Yard to the Post @ Chelmsford Stakes Day
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 05 September 2015
In an emotional day for race fans, Bart Cummings was remembered with a series of fitting tributes and a minute’s silence at his beloved Randwick racecourse. Saintly (one of the master’s greats) also made an appearance on track to the delight of race goers.
As far as the racing was concerned, spring was definitely in the air at Headquarters with many quality gallopers starting off their spring campaigns. Godolphin had a host of high-profile runners around the country (with mixed results), however it was the lesser fancied COMPLACENT that took out the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes over the mile, leading from the jump.
John Thompson (who learnt a lot from Bart) took out the Group 2 Tramway Stakes over 1,400 metres with HOOKED, who was back to his best, another dominating from the front. There were many eye-catching runs on the day, but none more than bonny mare LUCIA VALENTINA who weaved through late from near last in the run.
In other races, talented Waterhouse filly SPEAK FONDLY pushed out and ran away with the Group 2 Furious Stakes, while SHIRAZ made it four on the trot with victory in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes.
The track held up well after all of the rain mid-week, with a bias to those ON-PACE.
A full yard-to-the-post review will be available online tomorrow @9am
Track Info
| Rail | +8 metres |
| Conditions | SOFT 7 TO SOFT 6 |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | ON-PACE |
Race 1 TAB REWARDS HANDICAP
The further the better now for a progressive stayer
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Astronomos | John Thompson | Jason Collett | 9 | 57.5 | |
| 2 | Loophole | Chris Waller | Jim Cassidy | 6 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Campania | Garry Frazer | Kerrin McEvoy | 8 | 56.0 |
Astronomos misses the start and rounds them up
In The Yard
ASTRONOMOS is robust, just getting a little on toes. LOOPHOLE was holding condition. DREAM FOLK is a leaner type. No knock others
In The Running
ORION LOVE was keen early and set a FAIR TEMPO from ZAYAM, with LOOPHOLE settling a further three lengths back. ASTRONOMOS missed the start (2L) and was hard ridden to get going.
The Result
LOOPHOLE (2nd) cruised up quickly at the 200m after stalking the leaders, but it was ASTRONOMOS (1st) who finished best down the middle of the track. CAMPANIA (3rd) stuck on ok after enjoying a nice run in transit.
The Interest
Trainer David Vandyke stated that although ASTRONOMOS was slightly on his toes, it was the most relaxed he had seen him. Jason Collett rode a patient ride after missing the start, and although struggling at various stages, showed his class as a stayer winning in class record time, and is now looking for further. The Newcastle Cup over a mile and a half on a big, spacious track now beckons in a few weeks. LOOPHOLE was gallant after stalking the leaders, but had every chance. CAMPANIA stuck on ok down the middle of the track. Early leaders ORION LOVE and ZAYAM both weakened quickly in the run home. Follow ASTRONOMOS over further.
Race 2 LUCRF JOCKEYS TRUST HANDICAP
The boys in blue start their day with a win
steady tempo
Bias:
on-pace
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farolitos | James Cummings | James McDonald | 7 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Ruling Dynasty | Darren Weir | Tommy Berry | 6 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Herne's Oak | Bjorn Baker | Brenton Avdulla | 8 | 54.5 |
James McDonald never gave the others a look in aboard Farolitos
In The Yard
WINE TALES has a powerful build. Will she hit the line over 1600m? DRAGON FLYER and FAROLITOS looked fit and well. RULING DYNASTY's coat was shining
In The Running
FAROLITOS pressed forward and dictated terms in front setting a STEADY TEMPO from DRAGON FLYER. MONTIRO and HERNE'S OAK both enjoyed nice runs in behind. AMAZON missed the start (1L).
The Result
James McDonald rolled forward and didn't give the others a look in, winning comfortably in the end aboard FAROLITOS (1st). RULING DYNASTY (2nd) railed through and was the eye catching run of the race, with HERNE'S OAK (3rd) sticking on ok.
The Interest
FAROLITOS had all the conditions to suit today, and was simply too good, with a great ride from a top jockey. RULING DYNASTY enjoyed a nice trail midfield, finished off well, and now looking for further. AMAZON took off at the 600m and did not sustain the run. MR ONE ELEVEN finished ok down the outside and found rhythm late. No follows or forgives. Track was upgraded to a SOFT 6 after this race.
Race 3 J B CUMMINGS AM TRIBUTE MING DYNASTY QUALITY
A determined win by an improving son of Northern Meteor
strong tempo
Bias:
on-pace
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metallic Crown | Chris Waller | Jim Cassidy | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Tatoosh | Will Clarken & Niki O'Shea | Kerrin McEvoy | 3 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Kimberley Star | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Blake Shinn | 4 | 58.0 |
Jimmy Cassidy got the best out of Metallic Crown as he lifted late
In The Yard
KIMBERLEY STAR looked bomb proof, can quicken and sustain. LAND'S END was relaxed. TATOOSH looked lean and suited to the conditions. Others all ok.
In The Running
METALLIC CROWN went forward setting a STRONG TEMPO, joined by CANNYESCENT overraced early and pushed forward after being stuck wide without cover. GOLD AMBITION was slowish along the inside, while INTREPID WAY was restrained early.
The Result
METALLIC CROWN (1st) was issued challenges from everywhere, but Jimmy Cassidy got the best out of him as he responded and lifted late. TATOOSH (2nd) worked home well from the back half of the field, while KIMBERLEY STAR (3rd) loomed briefly but felt the weight late.
The Interest
A determined win to a lightly raced colt was the story of the race. Jimmy Cassidy gave a few slaps and METALLIC CROWN was coming away at the end after being challenged strongly up the straight. The Northern Meteor progeny seem to keep improving with age, and it was a good effort to come from mid-week grade to a Saturday win. KIMBERLEY STAR put in a solid effort as usual and had no excuses. CANNYESCENT issued the first challenge to the leader and got the nose in front at the 150m, however was claimed in the final stages of the race. TAP THIS raced tightly up the straight and only ducked back to the inside late and can be forgiven. Brenton Avdulla was forced to stop riding LAND'S END close to the finish, while GOLD AMBITION was disappointed for a run at the 200m. Forgive TAP THIS, GOLD AMBITION and LAND'S END.
Race 4 COOLMORE FURIOUS STAKES
This tough Waterhouse filly makes it two on the trot
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Speak Fondly | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Kerrin McEvoy | 5 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Perignon | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Hugh Bowman | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Ottoman | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 4 | 56.0 |
Speak Fondly is getting used to the winner's enclosure after another dominant win
In The Yard
OTTOMAN and SPEAK FONDLY are impressive types with power. CALAVERITE looked relaxed. PERIGNON is an athletic type. LAKE GENEVA, is a bit plain looking this prep
In The Running
CAPRICIOUS SPIRIT led out from SERENE MAJESTY at a FAIR TEMPO with the two favourites SPEAK FONDLY and OTTOMAN (keen early) settling in behind the speed. LOOK TO THE STARS missed the start (2L).
The Result
SPEAK FONDLY (1st) popped off the fence as they straightened and extended well to score a decisive win. PERIGNON (2nd) was held up until the 200m and got home nicely ahead of OTTOMAN (3rd) which eased wider straightening and loomed briefly before fading to the line.
The Interest
Class took SPEAK FONDLY a long way as she simply blew her rivals away over the concluding stages. Kerrin McEvoy was able to muscle his way clear, and the horse responded showing a nice turn-of-foot. Gai now has a few questions as to which way she will head with the winner, with some thought that she may stay a bit further with races like the Golden Rose now coming into mind. PERIGNON looks to have come back well, being contained on the rail until late in the piece. The run of OTTOMAN fresh was a pass mark as she stuck on ok after having every chance, while LAKE GENEVA is looking a touch shy of this class. Follow PERIGNON.
Race 5 CONCORDE STAKES
A great training performance back in distance
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shiraz | Kim Waugh | Hugh Bowman | 8 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Craftiness | Joseph Pride | Blake Shinn | 5 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Ball of Muscle | Joseph Pride | Glyn Schofield | 3 | 59.0 |
Shiraz gets the better of Craftiness on the line
In The Yard
BALL OF MUSCLE is just that, and his coat was shining. UNANIMOUSLY looked fit. CRAFTINESS still has a little condition.
In The Running
BALL OF MUSCLE got the best jump and sped to the lead at a FAIR TEMPO from CRAFTINESS with SHIRAZ being posted wide for the trip. WOULDN'T IT BE NICE was restrained from the jump.
The Result
BALL OF MUSCLE (3rd) seemed to have something left in the tank as he kicked up the straight, however it was SHIRAZ (1st) that picked up best getting the better of CRAFTINESS (2nd)which drifted out in the run to the line.
The Interest
A great training performance by Tony McEvoy to get SHIRAZ back peaking on race day after dropping back in distance from the Aurie Star in Melbourne last start. That makes it four in a row for the in form Gelding. CRAFTINESS laid down the challenge to the leader into the straight and fought off his stablemate in what was a pleasing return. BALL OF MUSCLE seemed to do everything right in front, however laboured the final 50m and didn't finish off the race. Unfortunately for connections, AERONAUTICAL suffered a bleeding attack for the second occasion and the gelding would incur a lifetime ban. ATMOSPHERICAL displayed a poor post-race recovery. Follow SHIRAZ and CRAFTINESS.
Race 6 TATTERSALLS CLUB CHELMSFORD STAKES
The non-fancied Godolphin runner leads all the way
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complacent | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Sam Clipperton | 6 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Kermadec | Chris Waller | Glen Boss | 13 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Royal Descent | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 8 | 57.0 |
The boys in blue make it a double with Complacent
In The Yard
ROYAL DESCENT, KERMADEC and PORNICHET are all classy. HARTNELL is more athletic. KERMADEC looked toned and balanced
In The Running
COMPLACENT jumped well and set a FAIR to STEADY tempo from stablemate HARTNELL who raced a little aggressively outside the lead. KERMADEC raced more forward as advised, however was kept wide with no cover while ROYAL DESCENT and BEATEN UP enjoyed gun runs in behind the speed. GRAND MARSHAL was restrained early.
The Result
COMPLACENT (1st) gave a kick and pulled out plenty to the line to defeat KERMADEC (2nd) which stuck on well after racing wide throughout. ROYAL DESCENT (3rd) dug deep over the final 50m to stick her head out and grab a place.
The Interest
COMPLACENT kicked away inside the last 100m and dug in when challenged for a gutsy all the way win. It was a great ride by Sam Clipperton on the least favoured of the Godolphin runners, with stablemate HARTNELL weakening late in the piece. KERMADEC seems to strike some wide gates, and again had to do it the hard way, but stuck on like a good horse. He hit the line as well as anything, and is in for a big spring. PORNICHET followed KERMADEC everywhere he went, and was out gunned late. Promising signs from stayers JUNOOB and WHO SHOT THEBARMAN both returned in fine style, working nicely to the line. A few to follow over further include COMPLACENT, JUNOOB and WHO WHOT THEBARMAN. Forgive KERMADEC.
Race 7 TATTERSALLS CLUB TRAMWAY STAKES
Tye Angland controlled the race from the front
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hooked | Robert Smerdon | Tye Angland | 17 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Ecuador | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | 5 | 55.0 | ||
| 3 | Rudy | Helen Page | Kerrin McEvoy | 14 | 57.0 |
Hooked holds them all at bay
In The Yard
LUCIA VALENTINA, is only small but so brave and loves the wet. PROTECTIONIST, the cup winner, returns looking well. HOOKED was back to his old self
In The Running
HOOKED jumped out quickly from the outside and led ARABIAN GOLD in more of an on pace role now under Gai. SWEYNESSE pressed forward and was wide without cover while ECUADOR enjoyed a nice trail in behind the speed. GYPSY DIAMOND was slow to begin.
The Result
HOOKED (1st) fought on best from the lead after controlling the race defeating ECUADOR (2nd) which had every chance, while RUDY (3rd) got home late after being wide throughout.
The Interest
Plenty of interest in the race going forward with many staking their claims towards the Epsom at the end of the Sydney Carnival. Tye Angland got the best out of HOOKED as he rolled off the rail and kicked strongly to win. He may have got a little tired late, but the win was well deserved. ECUADOR enjoyed a nice run in transit and was game to the line, while the run of RUDY was full of merit after racing wide the entire trip. He is another that will press on to the Epsom. ARABIAN GOLD sat outside the lead today, a role that may have been a little unfamiliar and tired late. The eye-catcher of the race was LUCIA VALENTINA which weaved through from near last on the turn, and looks set for an exciting preparation. IT'S SOMEWHAT hung in under pressure in the straight, while stablemate HAURAKI seemed to peak on his run at the 150m. FLAMINGO STAR did not appreciate the track conditions. Follow LUCIA VALENTINA. Forgive RUDY.
Race 8 TAB SUPPORTS JOCKEYS TRUST HANDICAP
A strong win under a big weight
steady tempo
Bias:
on-pace
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sadler's Lake | Robert Smerdon | Tye Angland | 1 | 59.5 | |
| 2 | Forget | Kim Waugh | Kerrin McEvoy | 8 | 60.0 | |
| 3 | Candelara | Tim Martin | 5 | 57.5 |
All too easy for Sadler's Lake in the last
In The Yard
FORGET has a better turn-of-foot that most of these. CANDELARA looking for further.
In The Running
CANDELARA jumped best to lead BOHEMIAN LILY at a STEADY TEMPO with SADLER'S LAKE and FORGET in behind. CELTIC PRINCE raced wide throughout.
The Result
SADLER'S LAKE (1st) snuck up along the rails and ran away from FORGET (2nd) which chased gamely to the line. CANDELARA (3rd) stuck on ok after leading.
The Interest
SADLER'S LAKE was always in the right position stalking the speed, and although Tye Angland was left with no other options but to come up the rail, he was simply too good in the end. He has come back a stronger horse, and having just the one trial into the race, showed a good turn of foot with the big weight. FORGET tried hard, but just could not match the winner over the concluding stages. CANDELARA kept on ok to the line after setting the pace, while BOHEMIAN LILY raced a little one-paced and may have found the 1400m to short. Follow SADLER'S LAKE. Forgive CELTIC PRINCE.