Yard to the Post @ Royal Randwick
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 05 December 2015
Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne signed autographs under sunny skies at Royal Randwick, the hero of Australia's greatest race joined by her brother Steve and a long line of fans.
Her ride to win on PRINCE OF PENZANCE was a gem, but even she would have been in awe of James McDonald, who again dominated on the track to win four of the nine races and three back-to-back in the middle of the card.
He started by winning the opening race on Godolphin's new Golden Slipper hopeful ASTERN (picture), a strapping son of MEDAGLIA D'ORO that just kept widening his margin in front, leaving the odds-on favourite REGIMENTAL FORCE in his wake.
MEDCAUT bounced back to form in Race 5 and the Lees-trained FELINES was primed for a first-up win over 1,000 metres in Race 7. It was the win of FITOU that gave McDonald the most pleasure though, fighting back after being headed to beat the well-fancied LA SPECIALE.
In other races, CAPED CRUSADER led from start to finish in Race 8, while DIAMONDSINTHENIGHT ($21) and STAR SHAFT ($26) put together a $954 running double in Races 3 and 4.
A full review of the day is provided below, from the yard to the post.
Track Info
| Rail | TRUE |
| Conditions | GOOD 4 |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | OFF RAILS |
Race 1 SURF MEETS TURF PLATE
Group racing awaits this youngster
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Astern | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Niccolance | Kevin Moses | Koby Jennings | 5 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Regimental Force | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Brenton Avdulla | 4 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
REGIMENTAL FORCE speedy and professional, ASTERN cracking type, strong! As is NICCOLANCE. DARK FIRE compact and on toes. EL SID smaller. REGIMENTAL FORCE jumped as the $1.60 favourite.
In The Running
A mixed jump. ASTERN moved up on the inside of DREAMLINA who jumped well. REGIMENTAL FORCE got a nice trail off the leaders. NICCOLANCE settled midfield.
The Result
ASTERN (1st) broke right away for an easy win, beating home NICCOLANCE (2nd), who veered very wide in the run. REGIMENTAL FORCE (3rd) and EL SID (4th) were well beaten. Time: 0:58.33 / Last 600m: 0:35.57 / Tempo: FAIR / Bias: OFF RAILS
The Interest
There was no force from the fav' and the Godolphin boys were grinning like Cheshire cats. This guy is good, every bit the Golden Slipper runner! NICCOLANCE would have only been a length or so away if he went straight, another talented type. They both dominated the yard and the race. Follow ASTERN and NICCOLANCE.
Race 2 CLUBSNSW PLATE
Waller power kicks in late
strong tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Torgersen | Michael Jones | Jason Collett | 2 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Tarquin | Kelvin Bourke | James McDonald | 4 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | More to Gain | Amanda Turner | Peter Wells | 9 | 57.5 |
In The Yard
Even bunch of horses. TARQUIN very solid type, fit enough, TORGERSEN robust too (needs further now?), MORE TO GAIN, WE'RE SURE and FEAST FOR EYES all fine. MORE TO GAIN can quicken, showed that winning his only race on dry. TRIPLE SNITZ very fit. PALE ALE a very nice type, sleek muscular grey
In The Running
TRIPLE SNITZ jumped well and went hard early to lead, crossing FEAST FOR EYES. PALE ALE worked up to 2nd with no cover, while TARQUIN took the trail. WE'RE SURE and MORE TO GAIN got well back.
The Result
TARQUIN (2nd) and TORGERSEN (1st) both cruised up into the race a few horses off the fence, the latter fighting on best late. MORE TO GAIN (3rd) ran on out wider with WE'RE SURE (4th) a whisker away. Time: 1:23.39 / Last 600m: 0:36.42 / Tempo: STRONG / Bias: OFF RAILS.
The Interest
The money came for TRIPLE SNITZ, but Joshua Parr completely misjudged the speed he was going at, setting a very rapid tempo and falling in a hole late. Other on-pacers FEAST FOR EYES and PALE ALE also stopped, while TARQUIN (very well weighted at Set Weights) fought on. His run was brave, but not brave enough to hold off the flying TORGERSEN. They put a margin on the others. Don't be too harsh on any of them though, most can bounce back under Benchmark conditions. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 3 HUNTER VALLEY HORSE CAPITAL HANDICAP
Diamond odds for value punters
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diamondsinthenight | David Pfieffer | Brodie Loy | 4 | 57.5 | |
| 2 | Kontiki Dane | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Joshua Parr | 1 | 57.5 | |
| 3 | Zatopaz | Matthew Dale | Christian Reith | 5 | 55.0 |
In The Yard
All horses OK, RYE has scope to frame, KONTIKI DANE fit and ready to go. ZATOPAZ only plain looking.
In The Running
ZATOPAZ took up the running and strode right away from KONTIKI DANE. DIAMONDSINTHENIGHT was a touch keen near the pace. There was a gap back to the pack.
The Result
KONTIKI DANE (2nd) loomed up with DIAMONDSINTHENIGHT (1st) and they fought on in a close finish. GRAND ALLOWANCE (4th) ran on from the back, but just couldn't get to ZATOPAZ (3rd), who hung on for a place. RYE was only plain in 5th. Time: 2:05.59 / Last 600m: 0:37.25 / Tempo: FAIR / Bias: OFF RAILS.
The Interest
A low quality race won by a solid middle-distance performer that was well weighted. DIAMONDSINTHENIGHT just beat home KONTIKI DANE, while RYE didn't do much. Disappointing that one of the favoured 4yos couldn't muster much improvement to win, RYE showing he doesn't have much of a constitution, which will clearly limit his progress. ZATOPAZ did all he could do, a very one-paced type back to this distance. GRAND ALLOWANCE might be the one to follow, a lightly raced 8yo that has found a liking for the longer distances. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 4 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
A flashing Star finds the fast lane
strong tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Star Shaft | Tim McIntosh | Paul King | 9 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Northern Fury | Matthew Dale | Brenton Avdulla | 14 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Bid of Faith | Keith Dryden | Kerrin McEvoy | 7 | 53.5 |
In The Yard
Favourite CLEARLY INNOCENT well, long and athletic though, fast enough? ROSE OF MAN muscular and ready to go. NOBLE JOEY neat, strong and genuine. NORTHERN FURY flashy and 95% fit
In The Running
FOR ME DAD railed through to lead and was under pressure early from NOBLE JOEY and AUSSIE JAMES. OCEAN GRAND was back and wide.
The Result
NOBLE JOEY (8th) went to the lead and fought bravely, but was swamped by NORTHERN FURY (2nd) and OCEAN GRAND (4th), the latter peaking on his run late. STAR SHAFT (1st) followed those swoopers, switched wider and swept past. CLEARLY INNOCENT (6th) didn't find a run when it mattered.
The Interest
They went hard again in the Highway Handicap and once again NOBLE JOEY was left as a sitting shot. He has to be the unluckiest horses in these races so far, his fellow on-pacers finished 10 lengths back, showing how brave his 3 length 7th was. The favourite CLEARLY INNOCENT also had no luck, getting cluttered up early in the straight. Well done to STAR SHAFT, but the 4yo son of SHAFT did find the best part of the track off a strong speed. Forgive NOBLE JOEY and CLEARLY INNOCENT.
Race 5 INGLIS CLASSIC SALE NIGHT SESSION HANDICAP
Last one day, first the next!
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medcaut | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 2 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Zin Zan Eddie | Matthew Smith | Brenton Avdulla | 3 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Timeless Prince | Tony Newing | Joshua Parr | 4 | 57.5 |
In The Yard
MEDCAUT looking well, big & strong, but can you trust him? GAMBLESTOWN (bigger), ZIN ZAN EDDIE (compact) both well, TIMELESS PRINCE leaner than most.
In The Running
EISENHOWER worked up outside SLATE ON EDGE, who took up the running. FINAL CRESCENDO got the box seat and WINE TALES was stuck back and wide on the outside of MEDCAUT.
The Result
SLATE ON EDGE (4th) got rolling early on the turn, but ZIN ZAN EDDIE (2nd) chased home hard and MEDCAUT (1st) drove at them late. TIMELESS PRINCE (3rd) surged home out wide. Time: 1:22.93 / Last 600m: 0:36.07 / Tempo: FAIR / Bias: OFF RAILS.
The Interest
A nice horse that just had to be forgiven first-up, MEDCAUT really let rip over the last 200m when he found space. SLATE ON EDGE almost pinched it though, setting a strong speed from the 700m, which brought the swooper TIMELESS PRINCE into the race late. ZIN ZAN EDDIE was solid and WINE TALES just had no luck out wide, this could have been her race if she found cover! Forgive WINE TALES (again!).
Race 6 SEGENHOE CUP - F&M BENCHMARK 78 HCP
Godolphin class edges out the favourite
strong tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fitou | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 11 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | La Speciale | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Jason Collett | 5 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Mandalong Kiss | Gary Nickson | Andrew Banks | 8 | 58.5 |
In The Yard
Mares well, ALL CERISE fit but doesn't enjoy Randwick, LA SPECIALE relaxed and scope to progress. FITOU very fit, WITHOUT A SHADOW tough and could race near the pace.
In The Running
ALL CERISE was urged to the lead and strode along, before quickening early for home. WITHOUT A SHADOW worked up outside her on the pace and SHAZZA'S BUBBLES was stuck wide. MANDALONG KISS was very slow and got well back.
The Result
FITOU (1st) and LA SPECIALE (2nd) emerged from the pack and was much too strong for the rest late, settling down for a two-horse duel right to the line. MANDALONG KISS (3rd) wound up down the outside. Time 1:22.46 / Last 600m: 0:36.36 / Tempo: STRONG / Bias: OFF RAILS
The Interest
The margin made it clear that FITOU and LA SPECIALE were the superior horses, but don't be too harsh on ALL CERISE (doesn't like Randwick), who is racing well and can improve back at Rosehill. She was allowed to stride along too quickly in the lead. Out of the top two LA SPECIALE has more to give this prep and FITOU is out to the paddock now. MANDALONG KISS can show up soon if she just doesn't miss the start! Follow LA SPECIALE and FITOU.
Race 7 THE SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS HANDICAP
James Mac pounces on another win
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felines | Kris Lees | James McDonald | 7 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Mahican | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Brenton Avdulla | 11 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Quartzite | Bjorn Baker | Christian Reith | 9 | 58.0 |
In The Yard
A closely-fought sprint, QUARTZITE and ESGRIMIDOR powerful and fast. Both Lees mares ready to go SELECTIFY and MAHICAN not 1000m types, but latter did trial well.
In The Running
An even line, QUELL going through to lead ESGRIMIDOR and QUARTZITE out three wide. FELINES was even wider on the track in midfield and CHAMPAGNE REIN was back on the rails. MAHICAN was last in the run.
The Result
FELINES (1st) sprinted down the outside to win, from MAHICAN (2nd), who surged through the pack late. QUARTZITE (3rd) crossed the line together with ESGRIMIDOR (4th). It was a bunched finish outside the winner. Time: 0:57.62 / Last 600m: 0:35.06 / Tempo: FAIR / Bias: OFF RAILS
The Interest
She was exposed early and showed a rapid dash, FELINES was the Lees galloper primed to win this first-up. Hard to knock many in such a close finish though. MAHICAN hit the line very hard and can improve over further, while SELECTIFY just found this a touch to sharp - he's another that could improve a few lengths up to 1200m. INSIDE JOB travelled well to the turn, but had to take an inside run where the ground was worse. Follow MAHICAN. Forgive INSIDE JOB.
Race 8 CHOOSE SEGENHOE HANDICAP
More luck for this bold Crusader
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caped Crusader | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Adam Hyeronimus | 10 | 58.5 | |
| 2 | Mary Lou | Anthony Cummings | Blake Shinn | 7 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Invinzabeel | Mark Newnham | Kerrin McEvoy | 8 | 59.5 |
In The Yard
CAPED CRUSADER looks classy for Gai, just touch hot, no knock on Waller's though. ANYAAS tough and MARY LOU fit. DUCA VALENTINOS just not at best, coat not out.
In The Running
CAPED CRUSADER strode forward to lead, a couple of lengths clear from INVINZABEEL, who had to work forward. ANYAAS was in the box seat with MARY LOU on her outside.
The Result
CAPED CRUSADER (1st) kept lifting as he drifted wider on the track, holding off a bold challenge from MARY LOU (2nd). INVINZABEEL (3rd) just hung on from THERMOGENIC (4th), who ran on. Time: 1:36.19 / Last 600m: 0:36.57 / Tempo: FAIR / Bias: OFF RAILS.
The Interest
A race with lots of staying types that lacked a turn-of-foot, favourite CAUTHEN'S POWER had enjoyed a strong tempo to win last start as CAPED CRUSADER tired for 7th. This race was a whole different story, Gai's charger finding a rhythm to beat the specialist miler MARY LOU. Horses like RUSTIC MELODY, DUCA VALENTINOIS and CAUTHEN'S POWER can improve up in distance. CAUTHEN'S POWER was found to be coughing (vet) post-race. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 9 INGLIS MELBOURNE PREMIER IN MARCH HANDICAP
Gerald Ryan gets one over the bookies
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bachman | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Kerrin McEvoy | 7 | 61.0 | |
| 2 | Hieroglyphics | Anthony Cummings | Jason Collett | 11 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Spinning Dawn | Scott Singleton | Ms Jess Taylor | 10 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
MAN OF DISTINCTION big strong, SPINNING DAWN and BACHMAN both fine first-up. CAESER AUGUSTUS nice type and suited up to 1200m, just getting hot, HIEROGLYPHICS smaller type.
In The Running
OPEN BOOK jumped well and was restrained to midfield. INVITATIONS strode through to lead from MAN OF DISTINCTION, who as urged forward and SPORTS EDITION, who had to sit three-wide no cover. BACHMAN was in behind the leaders. CAESER AUGUSTUS missed the start by a few lengths.
The Result
INVITATIONS and MAN OF DISTINCTION were right there until the final furlong, but were swamped late. BACHMAN (1st) stoked up and surged to the line late, holding off HIEROGLYPHICS (2nd) who ran on out wider. SPINNING DAWN (3rd) made ground to beat home OPEN BOOK (4th) out wide. Time: 1:10.72 / Last 600m: 0:35.68 / Tempo: FAIR / Bias: OFF RAILS.
The Interest
A good plunge landed to end the day, BACHMAN is a strong muscular type that Gerald Ryan set for this race after trying longer distances without success. He's been gelded too, so we may see a whole different level form him going forward. HIEROGLYPHICS is super honest, but she must be limited by her size. OPEN BOOK enjoyed a dry track over 1200m and SPINNING DAWN is set for a good prep. Don't be too harsh on GRUNDERZEIT, who had to come up the inside. The money for WUDANG MOUNTAIN was interesting, he's usually a type that prefers 1400m+ and a strong tempo. Follow BACHMAN.