Yard to the Post @ San Domenico Stakes Day
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 15 August 2015
The colours of Sydney's highest rating three-year-old were lowered on a cool August day in Sydney's west.
Racing pundits had mixed opinions of VANCOUVER's prospects in the San Domenico Stakes, some very bullish about his chances, while others were unsure if the impressive son of Medaglia D'Oro had the pure speed needed to win on a dry and fast Rosehill track.
After a rapid tempo was set by Godolphin's HAPTIC and the disappointing Hawkes sprinter HEADWATER, it was JAPONISME that streaked home best to win for the all-conquering Waller stable, leaving VANCOUVER in his wake.
Unlike the most of the others in the race, JAPONISME was at peak fitness. His win and the run of KING'S TROOP in second showed that the Winter form-lines shouldn't be discounted as we head towards the Group One Golden Rose.
In other races, the Waller stable landed a big betting plunge on Kiwi import START WONDERING, while PRINCEFAMOUS (Snowden) and PEEPING (Quinton) both started their Spring campaigns with a win.
A race-by-race review from the Yard to the Post will be online Sunday at 9am.
Track Info
| Rail | +6 metres |
| Conditions | GOOD 3 |
| Weather | FINE, cool breeze |
| Bias | FAIR |
Race 1 FAIRFIELD RSL CLUB HANDICAP
Quinton and Clipperton keep the run going
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peeping | Ron Quinton | Sam Clipperton | 1 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Howmuchdoyouloveme | Con Karakatsanis | Ms Samantha Clenton | 4 | 60.0 | |
| 3 | Kristy Lee | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 5 | 57.0 |
Peeping ran on and just arrived in time
In The Yard
PEEPING a neat muscular mare that looked fit enough. HOWMUCHDOYOULOVEME towered over the others in the yard and KRISTY LEE was holding her condition well. WOODBINE was fine, just getting a touch hot as he went to the track, which is normal for him
In The Running
All horses jumped together, apart from KRISTY LEE and KIRRAMOSA who got back. HOWMUCHDOYOULOVEME took up the running from DECISION TIME and set a FAIR TEMPO. WOODBINE was out-sprinted as the pressure went on from the turn.
The Result
In a very close finish, PEEPING (1st) quickened and just caught HOWMUCHDOYOULOVEME (2nd), who led until the closing stages. KRISTY LEE (3rd) ran on to just beat home DECISION TIME (4th), with KIRRAMOSA (5th) close up.
The Interest
PEEPING was the short-priced fav' and she only just got the job done. HOWMUCHDOYOULOVEME really enjoyed rolling along with no pressure on a fast and firm track, she had to run some pretty slick sectionals to catch him. The Ronny Quinton stable is flying. KRISTY LEE also reeled off a strong finish (Powerful type), but it was the run of KIRRAMOSA that really caught the eye. She is miles above these horses on class and will show that once she gets to the longer distances. WOODBINE is worth keeping an eye on, he wasn't suited today and could bounce back at Randwick next start. Follow PEEPING and KIRRAMOSA.
Race 2 DOOLEYS HANDICAP
Kim Waugh's brute holds them off
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dylan's Rojo | Kim Waugh | Tommy Berry | 2 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Mr One Eleven | Eric Musgrove | Danny Beasley | 6 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Marenostro | Gayna Williams | Ms Winona Costin | 10 | 59.5 |
Dylan's Rojo led all the way, just holding off Mr One Eleven
In The Yard
VITE LONI paraded very well, but might need a strong tempo. Power comes from DYLAN'S ROJO, CARELESS and GRANDE PUNTO... all have the sprint to figure in the finish and paraded OK.
In The Running
DYLAN'S ROJO took up the running and controlled a STEADY TEMPO, from MARENOSTRO on his outside. CARELESS took the box seat and VITE LONI went forward this time. MR ONE ELEVEN and BERRIMILLA were out the back looking for a run. RIO PERDIDO was stuck wide.
The Result
DYLAN'S ROJO (1st) gave a good kick on the turn, fighting off MARENOSTRO (3rd) and CARELESS (4th). MR ONE ELEVEN (2nd) charged late and only just missed.
The Interest
Kim Waugh is flying! There's no doubt about it. DYLAN’S ROJO is a very well-built gelding, as many of her gallopers are, and he was too strong after getting a nice lead. The run of the race was MR ONE ELEVEN though; he charged to the line in a sprint home. Up to 1600m or 1800m next start will do just nicely. GRANDE PUNTO doesn't stay 1500m. Don't be too harsh on any of the horses not suited to the dry track 'sit and sprint', including MARENOSTRO, BERRIMILLA, VITE LONI, ASTRONOMOS and GHOST PROTOCOL (hard horse to follow!). There were plenty of horses simply out-sped in the finish. Follow MR ONE ELEVEN.
Race 3 CANTERBURY HURLSTONE PARK RSL CLUB SPRING PREVIEW
Shinn takes his opportunity
slow tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Centre Pivot | Darren Weir | Blake Shinn | 9 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Countryman | Michael Kent | Tim Clark | 8 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Magic Hurricane | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Sam Clipperton | 3 | 54.0 |
Centre Pivot sprinted better than Countryman
In The Yard
Three down the bottom of the weights standout, ADORABEEL, COUNTYMAN and MAGIC HURRICANE. COUNTRYMAN not a dominant type though SILVERBALL not 100% fit yet.
In The Running
COUNTRYMAN took up the running and set a SLOW TEMPO, from CENTRE PIVOT on his outside. RUGGED CROSS and ADORABEEL were just in behind.
The Result
CENTRE PIVOT (1st) and COUNTRYMAN (2nd) paired off to battle it out in a sprint home, CENTRE PIVOT proving just too strong. MAGIC HURRICANE (3rd) made good ground to just pip RUGGED CROSS (4th) for a place.
The Interest
Max Presnell described this as a "boat race" in the press seats and who would argue. COUNTRYMAN and CENTRE PIVOT were never going to be headed after plodding through the first half of the race. COUNTRYMAN is racing in great form, but he does lack the power to dominate a race on a dry track. He may have won if Tim Clark had tested the winner more in the early sections. All the credit to Blake Shinn for a smart ride on CENTRE PIVOT. MAGIC HURRICANE made good ground and most others weren't suited. SILVERBALL will improve for the run, ADORABEEL can bounce back off a stronger tempo at Randwick and even JUNOOB did OK. Follow COUNTRYMAN and MAGIC HURRICANE.
Race 4 ST JOHNS PARK BOWLING CLUB HANDICAP
A blanket finish for the mares
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bring a Ring | Matthew Dale | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 8 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Holy Delusions | Chris Waller | Glyn Schofield | 9 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Marple Miss | Kris Lees | Hugh Bowman | 13 | 58.0 |
Bring A Ring led from start to finish
In The Yard
MARPLE MISS had a nice coat, but still a bit fresh/flighty. Many looked well, including FOOTY FAN, NISROC, HOLY DELUSIONS, AEROBAR, BRING A RING and BLACK BOOTY. JIAYUGUAN looked well, but very lean. She needs further.
In The Running
HOLY DELUSIONS was slow to begin and got back with JIAYUGUAN. BRING A RING took up the running from MARPLE MISS on her outside, AEROBAR was just in behind. A FAIR TEMPO was set up.
The Result
BRING A RING (1st) kept kicking to beat home HOLY DELUSIONS (2nd) who weaved though nearer the inside. MARPLE MISS (3rd), FOOTY FAN (4th) and BLACK BOOTY (5th) all fought on in what was a blanket finish.
The Interest
A mares’ race without much between them, not a surprise! A blanket finish with 1.2 lengths between 1st and 7th. HOLY DELUSIONS was well backed late and closed very hard; she was the run of the race. BRING A RING always seemed to be travelling well for O'Hara, the jockey had to keep a tight grip until the home turn. Dry tracks are the key to her, she had to travel to Melbourne last start to find better ground ground (ran OK) and came last first-up in the wet at Canberra. MARPLE MISS has talent, she's just not as convincing this campaign. JIAYUGUAN and CAST IN STONE were badly out-sped, both staying types. Follow HOLY DELUSIONS.
Race 5 SMITHFIELD RSL CLUB SAN DOMENICO STAKES
Gai's mighty Slipper winner is sunk
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japonisme | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 5 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | King's Troop | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Tim Clark | 4 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Haptic | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Sam Clipperton | 3 | 57.0 |
Japonisme surged straight past Vancouver
In The Yard
Stars of the track resume, they all paraded well apart from the smaller SALERNO. VANCOUVER, HAPTIC, KING'S TROOP and JAPONISME all classy types, HEADWATER very muscular, perhaps 95% fit.
In The Running
HAPTIC took up running but was hassled by HEADWATER, who worked up on the outside. They set a STRONG TEMPO from VANCOUVER and KING’S TROOP. SALERNO was slow to jump. REDZEL was tightened for room mid-race when Bowman darted to the rails.
The Result
JAPONISME (1st) was patiently ridden and ran on best down the outside to beat KING’S TROOP (2nd), who made a challenge up the inside. HAPTIC (3rd) stuck on from VANCOUVER (4th).
The Interest
The Winter form beats the Golden Slipper form! JAPONISME and KING’S TROOP had the fitness advantage and delivered, both taking a giant leap to the big league. VANCOUVER looked a million dollars in the yard, but he just didn't have the speed over 1100m, JAPONISME dashed past him at the top of the straight. Perhaps the best run came from HAPTIC, who was made to work in the lead first-up from a spell. REDZEL got into a bit of trouble and was OK in 5th. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 6 MOUNTIES GROUP HANDICAP
A bomb-proof sprinter does the job
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princefamous | Peter & Paul Snowden | Blake Shinn | 2 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Mr Entertainer | Grant Allard | Ms Winona Costin | 1 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Awasita | Kris Lees | Hugh Bowman | 4 | 58.5 |
Princefamous was simply too good
In The Yard
AWASITA paraded well, most OK though. FRIENDSINLOWPLACES looked very lean compared to the rest. PRINCEFAMOUS a professional horse, but not the most powerful.
In The Running
An even line from the barrier. PRINCEFAMOUS went to the lead from COSMIC CAMEO and AWASITA. ONEROUS was stuck wide in midfield and PRESS REPORT was a bit keen after being restrained to the back.
The Result
PRINCEFAMOUS (1st) held them at bay, from MR ENTERTAINER (2nd), who snuck up the inside from midfield. AWASITA (3rd) fought on from the box seat and DUPE 'EM (4th) ran on.
The Interest
Another very close finish, at least the winner is easy to analyse. He's a very professional on-pacer that maintains a long sprint to the line, a very reliable type. AWASITA perhaps found the weight (mare carrying 58kg) a bit too much in this grade, she is going OK through. Lots of other good runs, only the very lean FRIENDSINLOWPLACES getting out-sped. GAMBLESTOWN was good out wide with PRESS REPORT. Even ISORICH didn't find much room at 200/1 out the back. The unlucky ONEROUS (blocked first-up, wide this time) can't take a trick! Follow PRINCEFAMOUS, PRESS REPORT and GAMBLESTOWN. Forgive ONEROUS.
Race 7 CLUBSNSW HANDICAP
Another Waller star arrives
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start Wondering | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 15 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | His Majesty | Kim Waugh | Tommy Berry | 2 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Radical Impact | Nick Mitchell | Thomas Huet | 3 | 55.0 |
Start Wondering won like a classy galloper
In The Yard
Many looked well in the yard, including TESTASHADOW and HIS MAJESTY. FUERZA could run well fresh, paraded nicely. Others that caught the eye were, WALES and GLOBAL DOMINATION. FAROLITOS was ready to go fresh.
In The Running
RADICAL IMPACT jumped best and crossed in front of GLOBAL DOMINATION, who got the box seat. TURF CRUSHER was outside the leader and START WONDERING snuck in for some cover behind him. TESTASHADOW was slow and got right back, while SCRATCH ME LUCKY was stuck wide mid-race.
The Result
START WONDERING (1st) peeled out and fought off HIS MAJESTY (2nd), who had sprinted up nicely, but couldn't get past. RADICAL IMPACT (3rd) and SCRATCH ME LUCKY (4th) ran on well.
The Interest
A lot of money for this Kiwi import galloper and he won like a good thing! HIS MAJESTY loomed up, but START WONDERING simply had too much class. You could see him getting into Waller's 'roster' of black-type gallopers now. HIS MAJESTY is clearly racing well and SCRATCH ME LUCKY (4th) is knocking on the door for a well overdue win. TESTASHADOW was back and very wide. They ran quite good time in this race, expect the form to hold up. Follow START WONDERING and HIS MAJESTY. Forgive SCRATCH ME LUCKY and TESTASHADOW.
Race 8 MERRYLANDS RSL CLUB PREMIER'S CUP PRELUDE
Waller toughness makes the difference
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beyond Thankful | Eric Musgrove | Hugh Bowman | 7 | 59.5 | |
| 2 | Orbec | John Thompson | Tye Angland | 2 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Orion Love | Louis Baudron | Thomas Huet | 5 | 54.0 |
Beyond Thankful put his nose down on the line
In The Yard
GREATWOOD and FOREIGN PRINCE both looked very well and relaxed. Imports ORBEC and HAVANA COOLER looked ok, just a bit keen.
In The Running
FOREIGN PRINCE and GREATWOOD worked across and went a bit keenly early, before managing to slow it down mid-race. CANNY BALLAD (stuck wide) then went forward mid-race to put some pressure on. FOREIGN PRINCE responded by getting them rolling before the turn and he broke 2L clear early in the straight. Overall an honest FAIR TEMPO was set up.
The Result
In a very close finish, BEYOND THANKFUL (1st) came to the outside and sustained his run to just grab ORBEC (2nd), who chased gamely from midfield. ORION LOVE (3rd) was right there with FOREIGN PRINCE (4th) and GREATWOOD (5th). HAVANA COOLER (6th) flashed late.
The Interest
Another packed finish...! This time 1.6 lengths between the top eight. Koby Jennings (GREATWOOD) and Jess Taylor (FOREIGN PRINCE) made each other work a bit in the lead, making it a genuine middle-distance contest. Perhaps Jess Taylor went for home a touch too early too. In the end, it was Waller toughness that got the job done, BEYOND THANKFUL grinding home best. The imports put in notable performances after parading a bit keenly. ORBEC showed talent and HAVANA COOLER really closed late, he's a classy 2400m+ horse that can figure over the Spring. The mares ORION LOVE and ORIENTAL LADY were both good. DISCLAIMER disappointed again out the back. Follow the horses that were first-up, GREATWOOD, ORBEC, HAVANA COOLER and ORIENTAL LADY.