Yard to the Post | Bondi Stakes Day
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 26 October 2019
The sun was out and the wind was blowing at Royal Randwick today, weather conditions that usually result in a biased track with the rail out eight metres. But, just like Everest Day, Michael Wood and the track management team produced a perfect racing surface as the Sydney Spring carnival rolled on.
Jockey Brenton Avdulla was the star of the day with four winners, including an incredibly brave ride on KUBRICK in the feature Bondi Stakes over 1,600 metres. As the on-pace runners JUST THINKIN’ and COLADA tired, Avdulla steered the $3.70 equal fav’ up the inside through the smallest of gaps, pushing the plastic running rail aside as he burst through to win.
GREYWORM, ROMANI GIRL and MADAM ROUGE in the Group 3 Nivision Sakes were Avdulla’s other winners on the day.
Josh Parr on DIAMOND THUNDER (Listed Brian Crowley Stakes) and Tim Clark MASTER OF WINE (Listed Tattersalls Club Cup) scoring the other feature race wins.
See below for a full review, from the yard to the post.
Track Info
| Rail | +8 metres |
| Conditions | GOOD 4 to GOOD 3 |
| Weather | FINE, windy |
| Bias | FAIR |
Race 1 FORUM GROUP KIRKHAM PLATE
The french connection too classy again
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | See You Soon | Jean Dubois | Jean Van Overmeire | 3 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Dame Giselle | Peter & Paul Snowden | Andrew Adkins | 4 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Endorse | Peter & Paul Snowden | Joshua Parr | 1 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
No yard notes available for this race.
In The Running
ANDERS took up the running at a STEADY tempo, DAME GISELLE on his outside and ENDORSE a touch keen in the box seat. SEE YOU SOON was slow to begin and settled 5th on the rails.
The Result
SEE YOU SOON (1st) worked clear 300m out and ran on best to grab DAME GISELLE (2nd 0.2L) late, who had kicked to the lead. ENDORSE (3rd 2.5L), ANDERS (4th 2.6L) and CLOSE TO ME (5th 2.8L) battled home together.
The Interest
ANDERS showed rapid speed in his most recent trial, but had nothing in the locker when he hit the 200m here. CLOSE TO ME also disappointing and ENDORSE just ran OK after over-racing. Only the top two delivered performances of note, SEE YOU SOON running some rapid sectionals to win following a nice trial leading up to the race, yet another winning galloper trained by Jean Dubois and bred from the French sire Siyouni.
Race 2 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
Too much stamina and a touch of luck
slow tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | But I Know | Ross Stitt | Andrew Adkins | 14 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Ambitious Prince | Warren Gavenlock | Aaron Bullock | 3 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Weather Channel | Jeremy Gask | Ms Rachel King | 11 | 55.0 |
In The Yard
No yard notes available for this race.
In The Running
COURU took up the running at a SLOW tempo only, THE MEMORY MAN was on her outside and LORD DESANIMAUX moving up three wide no cover. BUT I KNOW a touch keen near the back and FAST TALKING buried away on the inside.
The Result
BUT I KNOW (1st) made a long run and kept fighting when challenged, beating AMBITIOUS PRINCE (2nd 0.2L), WEATHER CHANNEL (3rd 1L) and VERTEX (4th 1.3L) running on. DEW DROP (5th 2.1L) was always on the back of AMBITIOUS PRINCE and never got clear.
The Interest
A slowly run race and three good runs to note. The winner BUT I KNOW very strong, showing that she's crying out for the extra distance and should enjoy 2000m+ even more next time, while DEW DROP (badly blocked) and FAST TALKING (11th 8L) (badly held up, never clear) didn't get their chance.
Race 3 SOUTHERN CROSS GROUP BRIAN CROWLEY STAKES
One tough Diamond shines again this spring
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diamond Thunder | Mark Newnham | Joshua Parr | 1 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Cardiff | Joe Cleary | Glyn Schofield | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Hulk | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 7 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
DIAMOND THUNDER just a bit anxious in the yard first-up in the wind, but was fit. FARETTI a powerful type, a touch anxious too. HULK and REGIMENTAL BAND paraded best, both well and relaxed in the blustery conditions.
In The Running
CARDIFF led from DIAMOND THUNDER with FARETTI a touch keen just behind them.
The Result
DIAMOND THUNDER (1st) edged wider and kept lifting to win, beating home CARDIFF (2nd 0.8L) and HULK (3rd 1.2L) running on.
The Interest
DIAMOND THUNDER had strong form-lines leading into this and showed he had come back well this prep, a tough galloper that really digs in to the line. FARETTI (4th 1.4L) a touch disappointing, sprinting up and then getting out-fought late. REGIMENTAL BAND (5th 1.6L) didn't get much luck (held up slightly, blocked late).
Race 4 ROBRICK LODGE FILANTE HANDICAP
The popular grey gets everything his way
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greyworm | Neville Boyle | Brenton Avdulla | 2 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Luvaluva | John Sargent | Tim Clark | 5 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Rancho Notorious | Jason Coyle | Robbie Dolan | 6 | 52.0 |
In The Yard
Most looking OK in the yard, GREYWORM relaxed and well. IMPROVEMENT seemed OK, but clearly wasn't today. LUVALUVA looking well for her first run this prep. TAMARACK very quiet in the yard with fitness to come. MCCREERY carrying some condition too.
In The Running
GREYWORM took up the running and set a FAIR tempo (on steady side) with IMPROVEMENT on his outside and GOT UNDERS wide no cover. RANCHO NOTORIOUS just behind them and flushed out 4W NC at the 600m.
The Result
GREYWORM (1st) kicked and held on for a simple win. LUVALUVA (2nd 1.3L) ran on well from the pack and there was a gap to RANCHO NOTORIOUS (3rd 3.6L), GRESHAM (4th 3.8L) and TAMARACK (5th 3.9L).
The Interest
This looked like a two horse race on paper, GREYWORM and IMPROVEMENT up against each-other again after crossing the line together two starts ago. IMPROVEMENT (7th 6.4L) (vet: respiratory noise) didn't run her race though and that left the in-form Hawkes galloper with the race after very solid ride from Avdulla in the lead. LUVALUVA has returned well and can be followed over 1600m+ now. TAMARACK and BLACK ON GOLD (6th 4.4L) wound up late and look set for a good prep too. GOT UNDERS (9th 7.8L) simply not suited on firm ground today.
Race 5 ICD PROPERTY NIVISON
No red flags second-up for this mare
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madam Rouge | Chris Waller | Brenton Avdulla | 7 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Reelem in Ruby | Peter & Paul Snowden | Tim Clark | 2 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Ready to Prophet | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Robbie Dolan | 4 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
PRETTY IN PINK and REELEM IN RUBY had made improvement from their last runs looking well. Most OK, MULTAJA a bit quiet in the yard after being very fizzy first-up, she may not be focused this prep. NICCI'S GOLD shining and looking well fresh.
In The Running
READY TO PROPHET led at a FAIR tempo (on steady side) from SPANISH DREAM and MADAM ROUGUE in the box seat. PRETTY IN PINK was bumped by the barrier swinging back, settled midfield and ended up being declared a non-runner. CELEBRITY DREAM was keen at the back.
The Result
MADAM ROUGE (1st) got through 2W and fought on best, holding off REELEM IN RUBY (2nd 0.2L), who challenged gamely. READY TO PROPHET (3rd 0.6L) fought on OK and MOSS TRIP (4th 1.3L) ran on behind MADAM ROUGE, getting held up slightly.
The Interest
MADAM ROUGE had the best form coming off a 4th in the Silver Eagle, but did have a couple of convictions second-up, which she overcame today thanks to a perfect ride from Avdulla. MOSS TRIP much better this time and NICCI'S GOLD (5th 1.7L) is set for another good prep.
Race 6 CLUBSNSW CITY TATTERSALLS CLUB CUP
The Hawkes team Master a promising stayer
slow tempo
: long sprint
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Master Of Wine | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Tim Clark | 10 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Maurus | John Thompson | Ms Rachel King | 7 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Master of Arts | John Thompson | Joshua Parr | 3 | 58.0 |
In The Yard
All stayers looking well in the yard, SAUNTER BOY with some fitness and improvement to come.
In The Running
RAPIDO CHAPARRO led at a SLOW tempo with NAVAL WARFARE on his outside. MASTER OF ARTS moved up on the turn and ensured a LONG SPRINT home. MASTER OF WINE slotted in at the back and then moved up with cover 3W into the straight. ATTENTION RUN held up on the turn, switched back to the inside abruptly and badly checked RE EDIT, who was eased out of the race.
The Result
MASTER OF WINE (1st) powered clear for a big win. MAURUS (2nd 2.3L) ran on well from midfield and MASTER OF ARTS (3rd 3.1L) not far back, a big gap back to NAVAL WARFARE (4th 8.1L).
The Interest
They walked here and set some rapid sectionals to finish, MASTER OF WINE too powerful and progressive for these, winning again with the blinkers on. Outside of the winner, the story of the race was the poor ride from Boss on ATTENTION RUN, almost putting Avdulla and RE EDIT through the running rail 350m out. Boss now suspended between Sunday 3 November and Saturday 16, missing the Melbourne Cup.
Race 7 BONDI STAKES
A brave ride lets the class rise to the top
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kubrick | Chris Waller | Brenton Avdulla | 1 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Pancho | Chris Waller | Glyn Schofield | 8 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Colada | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Robbie Dolan | 10 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
BOTTEGA and COLADA a touch anxious in the wind, otherwise most looking fine, ERNO very relaxed and well.
In The Running
COLADA rolled along at a STRONG tempo with ZEBROWSKI up on his outside and JUST THINKIN' in the box seat. BOTTEGA raced keenly in the blinkers out 3W NC and KUBRICK was near the pace on the inside.
The Result
KUBRICK (1st) squeeezed up the inside an was too strong for PANCHO (2nd 1L) running on from the back and COLADA (3rd 3.3L).
The Interest
The class of KUBRICK on show here once Avdulla found the smallest of runs on the inside, pushing the running rail aside and out-classing this field. Both PANCHO and ERNO (8th 5L) (tightened, blocked late) running well back to 3YO grade after taking on the older horses. JUST THINKIN' (5th 3.8L) and BOTTEGA (9th 18.6L) (keen and wide) disappointing this time around and may need a spell.
Race 8 KOGAROO HANDICAP
Punters wander what could have been
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | What Could Be | David Atkins | Brock Ryan | 9 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Roosevelt | James Cummings | Glyn Schofield | 13 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Poised to Strike | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Tim Clark | 1 | 60.0 |
In The Yard
Most quite well in the yard, POISED TO STRIKE looking good again like he did first-up. AYLMERTON nice and relaxed.
In The Running
AYLMERTON jumped well from out wide and took up the running from MY TRUE LOVE out 3W NC on the pace, CUBAN ROYALE in-between them and MAN OF PEACE out 4W NC on the pace. POISED TO STRIKE was in the box seat and WHAT COULD BE got right back. An honest rolling FAIR tempo set up.
The Result
WHAT COULD BE (1st) and ROOSEVELT (2nd 0.3L) swept over the top to run down POISED TO STRIKE (3rd 0.4L) and CUBAN ROYALE (4th 0.6L) late.
The Interest
This looked closely-matched on paper and that's the way it worked out, you just had to find the right roughie, which in the end was WHAT COULD BE down in the weights and getting clear running out wide. TESTIFIER (9th 2.1L) the hard luck story of the race, never getting clear. Some excuses to GRIMOIRE (held up) (6th 1L), MALEA MAGIC (7th 1.8L) (held up) and PAQUIRRI (11th 3.6L) (held up, tightened) too. PAQUIRRI looked like he resented being inside runners, which we will add as a question to his profile.
Race 9 DAILY PRESS HANDICAP
An in-form mare is too strong in the last
fair tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romani Girl | Chris Waller | Brenton Avdulla | 10 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Final Award | Mark Newnham | Robbie Dolan | 4 | 57.5 | |
| 3 | Tunero | Chris Waller | Glen Boss | 5 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
The weather cooler now and all horses parade well.
In The Running
MERCURIAL LAD went to the lead and rolled at a FAIR tempo, BERGEN on his outside , EL MO and SURE KNEE behind them. A FAIR tempo set-up and ROMANI GIRL settled midfield.
The Result
ROMANI GIRL (1st) came wider and ran on best with FINAL AWARD (2nd 0.8L) running on too. TUNERO (3rd 1L) fought on solidly with EL MO (4th 1.4L) and BERGEN (5th 1.5L). STRYKE ROCK (4th 1.4L) ran on down the outside and SURE KNEE (8th 3.1L) was never clear.
The Interest
Pretty much no doubt SURE KNEE was stiff here, Glyn Schofield not taking his chance when it presented itself and leaving her to be badly held up. Plenty of solid runs in the race, the on-pacers EL MO and BERGEN very good again, but ROMANI GIRL was just too strong on the day. Her form had been stamped by Pancho running so well earlier in the day.