Yard to the Post @ Rosehill Gardens
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 19 December 2015
Off-season racing provided lively entertainment at Rosehill Gardens while the Melbourne and Adelaide meetings were cancelled due to extreme heat.
There wasn't a feature race on the card, but there were lots of talking points. Chris Waller had to wait until the last race to get a winner in START WONDERING and there were a few upsets at good odds.
Trainer Jo Pride had a good day, which was almost a great day. AMMIRATA (Race 4) getting the prize along with frustrating 'non-winner' OPEN BOOK, who found the perfect race and sprinted clear in Race 7. Short-priced favourite I AM ZELADY (3rd) looked home for all money in Race 6 before getting run down by Godolphin's genuine chaser FITOU. And there was a similar fate for PACEMAN (2nd in Race 9), who couldn't match START WONDERING late.
One of the best performances came in the opening event, Godolphin two-year-old SOUCHEZ storming home from midfield, backing up his impressive lead-up trial.
The most exciting finish had to be KONTIKI DANE's win in Race 8, the Waterhouse mare digging in to hold off Bjorn Baker's SEBRINA by the smallest of margins.
A full review from the yard to the post will be on-line Sunday from 9am.
Track Info
| Rail | +3 metres |
| Conditions | GOOD 3 |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | OFF RAILS |
Race 1 SCHWEPPES PLATE
Too much dash from the favourite
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Souchez | Peter & Paul Snowden | Sam Clipperton | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Mooshakissa | Peter & Paul Snowden | Ms Winona Costin | 2 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Faraway Town | Matthew Smith | Jason Collett | 1 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
AJANI a neat type. PEACOCK, FARAWAY TOWN and MOOSHAKISSA looked strong and well, but no knock SOUCHEZ and SEBRIKKA. Nicely presented 2yos.
In The Running
MOOSHAKISSA jumped best and rolled along at a FAIR tempo, from PEACOCK on the outside and AURORA ROSE three wide.
The Result
MOOSHAKISSA (2nd) kept speeding along, but was no match for SOUCHEZ (1st), who ran on well from midfield. FARAWAY TOWN (3rd) fought on just behind from the box seat. AJANI (4th) made good ground too.
The Interest
The two raced horses were very solid as you'd expect, both MOOSHAKISSA and FARAWAY TOWN setting a high mark for the well-fancied SOUCHEZ to meet. The Godolphin Lonhro colt was up to it though, hitting the line with gusto. The 2nd and 3rd placed horses weren't far away and you have to take into account the OFF RAILS bias (they were nearer the inside), which the jockeys didn't know about at this stage of the day. AJANI ran well too and there was a gap to the rest. Follow SOUCHEZ.
Race 2 SPORTSYEAR DIARY HANDICAP
A light-weight contender knocks the big boys out
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaleidoscope | Matthew Dale | Brodie Loy | 3 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Agent | Craig Weeding | Tommy Berry | 2 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Got the Goss | Gratz Vella | Jason Collett | 9 | 60.0 |
In The Yard
ZIN ZAN EDDIE looked in top form, but does he have the sprint on this dry track? GOT THE GOSS gets back and fires home. SLATE ON EDGE in the 'money' position next race.
In The Running
SLATE ON EDGE rolled forward to lead from NITE ROCKER and FINAL CRESCENDO. ZIN ZAN EDDIE jumped well before getting stuck wide no cover. GOT THE GOSS went back. ZIN ZAN EDDIE was hard ridden when they quickened and copped a bad check.
The Result
SLATE ON EDGE (4th) edged off the rails and led 'til the 200m, when GOT THE GOSS (3rd) joined in out wider. AGENT (2nd) tracked up into the race nicely and quickened to take over. He was no match late for the light-weight KALEIDOSCOPE (1st).
The Interest
A surprise result, Kiwi import KALEIDOSCOPE improving third-up after two OK runs at Canberra. The light weight (52kg after Loy's claim) definitely helped the 7yo mare, who took advantage of an off-season race to steal the prize. AGENT and GOT THE GOSS are both 1200m types that sprinted well but just couldn't hold her out late. As for ZIN ZAN EDDIE, his run of outs at Rosehill continues, clearly struggling when he copped the bad check that put him out of the race. The vet did report a poor post-race recovery - a softish track at Randwick for him please! No Follows or Forgives.
Race 3 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
Raw talent finally delivers
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ocean Grand | Cliff Bashford | Koby Jennings | 8 | 60.5 | |
| 2 | Clearly Innocent | Kris Lees | Brenton Avdulla | 1 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Admission | Robert & Luke Price | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 2 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
OCEAN GRAND is a big strong type and looked well, as did BILL ‘N’ EVE. CLEARLY INNOCENT had nice scope and only a touch hot, no knock others.
In The Running
EXCITEANATION went clear from BOWIE'S BABE and set an honest rolling FAIR tempo. OCEAN GRAND was just behind the leaders THREE SHEETS was stuck wide and CLEARLY INNOCENT was on the rails. LUXURY missed the start and got back.
The Result
OCEAN GRAND (1st) loomed up and was strong to the line, holding off CLEARLY INNOCENT (2nd), who wound up to the line. ADMISSON (3rd) ran on well a touch wider.
The Interest
An unlucky run that got a lot of press inches last start sucked the market into starting CLEARLY INNOCENT at $2. He was OK, but had every chance to pick up the winner, who is clearly a more muscular type and just had too much speed on the day. OCEAN GRAND is a big strong raw galloper with more to give. ADMISSION ($81) ran well above expectations and even ISTANBUL ($51) and ANY BLINKIN' DAY ($41) closed off well late. THREE SHEETS in 4th was the unlucky runner, Rob Thompson couldn't find cover at any stage. Follow OCEAN GRAND. Forgive THREE SHEETS.
Race 4 TAB MORE THAN JUST WINNING HANDICAP
Jo Pride's luck turns around
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ammirata | Joseph Pride | Sam Clipperton | 10 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Just a Blur | Barbara Joseph, Paul & Matt Jones | Koby Jennings | 3 | 61.0 | |
| 3 | Final Decision | Jason Coyle | Tim Clark | 8 | 60.0 |
In The Yard
MARY LOU looked neat and strong. FINAL DECISION also a nice type. Most looked ok. JUST A BLUR and MANDALONG a touch one-paced.
In The Running
WILD'N'PROUD strode forward from AMMIRATA. MARY LOU took the trail and MANDALONG KISS was more forward than usual, racing in the box seat. They got rolling for home early and a FAIR tempo was set up.
The Result
AMMIRATA (1st) maintained a long sprint to the line, holding off JUST A BLUR (2nd), who ran on strongly from midfield. FINAL DECISION (3rd) made good ground late, beating home MANDALONG KISS (4th) on the inside. MARY LOU (5th) loomed briefly and was quickly beaten.
The Interest
Jo Pride's mare AMMIRATA was stuck in the worst ground at Randwick last start and Sam Clipperton ensured there were no excuses this time, a really strong win. JUST A BLUR was very good too, along with FINAL DECISION and MANDALONG KISS, the latter nearer the inside in the worst ground. MARY LOU didn't finish off, Cummings horses often have a short prep and this run wasn't a good sign. CAUTHEN'S POWER got too far back and might need further now. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 5 HYLAND RACE COLOURS HANDICAP
Reith gives followers the Royal treatment
strong tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Tudor | Rodney Ollerton | Christian Reith | 5 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | More Than Fabulous | David Payne | Ms Jess Taylor | 6 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Battle of Troy | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 8 | 57.5 |
In The Yard
Very evenly matched race; STRIKE FORCE looked leaner and tough. BAGGIO looked well and had a nice shine to coat.
In The Running
BATTLE OF TROY rolled along at a STRONG tempo, from BAGGIO on his outside. ROYAL TUDOR had the box seat. MORE TO GAIN was slow to begin and was eased out of the race.
The Result
ROYAL TUDOR (1st) moved up nearer the inside and fought bravely, holing off MORE THAN FABULOUS (2nd), who surged home out wider to just miss. BATTLE OF TROY (3rd) stuck on well and SPATSIZI (4th) wound up late.
The Interest
They rolled along in this one and light weights once again helped. ROYAL TUDOR (8 starts for 4 wins now) had finished impressively at Scone and showed that was no fluke, bringing good form to town after a nice ride by Christian Reith. MORE THAN FABULOUS is very fit and loved the strong speed up-front. BATTLE OF TROY set that speed and hung on, burning off BAGGIO into 7th beaten 5 lengths, which is a good indicator for just how good his effort was. It doesn't say much for Tommy Berry's reading of the tempo though. Follow ROYAL TUDOR and BATTLE OF TROY. Forgive MORE TO GAIN.
Race 6 CELLARBRATIONS HANDICAP
Too much Fitness for Zelady
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fitou | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Sam Clipperton | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Il Mio Destino | Kim Waugh | Ms Jess Taylor | 9 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | I Am Zelady | Phillip Stokes | Tim Clark | 4 | 57.5 |
In The Yard
I AM ZELADY nice strong mare with power, but does she have the stamina? HIEROGLYPHICS only a neat type, Rosehill may not be ideal
In The Running
I AM ZELADY jumped best to lead and IL MIO DESTINO pushed up on the outside. HOLY DELUSIONS was slow and got back.
The Result
I AM ZELADY (3rd) quickened early in the straight and looked the winner, but tired late and was swamped by FITOU (1st) from midfield and IL MIO DESTINO (2nd). HOLY DELUSIONS (4th) was only beaten 0.7 lengths out wide and HIEROGLYPHICS (5th) was right in the finish too, beaten 0.8 lengths. There was only a total of 2.8 lengths from first to last.
The Interest
She's a good mare, she's just not a 1350m mare! I AM ZELADY is jumping from the barriers better and should carve her career out as a 1200m horse. FITOU was very genuine once again, she is relishing her racing and there's no reason why she can't carry on. Not much between them all though, a typical mares finish. Follow I AM ZELADY (back in distance).
Race 7 TAB.COM.AU HANDICAP
Another chapter of Pride winners
steady tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Book | Joseph Pride | Sam Clipperton | 2 | 58.5 | |
| 2 | Wudang Mountain | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 3 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Make a Mark | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 6 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
OPEN BOOK looked more powerful than most. Others OK and the favourite MAKE A MARK looked fit enough, but may want further.
In The Running
OPEN BOOK jumped nicely to take the box seat. MAKE A MARK came across to lead from RAJINZ. MOSHULU was stuck wide. Overall, the tempo was only STEADY.
The Result
MAKE A MARK (3rd) started to roll into the turn, while OPEN BOOK (1st) came to his inside and sprinted through. WUDANG MOUNTAIN (2nd) made good ground to the line from midfield. RAJINZ (4th) was right in the finish too.
The Interest
OPEN BOOK was back in-form and had the best sprint, Pride finding the ideal race for him. The STEADY tempo played into his hands. MAKE A MARK and WUDANG MOUNTAIN seem to have the most scope though, both horses that will relish getting up in distance. Some excuses for MOSHULU, he's not a bad type of horse. The vet reported BREWERY had a cardiac arrhythmia. Follow MAKE A MARK and WUDANG MOUNTAIN. Forgive BREWERY.
Race 8 MORE THAN READY @ VINERY HANDICAP
Chances everywhere in a blanket finish
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kontiki Dane | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Kerrin McEvoy | 13 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Sebrina | Bjorn Baker | Christian Reith | 5 | 60.0 | |
| 3 | Dance of Heroes | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 9 | 60.5 |
In The Yard
Very even. KONTIKI DANE looked fit, but may lack sprint. RUSTIC MELODY and SEBRINA scope for 1900m, THERMOGENIC, RYE and SANTA ROCKS look well down in weights.
In The Running
KONTIKI DANE pushed forward to lead DANCE OF HEROES and SANTA ROCKS. A FAIR tempo was set up. AWARD SEASON put pressure on from the turn.
The Result
In a blanket finish, KONTIKI DANE (1st) edged wider and kept lifting, just holding off the challenge of SEBRINA (2nd) and DANCE OF HEROES (3rd). WHITE DOVE (4th), SANTA ROCKS (5th), DIAMONDSINTHENIGHT (6th) and RYE (7th) were all right there!
The Interest
RYE in 7th was a touch unlucky and finished only 1.7 lengths from the winner, that says it all about this race. Lots of good performances, but no world beaters here. KONTIKI DANE is one tough girl and landed good bests on the day. RUSTIC MELODY was well backed all week and was very disappointing. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 9 MCGRATH ESTATE AGENTS HANDICAP
Waller Wondering about big target races
fair tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start Wondering | Chris Waller | Rory Hutchings | 6 | 58.5 | |
| 2 | Paceman | Joseph Pride | Tim Clark | 10 | 53.0 | |
| 3 | Le Cordon Bleu | Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | Tommy Berry | 9 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
PACEMAN a strong muscular sprinter. START WONDERING fit enough first-up, along with SUPREME EFFORT.
In The Running
PACEMAN led from RELIGIFY at FAIR tempo. CROOKED BLAZE was stuck wide just behind them. START WONDERING a touch slow in the back half. SUPREME EFFORT couldn't find much room on the rails.
The Result
PACEMAN (2nd) kept going, but couldn't hold out the rapid finish of START WONDERING (1st). LE CORDON BLEU (3rd) fought on OK to beat RELIGIFY (4th).
The Interest
A gap from the first two to the rest, plus the inkling that these two are quality gallopers, suggests the form could stack up here. PACEMAN a good sprinter and START WONDERING a miler that could reach Group level on what we have seen so far. Not much luck for SUPREME EFFORT back in the pack. Horses like IDANCE, MOUNT NEBO and MAHICAN can improve back to Randwick. Follow PACEMAN and START WONDERING. Forgive SUPREME EFFORT and CROOKED BLAZE.