Yard to the Post @ Royal Randwick
Race Day: Royal Randwick on Saturday, 23 January 2016
Early showers kept the crowds away as racing started under overcast skies and windswept conditions at Royal Randwick. A few gusts of the stiff south-westerly cleared the wet weather by mid afternoon though and the day ended under clear and sunny conditions.
The track itself had a few tricks, starting off as a HEAVY 8 before being upgraded to a SOFT 7. There was a preference to be on-pace and in the 'lane' a couple of horses off the fence.
In the feature race of the day, the Listed Carrington Stakes over 1,400 metres, ZIN ZAN EDDIE easily accounted for his rivals with a strong win. He chased down leader VOILIER before cruising away from the chasing pack in the final stages, relishing the wet conditions.
Apprentice jockeys added to their off-season tally of wins, Kayla Nisbet riding her first city winner in Sydney aboard the undefeated ATOM EVE in Race 5 before Rory Hutchings steered home Waller's SWEET FIRE from the box seat in Race 6. Samantha Clenton made it a 'quaddie' of apprentice wins, taking out Race 7 with TESTASHADOW and Race 8 with the Lees-trained sprinter FELINES.
And Waterhouse made bold claims about the Golden Slipper prospects of two-year-old winner SCARLET RAIN after she showed them a clear pair of heels in Race 2. Gai, along with most other trainers, will be hoping the freakish Magic Millions winner CAPITALIST goes amiss before the Autumn arrives.
The full yard to the post review will be on-line Sunday at 9am.
Track Info
| Rail | +4 metres |
| Conditions | HEAVY 8 to SOFT 7 |
| Weather | Early SHOWERS, then FINE later in afternoon |
| Bias | ON PACE, OFF RAILS (lane few horses off rails) |
Race 1 SCHWEPPES QUALITY
A dashing turn-of-foot in the wet
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
off-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Le Romain | Kris Lees | Glyn Schofield | 1 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Deploy | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Christian Reith | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Stolen Time | Scott Aspery | Jason Collett | 3 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
Nicely presented youngsters in gloomy showery conditions and hardly any-one in the yard. All first-uppers fit enough, LE ROMAIN quite a powerful muscular type.
In The Running
STOLEN TIME jumped well to narrowly lead DEPLOY which kept SHACKED UP wider and continued to travel wide throughout.
The Result
LE ROMAIN (1st) stalked the leaders on the turn and quickly burst through along the inside to hold off DEPLOY (2nd) which stuck on well from on pace. They put a couple of lengths on early leader STOLEN TIME (3rd).
The Interest
Glyn Schofield took the initiative to stay on the inside (still 3-4 horses off rails though) and it paid off as LE ROMAIN was too strong in the wet. Although, straight from the out-set you could see the track wasn't too heavy when it came to times, the time of 58.1 right in the heart of the soft range. Interestingly, LE ROMAIN, DEPLOY and SHACKUD UP (stuck wide, tired late) all shaped as powerful sprinting types, while the fav' TOP SCORE (by HIGH CHAPARRAL) could be looking for further. The best part of his 1100m win on debut was the last 100m and it he did about as much as he could do out wider here given the bias. Follow LE ROMAIN and TOP SCORE (up in distance).
Race 2 TAB MORE THAN JUST WINNING PLATE
Waterhouse makes bold Slipper claims
fair tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
off-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scarlet Rain | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 12 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Twist Tops | Kris Lees | Tommy Berry | 2 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Prized Icon | Kris Lees | Hugh Bowman | 8 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
Two-year-olds all looked relaxed and well behaved in the yard. PRIZED ICON looked a little warm. SNOW SURRENDER is a stronger type.
In The Running
SCARLET RAIN was ridden forward, crossing from an outside gate to lead TO EXCESS which was stuck wide without cover. TWIST TOPS and SNOW SURRENDER enjoyed nice runs in behind the speed. SCARLET RAIN broke clear at the top of the straight.
The Result
SCARLET RAIN (1st) was tiring on the line, but held on from TWIST TOPS (2nd), who fought on behind the leader after being out-sprinted on the turn, and PRIZED ICON, who ran on out wide. There was a big gap to 4th.
The Interest
Another jump and run Waterhouse type ready for the Golden Slipper! SCARLET RAIN bounced and put herself on speed, kicked clear and held on late. The tank was empty on the line and it remains to be seen if she was 'coasting', it was the wet track or if a taxing 1200m will be too much for her. TWIST TOPS chased hard and PRIZED ICON was beaten, but by no means disgraced finishing off the race well.
Race 3 TATTERSALLS CLUB CARRINGTON STAKES
Eddie's time to shine
steady tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
off-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zin Zan Eddie | Matthew Smith | Jason Collett | 6 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Voilier | Gary Nickson | Ms Kathy O'Hara | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Hidden Warrior | Gordon Yorke | Tim Clark | 3 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
ZIN ZAN EDDIE and HIDDEN WARRIOR holding condition well. YOU'LL NEVER looked fit enough. Others OK in the small field.
In The Running
YOU’LL NEVER missed the start around 0.5 lengths. VOILIER got a comfortable lead from HIDDEN WARRIOR, with YOU’LL NEVER pushing up inside ZIN ZAN EDDIE.
The Result
VOILIER (2nd) got rolling into the straight, however ZIN ZAN EDDIE (1st) swept past with ease at the 150m with HIDDEN WARRIOR (3rd) battled on OK.
The Interest
ZIN ZAN EDDIE deserved a victory this time in and duly put this field away easily in his favoured conditions as jockey Jason Collett sat up late. VOILIER was rated well in front, but couldn't maintain his run up in grade. YOU’LL NEVER was slowly away and finished off the race OK fresh, he wasn't favoured by the bias on the day and can run better next time. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 4 CELLARBRATIONS HANDICAP
Cummings produces another first-up winner
steady tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
off-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alpha Beat | Anthony Cummings | Blake Shinn | 6 | 59.5 | |
| 2 | El Sasso | Peter & Paul Snowden | Tim Clark | 8 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Off the Rails | Bjorn Baker | Christian Reith | 5 | 58.0 |
In The Yard
ALPHA BEAT and WILD'N'FAMOUS looked fit enough and fresh. OFF THE RAILS carrying some condition.
In The Running
EL SASSO crossed to lead NITE ROCKER with OFF THE RAILS and ALPHA BEAT in behind.
The Result
ALPHA BEAT (1st) ambled up to EL SASSO (2nd) at the 250m and it quickly became a two horse duel up the straight with the former prevailing. There was a long margin back to OFF THE RAILS (3rd), who just edged out the other two.
The Interest
ALPHA BEAT looked like putting a big space on EL SASSO well into the straight, but the tough Snowden galloper dug in for a riveting duel. It was a great training effort to get this Listed race winner back in style, the Anthony Cummings stable often able to get horses fit early in their preps. As for fav' WILD'N'FAMOUS, the ride from Winona Costin suggested EL SASSO was the one the stable favoured. Back, wide and battling against the bias.. not ideal if you backed him. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 5 TAB HIGHWAY HANDICAP
Atomic power off to The Championships
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atom Eve | Norm Gardner | Ms Kayla Nisbet | 2 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Lord Von Costa | Donna Scott | Jason Collett | 4 | 53.5 | |
| 3 | All Summer Long | Kris Lees | James McDonald | 7 | 60.0 |
In The Yard
CHAMPIONMET looked a little warm. ALL SUMMER LONG is big and strong. ATOM EVE looked relaxed. No knocks others.
The Result
ATOM EVE (1st) picked up best nearer the inside to fend off a wall of challengers including LORD VON COSTA (2nd) which stuck on gamely and ALL SUMMER LONG (3rd) with the big weight.
The Interest
ATOM EVE stepped up in class again, and remains unbeaten after a gutsy win as all of the others had their chance to run her down in the straight. It was the first city winner in Sydney for jockey Kayla Nisbet. The Championships may now wait for trainer Norm Gardner. LORD VON COSTA was game in defeat after never being on the track, while the big weight told over the final stages for ALL SUMMER LONG as he loomed in the straight. The best of the closers was ABOUT TIME who ran on strongly from well back. Follow ATOM EVE. Forgive LORD VON COSTA.
Race 6 MORE THAN READY @ VINERY HANDICAP
Hutchings Fires a winner home
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweet Fire | Darren Weir | Rory Hutchings | 2 | 62.5 | |
| 2 | Kellyville Flyer | Jason Attard & Lucy Keegan-Attard | Jeff Penza | 6 | 59.5 | |
| 3 | Lucy's Look | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 8 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
Waller’s four runners all looked ok in the yard. SWEET FIRE is a strong type. Wet-tracker MYDREAM a very fit horse.
In The Running
KELLYVILLE FLYER crossed to lead PIONEERING faced who the breeze while SWEET FIRE found the box seat. PICO TURQUINO missed the start by 4 lengths.
The Result
SWEET FIRE (1st) snuck up nearer the inside and sprinted past KELLYVILLE FLYER (2nd) in the run to the line. LUCY’S LOOK (3rd) made up ground out wide.
The Interest
Even with the claim, SWEET FIRE still had to lump the big weight, however she did it in style for a strong win. Young Hutchings finding the box seat and getting the job done. KELLYVILLE FLYER was gallant in defeat (bias helped) and LUCY'S LOOK made up some ground. The fav' PIONEERING was disappointing, the only possible excuses being a strong wind down the back straight? PICO TURQUINO is proving to be very frustrating for connections and punters alike after missing the start yet again. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 7 TAB.COM.AU HANDICAP
Much easier than the Magic Millions
steady tempo
Bias:
on-pace
,
off-rails in straight
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Testashadow | Gary Portelli | Ms Samantha Clenton | 4 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Cauthen's Power | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 5 | 57.5 | |
| 3 | Archean | Darren Weir | Jason Collett | 7 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
ARCHEAN was looking sharp enough. KHALID a little on toes. Others looked relaxed and well.
In The Running
TESTASHADOW jumped nicely to control the race from ARCHEAN with KHALID trapped wide without cover. CHESTNUT ROAD was slow to begin.
The Result
TESTASHADOW (1st) cruised into the straight and got away from CAUTHEN’S POWER (2nd) along the inside, with ARCHEAN (3rd) and KHALID (4th) sticking on well.
The Interest
Samantha Clenton got to the 'A1' position and TESTASHADOW showed his class coming back from the Magic Millions in Queensland. The drying ground helped as did the lack of mid-race pressure, a horse with a better turn-of-foot than others in this field. CAUTHEN’S POWER ground away again (surely needs further now!?) and ARCHEAN also had every chance after being a little one paced in the straight too. KHALID showed enough to suggest he's ready too. Follow TESTASHADOW and KHALID (over further).
Race 8 MCGRATH ESTATE AGENTS HANDICAP
The classy Felines pounces again
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Felines | Kris Lees | Ms Samantha Clenton | 7 | 61.0 | |
| 2 | Rose of Man | Terry Robinson | Brodie Loy | 2 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Raido | Kris Lees | Hugh Bowman | 5 | 60.0 |
In The Yard
FLORAL INSIGHT was well presented for start no. 98. Lees’ runners FELINES and RAIDO looked fit enough.
In The Running
QUELL took up the running from RAIDO and FLORAL INSIGHT, with FELINES tucking in behind them. COSMIC CAMEO was a touch out-sped mid-race (settled in 5th) after jumping well.
The Result
FELINES (1st) tracked up nicely and quickened to win, from ROSE OF MAN (2nd), who ran on late from the outside. RAIDO (3rd) and COSMIC CAMEO (4th) behind them and a big gap to 5th.
The Interest
Too much class from FELINES and an impressive run from ROSE OF MAN against the bias. Both horses are going well, but FELINES tends to race best fresh in her preparations and ROSE OF MAN could have more to give this time in. RAIDO and COSMIC CAMEO both solid, as usual. Follow ROSE OF MAN.
Race 9 HYLAND RACE COLOURS HANDICAP
Two tough stayers battle it out
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White Dove | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tim Clark | 5 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Mr Steal | Brian Lawlor | James Innes Jnr | 3 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Thurston | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 7 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
WHITE DOVE was proving tough to handle in the yard as usual. MR STEAL a big tough type. KING'S OFFICER smaller and leaner.
In The Running
MR STEAL was ridden to take up the lead and WHITE DOVE slotted in to take the box seat. RED DUBAWI settled outside the leader.
The Result
MR STEAL (2nd) rolled along and kept lifting as WHITE DOVE (1st) challenged from the box seat. Only a nose separated them. THURSTON (3rd) stayed on after settling behind WHITE DOVE. KING'S OFFICE (4th) peaked on his run after looking like a threat. LOVING HOME was eased up.
The Interest
Once MR STEAL found the lead and WHITE DOVE found the box seat that was always going to be the battle. MR STEAL rolls along setting a testing gallop for the others and given the bias, the slip-stream WHITE DOVE had ensured she was the most likely challenger. MR STEAL showed in the last 200m that stepping up in distance will be ideal now. LOVING HOME eased down, we'll check the Stewards' Report for issues. Follow MR STEAL.