaten by TAKEDOWN (1st), who kept lifting in the finish. DANISH TWIST (3rd) flew home along the rails late.
The Interest
Two massive runs here. OUR BOY MALACHI up on a pretty testing tempo first-up deserved the win and only just missed out. And what about DANISH TWIST, a mare that relishes wet tracks too, she became a different horse in the Autumn after winning the Provincial Champs and could do some big things this Spring. No knock TAKEDOWN, he loves being on-pace when the track is firm like it was today. SOUTHERN LEGEND stuck very wide and ENGLISH probably needs it a touch softer. Follow OUR BOY MALACHI and DANISH TWIST.