Yard to the Post @ Golden Slipper Day
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 21 March 2015
It was another spectacular Golden Slipper win for Sydney's first lady of racing Gai Waterhouse. Her magnificent colt Vancouver was sent out a short-priced favourite in the world's richest race for two-year-olds, and he delivered, showing all his strength to fight off stable-mate English in an enthralling final furlong.
Judging by the way he drew away from the field on the line, the exciting prospect of a 'Triple Crown' is well within his reach.
On a card that featured five Group One races, Contributer again showed his class and acceleration to stamp himself as the best weight-for-age performer in the land. James McDonald nursed him along the rail before he sprinted clear to win the Ranvet Stakes.
And after finishing runner-up to Contributer with Tosen Stardom, the Japanese went one better when Real Impact kept lifting in a 'dogfight' with Criterion to take out the George Ryder
A race-by-race review of the day is provided, from the yard to the post. The complete guide from your team at the track.
Track Info
| Rail | +2m |
| Conditions | GOOD 3 |
| Weather | OVERCAST |
| Bias | FAIR (jockeys preferred slightly off rails) |
Race 1 TAB BIRTHDAY CARD STAKES
Cummings produces a first-up winner
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shamalia | James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 10 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Mossfun | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 11 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Ygritte | Darren Weir | Brenton Avdulla | 2 | 55.5 |
Shamalia surges past Mossfun in the home straight
In The Yard
MOSSFUN best in the yard, but all mares ok. FINE BUBBLES and BROOK ROAD athletic types that may need genuine tempo. SHAMALIA, YGRITTE, TAHNI DANCER ready.
In The Running
MOSSFUN jumped out and crossed easily to the lead, setting an honest FAIR TEMPO. YGRITTE did the chasing in behind with TAHNI DANCER pushed up to the box seat after jumping slowly. BROOK ROAD was posted wide without cover again.
The Result
SHAMALIA (1st) sprinted and finished best over the top of early leader MOSSFUN (2nd) and YGRITTE (3rd) stuck on
The Interest
SHAMALIA got the cover she needed and came with a burst to win running away, she was the one you wanted to be on at the 400m. The easing early favourite ($3.30-$4.80) MOSSFUN was rated well in front by Tommy Berry and stuck on OK. YGRITTE did the chasing and never gave up in the run home. BROOK ROAD was posted wide again! Questions remain if she has come back this time in. FINE BUBBLES finished well and will be better over 1400m. Follow SHAMALIA (in a race she can get cover in).
Race 2 HERTZ EPONA STAKES
Williams guides home a big-priced winner
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scratchy Bottom | Michael Kent | Craig Williams | 7 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Rising Romance | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | James McDonald | 2 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Telepathic | Chris Waller | Glen Boss | 5 | 54.0 |
Scratchy Bottom (dark colours) sneaks up along the rails
In The Yard
RISING ROMANCE classy in the yard, with nice definition. ROLE MODEL a tough type. TELEPATHIC a stronger type with the power to sprint.
In The Running
ROLE MODEL led from INISHOWEN at a STEADY TEMPO. SABOR A TRIUNFO and ADORABEEL were just behind the leaders. TELEPATHIC was stuck three-wide with no cover and ENTERTAINS was tightened in-between horses early and raced keenly.
The Result
RISING ROMANCE (2nd) wound up steadily in the centre of the track, but SCRATCHY BOTTOM stayed on late nearer the inside. TELEPATHIC (3rd) sprinted best down the centre of the track, but she peaked late.
The Interest
RISING ROMANCE was the class of the field and suited under set weights and penalties, she just wanted a more honest speed to win, not the most dynamic mare on a fast dry track. SCRATCHY BOTTOM was strong on the line and can progress to better races over further now, she took a big step to win after a last start failure. TELEPATHIC did well after being stuck wide, showing her superior turn-of-foot in this field, and INTIMATE MOMENT ran on. Follow SCRATCHY BOTTOM and RISING ROMANCE. Forgive TELEPATHIC and ENTERTAINS (tightened for room).
Race 3 THE SEBRING
A classy filly takes the next step
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peeping | Ron Quinton | Sam Clipperton | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Music Magnate | Bjorn Baker | Opie Bosson | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Mr Bogart | Joseph Pride | Hugh Bowman | 8 | 56.0 |
Peeping ready to race, looking very fit and well
In The Yard
MUSIC MAGNATE and PEEPING best in yard and have class and strength. Most others well though, nice types. WASHINGTON HEIGHTS impressive. MR BOGART a tank!
In The Running
PRINCEFAMOUS controlled the race at a STEADY TEMPO, from PRINCE BOGART who got across to on-pace easily. TAWTEEN missed the start and pushed up into an on-pace spot and raced keenly, with PEEPING on her outside. KUMAON showed no early speed. MUSIC MAGNATE was wide without cover and was restrained (over-racing), he bumped into WASHINGTON HEIGHTS and SNAKE CHARMER and KUMAON got onto heels at the back. KUMAON was eased out of the race.
The Result
PEEPING (1st) burst out of the pack and was strong to the line, holding off MUSIC MAGNATE (2nd), who ran on down the centre of the track. MR BOGART (3rd) kept on to the line.
The Interest
Two good horses fought out the finish, with PEEPING withstanding the late challenge from MUSIC MAGNATE. Sam Clipperton found the perfect spot behind the leaders on PEEPING, while MUSIC MAGNATE was keen early and travelled wide throughout - he probably deserved to win. WASHINGTON HEIGHTS again looked impressive in the yard, but he just doesn't put his head down and chase, especially after getting some early interference. TAWTEEN missed the start and that was the end of her chances, a speedy horse that likes to lead. PRINCEFAMOUS had every chance. Follow PEEPING and MUSIC MAGNATE. Forgive TAWTEEN and KUMAON.
Race 4 RANVET STAKES
A flash of royal blue and the race is over
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Contributer | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 5 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Tosen Stardom | Darren Weir | Tommy Berry | 1 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Lucia Valentina | Kris Lees | Hugh Bowman | 2 | 57.0 |
Contributer sprints clear from the pack
In The Yard
CONTRIBUTER best in yard, strong with muscle. DOMINANT, HE'S YOUR MAN, SILENT ACHIEVER and LUCIA VALENTINA all ready. TOSEN STARDOM long and leaner, he needs an honest speed.
In The Running
FAST DRAGON rolled along in front at a STEADY TEMPO with SILENT ACHIEVER doing the chasing and facing the breeze. TOSEN STARDOM was next in behind. FAST DRAGON took off early and made a long sprint for home.
The Result
CONTRIBUTER (1st) moved up nearer the inside and accelerated clear, from TOSEN STARDOM (2nd) who chased genuinely and was good on the line. LUCIA VALENTINA (3rd) picked up and chased OK.
The Interest
CONTRIBUTER stamped his authority with his dashing turn of foot to accelerate in fine style. James McDonald rode him patiently and he strode clear one off the fence. He now must rate as Australia's premier weight-for-age horse. TOSEN STARDOM chased hard to the line at his first Australian start, he can get even better at his next start with a more genuine speed. Little LUCIA VALENTINA will be better suited back to Randwick with a little sting out of the ground. SILENT ACHIEVER had the task of taking the field up to FAST DRAGON without cover. Follow CONTRIBUTER and TOSEN STARDOM. Forgive SILENT ACHIEVER.
Race 5 SKY RACING ROSEHILL GUINEAS
Power and class from a Kiwi raider
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkstok'n'barrell | Danny O'Brien | Craig Williams | 2 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Preferment | Chris Waller | Damien Oliver | 1 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Hallowed Crown | Bart & James Cummings | Hugh Bowman | 7 | 56.5 |
Volkstok'n'barrell shows good power and strength in the mounting yard
In The Yard
HALLOWED CROWN, SWEYNESSE and VOLKSTOK'N'BARRELL best in the yard from PREFERMENT, who looks well too. MONGOLIAN KHAN tiny bit keen and leaner, lacks power to sprint.
In The Running
POUNAMU led out at a FAIR TEMPO from MONGOLIAN KHAN, with VOLKSTOK'N'BARRELL and PREFERMENT in behind.
The Result
VOLKSTOK'N'BARRELL (1st) got the better of PREFERMENT (2nd) in an exciting battle to the line. HALLOWED CROWN (3rd) chased genuinely just in behind them, but couldn't find the stamina late. There was a big gap back to SWEYNESSE (4th), who's run ended quickly at the 200m.
The Interest
The move to a dry, fast Sydney track definitely favoured Donna Logan's VOLKSTOK'N'BARRELL out of the two Kiwi raiders. He's a strong horse suited to Rosehill, with a touch of class too. PREFERMENT looked much better in the yard this time and shapes as the main chance for the ATC Derby, he put in a huge run. HALLOWED CROWN was genuine as always. Don't completely dismiss MONGOLIAN KHAN if the Bakers can get him back on track, a bit of Easter rain at Randwick could suit perfectly - he's a small lean stayer. SWEYNESSE loomed, but his run ended quickly. Follow PREFERMENT.
Race 6 CANADIAN CLUB GALAXY
Waterhouse's warrior is just too tough
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweet Idea | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Blake Shinn | 12 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Kuro | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Chad Schofield | 10 | 52.0 | |
| 3 | Miracles of Life | Peter & Paul Snowden | Hugh Bowman | 14 | 55.5 |
Sweet Idea powers to the line out wide
In The Yard
Hard to split sprinters in the yard, all well, perhaps. DEEP FIELD, RUBICK, FAST'N'ROCKING powerful. MIRACLES OF LIFE & KURO compact and genuine.
In The Running
DEEP FIELD crossed and set a STRONG TEMPO, pulling with the blinkers on. CHLOE IN PARIS and KURO were in behind, while VA PENSIERO and FLAMBERGE were stuck wide with no cover.
The Result
SWEET IDEA (1st) got to the centre of the track and raced clear late, from KURO (2nd) who chased from near the pace, and MIRACLES OF LIFE (3rd), who finished out wide.
The Interest
It's no fluke that the most genuine sprinters took out the trifecta in this testing sprint. DEEP FIELD was very keen in blinkers for the first time and went hard in the lead. SWEET IDEA is a tough mare from the Waterhouse yard that ran away from some quality sprinters. KURO and MIRACLES OF LIFE are both genuine types that chased right to the line and were honest in defeat. CHLOE IN PARIS was brave having her first start in this company, and FAST 'N' ROCKING worked home well from the back, he enjoyed the strong speed again. Follow SWEET IDEA. Forgive VA PENSIERO and FLAMBERGE.
Race 7 TOOHEYS NEW GOLDEN SLIPPER
All class from Gai's mighty colt
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tommy Berry | 18 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | English | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Blake Shinn | 6 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Lake Geneva | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Dwayne Dunn | 5 | 54.5 |
Vancouver shines in the mounting yard parade
In The Yard
Colts hold the hand in the yard with VANCOUVER, HEADWATER, HAPTIC best of the boys. OTTOMAN & LAKE GENEVA best of fillies. Not many knocks on others, apart from HAYBAH, who is a smaller type.
In The Running
HAYBAH led out from HAPTIC at a FAIR TEMPO. HEADWATER was near the pace, and VANCOUVER slotted in three wide with cover behind stable-mate SPEAK FONDLY.
The Result
ENGLISH (2nd) came wider and quickened to join VANCOUVER (1st), who both loomed at the same time, but the colt was much too strong over the last furlong. LAKE GENEVA (3rd) ran on up the inside and READY FOR VICTORY made ground out very wide after veering wide on the turn.
The Interest
VANCOUVER was dominant after Tommy Berry got the colt across into a three wide position with cover. He's simply the best 2yo and it's only a matter of whether Gai can keep him fit to score the Triple Crown - he was very strong on the line again. Stable-mate ENGLISH has progressed in leaps and bounds in a short career, as has LAKE GENEVA, who got up along the rail nicely. READY FOR VICTORY, having only his second start, and first right-handed, veered out on the turn - he's a serious horse too. Where to for Godolphin with all four runners out of the places? EXOSPHERE was out the back and could be forgiven (vet: cardiac arr.). Follow VANCOUVER and READY FOR VICTORY. Forgive SPEAK FONDLY (stuck wide) and EXOSPHERE.
Race 8 GEORGE RYDER STAKES
The Japanese make their first big impact
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real Impact | Noriyuki Hori | James McDonald | 12 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Criterion | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Craig Williams | 5 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Kermadec | Chris Waller | Ryan Moore | 11 | 56.0 |
Real Impact and Criterion settle down to a two-horse war
In The Yard
COSMIC ENDEAVOUR, ROYAL DESCENT, SHOOTING TO WIN and KERMADEC were all very well. CRITERION was shining in the yard, as was HOOKED, but the later doesn't enjoy Rosehill. REAL IMPACT was the better of the imports, WORLD ACE was keen and carried condition.
In The Running
COSMIC ENDEAVOUR rolled to the lead, but REAL IMPACT wanted to take it up and took over soon after. IT"S SOMEWHAT was wide near the pace and HOOKED had a nice trail after jumping well. KERMADEC was unsettled in the barriers and missed the start badly.
The Result
CRITERION (2nd) moved up through the pack and challenged, but REAL IMPACT (1st) just kept lifting to get the win by a small margin. KERMADEC (3rd) flashed late from the back.
The Interest
The best three filled the places and if you backed KERMADEC at his last couple, you have every right to be angry! He's due a change a luck. CRITERION and REAL IMPACT put a margin on them though and shape up as big chances in The Championships. ROYAL DESCENT progressed nicely and SHOOTING TO WIN just doesn't seem to have the killer blow at the moment, always a touch soft on the line. COSMIC ENDEAVOUR was tested at this distance, she's more of a sprinter. IT"S SOMEWHAT didn't have any luck, getting stuck wide. Follow REAL IMPACT (on dry tracks), CRITERION, ROYAL DESCENT and KERMADEC. Forgive KERMADEC and IT'S SOMEWHAT.
Race 9 THE LONGEST RIDE N E MANION CUP
A streaky stayer wins at odds
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Permit | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 9 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Phrases | Bindi Cheers | Tye Angland | 1 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Bagman | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 5 | 59.0 |
Permit fights off Bagman 150m from home
In The Yard
Most well in the yard, in good fitness, including TREMEC and GRAND MARSHALL who are fitter now. DIAMETRIC keen as usual. BAGMAN athletic and classy. MAYGROVE tough.
In The Running
DIAMETRIC pulled himself forward to lead, from PERMIT, PHRASES and BAGMAN. There was no pressure and a STEADY TEMPO was set up. TREMEC missed the start and went back. A lot of horses joined in on the turn as the field bunched, including MAYGROVE and GRAND MARSHALL out wider.
The Result
PERMIT (1st) was kept in a good rhythm and just kept going, from PHRASES (2nd), who stayed on doggedly. BAGMAN (3rd) loomed, but his run tapered at the end, GRAND MARSHALL just couldn't find the speed to finish off in a fast final section and MAYGROVE was left behind.
The Interest
He is a hard horse to follow alright! A veteran that decides to win when he wants, reading the form is almost useless for PERMIT. PHRASES was honest as always and BAGMAN just didn't quite get 2400m with the big weight. GRAND MARSHALL ran on OK, and maybe the track was just too quick for MAYGROVE and TREMEC, who didn't race up to expectations. The experiment with DIAMETRIC was a grand failure, back to the drawing board for him. No follows or forgives.