Yard to the Post @ Royal Randwick
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 16 January 2016
Exotic flavours filled the eating areas at Royal Randwick for the Chinese Festival of Racing, a promotion by the Australian Turf Club that brought a diverse audience to the track. Dragon puppets entertained race-goers, but there wasn't much fire-breathing when it came to the on-track action, the card plagued by small fields and tactical battles.
The excitement improved late in the day when ROARING TO WIN produced a strong surge to break clear of the pack in Race 8 after KURTLEY had worn favourites IDANCE and TREE OF JESSE into the turf. That made it a double for the duo of Costin and Snowden, who also combined to win Race 1 with roughie SNIPPETS LAND.
That was followed by a capacity field for Race 9, where class galloper MAGICAL STANCE couldn't hold off the tough mare PIAMIMI, who produced a rapid dash from midfield.
Silky jockey skills were on display in Race 3 as Hugh Bowman out-rode young Andrew Adkins to sneak home SELITA (picture) for another win over the favourite MISS ROYALE.
A full yard to the post review is provided below.
Track Info
| Rail | TRUE |
| Conditions | SOFT 6 (upgraded from SOFT 7), fast times run late in day |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | OFF RAILS, then NEAR PACE later in day |
Race 1 GLOBAL INDEPENDENT QC & INSPECTION MAROUBRA MILE
The Snowden's land a good roughie
steady tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snippets Land | Peter & Paul Snowden | Ms Winona Costin | 7 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Marenostro | Gayna Williams | Taylor Marshall | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Slow Pace | Kris Lees | Tommy Berry | 6 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
All four look well, GREAT ESTEEM tough & ready, MONTON big, strong well & can quicken, SNIPPETS LAND just as powerful.
In The Running
GREAT ESTEEM went to the lead under a hold with MARENOSTRO moving up on his outside. MONTON was in the box seat under a hold. A STEADY tempo was set up.
The Result
SNIPPETS LAND (1st) came to the outside and charged home best to catch MARENOSTRO (2nd). SLOW PACE (3rd) ran on down the outside.
The Interest
A tactical race and the Snowden's got SNIPPETS LAND back in form. He paraded well after some very average recent runs, on his best ratings the handicap of 53kg put him right into this. The money was right on the mark. Disappointing runs from GREAT ESTEEM and MONTON, GREAT ESTEEM pulling himself into the unfavourable position of leading on the inside of MARENOSTRO, so could be forgiven. Too wet for MONTON? SLOW PACE ran on nicely into 3rd and is read for 1800m+ now. Follow SLOW PACE.
Race 2 AGRIBABA / AUNONG.COM PLATE
A total professional from Godolphin
steady tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tessera | Richard Litt | James McDonald | 8 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | My Country | Peter & Paul Snowden | Ms Winona Costin | 7 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Canny Rocket | Darren Weir | Tye Angland | 4 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
Fav' MOUNT PANORAMA athletic, KINGS OF LEON strong and well, TESSERA also good. CANNY ROCKET solid/well, JEXERLENT OK. TESSERA and MISS BALLANTINE both very professional in trials.
In The Running
TESSERA went up to lead from SERENASPHERE and MANDALONG BELLE striding up wider. They controlled the tempo. MOUNT PANORAMA and MY COUNTRY were both slow to get away and got back. CANNY ROCKET was a touch keen in midfield. MOUNT PANORAMA was keen back on the inside.
The Result
CANNY ROCKET (3rd) moved up nearer the inside to challenge TESSERA (1st), but the leader kept kicking. He clearer out with MY COUNTRY (2nd), who was good from the back late. KINGS OF LEON was very wayward back and wide on the track.
The Interest
James Mac earned his riding fee putting the Godolphin professional TESSERA straight to the front. The money came for MY COUNTRY and his run was perhaps better, storming home to catch most of the on-pacers. CANNY ROCKET was also good. As for MOUNT PANORAMA, he's an athletic type that wasn't helped by the tempo or bias. We'll have to wait 'til next time to see how good he is. Follow TESSERA and CANNY ROCKET.
Race 3 YOUNG FARMING CHAMPIONS HANDICAP
Bowman wins a tactical affair
slow tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Selita | Mark Newnham | Hugh Bowman | 3 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Miss Royale | Chris Waller | Andrew Adkins | 6 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | In a Wink | Justin McIntosh | Ms Samantha Clenton | 5 | 61.0 |
In The Yard
All three favoured runners fine. SELITA nice type, MISS ROYALE well, IN A WINK fit and has a good turn-of-foot, she could surprise.
In The Running
SELITA went to take up the running easily from the roughie YOUIZ JANE on her outside. MISS ROYALE was keen early at the back. IN A WINK in the box seat.
The Result
SELITA (1st) edged off the rails and IN A WINK (3rd) loomed up briefly but her run ended. MISS ROYALE (2nd) chased hard late and couldn't quite get there.
The Interest
There was a 5kg swing to the runner-up after these two horses finished alongside each-other last start at Rosehill, but that didn't count for much when Bowman dictated terms up front. They are both nice horses and MISS ROYALE could have more to give over longer distances. IN A WINK probably wants 1100m to 1200m, she had her chance. Follow MISS ROYALE (up in distance).
Race 4 AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL HORSE RACING FEDERATION HANDICAP
Back-to-back wins for Waller's charger
steady tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Loophole | Chris Waller | Tye Angland | 6 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Dance of Heroes | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 4 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Moral Victory | Tim Martin | Hugh Bowman | 3 | 57.5 |
In The Yard
LOOPHOLE and EMERALD CITY well third-up. DANCE OF HEROES OK, but big strider on this track? BANKSTERS BONUS fit and well.
In The Running
CELESTIAL SKY rolled forward to lead from MORAL VICTORY. They backed off the tempo and DANCES OF HEROES strode up outside the leader mid-race. BANKSETRS BONUS went back to last.
The Result
LOOPHOLE (1st) worked to the outside and surged home late, from DANCES OF HEROES (2nd), who had taken over in the straight. MORAL VICTORY (3rd) fought on ok and EMERALD CITY (4th) kept on out wider.
The Interest
A stop start tactical race and in the end Waller's LOOPHOLE was simply too strong again, even with the 59kg! He's flying this preparation and his hitting the line with style. DANCES OF HEROES was honest, over-racing was a negative, but making an early move was a positive. MORAL VICTORY OK and EMERALD CITY one-paced, he doesn't have the armoury of a lot of other Saturday class horses. Follow LOOPHOLE.
Race 5 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
Another hot speed in the Highway Handicap
strong tempo
Bias:
off-rails
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hermosa Beach | Matthew Dale | Brenton Avdulla | 4 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Red Hot Dane | Gavin Groth | Mr Lester Grace | 9 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Another Valley | Bob Milligan | Andrew Adkins | 8 | 53.0 |
In The Yard
Horses turned out well, SIR HAGRID good muscle (1400m?), ISTANBUL fit and on toes, STAR SHAFT big strong talented, no knocks.
In The Running
SIR HAGRID was urged from the outside to lead and got fired up, spearing to a big lead at a STRONG tempo. VEE EIGHT SIXTY moved up to sending and SHOWMORE in the box seat. HERMOSA BEACH was slowish and got urged into the pack, which was strung out due to the hot speed.
The Result
HERMOSA BEACH (1st) tracked into it nicely wider and stormed home. RED HOT DANE (2nd) and ANOTHER VALLEY (3rd) also ran home with ISTANBUL (4th), who was flat-footed on the turn.
The Interest
Good money for the winner, which looked risky once the gates open and he flopped out. A crazy tempo set by the 7yo SIR HAGRID ensured he had every chance to get into the race though and Brenton Avdulla found the right run. ISTANBUL lost his momentum around the critical turn / Randwick Rise. Don't be too harsh on STAR SHAFT who loomed up after racing near the speed. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 6 TOP IDEAL SCM HANDICAP
Waterhouse's blue blood bounces back
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
off-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | River Wild | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tommy Berry | 5 | 58.5 | |
| 2 | Painted Firetail | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 6 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Stravigo | Peter & Paul Snowden | Koby Jennings | 4 | 61.0 |
In The Yard
All horses fine in the yard. PAINTED FIRETAIL well, maybe 95% fit, STRAVIGO powered, WHAT COULD BE only a lean leggy type, is he up to this?
In The Running
CRUISE POWER went to a clear lead from RIVER WILD and STRAVIGO moving up wider. WIDE ACCLAIM was stuck out on a limb and PAINTED FIRETAIL back on the inside.
The Result
RIVER WILD (1st) tracked up wider and went on with it, beating home STRAVIGO (3rd) who had loomed up but couldn't sustain his run. PAINTED FIRETAIL (3rd) made ground back nearer the inside.
The Interest
RIVER WILD was ridden very aggressively last start and seemed to relish tracking into the race off the leader this time. He was a clear winner, although the favourite PAINTED FIRETAIL didn't find the best ground. STRAVIGO did what most thought he would (sprint, lack final surge) and BAROOD (4th) was just OK. WIDE ACCLAIM (5th) had a stop start run out wider, but he ground was OK out there. Follow RIVER WILD (up to 1400m now?). Forgive PAINTED FIRETAIL (bias against).
Race 7 AUSTRALIAN CHINESE PRIMARY INDUSTRY COUNCIL SUMMER SPRINT
Ronny's Randwick specialist salutes
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
off-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boss Lane | Ron Quinton | Andrew Adkins | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Gojo Mimo | Brad Herne | Jason Collett | 8 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Big Money | Rodney Northam | Koby Jennings | 5 | 63.0 |
In The Yard
BOSS LANE holds shape, sure to run a race. BIG MONEY fit enough fresh to run well. Only EARTHLY TIGER lacks class to win.
In The Running
GOJO MIMO went to the lead and BIG MONEY moved up on the inside with DIAMOND OASIS just off them. BOSS LANE was out the back.
The Result
BOSS LANE (1st) moved up the inside and was much too strong over the last 100m, breaking clear from GOJO MIMO (2nd) and BIG MONEY (3rd).
The Interest
An interesting little race, you'd guess the 2nd, 3rd and 4th horses weren't quite at their best. BOSS LANE is a very solid competitor that loves Royal Randwick (5th win here!), once he was near them at the 300m you knew he was going to have the surge over 1000m to finish over the top of them. The bias looked OFF RAILS, but this horse does like the rails. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 8 PINGTAN CUP
A light-weight swooper charges past
strong tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
off-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roaring to Win | Peter & Paul Snowden | Ms Winona Costin | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Lunar Rise | John Sargent | Glyn Schofield | 7 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Randiki | Natasha Hall-Antonio | Chris O'Brien | 4 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
Very even race! IDANCE suited at Randwick & well, LIBERTY'S CHOICE & KURTLEY ready, RICHARD THE FIRST lean/tough, SOROS fine, as are most others. ROARING TO WIN shine to coat.
In The Running
A good line out. KURTLEY pushed on to lead and string the field out from IDANCE and LIBERTY'S CHOICE. LUNAR RISE had a nice trial and ROARING TO WIN followed him up. TREE OF JESS was stuck wide at the back.
The Result
LUNAR RISE (2nd) tracked up nicely and finished off, but he was no match for ROARING TO WIN (1st), who stormed over the top of them. RANDIKI (3rd) ran on late to grab RICHARD THE FIRST (4th).
The Interest
They set a good honest speed and a couple of horses got the dream trail. ROARING TO WIN was one of them and went on with it after looking good in the yard. Carrying 52.5kg was a dream for this tough galloper. LUNAR RISE also had the perfect 'drop' on the leading group and bounced back to form. RICHARD THE FIRST had every chance, RANDIKI was solid and SOROS seemed to struggled around the turn / Randwick Rise section of the race, closing off late. TREE OF JESSE was poor and was found to have bled unfortunately (VET: Bled, barred for 3 months). Racing on that tempo with 60.5kg was too much for IDANCE (VET: Lame). Follow ROARING TO WIN and LUNAR RISE.
Race 9 NATIONAL FARMERS FEDERATION HANDICAP
Class versus the Handicapper in a close finish
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
off-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Piamimi | Greg Bennett | Adam Sewell (a3) | 9 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Magical Stance | Ron Quinton | Andrew Adkins | 5 | 62.0 | |
| 3 | Got Unders | Jay Hopkins | Mr Lester Grace | 16 | 59.5 |
In The Yard
Another tricky race, horses near pace favoured now. GOT UNDERS fit and MAGICAL STANCE strong / well. No real knocks apart from MANOEUVRING, who doesn't appear to have the stamina for a genuine 1600m
In The Running
GOT UNDERS worked across to lead from CABEZA DE VACA and BROCKMAN with MAGICAL STANCE in the box seat, who pushed forward after being a bit slow to begin. MANOEUVRING was the galloper stuck wide with no cover in midfield.
The Result
PIAMIMI (1st) got to the outside and ran on well to just catch MAGICAL STANCE (2nd), who had moved up nearer the inside and fought on. GOT UNDERS (3rd) stuck on in the lead.
The Interest
Horses slightly nearer the pace were favoured late in the day and PIAMIMI did a good job here to run on from off the speed. She's a genuine chaser that can quicken into her races and the light weight definitely helped. MAGICAL STANCE was very good along with GOT UNDERS. Favourite ANOTHER COCKTAIL beat home all the other horses from his previous race, as expected, the form-line didn't stand up though against the others. FRANK WHO disappointed (VET: Lame). Follow MAGICAL STANCE back up to 1800m+ now.