Race Day Review - Inglis Guineas/Coolmore Dark Jewel Race Day at Scone Race Club

Race Day: Scone on Saturday, 17 May 2014

Track Info

Race 1 VINERY STUD BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

The apprentice gives the older 'jocks' a lesson

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Black Jag	Chris Waller	Serg Lisnyy	11	59.5
2		Strike Me Lucky	Phillip Atkins	Taylor Marshall	12	57.0
3		Saghann	Chris Waller	Jason Collett	1	56.0

Black Jag just held them off at the post

In The Yard

No mounting yard information available for this race

In The Running

PHRASES jumped well and took the position in the box seat, while BLACK JAG rolled around to the lead. PLUTORIUS took up a position outside the leader, with RETORT COURTEOUS right behind him. RAUNCHY ROCKER couldn't find cover in the run and was trapped three wide. The pace was very controlled with a few horses pulling and a SLOW TEMPO was set up. BLACK JAG steadily ramped up the pace from the 750m and a few horses were pushed along chasing before the turn.

The Result

A very tight finish. BLACK JAG (1st) maintained his run to the line to just hang on, from STRIKE ME LUCKY (2nd), who ran home well from the back of the field. SAGHANN (3rd) was in a tight spot and pushed his way into the clear and kept on for a place. RAUNCHY ROCKER (4th) fought bravely and was only just behind the place getters, as was TENACITUS (5th), who squeezed up the inside.

The Interest

A nice ride from Serg Lisnyy to dominate the race and get the prize on BLACK JAG. It is a tricky race to analyse as the long sprint home may not have suited a couple of horses. PLUTORIUS was one of those, who also seemed to have found the 2200m too far today. The other was RETORT COURTEOUS, who came to the outside and chased without cover from the turn. The tactics aboard the winner left the two of these horses exposed somewhat in the run home, which makes the run of RAUNCHY ROCKER (trapped wide entire trip) look even better. She fought bravely and chased right to the line in the home straight. STRIKE ME LUCKY built up a nice finish from the back off the slow tempo and probably should be forgiven. SAGHANN fought hard through limited room and seemed to finish off better with some cover this time. He will enjoy a bit of cut in the track over the winter and could be one to follow. TENACITUS snuck up the inside and could continue to improve now with Chris Waller. Follow RAUNCHY ROCKER and SAGHANN. Forgive RETORT COURTEOUS and STRIKE ME LUCKY.

Race 2 SEGENHOE STUD BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

One for the locals as Scone trainers take the prize

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Big Money	Rodney Northam	Taylor Marshall	16	58.5
2		Pompidou	Greg Bennett	Paul Hammersley	19	54.0
3		Rock Magic	Leon & Troy Corstens	Yusuke Ichikawa	4	58.5

Big Money swept home to win easily

In The Yard

Warm and sunny conditions in the yard. ROCK MAGIC, IN TOP GEAR and especially TARLOSHAN sweated up a bit and unsettled. BURBERO looked to have returned well and NET WORTH was relaxed and handling conditions. KRESKIN looked fit and in good condition.

In The Running

HOLDER SUNSET moved to the lead quickly and set up a GOOD TEMPO. KRESKIN got to a position outside the leader in second, with IN TOP GEAR and LADY LA DOUCHE on the pace out wider. NET WORTH got the box seat position and BIG MONEY got a trail behind some of the wider horses. At the mid-point of the race only a few horses were travelling ok given the good tempo being set.

The Result

Those horses that travelled well were the ones that finished off, none better than BIG MONEY (1st) who swept past them in the straight. POMPIDOU (2nd) launched a good effort from the back and ROCK MAGIC (3rd) kept on well to the line after being blocked for a run at the top of the straight. HOLDER SUNSET (4th) just tired towards the end after going quickly.

The Interest

No knock on the performance of the winner here, he did the job well and won with authority. HOLDER SUNSET was brave to hang on for 4th while other on-pace horses tired. It is the type of effort that can flatten a horse though so probably best to keep an eye on her in the yard next time before she runs. KRESKIN, IN TOP GEAR (hot in yard) and LADY LA DOUCHE were the most exposed to the speed and their below-par runs could be forgiven. A couple for the future could include ROCK MAGIC, who looked ominous at the top of the straight when blocked for a run, and BURBERO, who had limited room down the straight. URGENT BELLS put in a run that matched expectations, running on from the back. Follow BIG MONEY and ROCK MAGIC. Forgive HOLDER SUNSET and TARLOSHAN (unsettled).

Race 3 YARRAMAN PARK - HORSEPOWER LUSKIN STAR STAKES

No luck needed as Fred Cowell trumps the big stables

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Mighty Lucky	Ken Parker	Nathan Thomas	6	54.0
2		Haussmann	John O'Shea & Tom Charlton	Dwayne Dunn	9	54.0
3		Emblems	John O'Shea & Tom Charlton	Kerrin McEvoy	1	55.0

Mighty Lucky pushed through to get the prize

In The Yard

VELROSSO was a little warm and unsettled in the yard given the warm conditions. EMBLEMS and MASTHEAD were both fit and well, the latter handling the heat the best in the yard. He is sure to of seen much warmer days than this in Singapore.

In The Running

I'M IN THE MONEY took up the running from EMBLEMS after a few hundred metres and an EVEN TEMPO was set up. USAIN PRINCE got the box seat and HAUSSMANN couldn't get cover and was trapped three wide. MASTHEAD missed the start slightly and settled back in the field with VELROSSO.

The Result

MIGHTY LUCKY (1st) pushed through from midfield and just got the prize from a brave HAUSSMANN (2nd), who kept on right to the line. EMBLEMS (3rd) had hit the front at the 175m but just didn't quite finish off. MASTHEAD (4th) worked up the inside in limited room.

The Interest

The race produced a close finish and the top few all put in solid performances. MIGHTY LUCKY proved he can compete in a good class of race and may have gone to a new level this campaign. A lovely type of horse with good scope in his frame, he could go on with it now. He still has his tricks though, especially when hitting the front, so should be followed with caution. Another that needs a cautious approach is MASTHEAD. His record indicates that wins are much less common than missed starts and bad luck. The best performance of the race came from the super-professional HAUSSMANN, who has now been unlucky two runs in succession. The wide course tracked throughout would of had him covering a longer distance than the winner. The two classier sprinters in the race, EMBLEMS and VELROSSO, both seemed to not finish the race as the market expected. More fitness this campaign may see them both improve to the winners stall. Follow HAUSSMAN, MIGHTY LUCKY, VELROSSO and EMBLEMS.

Race 4 PRYDE'S EASIFEED WOODLANDS STAKES

A lean and efficient filly is hard to catch

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Shigeru Sendan	Les Bridge	Tim Clark	3	56.0
2		Uratta Belle	Kylie Gavenlock	Christian Reith	10	54.5
3		More for Me	Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman	Chad Schofield	8	57.0

Shigeru Sendan maintained a strong run and cleared out with Uratta Belle

In The Yard

The young fillies looked to handle the warm conditions ok. MORE FOR ME and URATTA BELLE stood out as nice types in the yard. SHIGERU SENDAN looked fine, but it was noted that she wasn't the most powerful, looking lean in the yard.

In The Running

I'M CHILLIN sped to the front and set up a GOOD TEMPO from LA BELLA ROUGE in second and ABOVE SUSPICION in third. SHIGERU SENDAN got into a nice position on rails in fourth, while MISS GRANGER was stuck three wide with no cover in fifth. URATTA BELLE and MORE FOR ME both got good trails just behind midfield.

The Result

SHIGERU SENDAN (1st) produced a strong sustained run to get the prize, from URATTA BELLE (2nd), who ran home well down the outside. MORE FOR ME (3rd) kept on towards the end after being crowded for room at the top of the straight.

The Interest

A fairly simple race to work out, with the three most promising fillies putting in the best performances. SHIGERU SENDAN is a very fluid galloper with great heart for a leaner type of filly. She is now going for a spell and connections will be hoping she can develop further into her three year old year. URATTA BELLE and MORE FOR ME are very nice types that will both continue to compete well based on their efforts to date. If MORE FOR ME had slightly more luck at the top of the straight she may have got close to second place. Out of the pack, MISS GRANGER did well after being stuck wide during the run. Follow SHIGERU SENDAN, URATTA BELLE and MORE FOR ME.

Race 5 DARLEY DENISE'S JOY STAKES

A stunning filly glides across Scone turf

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Atmospherical	Robert Smerdon	Tim Clark	8	57.0
2		Fare Well	Clarry Conners	Jason Collett	10	58.0
3		Miss Alibi	John McNair	Christian Reith	9	54.5

The David Pfieffer trained Atmospherical out-classed the field

In The Yard

ATMOSPHERICAL was the clear standout in the yard, with a great presence about her, a well-balanced frame and good shine to her coat. FARE WELL also paraded well and had come through her run last week in good fashion. MISS ALIBI was slightly unsettled and hot first-up. EVERAGE actually reared enough to dump the jockey and end up on her back in the yard. She was passed fit by a vet at the starting post after Glyn Schofield remounted.

In The Running

THE WESLEYAN moved to the front and controlled an EVEN TEMPO, from MISS ALIBI outside in second and YUPIK close up three wide. ATMOSPHERICAL tracked up even wider throughout the race with no cover. FARE WELL was taken back to near the tail of the field.

The Result

ATMOSPHERICAL (1st) let down well in the straight despite a tough run, holding off FARE WELL (2nd) who had made her run from the back of the field. MISS ALIBI (3rd) kept on ok to get a place.

The Interest

A classy performance from a quality 1100m sprinter. ATMOSPHERICAL got into a good rhythm despite a wide run and outclassed her rivals. FARE WELL ran on strongly for the second time in two weeks and just missed again. You could argue that she didn't quite finish off as strongly over the last 50m in both runs, but that is probably a bit harsh given she has run into well-supported favourites both times. MISS ALIBI returned well and looks to have a good sprinting campaign ahead if John McNair can keep the speed in her legs. THE MESSINA NYMPH is a bit of a quandary. She seemed to settle ok when ridden for cover, but didn't quite have the power to finish off in the straight. Her lean frame probably needs some strengthening up before she takes the next step and capitalises on the talent shown to date. Follow ATMOSPHERICAL. Forgive MISS ALIBI (hot and unsettled).

Race 6 COOLMORE DARK JEWEL CLASSIC

A Darley quinella in the heart of horse country

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Seaside	John O'Shea & Tom Charlton	Kerrin McEvoy	4	55.0
2		Aerobatics	John O'Shea & Tom Charlton	Christian Reith	12	58.0
3		Myamira	Rodney Northam	Robert Thompson	10	55.0

Seaside and Aerobatics swept down the outside past the pack

In The Yard

Mares all paraded ok in the heat, with the exception of perhaps MYAMIRA who was a bit fresh and keen, playing up a bit. Most presented in good fashion

In The Running

TWO BLUE rolled to the front and set up an honest rolling GOOD TEMPO. MISS STELLABELLE and GOLD EPONA settled just in behind her, while LILLIBURLERO was trapped out wide with no cover on the pace. AEROBATICS was taken back in the field from her barrier.

The Result

The Darley stable did it again, SEASIDE (1st) stormed home down the outside, from AEROBATICS (2nd) and MYAMIRA (3rd), who also swept from the back. The on-pace horses couldn't go with the swoopers over the last 200m.

The Interest

MISS STELLABELLE and TWO BLUE are both very tough mares, and while it was always going to be difficult for them to win on a lightening quick track, to see them beaten as far as they were suggests there were excuses. Both the genuine pace and slight bias at this point in the day (inside cutting up a bit) played against them. The Darley horses were both strong, with SEASIDE and AEROBATICS enjoying the dry conditions. The two mares in maroon and white maintained their run better than they usually do. MYAMIRA was fresh and keen in the yard, but she settled beautifully in the run and produced a strong first-up effort. Despite the slight bias to outside runners at this stage of the day, LILLIBURLERO was still a mighty run after being trapped wide on a good tempo the entire journey. She has had a long prep though and surely must be coming close to the end of it. Difficult to work out who to follow and forgive here, given a bit of bias and the effects of tempo etc. Follow SEASIDE. Forgive TWO BLUE, MISS STELLABELLE and LILLIBURLERO (although probably best to wait until next campaign now).

Race 7 INGLIS 3YO GUINEAS

Gai takes the riches with a Guineas trifecta

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Cosmic Endeavour	Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	Kerrin McEvoy	15	54.5
2		Liberty's Choice	Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott	Joshua Parr	5	56.5
3		Ryker	Peter & Paul Snowden	Tim Clark	18	56.5

Cosmic Endeavour enjoyed the return to three year old grade

In The Yard

A mixed field of quality in the yard. The best paraded were CHAUTAUQUA, LIBERTY'S CHOICE, UNDER THE LOUVRE and COSMIC ENDEAVOUR. WOODBINE had lightened off slightly after looking burly in the yard before more recent runs.

In The Running

CHASING CHARLIE followed his usual pattern and rolled along freely at the front, setting up a GOOD TEMPO. RYKER rolled up to the outside of the leader and FEDERICA got the trail behind the leading two. CHAUTAUQUA settled at the back of the field after missing the start by 2 lengths and RECIFE BEACH left the gates hopelessly, 5-6 lengths slower than the pack.

The Result

COSMIC ENDEAVOUR (1st) built up a strong run home from midfield, from LIBERTY'S CHOICE (2nd) who launched from back in the field this time. RYKER (3rd) kept on strongly after hitting the lead early in the straight.

The Interest

RYKER is a tough horse that can race well when allowed to roll along in a good rhythm. He was well-backed on course and performed way above most expectations with a fighting third on a good tempo. His toughness will see him run more good races, but he isn't the most reliable prospect to follow in Saturday class for a win. The two class horses in the race both performed well, with COSMIC ENDEAVOUR taking the win and CHAUTAUQUA missing the start and having a difficult run home through the pack, closer to the inside. Josh Parr actually gave the handsome LIBERTY'S CHOICE a chance this time (unlike Jimmy Cassidy last start) and he delivered a good performances also. JUST A BLUR put in a strong run, finishing just behind RYKER as he did in the Albury Guineas. WOODBINE looked a bit flat and may be at the end of his prep, while the Melbourne horses didn't perform. Forgive CHAUTAUQUA.

Race 8 ARROWFIELD ORTENSIA STAKES

Tim Clark finds a good rhythm from start to finish

Place	Silk	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Gate	Kgs
1		Testarhythm	Benjamin Smith	Tim Clark	3	54.0
2		Unanimously	Matthew Dale	Glyn Schofield	9	57.0
3		Barbed	John O'Shea & Tom Charlton	Kerrin McEvoy	10	54.0

Testarhythm sprinted well to get a winning break 200m from home

In The Yard

AERONAUTICAL, UNANIMOUSLY and SENTA DE NOCHE looked the best in the yard for the last race of the two-day Scone carnival. The sun was getting low in the sky, setting a beautiful backdrop, but making it difficult to view the horses. It was clear though that ICHIHARA was hot and unsettled after a long and warm day.

In The Running

SENTA DE NOCHE did the impossible and took the lead off ZARATONE, the two of them setting a GOOD TEMPO. ICHIHARA was a bit keen in the run racing in third spot, while TESTARHYTHM found a good rhythm on the rails in fourth.

The Result

TESTARYTHM (1st) found acres of space as the pack drifted wider and he sprinted at the 200m to get a winning break. UNANIMOUSLY (2nd) and BARBED (3rd) powered home well down the outside to fill the places. AERONAUTICAL (4th) just missed out.

The Interest

The winner has come back in great fashion. Taking the prize at a distance that is usually short of his best suggests better things could come this campaign also and Darren Smith will no-doubt have a good winter preparation planned out. UNANIMOUSLY put in a good finish out wider and held off BARBED and AERONAUTICAL in their own three-way tussle in the middle of the track. ICHIHARA never looked a happy mare today and she could be forgiven for the below-par performance, and SENTA DE NOCHE is a frustrating galloper for connections. That is two runs in a row now where he wouldn't leave the rails when the bias was against. Christian Reith was no more effective than Nash was last time. Unfortunately the old grey ZARATONE didn't cover himself in glory, hopefully he can find some spark back at Rosehill soon. Follow TESTARHYTHM and UNANIMOUSLY. Forgive ICHIHARA and SENTA DE NOCHE.