Yard to the Post @ Golden Slipper Day
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 24 March 2018
Rosehill Gardens was packed to the rafters today, thousands of punters soaking up the atmosphere and cheering home some of the best racehorses in the world.
WINX needs no introduction and she doesn't need any favours either, overcoming a slow tempo to chase down HAPPY CLAPPER in the straight and win her third G1 George Ryder, taking her winning streak to twenty-four in the process. Hugh Bowman kept his cool and got her into the clear with plenty of time, taking any risk out of the equation for those that backed her at $1.15 or shorter.
It was a high-class support act for the feature of the day, the G1 $3.5 million 1200 metre Golden Slipper. A race that had plenty of depth on paper, ESTIJAAB piloted by Brenton Avdulla proved too fast despite jumping from the outside barrier. Avdulla did a superb job of getting to the lead, controlling the tempo for 200 metres and then getting the daughter of Snitzel to give a big kick for home. OOHOOD very brave chasing in 2nd and a huge chance for the All Aged Stakes over 1400 metres in a couple of weeks’ time. Favourites SUNLIGHT (3rd) and WRITTEN BY (4th) not far away, both perhaps better suited on a drier track.
An IN HER TIME was nother popular winner as Zac Purton produced another gem of a ride, guiding her to the outside under a hold before shooting to the lead, the mare strong enough to hold off a late charge from Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's ENGLISH. Young trainer Ben Smith celebrated late into the night after his maiden G1 win, the tough mare primed to take on REDZEL in the TJ Smith now.
A full review will be on-line Monday 5pm.
photo: @atc_races
Track Info
| Rail | +2m |
| Conditions | HEAVY 8 to SOFT 6 |
| Weather | FINE, some showers before Race 9 |
| Bias | OFF RAILS (lanes tbc) |
Race 1 CHANDON S DARBY MUNRO STAKES
This exciting filly keeps winning
strong tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I Am Excited | David Pfieffer | Blake Shinn | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Isaurian | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 5 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Za Zi Ba | Brad Widdup | Christian Reith | 2 | 54.0 |
In The Running
The leaders were both keen as they carved out a STRONG tempo, TWILIGHT SONG #(raced keenly) and PERAST #(raced keenly) +(slow recovery) both rolling in the lead.
The Result
TWILIGHT SONG (1st) cut underneath as the pack drifted wider, driving through from midfield for a strong win. ISAURIAN (2nd 0.5L) not far off and strong to the line too. A gap back to ZA ZI BA (3rd 2.8L), who had loomed up early in the straight.
The Interest
This form could hold up well, both I AM EXCITED and ISAURIAN driving hard at the line and putting a gap on the rest. ZA ZI BA potentially better on dry and racing in great form. MANICURE (4th 4.2L) *(stuck wide) with a very nice return. You could excuse PERAST (7th 6.4L) #(raced keenly) +(slow recovery) and TWILIGHT SONG (9th 9.3L) #(raced keenly) next start on drier conditions too. ACQUME (8th 6.5L) and TARABAI (10th 15L) #(bit field shy?) (pulled up by jockey) very poor and the stewards will follow up.
Race 2 MOUNTIES 50TH BIRTHDAY EPONA STAKES
Reith finds the highest ground to win
steady tempo
: long sprint
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Pinnacle | Peter & Paul Snowden | Christian Reith | 7 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Domed | Jeff Englebrecht | Craig Williams | 12 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Nettoyer | Wendy Roche | Kerrin McEvoy | 9 | 54.0 |
In The Running
ARDANZA #(raced keenly) and PERFECT RHYME #(raced keenly) were keen in the lead early, controlling a STEADY tempo, before kicking home early for a LONG SPRINT home. THE PINNACLE had a nice trail behind them. NETTOYER *(stuck wide) stuck wide at the back no cover.
The Result
THE PINNACLE (1st) moved into the clear and kept lifting, beating home DOMED *(pushed wide turn) (2nd 1.3L) who kept chasing well and an unlucky NETTOYER *(stuck wide) (3rd 1.5L).
The Interest
These mares looked pretty even on paper and there could be some excuses for most of the top eight that didn't win. THE PINNACLE a very honest mare that deserved her victory and was suited by the way the race panned out (can maintain a long sprint). DOMED *(pushed wide turn) very solid, NETTOYER *(stuck wide) probably the best run in the race again, CEYLON *(held up slightly) (4th 2.7L) did well, PERFECT RHYME #(raced keenly) (5th 3.2L) left in front way too early, OKLAHOMA GIRL *(bias against) (6th 3.9L) producing a nice sprint from the back, CONSOMMATEUR +(lost plate) (7th 5.4L) knocking up second-up and KARAVALI *(blocked) (8th 7.8L) running out of room at a key moment. That's racing! NETTOYER will be awfully hard to beat at Randwick in the wet if she can find the right race.
Race 3 IRRESISTIBLE POOLS & SPAS N E MANION CUP
Another masterful ride makes the difference
slow tempo
: long sprint
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Master of Arts | John Thompson | Damian Lane | 8 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Alward | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 11 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Peribsen | John O'Shea | Craig Williams | 12 | 54.0 |
In The Running
MULTITUDE took up the running and controlled a SLOW tempo before setting off for a LONG SPRINT home at about the 800m. PERIBSEN moved up on his outside and ALWARD was jagged right back to the tail of the field. SINGING quickened on the turn to join in.
The Result
MASTER OF ARTS (1st) got the trail on the back of SINGING (4th 2.1L) and sprinted to the lead, just holding off a booming run from ALWARD (2nd 0.3L) down the outside and a solid PERIBSEN (3rd 0.5L) nearer the inside. PATRICK ERIN (5th 2.2L) surged home through the pack late.
The Interest
Damian Lane did the job here, MASTER OF ARTS relishing the great position in run and slow early tempo, he has been kicking well in races recently before peaking late. ALWARD a huge run from the back and deserves to win one very soon! Whether he stays the Sydney Cup distance is a question though. PATRICK ERIN caught the eye warming up from the back and he should be very competitive over 3200m. LORD FANDANGO #(laid in) (7th 3.5L) too far back and better on dry ground it seems.
Race 4 RANVET STAKES
Aussie choppy tracks are perfect for Gailo
steady tempo
: long sprint
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gailo Chop | Matthew Williams | Mark Zahra | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Single Gaze | Chris Waller | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 1 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Prized Icon | Kris Lees | Hugh Bowman | 2 | 59.0 |
In The Running
CLASSIC UNIFORM moved up to the lead with GAILO CHOP on his outside, a STEADY tempo early with a LONG SPRINT for home as the pressure went on into the turn.
The Result
GAILO CHOP (1st) surged clear of the chasers, SINGLE GAZE (2nd 3L) and PRIZED ICON (3rd 3.2L) chasing solidly out wider with a big gap back to 4th.
The Interest
This result proves how much of a mess the Australian Cup was last start (HARLEM beat GAILO CHOP then) with inside track bias. This time a testing SOFT track was perfect for the European import, GAILO CHOP surging clear late as the others tired. SINGLE GAZE honest again and could turn the tables on the winner if the track is firmer in a week. PRIZED ICON solid and coming back in distance now for the Doncaster according to reports.
Race 5 THE AGENCY GEORGE RYDER STAKES
Bowman manages the pressure and gets her home
slow tempo
: long sprint
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winx | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 6 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Happy Clapper | Patrick Webster | Blake Shinn | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Kementari | James Cummings | Brenton Avdulla | 5 | 56.0 |
In The Running
INVINCIBLE GEM controlled a SLOW tempo early and Hugh Bowman stayed out wide at the tail of the field to keep in touch. The leader INVINCIBLE GEM then set off at about the 800m to 700m for a long sprint home with WINX out wider picking up into it. HAPPY CLAPPER settled outside the leader with KEMENTARI on his back.
The Result
WINX (1st) maintained her run best to win, getting past HAPPY CLAPPER (2nd 0.8L), who maintained his sprint home strongly too. KEMENTARI (3rd 1.6L) not far off and a gap back to 4th. Most runners took the same part of the track 5W to 7W.
The Interest
A strangely run race, INVINCIBLE GEM going slow then setting off for a very long sprint home. The run of WINX brilliant as always with Bowman taking the risk out of the equation by covering extra ground. Our champion now at 24 straight wins and 17 G1s in total (a record!). This is usually the form-line for the Doncaster, HAPPY CLAPPER holding off KEMENTARI to the line, but the 3YO does get a 2.5kg weight swing in two weeks time. They look like the horses to beat given talented types CRACK ME UP, INVINCIBLE GEM and CLEARLY INNOCENT were left in their wake. Perhaps you could give a small excuse to INVINCIBLE GEM (5th 4.6L) straight to this grade 2nd-up and kicking for home so early. She may have run a closer 4th if fitter.
Race 6 SKY RACING ROSEHILL GUINEAS
The big grey lands a big plunge
steady tempo
: long sprint
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D'argento | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 9 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Tangled | Chris Waller | Michael Walker | 20 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Furore | Kris Lees | Brenton Avdulla | 6 | 56.5 |
In The Running
CLIFF'S EDGE took up the running with CONDOR on his outside and ACE HIGH *(stuck wide) *(pushed wide turn) on his outside. A STEADY tempo early with a LONG SPRINT for home. D'ARGENTO back in midfield with cover. CLIFF'S EDGE #(awkward turn) veered wider on the turn, taking out CONDOR and ACE HIGH with him, making room for VIN DE DANCE to move through.
The Result
D'ARGENTO (1st) came out very wide and was too strong to the line, beating home VIN DE DANCE (2nd 1.3L, down to 4th on protest) and TANGLED (3rd 2.3L, up to 2nd on protest) chasing up through the inside from the back. FURORE (4th 2.4L, up to 3rd on protest) ws running on well when VIN DE DANCE closed his run.
The Interest
Money poured in for D'ARGENTO and the big grey didn't disappoint, storming home out wide to win well. Big ticks to FURURE **(badly blocked) and ACE HIGH *(stuck wide) *(pushed wide turn) (prefers dry) though too and those three seem to have the Derby between them. A slight chance D'ARGENTO could head towards the Doncaster, but the way he finished off here you'd think 2400m is fine. VIN DE DANCE will enjoy 2400m (won G1 NZ Derby) and was very solid after getting the perfect run. Kiwi jockey Jason Waddell couldn't keep him straight and he closed the door on FURORE just as Kris Lees' up-and-comer was challenging for the win. TANGLED better on a softish track this time and is set-up to run well in the Derby too. KAONIC *(held up) (not ridden out) (14th 7.5L) better than it looks on paper.
Race 7 LONGINES GOLDEN SLIPPER
Brilliant Slipper speed and another brilliant ride
fair tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Estijaab | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Brenton Avdulla | 17 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Oohood | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Zac Purton | 11 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Sunlight | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Luke Currie | 5 | 54.5 |
In The Running
ESITJAAB jumped very fast to lead then controlled a mid-section before kicking again for home (FAIR tempo on the steady side). WRITTEN BY #(keen early) on his outside with SANTOS *(stuck wide) three deep and FIESTA **(stuck very wide) out four wide.
The Result
ESTIJAAB (1st) kicked and held off OOHOOD (2nd 0.2L), who surged late from midfield. SUNLIGHT (3rd 1.5L) fought on from just off the pace, getting past WRITTEN BY (4th 1.8L). SEABROOK (5th 2.1L) running on out wider.
The Interest
Avdulla produced a golden ride to win it, holding the filly together without her over-racing after a brilliant jump. ESTIJAAB was an expensive yearling that proved to be a profitable investment, banking $2 million for the win today! OOHOOD very good and ready for 1400m now. Favourites SUNLIGHT and WRITTEN BY both right there and may have preferred a dry track. SEABROOK and FIESTA (7th 3.3L) **(stuck very wide) brought the same form-line and ran very well too, they both head towards the 1400m Sires Produce against OOHOOD.
Race 8 THE PFD FOOD SERVICES GALAXY
Group 1 glory for a new young trainer
strong tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In Her Time | Kris Lees | Zac Purton | 13 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | English | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Sam Clipperton | 3 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Viridine | James Cummings | Brenton Avdulla | 11 | 50.0 |
In The Running
JUNGLE EDGE and BALL OF MUSCLE sped forward and set up a STRONG tempo, SNITTY KITTY just off them moving up 3W on the turn. IN HER TIME *(stuck wide) covered some extra ground in midfield, but travelled well.
The Result
IN HER TIME (1st) came to the outside and swept past them, beating home ENGLISH (2nd 0.8L), who ran on late. VIRIDINE (3rd 1.6L) challenged gamely nearer the inside.
The Interest
There aren't many more honest sprinters in the world than IN HER TIME and Redzel, Ben Smith's mare returning better than ever to set up a mouth-watering TJ Smith in a couple of weeks time. She tracked up wider out, swept to the lead quickly and fought on bravely, giving Smith his first G1 winner, not bad for a trainer with only around 25 horses to his name. ENGLISH enjoyed the SOFT track and STRONG tempo, bouncing back to form. VIRIDINE good weaving through for 3rd. SNITTY KITTY (4th 2.8L) brave as always.
Race 9 TAB BIRTHDAY CARD STAKES
No more Sydney demons for Darren Weir
fair tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quilista | Peter & Paul Snowden | Tommy Berry | 7 | 53.0 | |
| 2 | Sugar Bella | Kris Lees | Jason Collett | 3 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Hetty Heights | Kim Waugh | Andrew Adkins | 15 | 53.0 |
In The Running
QUILISTA jumped best and sped to the lead, backed it off mid-race, then kicked again. A FAIR tempo set-up overall with a few stuck wide; MISSILE CODA 3W, STAR REFLECTION 4W and TULIP out 5W.
The Result
QUILISTA (1st) maintained her run well enough to hold off SUGAR BELLA (2nd 1.3L). A gap back to HETTY HEIGHTS (3rd 3.8L) surging lare nearer the inside.
The Interest
Two in-form mares and a big margin to 3rd, that's a strong indicator for form to follow. QUILISTA not far away in G1 company two starts back before winning last start and dominating again here. SUGAR BELLA very brave and probably better on a GOOD track. MISS QUE *(bit tight) (better on dry). STAR REFLECTION **(very wide) and TULIP **(very wide) #(hung out) all worth following too in the right grade.