Yard to the Post | Apollo Stakes Day
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 15 February 2020
A successful day for the blue army at Royal Randwick, the stable led by James Cummings taking out a pair of Group 2s with FLIT and ALIZEE.
Both are impressive types, FLIT a lovely filly with a big frame and more fitness to come, the win today getting her in shape for a battle with Waller’s FUNSTAR in the coming weeks. And ALIZEE got the perfect race set up, a nice steady tempo before sprinting up the inside to beat the well-backed DREAMFORCE over 1,400 metres.
In other races the John Thompson mare SWEET DEAL resumed with a dominant win over 1,200 metres and the Anthony Freedman trained two-year-old SUPREME IDEA put herself in the picture for the Golden Slipper by beating the talented DAME GISELLE early on the card.
A full review of the day is provided below.
Track Info
| Rail | +6m |
| Conditions | SOFT 7 (drying later in day) |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | FAIR early, more NEAR PACE and NEAR RAILS later in day |
Race 1 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
A progressive youngster gets a big city win
slow tempo
: long sprint
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cap's Boy | Mark Gee | Jay Ford | 8 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Rostam | Cody Morgan | Tom Marquand | 7 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Senatorial | Tony Ball | Ms Mikayla Weir | 3 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
QUICK SPIN a touch anxious in the yard. Otherwise most fine, ROSTAM a toned type that parades like a wet-tracker. The progressive CAP'S BOY also well.
In The Running
HARBOURING took up the running from UP THE STAIRS with REFIRE in the box seat. CAP'S BOY settled well 2W near the pace with cover and ROSTAM was in midfield. QUICK SPIN slow to jump before whipping up around mid-race to put the pressure on early. A SLOW tempo with a LONG SPRINT set up.
The Result
CAP'S BOY (1st) fought on best for a narrow win from both ROSTAM (2nd 0.2L) and SENATORIAL (3rd 0.4L) staying on well late. UP THE STAIRS (4th 0.5L) not far off.
The Interest
CAP'S BOY is progressive, winning this at only his fifth start and holding off a decent wet-tracker in ROSTAM. Both worth following in the right conditions moving forward, ROSTAM a horse that needs a strong rider given he can lay in badly. It was the first city win for trainer Mark Gee from Goulburn.
Race 2 CATANACH'S HANDICAP
Two potential Cups horses put on a show
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | She's Ideel | Ciaron Maher | Jason Collett | 1 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Dark Pearl | Chris Waller | Nash Rawiller | 6 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Birth Of Venus | Chris Waller | Brenton Avdulla | 5 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
The stayers paraded in good style, no knocks, apart from the lesser horses at the bottom of the weights.
In The Running
OUR FUN out in front looking like she was setting an honest tempo, but it was only STEADY. DARK PEARL next in line and SHE'S IDEEL looming into the race on the turn.
The Result
SHE'S IDEEL (1st) moved up and sprinted hard, but DARK PEARL (2nd 0.2L) went with her and they powered clear from the pack. BIRTH OF VENUS (3rd 6L) well back.
The Interest
The top two worth following, SHE'S IDEEL with big upside still and DARK PEARL is a very strong stayer that should get 3200m based on his improved form stepping up to 2400m. Maybe forgive OUR FUN (4th 9.2L), who has had a long prep and didn't seem to enjoy the wet.
Race 3 RADISSON BLU HOTEL SYDNEY HANDICAP
The favourite arrives just in time
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | God of Thunder | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Brock Ryan | 1 | 61.0 | |
| 2 | Miss Exfactor | Joseph Pride | Glen Boss | 7 | 53.0 | |
| 3 | Royal Witness | Brad Widdup | Ms Rachel King | 6 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
GOD OF THUNDER a strong horse that seems to be progressing still prep to prep. Most fine, CORUSCATE just a touch warm.
In The Running
SEI STELLA led at a STRONG tempo from ROYAL WITNESS and MISS EXFACTOR trailing up behind them. BALLER back to midfield and 3W NC with CORUSCATE on his inside and GOD OF THUNDER buried back on the rails, held up slightly early in the straight.
The Result
GOD OF THUNDER (1st) got clear and chased hard after a game MISS EXFACTOR (2nd 0.1L) and ROYAL WITNESS (3rd 0.2L), the three all crossing the line together. A big gap back to GOLDFINCH (4th 4.5L).
The Interest
GOD OF THUNDER is a promising horse and could be in for his biggest prep yet, charging home to win here. Brock Ryan was lucky MISS EXFACTOR was going well in-front of him, it would have been all over if she fell back in front of him 300m out as CORUSCATE and BALLER shut the door on the outside. CORUSCATE (7th 11.6L eased down) and BALLER (6th 8.8L) )(1/5 lame) both poor in the end first-up from a spell. Anthony Cummings stating BALLER will be tipped back out into the yard straight away after that run. SEI STELLA (5th 5.8L) was 1/5 lame also.
Race 4 DARLEY LONHRO PLATE
Another Supreme youngster is in the Slipper mix
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Supreme Idea | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Tim Clark | 1 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Mission River | Alicia MacPherson | Nash Rawiller | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Dame Giselle | Peter & Paul Snowden | Tommy Berry | 14 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
DAME GISELLE looking well first-up, but most two-year-olds were looking fine. JOR EL (anxious) and SNITZARI (not quite fit yet) perhaps the only negatives.
In The Running
SUPREME IDEA led at a FAIR tempo from MISSION RIVER and SNITZARI out 3W NC. DAME GISELLE had cover just behind them and was patiently ridden. A FAIR tempo set up and they did quicken into the 400m-200m section.
The Result
SUPREME IDEA (1st) kept going to win well from MISSION RIVER (2nd 1.3L) and DAME GISELLE (3rd 2.6L) chasing OK.
The Interest
SUPREME IDEA looked like a strong filly in her debut win and perhaps she wasn't suited on the inside at Caulfield last start. She shapes as a horse suited to 1100m or 1200m now and is right in the big features after taking the scalp of DAME GISELLE. Don't go off DAME GISELLE yet, she may prefer dry and the Snowden camp can always find improvement.
Race 5 CELLARBRATIONS SOUTHERN CROSS STAKES
Tough and near pace often gets the Reward
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Special Reward | Kris Lees | Brenton Avdulla | 5 | 53.0 | |
| 2 | Cascadian | James Cummings | Glen Boss | 7 | 57.5 | |
| 3 | Jungle Edge | Mick Bell | Ms Jade Darose | 6 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
CASCADIAN a noticeably better horse his prep, shine to his coat. DESERT LORD also well fresh. SPECIAL REWARD perhaps the best of the fit horses, JUNGLE EDGE and ASHLOR bigger types parading OK.
In The Running
JUNGLE EDGE from ASHLOR at an honest STRONG tempo, but not too rapid. SPECIAL REWARD a touch keen behind with DESERT LORD also a touch keen in the box seat. CASCADIAN take back to last and not ridden much at all. DESERT LORD blocked on the inside making his run.
The Result
SPECIAL REWARD (1st) moved up and fought hard to hold off CASCADIAN (2nd 0.4L), who floated into the race under limited riding. JUNGLE EDGE (3rd 1.4L) not far away.
The Interest
SPECIAL REWARD is a special horse, a tough sprinter that really tries, but should CASCADIAN have won today? Glen Boss didn't show much and some more vigour may have produced a difference result. DESERT LORD (5th 3.2L) probably runs 3rd with even luck.
Race 6 HEINEKEN 3 HANDICAP
The skill of Waller produces yet another win
fair tempo
: long sprint
Bias:
on-pace
,
rails-6w in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matowi | Mitchell Beer | Hugh Bowman | 13 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Monsieur Sisu | Paul & Martha Cave | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 10 | 52.0 | |
| 3 | Night Of Power | Bjorn Baker | Tim Clark | 9 | 53.0 |
In The Yard
MONSIEUR SISU looked better in the yard second-up. MONGOLIAN WOLF perhaps not quite as forward, still OK, but not shining like he was first-up. ATTORNEY fine first-up. INSENSATA a muscular type that could be a risk in a testing mile.
In The Running
MONSIEUR SISU stuck wide early and had to work to the lead from ULUSABA, who led early. A FAIR tempo with a LONG SPRINT set up. MATOWI back in the pack with both MONGOLIAN WOLF and ATTORNEY behind him, ATTORNEY under a lot of pressure on the turn.
The Result
MATOWI (1st) ran on best to win from MONSIER SISU (2nd 1.3L), who kept lifting to the line after a tough run. NIGHT OF POWER (3rd 1.4L) right there too.
The Interest
MATOWI just keeps going for Waller after a long prep, the step back from 2000m to 1600m the key here. MONSIER SISU shining in the yard and running very well in his ideal conditions. MONGOLIAN WOLF (7th 2.8L) and ATTORNEY (6th 2.6L) got way too far back and need further now. TO YOUR HEALTH (4th 2.4L) loomed and peaked, the vets reporting that she had bled for the first time and will now be banned from racing for three months.
Race 7 TAB LIGHT FINGERS STAKES
A new star emerges as another one dims
strong tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
rails-6w in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flit | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Lyre | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Nash Rawiller | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Kiamichi | James Cummings | Ms Rachel King | 2 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
LIBERTINI not as impressive as she was last prep, still strong, but not there in the coat and sweating up. LYRE looked well fresh. KIAMICHI and FLIT fine, the latter a lovely type with a big frame. AKARI looked good and MISSILE MANTRA wasn't as fit as the others, a muscular type.
In The Running
KIAMICHI led from SANGRIA and FLIT in the box seat. LYRE, LIBERTINI and EMERALDS (wide) in midfield. A STRONG tempo set up.
The Result
FLIT (1st) moved through and was too strong from LYRE (2nd 1.8L) running on up the inside and KIAMICHI (3rd 2.3L) holding off LIBERTINI (4th 3.1L) for a place. EMERALDS (5th 3.3L) ran on well out wider.
The Interest
FLIT is a lovely looking filly and she sets herself up for a massive Autumn now with more improvement to come. LIBERTINI just not herself, hot in the yard and only fair in 4th. EMERALDS the other horse to follow up to 1400m and beyond, a filly that always tries hard.
Race 8 AQUIS APOLLO STAKES
Too much dash from a big strong girl
steady tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
rails-6w in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alizee | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 1 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Dreamforce | John Thompson | Nash Rawiller | 6 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Happy Clapper | Patrick Webster | Tommy Berry | 4 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
HAPPY CLAPPER and DREAMFORCE both back looking well and along with ALIZEE the three of them dominate the yard. VERRY ELLEEGANT much smaller in comparison and may have wanted it wetter, but she was fit. DANZDANZDANCE looking well first-up for Waller for the first time, she could be in a for a nice prep.
In The Running
HUSH WRITER took up the lead with DREAMFORCE on his outside and ANGEL OF TRUTH out 3W NC. ALIZEE in the box seat and HAPPY CLAPPER 5th 2W in between runners. A STEADY tempo set up with HUSH WRITER kicking into the straight.
The Result
ALIZEE (1st) sprinted up the inside to beat DREAMFORCE (2nd 0.2L) with HAPPY CLAPPER (3rd 1.5L) surging through the line late. VERRY ELLEEGANT (4th 1.9L) and DANZDANZDANCE (5th 2.4L) ran on solidly too.
The Interest
Good runs from the top five and the market pretty much got it right, the STEADY tempo and ideal position in run helping ALIZEE get the win over a brave DREAMFORCE. The race didn't set up that well for HAPPY CLAPPER (nice through line) and DANZDANZDANCE (has come back well), all five worth following.
Race 9 ROBRICK LODGE TRISCAY STAKES
A very Sweet start to the Autumn Carnival
strong tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
rails-6w in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweet Deal | John Thompson | Nash Rawiller | 7 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Spiritual Pursuit | Jason Coyle | Zac Spain | 3 | 53.0 | |
| 3 | Pohutukawa | James Cummings | Tommy Berry | 12 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
Most mares looking well, SWEET DEAL a strong powerful type that perhaps doesn't want it too wet. SPIRITUAL PURSUIT getting a touch fizzy. Most first-up horses fine, REELEM IN RUBY and NOIRE the best of them with nice shines to their coat.
In The Running
SWEET DEAL moved up 2W to lead at a STRONG tempo keeping FIESTA out 3W NC, she then crossed onto the rails at the turn with SPIRITUAL PURSUIT behind here, most of them under pressure as they entered the straight. REELEM IN RUBY not finding much room at the back.
The Result
SWEET DEAL (1st) got a break and held it for a strong win. SPIRITUAL PURSUIT (2nd 2.3L) fought on up the inside and POHUTUKAWA (3rd 3.3L) made ground out wider from the back in-front of a big bunch of them.
The Interest
John Thompson suggested this mare was back better than ever, the trials were strong and she proved it today. The pattern may have started to suit those on-pace and near rails, but she went so hard in the lead that many others had their chance. NOIRE (5th 3.6L) and POHUTUKAWA (3rd 3.3L) both running on well from the back first-up.
Race 10 SCHWEPPES HANDICAP
All the way for a very tough leader
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
rails-6w in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vegadaze | Anthony Cummings | Jean Van Overmeire | 16 | 60.5 | |
| 2 | Roheryn | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 12 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Onslaught | Shawn Mathrick | Tommy Berry | 8 | 54.5 |
In The Yard
VEGADAZE looked well in the yard, fit and athletic. Others that looked in shape were PERSUADER, CUBA, NO ESCAPE and TRAVANCORE first-up. POETIC CHARMER, ROYAL CELEBRATION and ROHERYN all fine. Not many knocks, ONSLAUGHT just a touch hot.
In The Running
VEGADAZE took up the running from ROYAL CELEBRATION on his outside and CUBA in the box seat. PERSUADER was 3W NC in midfield with ROHERYN on her back.
The Result
VEGADAZE (1st) kicked on for the win, holding off ROHERYN (2nd 0.8L) running on late and ONSLAUGHT (3rd 0.9L) fighting on ahead of ROYAL CELEBRATION (4th 1.1L). SAVACOOL (5th 1.6L) sliced her way up the inside late.
The Interest
VEGADAZE looked well here and got into his favourite spot, controlling from the front. He can win again over 1400m to 1500m next start if he holds condition. Big runs from ROHERYN and SAVACOOL against the pattern. You could forgive PERSUADOR (7th 2.3L) after getting stuck wide in midfield.