Yard to the Post @ Coolmore Classic Day
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 14 March 2015
Sydney's Autumn Carnival kicked off in style under sunny skies at Rosehill Gardens for Ladies' Day.
The Group One Coolmore Classic over 1,500 metres was the feature race for fillies and mares, with the early markets and media dominated by John Thompson's impressive filly First Seal. In the end, after a wide run, it wasn't to be for Sydney's glamour girl. Instead, Peter Moody's Plucky Belle lived up to her name and got up on the line in a blanket finish.
Most races saw close margins at the finish, but that wasn't the case in the Sky High Stakes in which Godolphin's Hartnell (picture above) proved his run in the Chipping Norton was no fluke. He's a serious galloper that could figure in the best of The Championships races in the coming weeks.
Other big wins came from Waller's filly Winx as she swept past them in the Phar Lap Stakes, and the Hawke's galloper Himalaya Dream, a progressive type that was simply too good in the opener.
Both horses were ridden by Tommy Berry, who added to his tally with Speak Fondly to make it a treble.
A race-by-race review is provided from the yard to the post. The complete guide from your team at the track.
Track Info
| Rail | TRUE |
| Conditions | SOFT 6, upgraded to GOOD 4 |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | FAIR |
All The Race Finishes
Race 1 THE ACTION'S CALLING AT TAB HANDICAP
A Dream start to the carnival
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Himalaya Dream | Todd Balfour | Tommy Berry | 7 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Silverball | Chris Waller | Kerrin McEvoy | 8 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Zin Zan Eddie | Matthew Smith | Koby Jennings | 6 | 60.0 |
Himalaya Dream surged clear from the pack
In The Yard
All horses looked fine in the yard, some a little warm in the sunshine. SINGING FLAME an efficient type that might need further. ZIN ZAN EDDIE has the power to sprint. COPY is a nice type. while DEVONSHIRE DUKE and DIVERTIRE are plain looking, tough types.
In The Running
HIMALAYA DREAM crossed in front of ZIN ZAN EDDIE to set a FAIR TEMPO, from COPY and MONTIRO in behind. DEVONSHIRE DUKE was caught wide. SINGING FLAME was slow to begin and SILVERBALL was squeezed out early.
The Result
HIMALAYA DREAM (1st) was held together then surged clear from ZIN ZAN EDDIE (3rd). SILVERBALL (2nd) made steady ground in the run home.
The Interest
HIMALAYA DREAM attracted late betting support and won the opener in style. Aided by a smart ride from Tommy Berry, who took the sprint out of ZIN ZAN EDDIE from the home turn - he showed superior class and stamina. SINGING FLAME was a little bit keen in the run and stuck on fairly along the fence - he needs further. SILVERBALL made steady ground after missing the start. COPY was only OK, she loomed but didn't go on. Follow HIMALAYA DREAM. Forgive SILVERBALL.
Race 2 SMOOTH FM MAURICE McCARTEN STAKES
Pride shoots down a hot favourite
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Target in Sight | Joseph Pride | James McDonald | 1 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Deep Field | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 4 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Tahitian Black | David Pfieffer | Christian Reith | 7 | 54.0 |
Target In Sight was too strong for Deep Field late
In The Yard
Some a touch hot in the yard, including I'M ALL THE TALK and DEEP FIELD. DEEP FIELD impressive looking though, a muscular horse. TARGET IN SIGHT paraded well, he too has good power. HURRARA looked a bit soft.
In The Running
I'M ALL THE TALK was taken on by KENCELLA and they set a STRONG TEMPO. DEEP FIELD had the trail in behind.
The Result
DEEP FIELD (2nd) hit the front but it was TARGET IN SIGHT (1st) that finished best along the inside. TAHITIAN BLACK (3rd) ran on well from the back.
The Interest
Jo Pride had TARGET IN SIGHT primed first up and with star jockey James McDonald on board, he finished the best to lower the colours of DEEP FIELD. I'M ALL THE TALK and KENCELLA made sure it was a race that would test the favourite's resolve, setting up a rapid speed. HURRARA, after having the thumps last time, was patiently ridden and may improve. Follow TARGET IN SIGHT and DEEP FIELD.
Race 3 PAGO PAGO STAKES
Godolphin puts the Champagne on ice
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tarquin | Kelvin Bourke | William Buick | 4 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Rageese | Darren Weir | Tommy Berry | 8 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Odyssey Moon | Robert Smerdon | Tye Angland | 1 | 55.5 |
Tarquin stayed on best to the line
In The Yard
Youngsters handled the heat OK. RAPHAEL'S CAT ARSONIST and INTRUSION paraded well. PACEMAN is a lovely type, but is he genuine? VANBRUGH and TARQUIN will like further distances.
In The Running
RAPHAEL'S CAT led out at a FAIR TEMPO, from ODYSSEY MOON. INNER CIRCLE had the drop in behind with ARSONIST. PACEMAN was trapped wide with no cover.
The Result
TARQUIN (1st) finished best in a competitive finish getting the better of RAGEESE (2nd), who ran on, with ODYSSEY MOON (3rd) fighting on.
The Interest
TARQUIN had the last crack at them down the middle and could progress onto the Sires Produce and Champagne Stakes over 1400m and 1600m. RAGEESE edged off the rail and hit the line well, he's one to follow too. ODYSSEY MOON was the fit horse and he tested out the others, pushing on from the turn - this might have been his 'grand final'. INNER CIRCLE had the perfect trail, loomed and peaked on run. PACEMAN had excuses, but he needs to improve. Follow TARQUIN and RAGEESE. Forgive PACEMAN.
Race 4 MAGIC NIGHT STAKES
Gai toughness comes to the fore
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Speak Fondly | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tommy Berry | 12 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Perignon | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Brenton Avdulla | 9 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Italy | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 8 | 55.5 |
Speak Fondly kept lifting to the line
In The Yard
Cooler in yard, most fillies well especially ALWAYS ALLISON, CARRIAGES, SERENADE, ITALY and RIGHT OF WAY. ALWAYS ALLISON a real racehorse, power & speed. SERENADE a progressive type.
In The Running
SPEAK FONDLY took up the running at a FAIR TEMPO, outside of THORSBORNE who kicked up on the inside. CARRIAGES and RIGHT OF WAY were in behind. ITALY missed the start (two lengths), but snuck up to midfield.
The Result
SPEAK FONDLY (1st) held off the strong challenge of PERIGNON (2nd). ITALY (3rd) ran on nicely up the rail. ALWAYS ALLISON got held up from the 200m as she ran on up the rails.
The Interest
SPEAK FONDLY was left in front a long way from home, however kept lifting to the line for a strong win. PERIGNON paraded in peak fitness and she chased hard right to the line. ITALY also looked good and showed a touch of class to get into the finish. ALWAYS ALLISON was ridden for luck this time, and it just didn't come! LOOK TO THE STARS and SERENADE both finished solidly out wide. Follow ITALY. Forgive ALWAYS ALLISON.
Race 5 EGROUP SECURITY HANDICAP
Moody takes another scalp
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mahican | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Ms Linda Meech | 3 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Commission | James Cummings | Blake Shinn | 8 | 57.5 | |
| 3 | Any Day Will Do | David Vandyke | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 6 | 59.0 |
Mahican delivered a professional win
In The Yard
COMMISSION looked good first-up with power to sprint. MAHICAN a neat & balanced type and parades in great fashion again. DIAMONDROCKER built like a truck. SNIPER FIRE, NEW DAY RISING and DIAMONDROCKER all good. Mares ANY DAY WILL DO and ALL CERISE just a bit hot.
In The Running
ANY DAY WILL DO crossed and set a STEADY TEMPO from SNIPER FIRE. DIAMONDROCKER and MAHICAN had the sit.
The Result
MAHICAN (1st) chased home well and got the better of ANY DAY WILL DO (3rd) with COMMISSION (2nd) giving chase out of the pack.
The Interest
MAHICAN enjoyed the gun run from the barrier and paraded best. COMMISSIONER was the only one to give chase out of the pack and he showed a good turn-of-foot. ANY DAY WILL DO tried hard and boxed on after leading. ALL CERISE lacked the sprint and this just wasn't her race. Follow COMMISSIONER.
Race 6 MCGRATH ESTATE AGENTS SKY HIGH STAKES
A classic type delivers a big win
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hartnell | James Cummings | James McDonald | 9 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Opinion | Chris Waller | 6 | 58.0 | ||
| 3 | Hawkspur | Chris Waller | 2 | 58.0 |
Hartnell dispatched the field easily
In The Yard
HARTNELL a classy type. FIVEANDAHALFSTAR, WHO SHOT THEBARMAN & BEATEN UP big, bold types and look well. OPINION also well. JUNOOB has shine back in his coat. PHRASES and PAJARO look plain in comparison.
In The Running
FIVEANDAHALFSTAR led out at a FAIR TEMPO from PAJARO with DISCLAIMER and HARTNELL in behind.
The Result
HARTNELL (1st) was dominant in beating OPINION (2nd) who ran on well, with HAWKSPUR (3rd) edging up the inside.
The Interest
A simple race to analyse. HARTNELL had the class and is was ridden like the best horse in the race - which he was! OPINION is looking great this campaign and hit the line hard. HAWKSPUR railed up well under Jimmy Cassidy on the fence, tactics we have seen before from 'the Pumpa'! Follow HARTNELL and OPINION.
Race 7 COOLMORE CLASSIC
Moody plucks a Group One from punters
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plucky Belle | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Ms Linda Meech | 8 | 53.0 | |
| 2 | First Seal | John Thompson | Blake Shinn | 11 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Diamond Drille | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | James McDonald | 10 | 56.0 |
Plucky Belle won in a blanket finish
In The Yard
FIRST SEAL shone in yard, a classy filly. DEAR DEMI and TINTO are tough racers. THUMP (strong), PLUCKY BELLE and ADRIFT all looked good in the yard. ARABIAN GOLD isn't at her peak.
In The Running
TARLOSHAN led out and set a rolling STRONG TEMPO, from THUMP. AMICUS was in behind with cover while ADRIFT was stuck wide. FIRST SEAL got the trail three wide behind ADRIFT.
The Result
FIRST SEAL (2nd) loomed at the top of the rise, only for PLUCKY BELLE (1st) to dive late on her inside. DIAMOND DRILLE (3rd) finished well down the outside. ARABIAN GOLD was held up slightly and ran on late up the inside.
The Interest
Everyone was expecting FIRST SEAL to take another step, but she missed out in a blanket finish. There was just 4 lengths between the top 12! In the end she probably rated similarly to her win at Warwick Farm, we will see if she presses onto the Doncaster. She has still got a hope based on this run. PLUCKY BELLE enjoyed the strong speed and lifted late get the prize. DIAMOND DRILLE was another that was strong to the line, she's a horse that can find a couple of lengths back to her home track at Randwick. ADRIFT can be forgiven after a tough run, AMICUS stuck on and ARABIAN GOLD showed a glimpse of form. Follow FIRST SEAL and DIAMOND DRILLE. Forgive ADRIFT.
Race 8 CELLARBRATIONS PHAR LAP STAKES
A Waller filly outshines the boys
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winx | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 7 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Hauraki | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 10 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Supara | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Christian Reith | 2 | 54.5 |
Winx simply outclassed her rivals
In The Yard
Most horses fine in the yard. HAURAKI fit and nice shine, but not most powerful. DIAMOND VALORES a lovely type, but is he racing genuinely? SUPARA a solid & consistent type. HIGH ABOVE a bit hot/unsettled.
In The Running
HIGH ABOVE led at a SETADY TEMPO with HAMPTON COURT crossing to sit outside. DIAMOND VALORES and SUPARA settled in behind. WINX was in the back half.
The Result
WINX (1st) burst down the outside to score easily from HAURAKI (2nd) along the inside and SUPARA (3rd) stuck on OK.
The Interest
WINX was too good for her rivals here, streaking away from the field. HAURAKI looked primed for a big run and ran accordingly up the inside, however found the winner too good. SUPARA seemed to have every chance. TESTASHADOW came on with Winx, but his run ended. HAMPTON COURT struggled to quicken, which was expected, but his weak final 200m was a real worry. DIAMOND VALORES had every chance too. Follow WINX.
Race 9 APN OUTDOOR AJAX STAKES
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burbero | Bjorn Baker | Brodie Loy | 7 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Ninth Legion | Peter Robl | Tommy Berry | 1 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | San Diego | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Tim Clark | 2 | 53.0 |
In The Yard
PORNICHET looked good in the yard. DESTINY'S KISS, AOMEN and SAN DIEGO also well. Others fine, apart from SLOW PACE, who was a touch unsettled.
In The Running
NINTH LEGION jumped nicely and took up the lead from AOMEN. SAN DIEGO was a bit slow, but snuck up the inside to a good spot. RUDY got stuck wide with PORNICHET getting a trail behind him. BURBERO tracked up on the inside as the pack drifted wider on the turn.
The Result
NINTH LEGION (2nd) pushed on from the turn, but BURBERO (1st) darted up the inside late to get the prize. SAN DIEGO (3rd) and SPY DECODER (4th) fought on just behind them.
The Interest
Bjorn Baker, what a training effort this was! Deep into his campaign, after testing longer distances, BURBERO came back to his favoured distance range and delivered a career best effort. He's a very solidly built horse racing in great heart, who's to say he hasn't got a few more runs in him! NINTH LEGION was brave and ridden to his strengths, a tough type that got going on the turn to try and break up the pack. Lots of others ran OK, including SAN DIEGO, SPY DECODER, MALAVIO and PORNICHET. RUDY got stuck wide and DESTINY'S KISS got out-sped and needs further, he's going OK. Forgive RUDY.