Race Day Review - San Domenico Stakes Day at Rosehill Gardens
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 16 August 2014
The rain never came but the track still had a few tricks as the quality of racing continued to heat up at Rosehill Gardens. The crowd in attendance was treated to a great renewal of the San Domenico Stakes, which made up for a lacklustre 'Rosebud' the week before. As soon as the Hawkes trained Nostradamus (pictured above) and Ryan trained Washington Heights walked into the mounting yard it was clear they were a level above their competition. A genuine tempo set up by Sheer Style ensured the class rose to the top, with Nostradamus just too fast for Washington Heights over the 1100m.
In other races, the Hawkes clan brought back another classy galloper in Entirely Platinum, who was heavily backed before a professional win in Race 6. It didn't all go the punters way though as Hoylonny and Beckon won at big odds and no other favourites saluted.
The ground near the rails was clearly inferior and a few hard luck stories resulted, especially in the early races before the jockeys had worked out where the best ground was.
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 | +3m ENTIRE CIRCUIT |
| Conditions | GOOD 3 |
| Weather | OVERCAST |
| Bias | OFF RAILS* (slight preference for off pace gallopers as a result) |
All The Race Finishes
Race 1 MERRYLANDS RSL CLUB HANDICAP
Waller wins the first again
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forever Crazy | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 4 | 59.5 | |
| 2 | Scarletini | Chris Waller | Brenton Avdulla | 9 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Made to Order | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tommy Berry | 8 | 58.0 |
Forever Crazy outclassed the field despite her big weight
In The Yard
FOREVER CRAZY paraded well as she has done recently. BLAZING DRAGON was fitter and MADE TO ORDER looked good. It was noted that SCARLETINI was a solid staying type.
In The Running
SCARLETINI was slow and got back. MISS VENUS moved to the lead and set a SLOW TEMPO, from STRACE, ZAZPARELLA and DON'T TELL LINDA.
The Result
FOREVER CRAZY (1st) launched the best sprint down the outside, from SCARLETINI (2nd) who stayed on very well. MADE TO ORDER (3rd) ran on and was slightly tightened for room.
The Interest
The track had some tricks to it today the jockeys in this race wouldn't have realised that the fence was off for the first few races. MISS VENUS was well backed and even though she looked plain, there could be some excuses as she plugged home along the rails. They didn't go fast though and it is hard to argue that the best two horses weren't the quinella. FOREVER CRAZY has a bit more of a sprint than SCARLETINI and she did well to get so close. BLAZING DRAGON was ok very late and will be better with a genuine tempo, while DON'T TELL LINDA was blocked for a run and could have challenged for third if she got out earlier. Interested in SCARLETINI as she steps up in trip. Follow SCARLETINI.
Race 2 FAIRFIELD RSL CLUB HANDICAP
The mares battle in a fierce fight to the line
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sensualism | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 8 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | All Salsa | Ron Quinton | Sam Clipperton | 6 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | My Sabeel | Kevin Moses | Koby Jennings | 9 | 60.0 |
Sensualism stayed on best in a genuinely run race
In The Yard
REPLY CHURLISH paraded best along with CHATEAU LAFAITE. ALL SALSA was ok, but she wasn't the most powerful in the field. MISSVONN looked well, but also lacked power. BRING A RING was ok in the yard, however seemed to be quite unsettled.
In The Running
REPLY CHURLISH moved to the front and rolled along at a GOOD TEMPO, from MY SABEEL, CHATEAU LAFAITE and ALL SALSA. UNIMPEACHABLE and ARTISTIC LASS went back. BRING A RING was stuck wide just behind the leaders.
The Result
SENSUALISM (1st) came wider and sustained a solid run down the outside, from ALL SALSA (2nd) who battled on bravely with MY SABEEL (3rd).
The Interest
The winner looked well and she can improve over further given she is a nice type with scope to her frame. MY SABEEL and ALL SALSA are both very genuine mares that chased strongly and would have been suited by the good tempo. MY SABEEL was probably the best run in the race given she had to do all the work early on. You could forgive REPLY CHURLISH due to the tempo and off rails bias, and also given she looked so well in the yard. MISSVONN wasn't suited by the race, but she was still disappointing. She hasn't grown much and will struggle over the shorter distances to keep up. CHATEAU LAFAITE once again raced like a moody teenager. A talented horse that will be a headache for trainer and punters alike. Follow SENSUALISM and MY SABEEL. Forgive BRING A RING and REPLY CHURLISH.
Race 3 DOOLEYS HANDICAP
'Waller Runner Bingo' in a messy middle-distance race
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoylonny | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 10 | 59.5 | |
| 2 | Bonfire | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 4 | 61.0 | |
| 3 | Single | Craig Carmody | Ms Winona Costin | 2 | 57.5 |
Hoylonny was patiently ridden and ran home well
In The Yard
BONFIRE, SINGLE and DISCLAIMER looked well, but no knocks in the yard. It was noted that EVANGELIST is quite small and lacked the power of others.
In The Running
EVANGELIST pushed to the lead from DISCLAIMER, who had to work to get into his position. SINGLE and BLACK JAG were just behind the leaders. IGGI POP settled midfield until he made a mid-race move, ensuring the tempo stayed honest. A GOOD TEMPO resulted.
The Result
HOYLONNY (1st) threaded through the pack and ran on, from BONFIRE (2nd) who stayed on well. SINGLE (3rd) kept on very strongly up the inside.
The Interest
If you ran this race ten times, you could get ten different results. There was a lot of action and everything panned out for HOYLONNY who returned to form with a solid win at his favourite track and distance. It is a very tricky race to analyse and there is good cause to put a few in the 'Forgive File'. It looked like a strange ride by Blake Shinn on IGGI POP, but that is the way you get the best out of him. A very one-paced horse. MULTILATERAL was in the right spot in the run, but got pushed very wide on the turn, and SINGLE stayed on strongly in the worst ground. It is clear that BONFIRE has great stamina and he stood out in the yard as a quality import. Forgive SINGLE (had to come to inside), BLACK JAG (didn't find lead), EVANGELIST (tempo and bias), MULTILATERAL (pushed wide turn) and DISCLAIMER (worked hard in run).
Race 4 CLUBSNSW HANDICAP
Pure speed slices through the pack
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Territory | Jarrod Austin | Mr Lester Grace | 11 | 61.0 | |
| 2 | Skip Town | Tim Martin | Blake Shinn | 5 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Wouldnt It Be Nice | Paul Perry | Jeff Lloyd | 8 | 54.0 |
Territory out-sped his rivals over the last furlong
In The Yard
TERRITORY, SKIP TOWN and WEINHOLT were the best in the yard. BEYOND THANKFUL and TOO MUCH TORQUE lacked the power of others, as did ROMANTIC MOON and SCANDIVA to a lesser degree. DREAM CHOICE was ok first-up.
In The Running
SCANDIVA jumped best, but SKIP TOWN took over and set a steady EVEN TEMPO. TOO MUCH TORQUE moved up to second. WEINHOLT was slow to jump and pushed up midfield, but was stuck wide with no cover.
The Result
SCANDIVA moved to the front early in the straight, but her run tapered as she lacked the speed of others. SKIP TOWN (2nd) kept fighting and TERRITORY (1st) stormed late to get the prize. WOULDNT IT BE NICE (3rd) chased genuinely down the outside and EARNEST ERNEST (4th) sped home late down the outside.
The Interest
TERRITORY was ridden the right way and he was the classy 1200m horse in the race. WOULDNT IT BE NICE is going very well and SKIP TOWN is so genuine he can always be followed. WEINHOLT didn't have things go his way and is worth another chance, while EARNEST ERNEST did what he does. ROMANTIC MOON and SCANDIVA just lacked the top speed of the boys when the whips were cracking. Both are probably suited over slightly further. Forgive WEINHOLT.
Race 5 SMITHFIELD RSL CLUB SAN DOMENICO STAKES
Future stars light up the track
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nostradamus | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | James McDonald | 4 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Washington Heights | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Brenton Avdulla | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Law | Chris Waller | Glyn Schofield | 7 | 57.0 |
Nostradamus beat home Washington Heights in an exciting finish
In The Yard
NOSTRADAMUS and WASHINGTON HEIGHTS are both stunning types that paraded well. NOSTRADAMUS looked like more of a sprinter. BUGATTY, WANDJINA and YGRITTE were all in good shape. SHEER STYLE is a nippy filly that lacked the power of others.
In The Running
SHEER STYLE sped to the lead and set a GOOD TEMPO. WANDJINA chased a few lengths behind in second with YGRITTE to his inside. NOSTRADAMUS was just off the leaders after a good jump.
The Result
NOSTRADAMUS (1st) maintained a strong run and WASHINGTON HEIGHTS (2nd) stormed home closer to the inside. LAW (3rd) ran home well home out wide.
The Interest
Two stunning horses, two great performances and the good speed set up race record time. NOSTRADAMUS is a classy sprinter that can maintain his run right to the line, while WASHINGTON HEIGHTS will be better over a further and did a great job after seeming to be out-sped mid-race. WANDJINA was game as always fighting on after chasing the speed. He may lack he quality of the top two, but deserves a victory soon. LAW settled better off the genuine tempo with some good gear changes. He is a risky runner to follow though given he still seems to be learning (still showed he was green in recent trials). Follow NOSTRADAMUS and WASHINGTON HEIGHTS.
Race 6 CANTERBURY HURLSTONE PARK RSL CLUB HANDICAP
McDonald gets a ride in 'Platinum Class'
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entirely Platinum | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | James McDonald | 8 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Mighty Lucky | Ken Parker | Nathan Thomas | 7 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Greatwood | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tommy Berry | 4 | 54.0 |
Entirely Platinum sprinted best off a slow tempo
In The Yard
HONORIUS, COUP AY TEE, ENTIRELY PLATINUM, HOOKED, MIGHTY LUCKY and GREATWOOD were the best in the yard. GREATWOOD lacked some power. Staying types WHO SHOT THEBARMAN, OPINION and TUPAC AMARU all returned in good shape .
In The Running
GREATWOOD moved up to the lead and wasn't pressured, from MIGHTY LUCKY in second. ENTIRELY PLATINUM slotted in just behind leaders and HONORIUS got the box seat. CANNY BALLAD was stuck three wide with no cover. A SLOW TEMPO was set up.
The Result
The sprint went on coming into the straight and ENTIRELY PLATINUM (1st) was just too strong from a game MIGHTY LUCKY (2nd) and GREATWOOD (3rd). HOOKED (4th) ran home well from midfield.
The Interest
The stayers got back and the sprinters went forward. Once a slow tempo resulted the race was close to over. MIGHTY LUCKY is underrated and ENTIRELY PLATINUM is classy and can be followed. HOOKED started at huge odds for a horse with his ability and did a great job running on, as did BEST CASE. LUCKY CHAPPY nipped home well off the slow tempo, but not sure he is a genuine conveyance that can be followed with much confidence. HONORIUS wasn't ridden well, getting taken back to the rails which was slightly inferior ground, while GREATWOOD raced very well against a group of far stronger sprinting types. Don't dismiss most of the stayers, they seemed to run to 'type'. Follow ENTIRELY PLATINUM and GREATWOOD. Forgive HOOKED and BEST CASE.
Race 7 ST JOHNS PARK BOWLING CLUB HANDICAP
Better luck beckons with Parr in the saddle
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beckon | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Joshua Parr | 2 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Maroon Bay | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | James McDonald | 7 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Masterstroke | Jason Coyle | Tim Clark | 1 | 57.0 |
Beckon got more luck than last start and got the win
In The Yard
EVERAGE and BECKON looked well, but RUNWAY STAR was the best. SPY DECODER had some condition. MIGHTY OBVIOUS and DIAMONDSINTHENIGHT were poor in comparison to the others.
In The Running
RUNWAY STAR sped forward and set up a GOOD TEMPO, from MAROON BAY who took the trail behind. EVERAGE moved up to second. FORT SUMTER was stuck very wide just behind the pace, while WORDLY IMPACT was kept three wide at the back of the pack.
The Result
RUNWAY STAR (4th) continued his run until tiring the last 150m. BECKON (1st) maintained a strong effort, from MAROON BAY (2nd), who came up the inside. MASTERSTROKE (3rd) kept on strongly to the line.
The Interest
RUNWAY STAR set a good speed and he just couldn't hang on. The need to get off the rails made it tough for leaders to keep their momentum and he can be forgiven, especially seeing that the tempo was so strong (similar sectionals to the SAN DOMENICO in which SHEER STYLE knocked up and finished last). MAROON BAY isn't the most impressive looking horse, but she is agile and was able to find a spot and fight home bravely. BECKON had no luck last start and found the perfect trail to turn his form around. He is a burly sort of a horse that needs to keep balanced and Josh Parr gave him the perfect ride. LYRIC had every chance, while WORLDY IMPACT was given a strange ride by Jason Collett, asked to race three wide when he was almost at the back of the field. FORT SUMTER also had a torrid trip. The best run for the future came from SPY DECODER. He is a genuine chaser and will be suited up in distance. Follow SPY DECODER. Forgive RUNWAY STAR (if he gets conditions to suit).
Race 8 MOUNTIES GROUP HANDICAP
Waller's runners way too good
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black Revolver | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 10 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | The Alfonso | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 3 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Lucky Lucky Lucky | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Brenton Avdulla | 5 | 54.0 |
Black Revolver and The Alfonso outclassed the field
In The Yard
PROJECTILE, GRAND MARSHAL, THE ALFONSO, MORAL VICTORY, BLACK REVOLVER, HENNY THE FIRST and IMPULSIVE SPIRIT were all in good shape. WORLD WIDE, GRAND MARSHAL and LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY lacked the power of others
In The Running
LA VENTA was best to jump, but GREAT CHOICE slid up underneath it and set a genuine rolling EVEN TEMPO. CORRYVRECKAN and BRADMAN settled just behind the leaders. IMPULSIVE SPIRIT had a wide run just off the pace.
The Result
THE ALFONSO (2nd) and BLACK REVOLVER (1st) burst clear and the more athletic BLACK REVOLVER stayed on best late. LUCKY LUCKY LUCKY (3rd) got a nice trail and kept on strongly late for a place.
The Interest
The Waller runners were simply too good and they ran fast time. CORRYVRECKAN did a good job again given the tempo was quite solid, but he was outclassed as they recorded a quick 34.79 for the last 600m. GREAT CHOICE and LA VENTA were kept from drifting wider by a smart ride on CORRYVRECKAN and were stuck in the inferior ground nearer the inside. HUNTER JACK still had some condition and will continue to improve after another solid run. IMPULSIVE SPIRIT is an interesting one. He didn't have much luck after being trapped wide and does seem to have enough scope in his frame to get a longer distance. He could pop up at value over a mile or further soon. Follow THE ALFONSO, HUNTER JACK and BLACK REVOLVER.