Yard to the Post | Hobartville Stakes Day
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 22 February 2020
An exciting day of early carnival racing action at Rosehill Gardens. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott enhanced their Golden Slipper chances, the Hawkes stable produced a couple of strong first-up winners and Rachel King delivered an opportunistic ride to win the feature race.
BRANDENBURG (picture) is a tough galloper that tries hard, but the market didn’t think he was a chance in the Group Two Hobartville Stakes for three-year-olds, sent around a despised $41 outsider. In the end the first furlong made the difference as Rachel King pushed him up outside the leader MICROPHONE on a steady tempo. His determination kicked in late to win a race controlled by those settling on-pace in the run.
Money from the Hawkes stable should always be respected and the support for GREYWORM and MASTER OF WINE was backed up with dominant first-up wins. GREYWORM kicking clear to win by 2.3 lengths, a margin bettered by MASTER OF WINE as he powered clear by a widening 3.5 lengths.
And in the Silver Slipper, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s tough on-pacer FARNAN put down a marker for the upcoming Golden Slipper, winning easily and firming markets for the big two-year-old finale.
A full review of the day is provided below.
Track Info
| Rail | +6m |
| Conditions | SOFT 7 |
| Weather | OVERCAST |
| Bias | touch ON-PACE early, then edging OFF RAILS later |
Race 1 ABLE DOORS SPARK OF LIFE HANDICAP
Too fast, too tough, too fit
strong tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Splintex | Mark Newnham | Robbie Dolan | 7 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Deference | James Cummings | Tommy Berry | 3 | 53.5 | |
| 3 | Willowheart | Chris Waller | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 5 | 52.5 |
In The Yard
SPLINTEX was holding condition well in the yard. DEFERENCE rock solid and ACUMEN a nice leggy type that looked in shape. WILLOWHEART a touch warm and anxious. A mixed parade from SCREENAGER, who looked OK first-up, but did fizz up before going onto the track, squeezing her handler up against the mounting yard rails.
In The Running
SPLINTEX was aggressively ridden to lead at a STRONG tempo, eventually crossing ACUMEN, who was a bit revved up when the leader took over. DEFERENCE just behind them.
The Result
SPLINTEX (1st) kept going to win from DEFERENCE (2nd 3.3L) chasing OK and WILLOWHEART (3rd 4.8L) chasing up the inside
The Interest
SPLINTEX had failed once on the shifty SOFT track at Caulfied, but this was a different surface today, the ground a touch stickier after a few days without rain. He was ridden like the best horse and led all the way for an easy win. ACUMEN a leggy type that didn't seem to get through the conditions at all. WILLOWHEART got into 3rd on pure heart, she didn't seem to be herself today and is still worth following.
Race 2 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
Plenty of upside for this big country boy
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two Big Fari | Todd Howlett | Brenton Avdulla | 9 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Schappose | Zach Hatch | Ms Louise Day | 2 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Boom Gate | Brett Cavanough | Tommy Berry | 5 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
Many of the country horses parading in good shape. MR WONG looked well, TWO BIG FARI big and strong, nice parades from ZARDORO, AMEARES and APACHE BELLE also. SCHAPPOSE and TALE OF THE KRAUT just a touch anxious, but it wasn't significant. SOUTHERN APPEAL a big strong horse that could have more fitness to come.
In The Running
TALE OF THE KRAUT took up the running at a FAIR tempo (on steady side) from TWO BIG FARI and SCHAPPOSE in the box seat. ZARDORO stuck very wide for the trip. MR WONG was tightened at the 150m.
The Result
TWO BIG FARI (1st) kept lifting to get the win from SCHAPPOSE (2nd 0.2L), who had sprinted up to join him. BOOM GATE (3rd 1.5L) dashed at them out wide, but just couldn't get there late.
The Interest
He had been finding the line like a horse that would relish the 1400m and TWO BIG FARI needed every metre today. SCHAPPOSE game coming off an unlucky run last start. BOOM GATE very good too dashing at them out wide (pattern against?). Some excuses for MR WONG (4th 4L) (tightened 150m), but he wasn't that strong late stepping up to 1400m second-up. APACHE BELLE (7th 4.7L) pulled up 3/5 lame after looking quite sharp in the parade.
Race 3 INGLIS SILVER SLIPPER STAKES
A new Slipper favourite puts them to the sword
strong tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farnan | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Hugh Bowman | 3 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Global Quest | Annabel Neasham | James McDonald | 6 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | North Pacific | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Brenton Avdulla | 5 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
GLOBAL QUEST looked very well with dapples, but parades like a 1200m+ type. FARNAN tough-looking and in shape. NORTH ATLANTIC and EVERY ROSE in good shape too. CELLSABEEL not too bad, the only negative from BLAZE A TRAIL, who was a touch big in condition.
In The Running
EVERY ROSE rolled to the lead and sped along at a STRONG tempo from FARNAN tracking up behind and GLOBAL QUEST (wide early) urged along. CELLSABEEL got back with BLAZE A TRAIL.
The Result
FARNAN (1st) moved up and was much too good, going clear for a big win. GLOBAL QUEST (2nd 3.3L) kept chasing and NORTH PACIFIC ran on OK (3rd 4.6L).
The Interest
The honest tempo, the nice barrier and the slightly soft track allowed FARNAN to show his class and toughness today, a big Golden Slipper contender. The step up to 1200m poses no issues based on the way he won today. CELLSABEEL (5th 6.5L) drifted in the betting and not as good as last time, she pulled up 2/5 lame. BLAZE A TRAIL could be worth forgiving with more fitness in easier grade.
Race 4 TAB MILLIE FOX STAKES
Godolphin power too much for the popular grey
steady tempo
: long sprint
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savatiano | James Cummings | James McDonald | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | White Moss | Jason Coyle | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 2 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Invincible Gem | Kris Lees | Hugh Bowman | 6 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
The fit horses WHITE MOSS and IRITHEA fine. Most first-up horses OK too, SAVATIANO a strong type. DELECTATION GIRL with a lighter frame and was on her toes.
In The Running
IRITHEA took up the running from WHITE MOSS and SAVATIANO just behind them. A STEADY tempo with a LONG SPRINT set up. WHITE MOSS kicked on early in the straight with SAVATIANO tracking up.
The Result
SAVATIANO (1st) powered clear for a big win from WHITE MOSS (2nd 2.8L) with INVINCIBLE GEM sneaking into a place (3rd 4.8L).
The Interest
They ran well in this race last year and did the same again here, SAVATIANO a sprinter that keeps getting better and WHITE MOSS honest as always. The tempo did suit SAVATIANO, a strong mare with a rapid turn-of-foot. She's ready to take the next step up as long as they don't go too far up in distance.
Race 5 BLUE DATTO FOUNDATION HANDICAP
Both horse and jockey show some class
steady tempo
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greyworm | Neville Boyle | Jean Van Overmeire | 9 | 60.5 | |
| 2 | Spending to Win | Mitchell Beer | Kerrin McEvoy | 3 | 59.5 | |
| 3 | Grey Shadow | Ciaron Maher | Tommy Berry | 6 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
Most looking fine in the yard. INANUP in great shape, but maybe better suited to 1200m+ given how fit he is? GREYWORM and GREY SHADOW both well first-up. RIVER BIRD a little anxious.
In The Running
GREYWORM took up the running from JUNGLIZED and SPENDING TO WIN just behind them. BLACK MAGNUM a touch slow to begin and settled midfield. INANUP and RIVER BIRD keen at the back, not much tempo on.
The Result
GREYWORM (1st) kicked strongly to win well. SPENDING TO WIN (2nd 2.3L) kept chasing and GREY SHADOW (3rd 2.7L) sprinted down the outside OK.
The Interest
GREYWORM is a progressive type and sustained market support all week suggested he had come back well. A brilliant ride from Jean Van Overmeire, who got control and kicked strongly from a tricky draw. BLACK MAGNUM (4th 2.9L) just plain inside runners and does tend to put in the odd average run, the slower tempo perhaps not helping his cause.
Race 6 PARRAMATTA CUP
Two serious stayers have the first of many battles
fair tempo
: long sprint
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mustajeer | Kris Lees | Hugh Bowman | 2 | 60.5 | |
| 2 | Eastender | Chris Waller | Kerrin McEvoy | 6 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Red Cardinal | Kris Lees | Jason Collett | 9 | 59.5 |
In The Yard
MUSTAJEER on his toes with some muscle and ready to go. PRIMITIVO and ETANA both shining in the yard back from Queensland, ETANA only a fine boned type though and doesn't look like an obvious stayer. Most fine, MUSHAIREB holding it together well. SWEET THOMAS a plain-looking type with a touch of condition.
In The Running
TORYJOY led from FUN FACT and rolled into the turn. A FAIR tempo with a LONG SPRINT set up. MUSHAIREB just behind the leaders, MUSTAJEER in midfield with EASTENDER following him, both RED CARDINAL and SWEET THOMAS out the back.
The Result
MUSTAJEER (1st) came wider under a hold and cruised to the lead, just holding off EASTENDER (2nd 0.2L) surging hard to the line. RED CARDINAL (3rd 5.2L) ran on through the pack to sneak a place from SWEET THOMAS (4th 5.3L) running on well too.
The Interest
Some of these stayers had restricted benchmark or Magic Millions form and MUSTAJEER was a Melbourne Cup contender only a few months ago. He paraded well and showed his class to beat a very game EASTENDER, both setting themselves up well ahead of the Autumn Carnival staying features. A long gap to RED CARDINAL suggests the form should hold up.
Race 7 ARROWFIELD HOBARTVILLE STAKES
Rachel King parks the winner in 'position A'
steady tempo
Bias:
2w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brandenburg | John Sargent | Ms Rachel King | 8 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Reloaded | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 2 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Microphone | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 11 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
CASTELVECCHIO looked well on his toes. KUBRICK quite fit first-up and MICROPHONE in good shape too. No clear negatives, WARNING and SHADOW HERO staying types with some improvement to come, especially WARNING.
In The Running
MICROPHONE jumped best and led from BRANDENBURG, RELOADED and PANCHO. KUBRICK back in midfield with CASTELVECCHIO.
The Result
BRANDENBURG (1st) kept fighting hard to get the win from RELOADED (2nd 0.5L) running on and MICROPHONE (3rd 0.6L) back against the inside. PANCHO (4th 1.9L) right there too in an on-pace dominated race.
The Interest
BRANDENBURG is a tough galloper that really finds the line. He was ready here today, found the right spot and scored a brave win. The progressive types could be the ones making up late ground though, CASTELVECCHIO, SHADOW HERO and WARNING all getting caught flat-footed before finding the line late. KUBRICK (8th 5.5L) perhaps the most disappointing runner, the softer track a possible excuse. MICROPHONE seemed to have his chance, he may have got stuck in the lesser inside ground which was cutting up late in the day.
Race 8 ADVANCED READYMIX HANDICAP
Hawkes produce another Carnival star
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Master Of Wine | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 5 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Aliferous | Kris Lees | Ms Rachel King | 12 | 52.0 | |
| 3 | Wolfe | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Adam Hyeronimus | 9 | 60.0 |
In The Yard
CRADLE MOUNTAIN well, but is a risky galloper that has mixed form on wet. KEN'S DREAM OK, along with most of the first-up gallopers, MASTER OF WINE with strength and WOLFE a tough reliable type.
In The Running
CRADLE MOUNTAIN led without any pressure from WRENS DAY with KEN'S DREAM in the box seat and MASTER OF WINE on his outside. KEN'S DREAM a touch one-paced in behind runners as the sprint went on.
The Result
MASTER OF WINE (1st) moved up under a hold and powered clear for a big win. ALIFEROUS (2nd 3.5L) ran on up the inside and WOLFE (3rd 3.9L) ran on from midfield to just edge out KEN'S DREAM (4th 4.1L) keeping on once clear.
The Interest
KEN'S DREAM seemed to have found his ideal race until CRADLE MOUNTAIN (5th 5.6L) didn't string the field out as expected and the progressive MASTER OF WINE settled right on top of the speed. MASTER OF WINE is a classy animal with stamina and a rapid sprint, a horse with big upside this prep. Nice enough returns from ALIFEROUS and WOLFE too.
Race 9 SHARP EXTENSIVE IT HANDICAP
James Mac's muscles keep the favourite at bay
fair tempo
Bias:
4w+
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Positive Peace | Bjorn Baker | James McDonald | 10 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Subpoenaed | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 14 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Asiago | James Cummings | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 7 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
Most of them looking well in the yard late in the day, quite a nice parade with no obvious negatives.
In The Running
ORIENTAL RUNNER led from SHOCK ALERT with POSITIVE PEACE slotting in 2W trailing them. SUBPOENAED snagged back to last.
The Result
POSITIVE PEACE (1st) edged wider and moved up, fighting on to hold off SUBPOENAED (2nd) flying down the outside late. ASIAGO (3rd 1.2L) loomed and wasn't far behind.
The Interest
Two in-form mares with completely different racing patterns delivered an exciting finish to end the day, both worth following this Carnival. In the end it could have been the pure strength of James McDonald's riding that delivered the win. NUDGE (5th 2.1L) and ASIAGO (3rd 1.2L) also did a nice job and have progression up in distance this campaign.