Yard to the Post @ The Championships Day Two
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 11 April 2015
The climax of The Championships left everyone with lasting memories on the richest day of racing in Sydney.
Only a week after the drama of Sydney's torrential rain on Day One, the skies cleared for a beautiful sunny afternoon. Royal Randwick's 'Theatre of the Horse' was in full bloom, covered with bright flowers and filled with excited connections watching their Group One contenders parade.
CRITERION (pictured above) was the standout performer. A flashy, strong and athletic galloper that got into his rhythm and simply blew his rivals away in the Group One Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The Hayes and Dabernig stable have the Derby-winner reaching new heights after his early days with David Payne. Now that he's overcome Australia's best, it's off to Hong Kong and Royal Ascot for the four-year-old son of Sebring.
The most exciting finish of the day came in the two-mile Sydney Cup, where stable-mates GRAND MARSHAL and WHO SHOT THEBARMAN were only separated by a nose on the line. The urgings of Jim 'the pumper' Cassidy got the best out of GRAND MARSHAL, while popular favourite HARTNELL couldn't find the stamina needed and tired in the straight.
The other Group Ones saw GUST OF WIND (Oaks) and AMANPOUR (Queen of the Turf) deliver tough performances to win by big margins on a testing track that favoured horses near the rails.
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 | +6m 1600m to Winning Post, +3m remainder |
| Conditions | HEAVY 8 to SOFT 7 |
| Weather | OVERCAST, clearing to FINE |
| Bias | NEAR RAILS |
Race 1 ADINA APARTMENT HOTELS FERNHILL HANDICAP
Bowman keeps the good times rolling
steady tempo
Bias:
on-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Barrister | Jason Warren | Hugh Bowman | 8 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Chachapoyas | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 1 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Reckless Russell | Noel Mayfield-Smith | Jay Ford | 5 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
Waterhouse had CLASH OF CLANS looking well in the yard - coat shining and relaxed. THE BARRISTER stood out, with more scope and strength than many of the other youngsters. MUZYKA was a leaner type.
In The Running
THE BARRISTER crossed and set a STEADY TEMPO, from CLASH OF CLANS on his outside. CELTIC DIAMOND pressed forward out wide with not cover. CHACHAPOYAS got the box seat in behind the leader. Most youngsters settled ok, apart from MUZYKA, who was just a little keen to go faster. CLASH OF CLANS started to struggled entering the turn.
The Result
THE BARRISTER (1st) surged clear of the pack. There was a big margin back to CHACHAPOYAS (2nd), who stuck on OK, and RECKLESS RUSSELL (3rd), who gave chase along the inside (better part of the track). MUZYKA (4th) made ground a bit wider out.
The Interest
THE BARRISTER looked the goods winning in classy style aided by another gem Hugh Bowman ride. He took control of the race from the jump, got into a nice rhythm, and the big striding youngster did the rest. CHACHAPOYAS and RECKLESS RUSSELL both chased well along the inside - they found the better ground (jockeys hadn't worked out bias yet). MUZYKA was an eye-catcher, she was a bit keen in the run, got slightly out-sprinted on the turn and ran on. Follow THE BARRISTER and MUZYKA.
Race 2 MCGRATH ESTATE AGENTS SOUTH PACIFIC CLASSIC
Another promising Godolphin galloper
steady tempo
Bias:
on-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Federal | James Cummings | James McDonald | 4 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Snake Charmer | Phillip Stokes | Craig Williams | 6 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Ygritte | Darren Weir | Tim Clark | 8 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
FEDERAL was clearly a more muscular type than most. SNAKE CHARMER's coat was shining, looking in great shape. THINKING OF YOU was more athletic and leaner than many of the others.
In The Running
SNAKE CHARMER and YGRITTE jumped nicely and they controlled the race at a STEADY TEMPO. SADLER'S LAKE strode up three wide with no cover. FEDERAL and REDOUTABLE HEART had the trail in behind the leaders. SADLER'S LAKE loomed ominously on the turn.
The Result
FEDERAL (1st) sprinted best to overhaul SNAKE CHARMER (2nd). There was a gap back to YGRITTE (3rd), who held off SADLER'S LAKE (4th) in the final strides.
The Interest
James McDonald stalked the leaders and FEDERAL showed his power to sprint best for a convincing victory. He's a nice type with more to give. The margin back to the pack from SNAKE CHARMER in 2nd was a good sign, she has always looked like a filly that would relish a longer distance (leaner and sired by Pentire). SADLER'S LAKE was wide throughout and fought on gamely, he probably just lacked the 'ping' of the others in the straight - a nice enough return ahead of the Queensland Derby. REDOUTABLE HEART was found to be lame in the near hind leg. THINKING OF YOU needs a drier track and stronger tempo. Follow FEDERAL. Forgive REDOUTABLE HEART (lame).
Race 3 PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Collett finds the short-cut to win
fair tempo
Bias:
on-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sure And Fast | Graeme Murray | Jason Collett | 4 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Electric Power | Kris Lees | Damien Oliver | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Oxford Poet | Kim Waugh | Blake Shinn | 1 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
HARMONIC looked well with strength, while PAARRA is leaner than most. SURE AND FAST and DARCI MAGIC both looked fine - SURE AND FAST keen and on his toes, and DARCI MAGIC was very relaxed.
In The Running
OXFORD POET moved up on the inside to lead from MAGIC OF DREAMS and SLOTS (three wide), who had jumped well. A FAIR TEMPO was set up. HARMONIC was stuck four wide with no cover, while POWER LINE got right back after a slow start.
The Result
SURE AND FAST (1st) picked up best along the rails to drive to the line to beat ELECTRIC POWER (2nd), who ran on well. OXFORD POET (3rd) stuck on and DARIC MAGIC (4th) made late ground.
The Interest
Jason Collett found the short-cut and the best ground to guide SURE AND FAST through for a strong win over one of Kris Lees' six runners. ELECTRIC POWER also hugged the rails behind the winner and really got going late to finish a length behind. DARCI MAGIC was another that made up plenty of ground from the back (also along the inside) after he was in a tricky position on the turn. OXFORD POET was game and SELECTIFY also stuck on OK after he drifted wider into the worst ground. Follow SURE AND FAST, ELECTRIC POWER and DARCI MAGIC. Forgive HARMONIC (wide run).
Race 4 GIRVAN WAUGH PERCY SYKES STAKES
A classy 'rogue' finally delivers
steady tempo
Bias:
on-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ottoman | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Sam Clipperton | 2 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Calaverite | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 7 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Lake Geneva | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 8 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
LAKE GENEVA a neat type with good power in her frame. OTTOMAN is a very classy-looking galloper with good balance, she was a bit more relaxed in the yard. CARTIER ROCK and SEMPRE LIBERA both strong and well.
In The Running
SERENADE railed through to lead CALAVERITE at a STEADY TEMPO. LAKE GENEVA was posted wide without cover but under a good hold. OTTOMAN was slow to begin and over-raced in the pack.
The Result
LAKE GENEVA (3rd) pushed to the lead 150m from home, only to be denied by two on her inside in OTTOMAN (1st) who worked home best along the rails after a sluggish start, and CALAVERITE (2nd) who picked up and dived late. SEMPRE LIBERA (4th) flashed late out wide.
The Interest
OTTOMAN missed the start and over-raced, but was just too strong on the line in a real blanket finish. She's a seriously classy filly that defied a big betting drift ($6.50-$11) to win - she's just got a lot to learn! Stable-mate CALAVERITE was coming again on the line, but the other good runs came from LAKE GENEVA, who couldn't quicken late in the heavy going after a wide run, and SEMPRE LIBERA, who was tightened at the top of the straight and hit her straps late down the outside (bias against). SERENADE was the first horse beaten along the inside, she may not be as good in the wet. Follow OTTOMAN and LAKE GENEVA. Forgive SEMPRE LIBERA
Race 5 ARROWFIELD 3YO SPRINT
A big finish from Waller's quirky sprinter
strong tempo
Bias:
on-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delectation | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 11 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Bring Me the Maid | Ciaron Maher | Chad Schofield | 4 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Rekindled Power | Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich | Craig Williams | 2 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
RUBICK and KURO both looked relaxed in the yard, strong sprinters. DELECTATION was OK in the yard, an impressive horse that doesn't always race genuinely. BRING ME THE MAID was fit enough, a more athletic type.
In The Running
KURO jumped best but couldn't find cover and went back. MOSSFUN pushed on to the lead on a wide run from NOSTRADAMUS with RUBICK (slowish again, had to be pushed forward) on the rail. Those three tussled to set up a STRONG TEMPO.
The Result
DELECTATION (1st) worked through the field and surged to the lead, getting a big enough break on the fast-finishing BRING ME THE MAID (2nd). REKINDLED POWER (3rd) ran on well from last along the inside.
The Interest
DELECTATION is a difficult horse at times to ride but Hugh Bowman got the best out of the powerful sprinter. He still pulled in the run, but nowhere near as much as usual - another talented 'rogue' with more to give (like Ottoman in race before). BRING ME THE MAID enjoyed the STRONG TEMPO and WET TRACK, she chased all the way to the line. REKINDLED POWER ran on very nicely after getting on heels mid-race. Blake Shinn made the right move on KURO when he restrained to look for cover, but he couldn't lift off the testing speed - very disappointing in the end. MOSSFUN and RUBICK (well backed) did OK after going hard early. Follow DELECTATION. Forgive MOSSFUN.
Race 6 SEVEN NEWS AUSTRALIAN OAKS
A strong surge from a tough filly
fair tempo
Bias:
on-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gust of Wind | John Sargent | Tye Angland | 7 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Winx | Chris Waller | Joao Moreira | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Candelara | Tim Martin | Hugh Bowman | 2 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
WINX and SAVARIA looked nice and balanced. THUNDER LADY a big and strong type. Most fillies well in the yard.
In The Running
CANDELARA pushed on and set a FAIR TEMPO, from RUSTIC MELODY, with WILDENSTEIN facing the breeze.
The Result
GUST OF WIND (1st) railed well and didn't go around a horse to draw clear from WINX (2nd), who chased gamely out wider. There was a clear margin back to CANDELARA (3rd).
The Interest
The fillies stepped out to a distance range where stamina was key - GUST OF WIND had hit the line strongly at all her starts to date and showed her toughness to win (she was held up in the Adrian Knox and flashed late). Tye Angland produced a classy ride, she didn't have to go around another runner the whole race! WINX was gallant after getting shuffled back in the pack, she is a classy filly that can perform over most distances. Interestingly, the Group 3 Adrian Knox out-rated the Group 1 Vinery, as CANDELARA and RUSTIC MELODY did much better than THUNDER LADY and BALLET SUITE (raced wide). SAVARIA never seemed to handle the going. Follow GUST OF WIND and WINX.
Race 7 CELLARBRATIONS QUEEN OF THE TURF STAKES
Another Queen for Lady Gai
steady tempo
Bias:
on-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amanpour | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Kerrin McEvoy | 3 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Catkins | Chris Waller | Joao Moreira | 10 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Noble Protector | Robert Smerdon | Craig Williams | 7 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
CATKINS held her condition well in the yard, while NOBLE PROTECTOR was fit - a lighter middle-distance type. FIRST SEAL and SPORTS ILLUSTRATED were in good shape.
In The Running
AMANPOUR jumped the gates and set a STEADY TEMPO, from DIADEME. CATKINS got a lovely trail with SPORTS ILLUSTRATED on her outside (bit keen). NOBLE PROTECTOR raced wide without cover. GYPSY DIAMOND missed the start (2L) FIRST SEAL was slow out too.
The Result
AMANPOUR (1st) controlled the race and gave good kick on the turn to defeat CATKINS, who tried her heart out again. NOBLE PROTECTOR chased gamely down the middle.
The Interest
AMANPOUR showed her bold front running abilities and liking for the soft ground to give a good kick to win convincingly - another 'Queen of the Turf' for Gai Waterhouse. A mare that can excel up to 2000m, it was always going to be tough to run her down once she got an easy time in the lead. It might have been the Group 1 made-to-order for CATKINS, she got a wet track and STEADY TEMPO, but just found one better again over a distance that is as far as she wants. NOBLE PROTECTOR dispelled any of the market myths about not handling the wet track and chased gamely after racing wide throughout. FIRST SEAL was slowish out and was never really in the race. She will go for a spell now. There were lots of runners you could forgive, including DIAMOND DRILLE, who had everything against her out the back. Follow AMANPOUR and NOBLE PROTECTOR.
Race 8 SCHWEPPES 150TH SYDNEY CUP
The 'Pumper' wins an epic duel
fair tempo
Bias:
on-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Marshal | Chris Waller | Jim Cassidy | 4 | 52.0 | |
| 2 | Who Shot Thebarman | Chris Waller | Blake Shinn | 10 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Like a Carousel | Ken & Kasey Keys | Chad Schofield | 6 | 52.0 |
In The Yard
PROTECTIONIST and DOMINANT were in good shape with their coat shining. HARTNELL a classy type that seemed calm. AU REVOIR the only horse not relaxed, a little on his toes.
In The Running
Tommy Berry took HARTNELL to the lead and set a FAIR TEMPO. DON DOREMO led the chasing with BIG MEMORY in a nice position.
The Result
WHO SHOT THEBARMAN (2nd) shot through along the rails on straightening and had the race won before GRAND MARSHAL (1st) came out of the pack to wear him down on the line. They cleared out by 6 lengths to LIKE A CAROUSEL (3rd) who stayed on. HARTNELL (4th) weakened in the straight.
The Interest
GRAND MARSHAL won the biggest race of his career in a gutsy performance. He rolled in over the final 50m but Jimmy Cassidy straightened him up to score. WHO SHOT THEBARMAN was game in defeat and proved his Melbourne Cup placing was no fluke. They are both proper two-mile gallopers, trained by the master conditioner of stayers Chris Waller. LIKE A CAROUSEL showed his liking for the longer distances at big odds. HARTNELL was backed into $1.65 on track , but the form and ratings analysis didn't mean much when he couldn't find the stamina late to hold on. DOMINANT made a move before the turn but peaked on his run 200m out. PROTECTIONIST was disappointing. Follow WHO SHOT THEBARMAN and GRAND MARSHAL.
Race 9 LONGINES QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES
Royal Ascot next for Australia's best
fair tempo
Bias:
on-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Criterion | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Craig Williams | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Red Cadeaux | Ed Dunlop | Kerrin McEvoy | 3 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Royal Descent | Chris Waller | Joao Moreira | 10 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
A quality group of horses.TOSEN STARDOM ready and on his toes, CRITERION coat shining and looking very fit, TO THE WORLD in good shape too.
In The Running
FIVEANDAHALFSTAR pressed on out wide led out from AOMEN at a FAIR TEMPO, with CRITERION striding up on the outside of the leader mid-race. TOSEN STARDOM raced wide without cover.
The Result
CRITERION (1st) stormed to the lead at the top of the rise and put the race beyond doubt in emphatic style. The old marvel RED CADEAUX (2nd) stayed on late, while ROYAL DESCENT (3rd) backed up well from the Doncaster on Monday and ran on.
The Interest
He's a world-class horse now! CRITERION blew his rivals away... He was too strong after sitting near the pace and simply strode clear in the straight. RED CADEAUX weaved through the field over the last 100m and proved again how competitive he is in the world's best races. ROYAL DESCENT loved the wet track and was brave as always. Of the others, SPILLWAY was good along the inside while TOSEN STARDOM kept on after the wide run. ADELAIDE and LUCIA VALENTINA couldn't lift in the lesser ground out wide. TO THE WORLD prefers the firm Japanese tracks. Follow CRITERION. Forgive TOSEN STARDOM (wide throughout).
Race 10 DRUMMOND GOLF SAPPHIRE STAKES
Never Avoid a 'mudder' at Randwick
steady tempo
Bias:
on-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avoid Lightning | Les Bridge | Tim Clark | 8 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Griante | David Brideoake & Matt Jenkins | Steven Arnold | 1 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Fine Bubbles | Kris Lees | Zac Purton | 12 | 55.0 |
In The Yard
SHAMALIA looked fit and GRIANTE's coat was shining. CHLOE IN PARIS was ready to go, but she is a neat speedster that may lack the stamina. AVOID LIGHTNING has well-defined muscle, a real athletic speedster.
In The Running
FINE MIST led out at a STEADY TEMPO from AVOID LIGHTNING, who pushed forward this time. CHLOE IN PARIS was posted wide without cover. GRIANTE had the box seat along the rails.
The Result
GRIANTE (2nd) kicked to the lead along the rail only for AVOID LIGHTNING (1st) to overhaul her and claim the lead on the final strides. FINE BUBBLES (3rd) ran on well.
The Interest
The money came for AVOID LIGHTNING and her love for the wet tracks showed as she overhauled the gallant GRIANTE. They are both very genuine mares that can be followed. FINE BUBBLES got on heels near the turn and rattled home late - she is flying and can win next start over 1400m. ATMOSPHERICAL loomed but peaked on run - she doesn't get 1200m at all. BELLE DE COEUR was making ground out wide and PERON ran on OK too, they could have preferred a stronger tempo. SHAMALIA is simply 'unreliable', a moody mare that needs everything in-place for her to win. Follow AVOID LIGHTNING and GRIANTE.