Yard to the Post @ Golden Slipper Day
Race Day: Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, 19 March 2016
With a devastating finishing burst from champion mare WINX, a masterful training effort from Snowden with Golden Slipper winner CAPITALIST, soul-stirring finish from THE UNITED STATES and two genius rides from Craig William and Craig Newitt on TARZINO and GRIANTE, today was a day of racing to be remembered.
The Golden Slipper was of course the highlight and Peter Snowden partnered with his son Paul to repeat the feats of Sepoy only a few years earlier. Similar to Sepoy, CAPITALIST had lost his lead-up run follwing a string of wins before that.
The winner of the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast sprinted brilliantly to the lead 200 metres from home and hung on late from a very brave YANKEE ROSE.
Punters that stayed with the impressive colt were repaid with the biggest two-year-old victory there is.
A full yard to the post review is provided below.
Track Info
| Rail | +2 metres |
| Conditions | GOOD 4 |
| Weather | FINE, wind helping in straight |
| Bias | FAIR to OFF RAILS |
Race 1 NATHAN'S FAMOUS EPONA STAKES
James Mac has the winning knack
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vergara | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Daniel Moor | 7 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Heavens Above | Tim Martin | Tye Angland | 6 | 56.0 | |
| 3 | Sweet Fire | Darren Weir | Tommy Berry | 5 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
VERGARA is a strong type some risk at distance. Most mares looked well in nice conditions, not too hot. SWEET FIRE looked better in the yard than last time.
In The Running
VERGARA took up the running from ALL CERISE, SKYLINE BLUSH and ALEGRIA, while SWEET FIRE moved up wider with no cover. There wasn't much pressure.
The Result
VERGARA (1st) ramped it up into the turn and held off HEAVENS ABOVE (2nd), who ran on gamely. SWEET FIRE (3rd) stuck on in a close finish.
The Interest
James Mac picked up this ride last minute and gave this girl a peach. Risks on her stamina over the distance were helped by some steady early sections and there was just too much ground for HEAVENS ABOVE to make up. SWEET FIRE was perhaps the run of the race stuck wide the whole way. PIAMIMI (5th) used her turn-of-foot to get into the race. Follow HEAVENS ABOVE and SWEET FIRE.
Race 2 IRRESISTIBLE POOLS & SPAS N E MANION CUP
An open and shut case for Waller
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Libran | Chris Waller | Brenton Avdulla | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Cafe Society | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Tommy Berry | 2 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Gallante | Robert Hickmott | James McDonald | 8 | 57.0 |
In The Yard
LIBRAN looked well in the yard, most ok, just leaner and lack power/sprint, including AUVRAY. GALLANTE and DO YOU REMEMBER from Melbourne looked fine.
In The Running
GALLANTE and CAFE SOCIETY steadily went to the lead and LIBRAN popped off the rails behind them in the perfect spot. BEYOND THANKFUL was ridden for cover and snuck up the inside.
The Result
LIBRAN (1st) moved in to the clear and drove past the leaders CAFE SOCIETY (2nd) and GALLANTE (3rd), who fought on after an easy run. ANOTHER COCKTAIL (4th) made some ground.
The Interest
A pretty simple job here for Avdulla, once he found space on the classy LIBRAN there was little doubt in the result. Hard to be enthused about any of the runs behind. GALLANTE and CAFE SOCIETY got cheap runs. Perhaps BEYOND THANKFUL and AUVRAY would prefer a stronger tempo, two of many one-paced types in the race. Follow LIBRAN.
Race 3 THE SEBRING
Power and speed is all you need
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern Legend | Les Bridge | Tim Clark | 5 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Egyptian Symbol | Bjorn Baker | Brenton Avdulla | 1 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Denmagic | David Pfieffer | Christian Reith | 7 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
Most present looked well, powered. SOUTHERN LEGEND a touch hot/keen and expected to go fast. SERENE MAJESTY was on her toes ready to go. TAKEDOWN, FLIPPANT, EGYPTIAN SYMBOL also looked well. Melbourne horses looked fine.
In The Running
A nice line out, FLIPPANT took up the lead from TAKEDOWN and REGATTA REBEL wider. SOUTHERN LEGEND looked for cover just behind them and found it.
The Result
SOUTHERN LEGEND (1st) came to the outside and sprinted best, from EGYPTIAN SYMBOL (2nd) who ran on up the inside. DENMAGIC (3rd) made good ground through the pack to grab TAKEDOWN (4th) on the line. COUNTERATTACK (5th) ran on steadily out wider.
The Interest
SOUTHERN LEGEND is a powered sprinter with a great turn-of-foot, perfect for Rosehill and he won well again. EGYPTIAN SYMBOL is a seriously talented filly herself. DENMAGIC was ready to go today. TAKEDOWN and COUNTERATTACK could be better up to 1300m+ now, along with EGYPTIAN SYMBOL. Follow EGYPTIAN SYMBOL.
Race 4 RANVET STAKES
America rules in Sydney's west
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The United States | Robert Hickmott | Kerrin McEvoy | 7 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Hauraki | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | James McDonald | 2 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Criterion | David & B Hayes & T Dabernig | Michael Walker | 3 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
DIBAYANI looked a touch warm, but nothing wrong, good muscle for sprint. CRITERION looked lean and mean, but is he too mean? Most fine, just the import STORM THE STARS that is a bit flighty.
In The Running
BOHEMIAN LILY came across to lead and KOOL KOMPANY moved around the outside. DIBAYANI parked behind them and was just a touch keen.
The Result
DIBAYANI (4th) loomed on the turn, but THE UNITED STATES (1st) ran on up the inside and HAURAKI (2nd) peeked out and ran on too. The two of them had a great duel with THE UNITED STATES holding off HAURAKI. CRITERION (3rd) ran on out wider many lengths back.
The Interest
With questions on the fitness and form of some of the big guns, it was left to the in-form HAURAKI and THE UNITED STATES to fight it out. They may not be the best 2000m horses in Australia (WINX is $2 to beat them in the Queen Elizabeth), but they are at their peak. DIBAYANI seemed to just be average up to 2000m (big market drifter, all ok?). CRITERION and MONGOLIAN KHAN just not quite at their best. Follow HAURAKI and THE UNITED STATES.
Race 5 CHINA HORSE CLUB GEORGE RYDER STAKES
All hail the greatest equine athlete
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winx | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 7 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Kermadec | Chris Waller | Zac Purton | 6 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Press Statement | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 1 | 56.0 |
In The Yard
All eyes on the star WINX, she's in great shape. Big long sprint! FIRST SEAL and most others looked well. TURN ME LOOSE on his toes, does he have the class and sprint needed?
In The Running
TURN ME LOOSE took up the running as expected with FIRST SEAL just behind. WINX had to do some work to get into a spot near the pace with no cover.
The Result
WINX (1st) cruised up and was too good late for a very game KERMADEC (2nd), who ran in up the inside. PRESS STATEMENT (3rd) fought on gamely after getting a good run.
The Interest
WINX is a star, an absolute superstar! Once again she was superior and franked herself as the best in the country. Surely there aren't many better going around? KERMADEC was very good too not far behind. He's got claims on being the second best now that CRITERION is seemingly out of form. Follow WINX (she'll win the Queen Elizabeth in a canter!) and KERMADEC.
Race 6 SKY RACING ROSEHILL GUINEAS
Superior strength from the Derby winner
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tarzino | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | Craig Newitt | 2 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Montaigne | Anthony Cummings | Blake Shinn | 3 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Jameka | Ciaron Maher | Damien Oliver | 14 | 54.5 |
In The Yard
Well presented 3yos, Melbourne horses in fold shape. MONTAIGNE, CROSLEY HOTSHOT, SPANISH STRIDE looked a touch hot, but fine.
In The Running
TARZINO found a nice spot in the box seat after being urged along. RIVER WILD and JAMEKA took up the running. LE ROMAIN was in a nice spot just off the leaders. GOLD AMBITION was stuck wide.
The Result
TARZINO (1st) surged through and kept lifting, holding off MONTAIGNE (2nd), who had made his run nearer the inside from just behind him. JAMEKA (3rd) fought on.
The Interest
TARZINO is a seriously strong stayer and has the Derby at his mercy after this effort. It was a great ride, using the barrier to make sure he wasn't out-sprinted at the back. MONTAIGNE was brave. LE ROMAIN didn't stay the distance. ETYMOLOGY is improving now and could place again in the upcoming Derby, he finished 2nd to 1 in the Victorian version in the Spring. JAMEKA put in a great Oaks trial. Follow TARZINO.
Race 7 LONGINES GOLDEN SLIPPER
Snowden King of the two-year-old mountain again!
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capitalist | Peter & Paul Snowden | Blake Shinn | 2 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Yankee Rose | David Vandyke | Zac Purton | 3 | 54.5 | |
| 3 | Flying Artie | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | Damien Oliver | 5 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
Shining 2yos, EXTREME CHOICE is small, compact and DEFCON taller, leggy different types. No knocks DEFCON, KISS AND MAKE UP, ASTERN, STAR TURN all shining too.
In The Running
SWEET SHERRY went forward with ASTERN and FLYING ARTIE was in a handy position. EXTREME CHOICE missed the start and got back. CAPITALIST was in a handy position too.
The Result
CAPITALIST (1st) moved up, peeled wider and quickened to the lead, from YANKEE ROSE (2nd), who stormed home late. FLYING ARTIE (3rd) fought on nearer the inside just holding on from TELPERION (4th) weaving through.
The Interest
He was the long standing Slipper fav' and after losing to KISS AND MAKE UP had drifted in the market, but it turns out Snowden had a lot more in the locker! Just like Sepoy (Snowden trained too) CAPITALIST bounced back to a big win. YANKEE ROSE was ever so brave chasing and EXTREME CHOICE ever so unlucky missing the start. TELPERION stormed home too! YANKEE ROSE shapes as a Group 1 winner in the upcoming Sires Produce. Follow CAPITALIST, FLYING ARTIE, TELPERION, FLYING ARTIE and YANKEE ROSE. Forgive EXTREME CHOICE.
Race 8 BANJO GALAXY
The luck turns around for this mare
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Griante | David Brideoake & Matt Jenkins | Craig Williams | 1 | 51.0 | |
| 2 | Shiraz | Kim Waugh | Brett Prebble | 10 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Dothraki | Peter & Paul Snowden | Blake Shinn | 6 | 55.0 |
In The Yard
Good looking sprinters in the yard, TERRAVISTA is powerful. DOTHRAKI and GRIANTE also looked very well. ENGLISH straight to the track.
In The Running
BALL OF MUSCLE took up the running and DOTHRAKI found a nice spot just off them. GRIANTE settled in the rails a couple of lengths off in midfield. ENGLISH got way back to last.
The Result
DOTHRAKI (3rd) moved up strongly, but GRIANTE (1st) sprinted through to the lead. SHIRAZ (2nd) wound up late out wider and FELL SWOOP (4th) fought on.
The Interest
The unlucky runners in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate all performed here. GRIANTE sprinted up to win that race before she was driven into the rear ends of horses by young jockey Harry Coffey. We saw this time what might have happened there if she had clear room. DOTHRAKI (stuck wide last start) and FELL SWOOP (blocked) were the other two. SHIRAZ of course brilliant over Rosehill's 1100m again! Follow GRIANTE and FELL SWOOP.
Race 9 TAB BIRTHDAY CARD STAKES
Group 1 form-lines do the job
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sultry Feeling | James Cummings | Blake Shinn | 14 | 55.0 | |
| 2 | Lucky Can Be | Ron Quinton | Sam Clipperton | 5 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Perignon | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Kerrin McEvoy | 7 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
CRADLE ME as good as she can look, a nuggetty type. BRING ME THE MAID was fit and ready, most looked well. TWO BLUE and TENDER may need the run. VEZALAY and FLASHING SPEED have good power for this track, LUCKY CAN BE is smaller.
In The Running
FLASHING SPEED came across and went to the lead with TWO BLUE moving up too. SULTRY FEELING had cover just off them three wide. ONEMOREZETA was wide no cover on the pace. PERIGNON found the box seat.
The Result
SULTRY FEELING (1st) peeled out and was too strong to the line, just holding off a very tough LUCKY CAN BE ( 2nd) up the inside. PERIGNON (3rd) fought on and CRADLE ME (4th) powered home late.
The Interest
SULTRY FEELING had the form after beating home Group 1 Coolmore Classic winner Peeping last start. She was ridden perfectly and did the job. LUCKY CAN BE put in an amazing run, just a small mare that should relish a tough Randwick track over the Autumn. Follow LUCKY CAN BE.
Race 10 NEWCASTLE NEWMARKET HANDICAP
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Artistry | Peter & Paul Snowden | Thomas Huet | 9 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Nancy | Peter & Paul Snowden | Tommy Berry | 3 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Amovatio | Chris Waller | Hugh Bowman | 7 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
AMOVATIO and ARTISTRY looked the best in the yard, most well. QUEEN OF KARIBA and NANCY looked a touch leaner/smaller than the others.