Yard to the Post | Winx Stakes Day
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 24 August 2019
There was a shock winner in the first Sydney spring-season Group One today as Bjorn Baker’s SAMADOUBT ($31) (picture) led from start to finish to hold off war horse HAPPY CLAPPER ($5.5) in the Winx Stakes over 1,400 metres. The well-supported AVILIUS ($2.6 fav’) got well back and could do no better than fourth.
While most punters were stunned by that result, it was far from the most controversial moment of what proved to be a difficult day for the Racing NSW stewards.
Joseph Pride was the first to be relegated to second on the back of a questionable decision after his three-year-old SUPERIUM fought hard to hold off Waller’s TRUE DETECTIVE before losing the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes on protest. Some slight contact late in the straight as SUPERIUM laid out was deemed enough to overturn the winning margin of 0.2 lengths, despite SUPERIUM looking the stronger horse over the final furlong.
And a desperately close photo-finish between the Hawkes galloper TROPE and Godolphin’s DEPRIVE in the Group 3 Show County Quality was given to the latter even though TROPE’s white nose appeared to be touching the line in official finishing images.
There was no doubt in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes as star filly LIBERTINI destroyed a smart field of young sprinters to announce herself as an Everest contender. And later in the day LIBERTINI’s stablemate MIZZY was heavily backed before taking out the Group 3 Toy Show Quality.
A full review from the yard to the post is provided below.
Track Info
| Rail | +4 metres |
| Conditions | GOOD 4 (firm track) |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | FAIR, inside and near pace quite good |
Race 1 TAB HIGHWAY CLASS 2 HANDICAP
An unlucky lady misses out again
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charlotte's Heart | Brett Cavanough | Jason Collett | 5 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Revitup Rednut | Greg Backhouse | Sam Clipperton | 10 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Galaxy Force | Donna Scott | Blaike McDougall | 7 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
No yard notes available.
In The Running
Early speed set up by SO MAGNIFIQUE with ELEAZAR moving up 3W NC and DRAKE THE PIRATE pushing up between them. They rolled at a STRONG tempo. LADY DEMI and RIOLI were held up at the back, not getting clear when travelling well.
The Result
CHARLOTTE’S HEART (1st) weaved through from midfield and was too strong for REVITUP REDNUT (2nd 1.5L) running on from midfield too and GALAXY FORCE (3rd 1.6L) fighting on OK from near the pace GEM DEALER (4th 1.7L) ran on through the pack and OUTTA REACH (5th 1.9L) fought on up the inside.
The Interest
Scone form-lines up up well in Highways and CHARLOTTE’S HEART was good here following a 4th over 1300m in a Class 2. LADY DEMI (6th 2.9L) was the hard luck story of the race though, never getting clear after running 2nd in her last two Highways. Trainer Terry Robinson and connections deserve a result next time. RIOLI (8th 3.2L) also found some trouble too. Forgive ELEAZAR (12th 4.2L) stuck wide on the hot speed.
Race 2 CITY TATTERSALLS CLUB HANDICAP
Power to sprint the key in this race
slow tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valentino Rossa | Jason Coyle | Nash Rawiller | 3 | 59.5 | |
| 2 | Travancore | Clare Cunningham | Jason Collett | 8 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | The Promise | John Thompson | Ms Rachel King | 4 | 52.0 |
In The Yard
All horses looking quite well in the yard, no sign of CYBER INTERVENTION being below best following a poor run. GREAT GLEN leaner than most, a one-paced type.
In The Running
CYBER INTERVENTION was urged to the lead and controlled a SLOW tempo with MISSYBEEL on his outside and GREAT GLEN out 3W NC. VALENTINO ROSSA was held up 'til the 200m and ADANA found limited room until the 100m mark.
The Result
VALENTINO ROSSA (1st) sprinted home hard to beat TRAVANCORE (2nd 0.1L), who ran on from the back with the winner. THE PROMISE (3rd 1.6L) running into a clear 3rd.
The Interest
VALENTINO ROSSA has been in great form of late, a horse suited to 1500m to 1800m on GOOD tracks, plus he's got the ability to power home off a slow tempo. TRAVANCORE still flying and the rest just OK. ADANA (5th 3.1L) was badly held up, but he still looked a touch one-paced on the firm ground. He wants a SOFT surface next time.
Race 3 THE LUXURY NETWORK UP AND COMING STAKES
Pride lost in a controversial protest
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | True Detective | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 3 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Superium | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Glen Boss | 6 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Lucicello | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 5 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
No yard notes available.
In The Running
DEFERENCE took up the running at a STEADY tempo. EDISON was stuck behind the leader 'til the 100m mark.
The Result
SUPERIUM (2nd 0.2L)) moved up and fought hard to hold off TRUE DETECTIVE (1st), but lost the race on protest after just laying out slightly towards the end. LUCICELLO (3rd 2.2L) chased into midfield ahead of the unlucky EDISON (4th 3.7L) finishing off.
The Interest
Such a strong run from the 'winner' SUPERIUM, only to lose the race in what was a controversial protest. Not much between the top two clearly and they have progression to come. EDISON very unlucky not to be in the finish too, thank your lucky stars if you took the $2.3 about TRUE DETECTIVE and collected.
Race 4 GOLD COAST TURF CLUB TROPHY
A candidate for the cups emerges
slow tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Our Candidate | Kris Lees | Brenton Avdulla | 2 | 58.5 | |
| 2 | Gayatri | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 12 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Attention Run | Ben Brisbourne | Ms Samantha Clenton | 4 | 60.5 |
In The Yard
Stayers looking well in the yard. CURATA PRINCESS a very lightly-framed galloper.
In The Running
SCHOLARLY took up the running at a SLOW tempo with GAYATRI on his outside. YURALLA BOY moved up 3W on the turn to put some pressure into the race after a SLOW tempo.
The Result
OUR CANDIDATE (1st) got the inside run and sprinted clear under a hold from a game GAYATRI (2nd 1.8L). A gap back to ATTENTION RUN (3rd 4.1L) chasing up the inside.
The Interest
An odd ride from the tough front-runner SCHOLARLY (4th 5.1L) here, Nash just letting the others get to him on the turn and out-sprint him. OUR CANDIDATE so impressive under a tight hold, a progressive son of Camelot that just needs to prove he can rate well in a genuine staying test with tempo on now, but everything is looking good for a future black-type win. ATTENTION RUN and CURATA PRINCESS (6th 5.3L) found the line well once again.
Race 5 DARLEY SILVER SHADOW STAKES
Power, speed and class from Cummings
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Libertini | Anthony Cummings | Tommy Berry | 2 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Flit | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 10 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Let It Pour | Bjorn Baker | Brenton Avdulla | 4 | 55.0 |
In The Yard
LIBERTINI a class above in the yard, big, powerful and in perfect condition. Most others well, STEEL DIAMOND perhaps with some fitness to come.
In The Running
PRETTY BRAZEN took up the running from a keen VILLAMI and they set a FAIR tempo, giving LIBERTINI the perfect trail behind.
The Result
LIBERTINI (1st) cruised up and broke clear, eased up late for an easy win. FLIT (2nd 2.3L) surged through the pack late and LET IT POUR (3rd 2.4L) chased strongly too, both running down VILLAMI (4th 2.6L) late.
The Interest
A new star is born, LIBERTINI proving to all she is the real thing after looking a class above in the yard. She was near 100% fitness though and got the perfect run, so despite the rapid time of 1:07.93 today, she still has some big challenges ahead. FLIT very good from the back, a more athletic type that would love a wet track in the G1 Flight stakes in a few weeks time. Excuses for VILLAMI (keen), but none for TENLEY (5th 5.6L), who was plain in her return run.
Race 6 MOSTYN COPPER SHOW COUNTY QUALITY
Only a nostril between two promising sprinters
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deprive | James Cummings | Ms Rachel King | 1 | 53.5 | |
| 2 | Trope | Julius Sandhu | Tommy Berry | 11 | 53.0 | |
| 3 | Bon Amis | Jason Deamer | Jason Collett | 10 | 54.5 |
In The Yard
All looked quite well. CASCADIAN a balanced type that doesn't have the muscle and power of the 1200m types, similar to CON TE PARTIRO, who looked quite fit.
In The Running
CATESBY took up the running at a STEADY tempo with MANDYLION on his outside. DOTHRAKI just near the pace 3W NC.
The Result
DEPRIVE (1st) kicked up the inside from near the pace and crossed the line with TROPE (2nd 0.1L), who ran on hard from the back. BON AMIS (3rd 0.2L) right in the finish too from midfield.
The Interest
Hard to analyse this race with any confidence, the time only fair off a STEADY tempo and a bunched finish. TROPE very strong from the back though and he couldn't have done much more, a big strong galloper with upside. The photo looked awfully close and most couldn't pick the difference with the naked eye. CON TE PARTIRO (4th 1.7L) and CASCADIAN (5th 1L) tougher types in the yard compared to the big sprinters and both ran very well. Watch out for them in the 1600m features over the carnival.
Race 7 WINX STAKES
A stroke of genius from a smart young trainer
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samadoubt | Bjorn Baker | Tim Clark | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Happy Clapper | Patrick Webster | Hugh Bowman | 5 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Invincible Gem | Kris Lees | Ms Rachel King | 1 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
Most looking pretty well, SAMADOUBT muscular and fit. YOUNGSTAR and UNFORGOTTEN carrying some condition. VERRY ELLEEGANT lighter and leaner than most. HAPPY CLAPPER just OK.
In The Running
SAMADOUBT took up the running from LE ROMAIN at a FAIR tempo (on steady side), kicking for home on the bend and getting a 3L break.
The Result
SAMADOUBT hung on from HAPPY CLAPPER (2nd 0.5L) chasing hard, with INVINCIBLE GEM (3rd 0.8L) and AVILIUS (4th 0.9L) running on well.
The Interest
Bjorn Baker with a stroke of genius in what can only be described as a weak G1. He had SAMADOUBT wound up and ready to go today, a horse with lower grade form that was ridden perfectly by Clark to win. He can kick early and fight hard, which is exactly what he did today. Lots of nice warm-up runs behind, AVILIUS, KINGS WILL DREAM (5th 1.7L) and 6th UNFORGOTTEN (6th 1.9L) all running on nicely first-up. YOUNGSTAR (8th 3.6L) fine after a very negative ride and VERRY ELLEEGANT (9th 3.8L) needs longer/softer.
Race 8 TOY SHOW QUALITY
The money pours in and the punters cheer
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mizzy | Anthony Cummings | Tommy Berry | 3 | 53.0 | |
| 2 | Soothing | James Cummings | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 5 | 53.0 | |
| 3 | My Xpression | Chris Waller | Brock Ryan | 7 | 53.0 |
In The Yard
Most gallopers looking well, DYSLEXIC pretty much there first-up (95% fit?). KIAMICHI a touch unsettled and TELL ME quite hot and unsettled.
In The Running
GOLDFINCH sped to the lead and rolled at a STRONG tempo with AGENT PIPPA on her outside. ALASSIO was 3W NC on the pace and BROOK MAGIC was stuck 4W NC back in the pack.
The Result
MIZZY (1st) got through from the box seat and was too strong for SOOTHING (2nd 1.3L), who followed her through from midfield. MY XPRESSION (3rd 1.8L) and DYSLEXIC (4th 2.1L) ran on well from the back.
The Interest
She's one tough girl, MIZZY getting the right run today and fighting on best in a testing 1,100 metres, which really suited her first-up. DYLSEXIC the other run in the race of note, getting back and wide before swooping hard late. INTO THE ABYSS (5th 2.4L) (held up 'til 200m) very solid and will be better over a touch further.
Race 9 KOGAROO HANDICAP
Clark and Rawiller take control
slow tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweet Deal | John Thompson | Nash Rawiller | 11 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Prime Candidate | Bjorn Baker | Tim Clark | 8 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Dealmaker | Chris Waller | Blaike McDougall | 1 | 58.0 |
In The Yard
All looking well, PRIME CANDIDATE and SWEET DEAL strong muscular types. ROHERYN quite solidly-built and may have some fitness still to come.
In The Running
PRIME CANDIDATE took up the running and SWEET DEAL jumped well to be on his outside. FORTENSKY 3W NC on the pace with them and ROHERYN back near last off a SLOW tempo.
The Result
PRIME CANDIDATE (2nd 1L) kicked strongly, but SWEET DEAL (1st) kept up with him and was too strong late. DEALMAKER (3rd 2.5L) ran on well from the back, along with CARIF (5th 3.1L).
The Interest
Two powerful types got some cheap sections on-pace and that was the end of the race, both PRIME CANDIDATE and SWEET DEAL impressive types with way too much power on firm ground. PRIME CANDIDATE perhaps not quite getting the 1400m at his first attempt. DEALMAKER and CARIF with nice returns. ROHERYN (6th 3.3L) too far back off the SLOW tempo, but he was only plain still.