Yard to the Post @ Canterbury Park
Race Day: Canterbury Park on Saturday, 07 November 2015
Sydney's best wet weather track was the perfect scene for weekend racing after the storms that hit during the week. Canterbury Park held up well and an improving SOFT track was presented, most horses getting their chance on the day.
In the higher rating races, Samantha Clenton gave the boys a lesson over 1,550 metres in Race 6, controlling from the front and kicking for home on NEVAGOTAVOTE (picture). It was her eighth win on the Newcastle trained gelding, who was too good for the strong finisher SEBRINA. The runner-up is a mare to follow in the future.
Chris Waller scored the trifecta in Race 3 and he presented the progressive stayer QUICK STRIKE later in the day (Race 8) over 1,900 metres. Jason Collett stoked up the four-year-old into the straight and he surged straight past SONG AND LAUGHTER, who had been the subject of a big betting plunge.
In other races, the Anthony Cummings stable produced RULE THE RIVER for an impressive first-up win over 1,100 metres and Melbourne raider BULLPIT led all the way to sink odds-on chance MR MANHATTAN over the same distance.
A full yard to the post review is provided below.
Track Info
| Rail | TRUE |
| Conditions | HEAVY 8 to SOFT 7 |
| Weather | OVERCAST |
| Bias | FAIR |
Race 1 JAMES BOAGS HANDICAP
A good gamble starts the day
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Slots | Grant Marshall | Mr Lester Grace | 1 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Ryker | Peter & Paul Snowden | Christian Reith | 5 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | High Esteem | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Regan Bayliss | 2 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
Tricky first race, RYKER looked well but heavy-set (wet track?), SLOTS looked fit and ready to go.
In The Running
RYKER jumped best and took up the running from HIGH ESTEEM, SLOTS and KRISTY LEE. He controlled the race at a STEADY tempo before HIGH ESTEEM put pressure on at the home turn.
The Result
RYKER (1st) kicked back and got clear, but SLOTS (2nd) came wider and sprinted straight past. HIGH ESTEEM (3rd) was just behind and KRISTY LEE (4th) struggled.
The Interest
The money came late for SLOTS and she did the job, a mare that hasn't enjoyed wet tracks before, but the times run here suggest it wasn't too bad. Importantly, she has a good turn-of-foot (POWER), critical in a small field and carried 5kg less than the rest of the field. RYKER is going well for Snowden and drier tracks are better, but KRISTY LEE isn't for Waller. That's three poor runs in a row for her. Follow RYKER (on a dry track).
Race 2 TAB MORE THAN JUST WINNING PLATE
Godolphin class shines through
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morton's Fork | Lindsey Smith | Sam Clipperton | 8 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Babooshka | Leon Davies | Jay Ford | 2 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Amber Isle | Chris Waller | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 6 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
AMBER ISLE looked muscular and well. BABUSHKA looked neat and paraded in good shape. No real knocks. RATHER SWEET was just a little hot and leaner. Drying track not ideal.
In The Running
GITAN pushed up the inside and held out RATHER SWEET. SLEEK jumped well and settled just behind them. BABOOSHKA was slow and settled out the back along with NO WHEN TO HOLD EM. A STRONG to FAIR tempo was set up.
The Result
MORTON'S FORK (1st) came to the outside and out-fought BABOOSHKA (2nd) late, who had run on well and loomed. AMBER ISLE (3rd) snuck through a gap nearer the inside to just grab a place from the bunch.
The Interest
He's no star by the admission of the stable, but he is a very professional youngster which bodes well for his career ahead. MORTON'S FORK got the right run and delivered. The may be more scope in BABOOSHKA though who shone in the yard and debuted in style. Given the STRONG tempo the runs of GITAN and RATHER SWEET had merit. There was only 2.3 lengths from start to finish. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 3 SCHWEPPES HANDICAP
Waller dominates by a big margin
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spatsizi | Chris Waller | Mr Lester Grace | 2 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Torgersen | Michael Jones | Jason Collett | 5 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Feast for Eyes | Chris Waller | Sam Clipperton | 6 | 61.0 |
In The Yard
No knocks in the yard at all. The field looked well and ready to go. MORE THAN FABULOUS a bit one-paced, but suited in wet.
In The Running
FEAST FOR EYES went forward and set a rolling STRONG to FAIR tempo and LAST WITNESS moved up on his outside. SPATSIZI got the box seat.
The Result
FEAST FOR EYES had a big break early in the straight after cornering perfectly around the tight turn, but SPATSIZI (1st) came wider and ran on with TORGERSEN (2nd), who closed well from the back.
The Interest
A Waller trifecta, three strong talented three-year-olds that were just too good for the rest. MORE THAN FABULOUS (4th) was well backed, but couldn't muster a big finish after coming wider on the turn, a one-paced type that may be ready for a spell now. FEAST FOR EYES loves Canterbury so maybe the other two are the ones for the future, especially TORGERSEN, who can progress onto a bigger track now. Follow TORGERSEN.
Race 4 TAB REWARDS HANDICAP
The Big Apple rotten for punters
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bullpit | Jason Warren | Brodie Loy | 6 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Freeze the Charges | Jason Coyle | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 1 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Mr Manhattan | Joseph Pride | Joshua Parr | 2 | 57.5 |
In The Yard
FREEZE THE CHARGES is a compact muscular type, while BULLPIT is nicely balanced and looks to have a touch of class. All four horses well.
In The Running
FREEZE THE CHARGES missed the start so BULLPIT got an easy lead from MR MANHATTAN, who strode up on his outside after jumping well. FREEZE THE CHARGES kicked up to the box seat and INSIDE JOB was last. A FAIR tempo was set up.
The Result
BULLPIT (1st) was steered around the right hand turn and kept going to hold on easily. FREEZE THE CHARGES (2nd) switched off heels and closed late, beating home MR MANHATTAN (3rd).
The Interest
No bad runs here, but punters would have been disappointed with the odds on favourite MR MANHATTAN. He had enjoyed cover and a STRONG tempo at his first two starts this preparation; having no trail and a steadier speed didn't quite set up as well for him. BULLPIT came from a good group of benchmark sprinters in Melbourne, FREEZE THE CHARGES did well after getting out slowly and INSIDE JOB was fine on an unsuitable wet track. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 5 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
Canberra wins in the battle of the bush
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shadow Affair | Matthew Dale | Christian Reith | 4 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Tony the Pony | Aaron Clarke | Jay Ford | 1 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Lion of Africa | Steven Cummins | Tim Clark | 13 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
TIGER BY THE TALE looked neat and well. DARTS AWAY looked ok. LION OF AFRICA dapples in coat and stood out. TONY THE PONY is fit and lean, a tough horse.
In The Running
STOIC strode forward to lead from DARTS AWAY on his outside, who had to work to get into a forward position. VEE EIGHT SIXTY and SHADOW AFFAIR were behind the leaders. A STRONG to FAIR tempo was set up and the pack was chasing on the turn.
The Result
SHADOW AFFAIR (1st) pulled out on the turn and maintained a strong run, clearly beating TONY THE PONY (2nd), who finished off late. LION OF AFRICA (3rd) finished off down the outside to grab the brave leader STOIC (4th).
The Interest
They walked home in 38.05 in this race and the winner was there to be picked off, but none of the pack was travelling on the turn - some doubts about their class and stamina. A good win from Canberra-trained SHADOW AFFAIR (trained by Matthew Dale) and solid efforts from STOIC and DARTS AWAY on the pace. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 6 HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY LINDSAY MURPHY HANDICAP
Clenton controls from start to finish
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevagotavote | Jason Deamer | Ms Samantha Clenton | 5 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Sebrina | Bjorn Baker | Brenton Avdulla | 3 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Berrimilla | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 1 | 55.0 |
In The Yard
NEVAGOTAVOTE holding form 5th up. All others looked ok. SEBRINA is athletic and needs tempo.
In The Running
NEVAGOTAVOTE took up the lead and controlled a FAIR to STEADY tempo from PYTHAGOREAN on his outside. BERRIMILLA was in the box seat and SEBRINA pushed off the rails putting LANDLOCKED three-wide. The Baker trained mare was a touch keen in the run.
The Result
NEVAGOTAVOTE (1st) cruised into the straight and gave a good kick, holding off SEBRINA (2nd) who came wider and worked to the line well. BERRIMILLA was solid in 3rd and there was a big gap back to the other two.
The Interest
Simply a case of the right horse in the right race, the money came for SEBRINA and she was very game, but couldn't catch the game NEVAGOTAVOTE who won with Samantha Clenton on board for the eighth time. The runner-up has been plagued by slower tempos and is due to win next start over 1600m+. Follow SEBRINA.
Race 7 DE BORTOLI WINES HANDICAP
Money speaks all languages
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rule the River | Anthony Cummings | Jason Collett | 3 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Festivity | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Jordan Childs | 1 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Magnajoy | Michael Costa | Mr Lester Grace | 5 | 55.0 |
In The Yard
FESTIVITY looked strong and well. SKRIPCHENKO looked fit enough, just a bit keen. MAGNAJOY had a shiny coat. THORSBORNE is a powerful filly, with speed in her frame.
In The Running
FESTIVITY and MAGNAJOY pushed forward and set an honest rolling FAIR tempo from BUTTERBOOM and RULE THE RIVER (box seat) a couple of lengths behind them. SKRIPCHENKO was slow and got back. KEIKOSAN lacked early speed too.
The Result
FESTIVITY (2nd) and MAGNAJOY (3rd) maintained their close battle down the straight, but RULE THE RIVER (1st) found lots of space up the inside and surged through for a good win.
The Interest
She had good form in just three starts and showed she was back to her best after a long break, the support came for RULE THE RIVER and she delivered an impressive win. A nice style of galloper, stepping up through the grades and distances is well within her reach. FESTIVITY and MAGNAJOY ran good time out in the lead and are clearly going well. SKRIPCHENKO simply got too far back and made late ground into 5th. Follow RULE THE RIVER.
Race 8 VILI'S PIES HANDICAP
Waller strikes with an up-and-comer
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quick Strike | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 7 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Song And Laughter | Richard Litt | Brenton Avdulla | 11 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Olympic Academy | Kris Lees | Tye Angland | 5 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
SONG AND LAUGHTER looked a bit hot and not an obvious stayer, very well backed though. QUICK STRIKE and SABKHAT are nice types. NOW'S THE TIME and ZABOSS no knock.
In The Running
SABKHAT rolled to the lead and set a FAIR tempo, with SONG AND LAUGHTER striding up on his outside. ZABOSS took the box seat and QUICK STRIKE was back in the field.
The Result
SONG AND LAUGHTER (2nd) took over into the straight, with all but QUICK STRIKE (1st) and ZABOSS (5th) off the bit chasing. QUICK STRIKE stayed on best to win by a clear margin. OLYMPIC ACADEMY (3rd) and BARDIYA (4th) fought on, leaving no room for ZABOSS.
The Interest
No reports on the disappointing run of SABKHAT, it could have been the track, the end of his preparation or maybe SONG AND LAUGHTER simply put too much pressure on him up front. The runner up is a talented mare and just over-raced a touch again. QUICK STRIKE backed up for the third week running, a progressing four-year-old working his way through the grades. ZABOSS was the unlucky runner, she was destined to run a clear 2nd at least on her favourite track. Follow QUICK STRIKE and SONG AND LAUGHTER. Forgive ZABOSS.
Race 9 CELLARBRATIONS HANDICAP
Another win to a Provincial star
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Better Not Blue | Michelle Ritchie | Ms Jess Taylor | 8 | 60.0 | |
| 2 | Sanzio | Dean Saxon | Sam Clipperton | 1 | 57.5 | |
| 3 | Surfin' Safari | Paul Perry | Tye Angland | 4 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
An interesting race, BETTER NOT BLUE (one-paced) and SURFIN SAFARI (poor cornering) looked well but some risks. All others looked well in the yard, ALL SALSA compact and can quicken.
In The Running
SANZIO was hard ridden to take up the running at a FAIR tempo. NEXT LEVEL moved up on his outside and BETTER NOT BLUE over-raced early back in the pack, before settling down better on the rails. SURFIN' SAFARI hung badly on the turn.
The Result
BETTER NOT BLUE (1st) wound up and chased down SANZIO (2nd) to just grab him on the line. SURFIN' SAFARI (3rd) balanced up and just beat home ALL SALSA (4th) a couple of lengths behind.
The Interest
It looked like a race that wouldn't suit BETTER NOT BLUE, but as soon as SANZIO took up aggressive tactics everything else panned out OK. Jess Taylor did a great job to get him to settle after he was a handful early on. He's off to the Provincial Championships after one or two more runs this campaign. In a way Clipperton's hand was forced on the leader SANZIO, a one-paced type that grinds away from on-pace, on most other horses he would have backed off the tempo mid-race. As for the 3rd placegetter, it was an odd choice to bring a horse that hangs so badly to Sydney's tightest track. You may not see him here again. No Follows or Forgives.