Race Day Review - Warwick Stakes Day at Royal Randwick
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 23 August 2014
A rainy week put a dampener on Sydney's first big Spring-season race day, but that didn't worry Jo Pride as he saddled up four winners and a second out of five runners for the day. He is a trainer well known for getting the most out of powerful sprinting types and each of his horses turned up to the track in great order.
The most impressive win of the day came from Terravista, who dominated the Show County Quality to win by a widening two lengths. His half -brother Tiger Tees then repeated the dose when controlling a lacklustre Warwick Stakes to win by over a length, from Chris Waller's Royal Descent in second.
The Up And Coming Stakes saw the powerful colts do battle and the biggest brute in the yard, Liberation, seemed to have everything parcelled up as he cruised into the straight. His wayward manners failed him again though as he darted out and caused havoc to favourite Better Land, clearing a path for the Arrowfield duo Scissor Kick and Panzer Division to finish off best. Racing can be a hard game, but trainer Paul Messara could sleep easily last night knowing that he had more than his fair share of good fortune.
The performance of the colts wasn't quite up to the fillies as Bring Me The Maid (pictured above) won impressively in good time, from Memorial, who herself looks to have come back very well this season. The upcoming Run to the Rose and Golden Rose will give the girls the opportunity to hold onto their Autumn title as the fairer sex.
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 | HEAVY 9 |
| Weather | OVERCAST and RAIN |
| Bias | OFF RAILS* preferred |
All The Race Finishes
Race 1 TAB EARLY QUADDIE HANDICAP
Pride's rock starts the day with a solid win
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rock Sturdy | Joseph Pride | Hugh Bowman | 9 | 57.5 | |
| 2 | Foreign Prince | David Payne | Jeff Lloyd | 3 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Whisperossa | Allan Denham | Taylor Marshall | 6 | 54.5 |
Rock Sturdy was just too strong
In The Yard
ROCK STURDY paraded well. NEVER BACK DOWN was a class below and ANY DAY WILL DO had some condition/bit keen. YOU'LL NEVER and WHISPEROSSA others in good shape
In The Running
ANY DAY WILL DO was keen and raced to the lead, setting up an honest EVEN TEMPO, from FOREIGN PRINCE in second. ROCK STURDY got into a nice trail just off the pace and YOU'LL NEVER was on his back.
The Result
ROCK STURDY (1st) moved up and won with authority, form FOREIGN PRINCE who fought on well. WHISPEROSSA (3rd) lifted late to beat home YOU'LL NEVER (4th) for a place.
The Interest
ROCK STURDY was given a great ride and he looks a big talent. The run of FOREIGN PRINCE was also impressive, who usually prefers to lead and did a great job to fight on. ANY DAY WILL DO was just too unsettled and can be forgiven. She is still a very talented horse with more to come this spring. Follow ROCK STURDY and FOREIGN PRINCE. Forgive ANY DAY WILL DO.
Race 2 RANDWICK CITY MAYOR'S CUP
Strong, fit and tough wins the day
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surpass | Michael Moroney & Glen Thompson | Brodie Loy | 3 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Jo Jo Girl | Tim Donnelly | Kerrin McEvoy | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Self Sense | David Brideoake & Matt Jenkins | Brenton Avdulla | 10 | 57.0 |
Surpass stayed on strongly up the rails
In The Yard
LAIDBACK LARRY was the best in the yard. COCKTAIL TIME and CLEANSING ALE were also well, while SPECIFIC CHOICE looked in nice shape as usual.
In The Running
LAIDBACK LARRY moved up to the lead and set a GOOD TEMPO, from MAHATMA who had to work to get to second. HIGH AIMS and SELF SENSE were just behind the leaders and SPECIFIC CHOICE and MR SCARY got right back.
The Result
SURPASS (1st) stayed on very strongly from JO JO GIRL (2nd) in a slog to the finish. SELF SENSE (3rd) had taken the lead early in the straight and just couldn't keep going.
The Interest
Horses for courses and the top 3 were the strongest at their handicap levels. SELF SENSE seemed to wonder around a bit in the lead and could of won if he stayed straight. SPECIFIC CHOICE didn't get the 2000m and it is yet to be proven that he can stay (win was off a very slow tempo). PENTOMETER showed some improvement and LAIDBACK LARRY can bounce back if better placed, assuming be hasn't had enough now. CLEANSING ALE paraded well and his run was ok given he wasn't knocked around by the rider in the heavy conditions. No follows or forgives.
Race 3 SYNERGY FX UP AND COMING STAKES
Liberation clears the path for an Arrowfield quinella
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scissor Kick | Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | Tye Angland | 5 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Panzer Division | Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 2 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Valentia | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tommy Berry | 10 | 59.0 |
Scissor Kick nosed out Panzer Division on the line
In The Yard
VALENTIA, SCISSOR KICK, MEURSAULT, SHOOTING TO WIN, BETTER LAND and PANZER DIVISION are all quality colts and geldings. LIBERATION looked in good enough shape, but it was noted he is a very heavy-set and strong type that may struggle in the very wet conditions.
In The Running
LIBERATION had early speed to lead and rolled along at a steady EVEN TEMPO. VALENTIA got up outside the leader and BETTER LAND had a nice trail in behind. MEURSAULT couldn't get in and was stuck three wide.
The Result
SCISSOR KICK (1st) and PANZER DIVISION (2nd) worked home nearer the inside as LIBERATION (5th on protest) darted out badly and caused significant interference to BETTER LAND (4th after protest). VALENTIA (3rd after protest) kept on solidly after being interfered with also,and MEURSAULT (6th) copped some of the backwash down the outside.
The Interest
LIBERATION looked the likely winner and he threw the race away. He is a bulky type with huge power and it seems he will be even better on a good track if they can get him to behave. It is off to the spelling paddock and the trials for him now after that effort though. VALENTIA did a solid job first-up and will improve and SCISSOR KICK, BETTER LAND and PANZER DIVISION are all clearly quite smart. MEURSAULT didn't get much luck and it was quite a nice effort first-up. It is worth noting that there is evidence the fillies still have the edge on the colts, three reasons being (1) PRESS REPORT's failure behind BRING ME THE MAID (form-line through LIBERATION), (2) the blanket finishes in the colts races to date and (3) the good time run by BRING ME THE MAID. Follow LIBERATION (if he trials well), VALENTIA and MEURSAULT.
Race 4 COOLMORE SILVER SHADOW STAKES
Moody brings punters the cash
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bring Me the Maid | Ciaron Maher | Luke Nolen | 3 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Memorial | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Clover Lane | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Sam Clipperton | 6 | 54.0 |
The favourite Bring Me The Maid stormed home late
In The Yard
MEMORIAL paraded best, from BRING ME THE MAID who also looked well. ALPHA MISS was fit enough, but she just still had a bit of a winter coat. PRESS REPORT was fine. It was noted that CLOVER LANE was a smaller horse than most, including BRING ME THE MAID.
In The Running
It was announced that NAYELI would go back and she did. PRESS REPORT went up and took the lead and set an EVEN TEMPO. BRING ME THE MAID got a nice trail and ALPHA MISS switched off the leaders heels to take up a spot on the pace.
The Result
BRING ME THE MAID (1st) stormed down the outside with MEMORIAL (2nd) and they outclassed the field. CLOVER LANE (3rd) kept on solidly for a place, just in-front of ALPHA MISS (4th), who had moved up to take the lead early in the straight.
The Interest
MEMORIAL looked in great shape in the yard and was much more relaxed than usual. She loomed to make a challenge, but the afterburners of BRING ME THE MAID kicked in and proved too strong. The winner is such a hard trying little filly and it is hard not to be impressed by her powerful and deliberate stride. There is some concern her small frame will be a handicap against the big colts and geldings if she heads towards the Golden Rose though. ALPHA MISS was solid first-up and can improve, but she looks a level below the top two. Follow BRING ME THE MAID and MEMORIAL.
Race 5 SHOW COUNTY QUALITY
The pride of Jo resumes with a bang
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Terravista | Joseph Pride | Hugh Bowman | 7 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | In Cahoots | Phillip Atkins | Brenton Avdulla | 10 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Bull Point | David Vandyke | Glyn Schofield | 8 | 54.0 |
Terravista was way too good for his rivals
In The Yard
There was no knock TERRAVISTA and IN CAHOOTS in a very wet and rainy mounting yard. It was noted that BULL POINT is a solid type, while OAKFIELD COMMANDS lacked the power of some of the others.
In The Running
OAKFIELD COMMANDS moved up to the lead and set an EVEN TEMPO. NINTH LEGION held second on the rails, while IN CAHOOTS and TERRAVISTA just stalked off the leader.
The Result
TERRAVISTA (1st) idled up and cruised to a big win from IN CAHOOTS (2nd) who battled on gamely. BULL POINT (3rd) worked home solidly first up.
The Interest
TERRAVISTA was simply the best horse in this race and he showed it. It may be the case that he didn't beat much so be cautious about the form if he comes up too short next time. NINTH LEGION's run was better than it looks on paper after he did some early work and got stuck on the inside. Don't be too harsh on OUR VOODOO PRINCE and JUNOOB, who simply had a warm-up run to get them fitter for the Spring. Follow TERRAVISTA.
Race 6 PRO-RIDE WARWICK STAKES
Tiger power too much for Waller
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tiger Tees | Joseph Pride | Glyn Schofield | 10 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Royal Descent | Chris Waller | Kerrin McEvoy | 2 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Criterion | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Hugh Bowman | 4 | 58.5 |
Tiger Tees controlled the race and won easily
In The Yard
SACRED FALLS, TIGER TEES, WEARY and CRITERION paraded best. ROYAL DESCENT had some condition and improvement to come. HAWKSPUR looked nice and fit and MY KINGDOM OF FIFE lacked power of some of the younger horses, a leaner type.
In The Running
TIGER TEES got an easy time in the lead setting a SLOW TEMPO. ROYAL DESCENT held her spot on the rails in second and SACRED FALLS was on pace also. WEARY jumped awkwardly and ended up at the back.
The Result
TIGER TEES (1st) sprinted too quickly and won, from ROYAL DESCENT (2nd) who fought on. CRITERION (3rd) worked home ok in what was a blanket finish after the slow early sections.
The Interest
TIGER TEES just had everything made to order and did the job. A really tough race to analyse and there is almost nothing to be learnt apart from TIGER TEES being the superior sprinter. WEARY got too far back and he was one-paced when they sprinted. HAWKSPUR did a good job to get close given how the race was run and CRITERION looked very well in the yard and seems set for a big campaign. The extra condition that ROYAL DESCENT was carrying wasn't a factor as it was more power than fitness that decided this one. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 7 TOY SHOW QUALITY
"In form" and "likes wet tracks" are two big boxes to tick
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | My Sabeel | Kevin Moses | Glyn Schofield | 8 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Bennetta | Grahame Begg | Jeff Lloyd | 5 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Angel Bee | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Taylor Marshall | 3 | 54.0 |
My Sabeel ploughed through the heavy conditions to win
In The Yard
Mares all looked in good shape. More powerful types were GYPSY DIAMOND, THUMP, BENNETTA and KRISTY LEE and they looked well, but there were no knocks on most, especially given the conditions were so testing and the more durable types were performing well.
In The Running
THUMP set up an EVEN TEMPO, from ANGEL BEE. MY SABEEL was just off the pace a little wider out and BENNETTA had a nice trail. KRISTY LEE got right back after a slowish jump.
The Result
MY SABEEL (1st) cruised up to the lead and kept going well for a big win, from BENNETTA (2nd) who worked home honestly. ANGEL BEE (3rd) had hit the lead at the top of the straight and just tired late.
The Interest
MY SABEEL is a mare in form and after being unlucky not to win last start (raced on a good tempo) she found a very suitable wet track. BENNETTA probably had every chance and she is a horse that simply lacks the power (or the heart) over the last 200m to win these days. Diamond Drille didn't handle the wet with the big weight, while INTIMATE MOMENT, GYPSY DIAMOND and KRISTY LEE all were fair sticking nearer the inside - some strange rides there. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 8 RANVET HANDICAP
Four wins for Pride is no Oasis
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diamond Oasis | Patrick Starr | Hugh Bowman | 1 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Green Beret | Joseph Pride | Joshua Parr | 4 | 61.0 | |
| 3 | Mount Nebo | Allan Denham | Taylor Marshall | 6 | 60.0 |
Diamond Oasis and Green Beret got the quinella for Jo Pride
In The Yard
GREEN BERET looked the best in the yard, but no knock most apart from MISS ALIBI, who usually doesn't parade well. TOO MUCH TORQUE and WOULDN'T IT BE NICE lacked the power of others, which wasn't such a disadvantage on the day in the testing conditions.
In The Running
GREEN BERET moved up to on the pace with EVERAGE, STRATURBO and IT'S POETS DAY out wider in a line of four, setting up a GOOD TEMPO.
The Result
DIAMOND OASIS (1st) moved through the pack and finished well to get the bob. GREEN BERET (2nd) stuck on very strongly and MOUNT NEBO (3rd) battled on well nearer the inside.
The Interest
GREEN BERET ran very well after looking great in the yard. He looks the one to follow out of the race after fighting on strongly from an on-pace position. DIAMOND OASIS and MOUNT NEBO were both travelling ok in a good position mid-race and the ride was simply better on DIAMOND OASIS. The 1000m was too short for WOULDN'T IT BE NICE, who finished well again and just needs to find the right race. Follow GREEN BERET.