Melbourne jockey Chris Symons was the king of Morphetville on Saturday after securing a winning listed race treble.
Symons has barely travelled outside of Victoria in his established career, but in the last month has made two winning trips into South Australia.
After winning the listed Magic Millions Adelaide classic on Toorak Toff on March 6th, Symons won a further three listed races on Saturday.
The first of Symons’ winners came from the Moe stable of Peter Gelagotis when the daughter of ‘More than Ready’, ‘Floramour’ was a long head winner of the listed 1200m Manihi Classic.
Gelagotis had the four year old entered for a suitable race at Caulfield but opted to head to Adelaide instead.
"She ran a good race three starts ago behind Solchow and then ran well behind Velocitea, who came to Adelaide and ran second in a Group 1," Gelagotis said.
The second of Symons' victories was his best as he worked hard to win the listed 1800 metres St. Clair Port Adelaide Guineas aboard ‘Red Colossus’.
Victorian based trainer Greg Eurell realises Red Colossus is a promising stayer, and the win has signalled Derby intentions for the son of Testa Rossa.
"He's a horse who takes a long time to get into his rhythm and the Derby trip will be ideal."
Chris Symons brought up his treble when ‘Sound of Nature’ won the C.S. Hayes Memorial Cup for Mornington based trainer Lee Freedman convincingly.
After finally tasting interstate success, Symons is sure to chase riches over the Autumn carnival in Sydney, and Adelaide's Super Sunday on May the 2nd.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Captain set for another Shoot Out
Roger Milne trained 'Captain Sonador' is hoping to turn the tables on outstanding galloper 'Shoot Out' with victory in Saturday's Group 1 Rosehill Guineas.
Since heading south from Toowoomba into New South Wales, the colt's performances have exceeded all expectations, especially against Shoot Out whom Milne regards highly.
After placing in the Hobartville Stakes at his first run, Captain Sonador proved that it was no fluke, finishing third in the Randwick Guineas a fortnight ago.
Milne is pleased with the colts progress and believes that with a little luck, the stallion prospect might just beat John Wallace's stable star.
"There's not much between Captain Sonador and Shoot Out," Milne said, "Each time they've met in the Magic Millions Trophy, Hobartville and now in the Randwick Guineas, there's been only about a length between them at the finish".
As with 'Shoot Out', the Rosehill Guineas will decide whether running in the Derby remains an option for Milne.
"I'm sure 2000 metres is going to suit him, then I'll decide if he goes on to the Derby or spells which means he won't run during the winter back home".
One thing is for certain this Saturday, wherever Shoot Out goes, Captiain Sondaor will be right there with him, every step of the way.
Captain Sonador is currently rated as an $8.50 chance behind favourite Shoot Out at $3.30.
Since heading south from Toowoomba into New South Wales, the colt's performances have exceeded all expectations, especially against Shoot Out whom Milne regards highly.
After placing in the Hobartville Stakes at his first run, Captain Sonador proved that it was no fluke, finishing third in the Randwick Guineas a fortnight ago.
Milne is pleased with the colts progress and believes that with a little luck, the stallion prospect might just beat John Wallace's stable star.
"There's not much between Captain Sonador and Shoot Out," Milne said, "Each time they've met in the Magic Millions Trophy, Hobartville and now in the Randwick Guineas, there's been only about a length between them at the finish".
As with 'Shoot Out', the Rosehill Guineas will decide whether running in the Derby remains an option for Milne.
"I'm sure 2000 metres is going to suit him, then I'll decide if he goes on to the Derby or spells which means he won't run during the winter back home".
One thing is for certain this Saturday, wherever Shoot Out goes, Captiain Sondaor will be right there with him, every step of the way.
Captain Sonador is currently rated as an $8.50 chance behind favourite Shoot Out at $3.30.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Aussie travellers draw well in Dubai
Australian representatives 'All Silent' and 'Eagle Falls' have both drawn well in their respective races on Dubai World Cup night this Sunday.
All Silent contests the Group 3, million dollar Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) on turf, and has drawn barrier four in a field 16.
All Silent holds the highest rating of any runner in the field at 119, and should prove to be hard to beat from his ideal barrier.
For the Group 1 two million dollar Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) on the Tapeta surface, David Hayes trained Eagle Falls will begin from barrier two.
In other Australian news, former Peter Snowden trained galloper 'Fravashi' also starts in the Al Quoz, and has drawn ideally in barrier seven.
All Silent contests the Group 3, million dollar Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) on turf, and has drawn barrier four in a field 16.
All Silent holds the highest rating of any runner in the field at 119, and should prove to be hard to beat from his ideal barrier.
For the Group 1 two million dollar Dubai Golden Shaheen (1200m) on the Tapeta surface, David Hayes trained Eagle Falls will begin from barrier two.
In other Australian news, former Peter Snowden trained galloper 'Fravashi' also starts in the Al Quoz, and has drawn ideally in barrier seven.
Iron Horse takes out Ranvet
Gai Waterhouse’s new iron horse ‘Theseo’ proved he’s definitely at his peak after running away with the Group 1 STC Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.
After being sent out the $2.80 favourite, Theseo appeared to be under pressure in the straight, before holding off second favourite ‘Rangirangdoo’ by three quarters of a length.
Waterhouse has always loved the horse and after winning his fifth Group 1, believes he has reached the upper echelon of racing.
"He has a lovely action and does it at both ends of the race; he's just a very exciting horse."
“He moves into the very elite group of my great gallopers - Grand Armee and Desert War are two that flash to mind.”
Jockey Nash Rawiller rode the horse to perfection, and enforced Waterhouse’s views after the race.
"He is such a tough horse, the toughest I've ridden," he said.
"It's a credit to Gai and all the team."
A decision is yet to be made whether Theseo will press on to the BMW in two weeks or go to the Doncaster two weeks later. Whatever the target may be, Theseo is sure to be competitive and search for that sixth Group 1 win.
The brave six year old now has earnings of approximately three million dollars and now boasts 10 wins from 33 starts.
After being sent out the $2.80 favourite, Theseo appeared to be under pressure in the straight, before holding off second favourite ‘Rangirangdoo’ by three quarters of a length.
Waterhouse has always loved the horse and after winning his fifth Group 1, believes he has reached the upper echelon of racing.
"He has a lovely action and does it at both ends of the race; he's just a very exciting horse."
“He moves into the very elite group of my great gallopers - Grand Armee and Desert War are two that flash to mind.”
Jockey Nash Rawiller rode the horse to perfection, and enforced Waterhouse’s views after the race.
"He is such a tough horse, the toughest I've ridden," he said.
"It's a credit to Gai and all the team."
A decision is yet to be made whether Theseo will press on to the BMW in two weeks or go to the Doncaster two weeks later. Whatever the target may be, Theseo is sure to be competitive and search for that sixth Group 1 win.
The brave six year old now has earnings of approximately three million dollars and now boasts 10 wins from 33 starts.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Coolmore picture Cristal clear
‘All Silent’ may have a rival for the title of stable star this weekend, as ‘Palacio De Cristal’ aims for her first Group 1 victory in tomorrows Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.
Palacio De Cristal returned from a successful summer campaign with a fast-finishing third to Danleigh and Rangirangdoo in the Group Two Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill. After being scratched a fortnight ago from the Group 1 Chipping Norton, the daughter of ‘Encosta De Lago’ sharpened up for the Coolmore with a soft trial win last Friday.
A notorious slow starter, she has missed the kick in 10 of her 17 starts, Trainer Graham Begg believes she just needs the right luck in running to win a race of this quality.
"She needs good to firm ground to do her best, so one of those days she might get the right conditions and the right speed in the race." Begg added, "She relishes being ridden quietly and given a bit of room to move.”
Drawn perfectly in barrier 9, it seems that indeed only bad luck could defeat her. After developing quite a good relationship with the mare, including winning the Group 2 Villiers over the summer, Jockey Peter Wells will again take the ride.
Palacio De Cristal is currently rated as a $7 chance for the Coolmore Classic.
Palacio De Cristal returned from a successful summer campaign with a fast-finishing third to Danleigh and Rangirangdoo in the Group Two Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill. After being scratched a fortnight ago from the Group 1 Chipping Norton, the daughter of ‘Encosta De Lago’ sharpened up for the Coolmore with a soft trial win last Friday.
A notorious slow starter, she has missed the kick in 10 of her 17 starts, Trainer Graham Begg believes she just needs the right luck in running to win a race of this quality.
"She needs good to firm ground to do her best, so one of those days she might get the right conditions and the right speed in the race." Begg added, "She relishes being ridden quietly and given a bit of room to move.”
Drawn perfectly in barrier 9, it seems that indeed only bad luck could defeat her. After developing quite a good relationship with the mare, including winning the Group 2 Villiers over the summer, Jockey Peter Wells will again take the ride.
Palacio De Cristal is currently rated as a $7 chance for the Coolmore Classic.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
'About Ready' for black type success
Talented four year old mare ‘About Ready’ bounced back to form yesterday, comprehensively winning the $30,000 Betfair Handicap at Betfair Park.
After not handling the heavy track last start at Moonee Valley, About Ready seemed to relish being back on top of the ground, with Jockey Damien Oliver agreeing.
"I have only ridden her twice and she definitely feels good on top of the ground".
Trainer Mick Price believes he's found the secret to About Ready, apart from keeping her on dry tracks.
"I'll keep her on light work duties and back her races together," he also added, "She also has a few back issues which we have to stay on top of."
A daughter of ‘More than Ready’, it seems likely that Price will be looking to find some black type to add to her already impressive portfolio.
About Ready has won four races from just nine starts and has won in excess of $130,000.
After not handling the heavy track last start at Moonee Valley, About Ready seemed to relish being back on top of the ground, with Jockey Damien Oliver agreeing.
"I have only ridden her twice and she definitely feels good on top of the ground".
Trainer Mick Price believes he's found the secret to About Ready, apart from keeping her on dry tracks.
"I'll keep her on light work duties and back her races together," he also added, "She also has a few back issues which we have to stay on top of."
A daughter of ‘More than Ready’, it seems likely that Price will be looking to find some black type to add to her already impressive portfolio.
About Ready has won four races from just nine starts and has won in excess of $130,000.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Dancing for Group glory
An elusive Group race victory is on the menu for Wyong trained 'Walking or Dancing' tomorrow as he resumes in the Group 3 Newcastle Newmarket.
Walking or Dancing is coming off a seven week freshen up since January when he won the $400,000 Magic Millions Cup in spectacular fashion. In between runs the classy gelding has trialled just once, finishing a close second at Gosford.
Trainer Brett Partelle believes the gelding is fit enough to run a race similar to last years Newmarket where he ran third behind Solo Flyer and Chasm.
"He is forward enough to run a very competitive race and obviously he will improve like any good horse getting over a bit of ground in their prep".
This race looks to be a perfect platform for a Group 1 campaign ahead. After tomorrow's Newmarket, Partelle is targeting the George Ryder and the Doncaster Mile whilst in Sydney.
Melbourne based Glen Boss has given Walking Or Dancing a vote of confidence by making the trip to Newcastle to partner him in tomorrow.
Walking or Dancing is coming off a seven week freshen up since January when he won the $400,000 Magic Millions Cup in spectacular fashion. In between runs the classy gelding has trialled just once, finishing a close second at Gosford.
Trainer Brett Partelle believes the gelding is fit enough to run a race similar to last years Newmarket where he ran third behind Solo Flyer and Chasm.
"He is forward enough to run a very competitive race and obviously he will improve like any good horse getting over a bit of ground in their prep".
This race looks to be a perfect platform for a Group 1 campaign ahead. After tomorrow's Newmarket, Partelle is targeting the George Ryder and the Doncaster Mile whilst in Sydney.
Melbourne based Glen Boss has given Walking Or Dancing a vote of confidence by making the trip to Newcastle to partner him in tomorrow.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Shooting for glory
Talented three year old gelding 'Shoot Out' will tomorrow be looking to end trainer John Wallace's 28 year Group 1 drought in the $350,000 Randwick Guineas.
Wallace's only victory at elite level was with 'Mother Of Pearl' in the Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm in 1982. Shoot Out was sent to Sydney with similar success in mind and is starting to re-pay the faith.
At his first run after a let up, the highly touted son of 'High Chaparral' won the Group 2 Royal Sovereign stakes in blistering fashion. This superb form continued a fortnight later, finishing a fast closing second in the Hobartville stakes, also at Group 2 level.
As pointed out by jockey Stathi Katsidis, the Hobartville performance was a clear sign that over more ground, he will be an even better horse.
“I think once we get to the longer distance you'll see the real Shoot Out. What we've seen of him so far is a taste of what he is.”
Katsidis went on to say that, “Barring bad luck I really think he should win the race", affirming Wallace's confidence that his drought may nearly be over.
Bookies have agreed with these sentiments, posting him as the $4 favourite for race, ahead of the Peter Moody trained 'Hanks' at $9.
Wallace is keen to stick to the Derby path with Shoot Out, via the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas on March 27. He has also paid up for the Doncaster Handicap on the advice of top jockey Kerrin McEvoy. Either option seems plausible, and hopefully Wallace will be back in the winners stall before to long.
Wallace's only victory at elite level was with 'Mother Of Pearl' in the Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm in 1982. Shoot Out was sent to Sydney with similar success in mind and is starting to re-pay the faith.
At his first run after a let up, the highly touted son of 'High Chaparral' won the Group 2 Royal Sovereign stakes in blistering fashion. This superb form continued a fortnight later, finishing a fast closing second in the Hobartville stakes, also at Group 2 level.
As pointed out by jockey Stathi Katsidis, the Hobartville performance was a clear sign that over more ground, he will be an even better horse.
“I think once we get to the longer distance you'll see the real Shoot Out. What we've seen of him so far is a taste of what he is.”
Katsidis went on to say that, “Barring bad luck I really think he should win the race", affirming Wallace's confidence that his drought may nearly be over.
Bookies have agreed with these sentiments, posting him as the $4 favourite for race, ahead of the Peter Moody trained 'Hanks' at $9.
Wallace is keen to stick to the Derby path with Shoot Out, via the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas on March 27. He has also paid up for the Doncaster Handicap on the advice of top jockey Kerrin McEvoy. Either option seems plausible, and hopefully Wallace will be back in the winners stall before to long.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Doctor begins
Lee Freedman's excitement can't be contained as imported galloper 'Doctor Fremantle' gets set to begin his Australian career on Saturday.
The import, formerly with Sir Michael Stout, will have a very light autumn, including Saturday's Group 2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington. This will be an acclimatisation campaign before being set for a tilt at the Cox Plate or the Melbourne Cup.
Freedman’s racing manager Sam Pritchard-Gordon said previously, “He’ll have one or two starts at weight-for-age and then be set for the spring with the Cox Plate being his ultimate goal, all going well.”
The 'Saddler's Wells' entire had a Timeform rating of 123 entering Australia, making him Freedman's highest rated imported horse. This seems a very exciting prospect considering the success of Metropolitan Handicap winner 'Speed Gifted'.
Doctor Fremantle is the winner of a Group 2 event and three Group 3 races in the UK and arrived at Lee Freedman’s Markdel property on New Year’s Day.
He is currently rated as a $16 chance for the Blamey Stakes.
The import, formerly with Sir Michael Stout, will have a very light autumn, including Saturday's Group 2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington. This will be an acclimatisation campaign before being set for a tilt at the Cox Plate or the Melbourne Cup.
Freedman’s racing manager Sam Pritchard-Gordon said previously, “He’ll have one or two starts at weight-for-age and then be set for the spring with the Cox Plate being his ultimate goal, all going well.”
The 'Saddler's Wells' entire had a Timeform rating of 123 entering Australia, making him Freedman's highest rated imported horse. This seems a very exciting prospect considering the success of Metropolitan Handicap winner 'Speed Gifted'.
Doctor Fremantle is the winner of a Group 2 event and three Group 3 races in the UK and arrived at Lee Freedman’s Markdel property on New Year’s Day.
He is currently rated as a $16 chance for the Blamey Stakes.
'Red Colossus' breaks through
A collective sigh of relief was heard from the owner’s of imposing three year old gelding ‘Red Colossus’ yesterday, as he recorded his first city win at Betfair Park.
Red Colossus presented himself tremendously before the race, looking a picture of strength in the mounting yard. After jumping from barrier five, jockey Chris Symons waited patiently, settling the horse well near the rear of the field. Upon entering the straight Symons unleashed the giant chestnut to win comfortably by one and a half lengths.
Trainer Greg Eurell was happy with Symons’ positioning during the run stating that “the horse seems more comfortable there”. He added later that although “he is a bit frustrating, he will turn into a real good horse”, enforcing the view that this success was a long time coming.
Symons who has ridden the gelding at every start said after the race, “He’s always shown a lot of potential, he’s very strong and athletic”.
The son of ‘Testa Rossa’ definitely looks a horse on the up and competing in the Spring is sure to be next on the owners agenda.
Red Colossus presented himself tremendously before the race, looking a picture of strength in the mounting yard. After jumping from barrier five, jockey Chris Symons waited patiently, settling the horse well near the rear of the field. Upon entering the straight Symons unleashed the giant chestnut to win comfortably by one and a half lengths.
Trainer Greg Eurell was happy with Symons’ positioning during the run stating that “the horse seems more comfortable there”. He added later that although “he is a bit frustrating, he will turn into a real good horse”, enforcing the view that this success was a long time coming.
Symons who has ridden the gelding at every start said after the race, “He’s always shown a lot of potential, he’s very strong and athletic”.
The son of ‘Testa Rossa’ definitely looks a horse on the up and competing in the Spring is sure to be next on the owners agenda.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Piranha's eyes set on Doncaster glory
After trialling brilliantly last Friday, ‘Black Piranha’ now has his eyes firmly set on winning the $1.5 million prize of the Emirates Doncaster Mile.
Black Piranha finished agonisingly close behind ‘Vision and Power’ in the 2009 version of the Group 1 race, and this years assault is now in full motion.
Veteran trainer Con Karakatsanis’ stable star looks to have come back a stronger and more mature horse after a less than perfect Spring campaign in Melbourne. Karakatsanis has prepared a similar program to last Autumn’s saying, "He is Doncaster and Stradbroke bound this year and he's on target".
In his 1030m trial conducted at Rosehill, Black Piranha trailed the field around the turn before bursting clear in the straight. Eased up before the line, he won comfortably at the finish, holding a 4.3 length margin over Graeme Rogerson trained ‘Mazzini’ and consistent 4 year old ‘Maybe I’.
The six-year-old gelding has been earmarked for a race return in the Group 2 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on March 20, the same weight-for-age race that stamped him as potential big-race contender last year.
Black Piranha has raced 40 times for seven wins and over $1.8 million in prize money.
Black Piranha finished agonisingly close behind ‘Vision and Power’ in the 2009 version of the Group 1 race, and this years assault is now in full motion.
Veteran trainer Con Karakatsanis’ stable star looks to have come back a stronger and more mature horse after a less than perfect Spring campaign in Melbourne. Karakatsanis has prepared a similar program to last Autumn’s saying, "He is Doncaster and Stradbroke bound this year and he's on target".
In his 1030m trial conducted at Rosehill, Black Piranha trailed the field around the turn before bursting clear in the straight. Eased up before the line, he won comfortably at the finish, holding a 4.3 length margin over Graeme Rogerson trained ‘Mazzini’ and consistent 4 year old ‘Maybe I’.
The six-year-old gelding has been earmarked for a race return in the Group 2 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on March 20, the same weight-for-age race that stamped him as potential big-race contender last year.
Black Piranha has raced 40 times for seven wins and over $1.8 million in prize money.
'Toorak Toff' takes off!
Promising two year old colt ‘Toorak Toff’ will now head to Sydney after winning impressively in the Magic Millions Adelaide Classic yesterday.
After settling near the rear of the field, Toorak Toff emerged around the corner and swept to the lead, winning easily by a length and three quarters, defeating previously unbeaten ‘Lone Rock’. The David Hayes trained first starter ‘Protector’ was another length and a half further back, in third place.
Toorak Toff trainer, Rick Hore-Lacy has always had a high opinion of his colt and looks forward to taking him to Sydney’s upcoming Group 1 races, providing he pulls up well after yesterday.
"We'll take him to Sydney now and have a crack at the AJC Sires' Produce and the big mile race (Champagne Stakes) up there," Hore-Lacy said.
Hore-Lacy also believes he will develop into a fantastic mile horse, with his potential long term mission a crack at the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas in October.
Winning rider Chris Symons followed Toorak Toff across the border and was confident of his chances during the run saying, "He's a nice horse; he was very professional during the race."
Toorak Toff is a son of ‘Show a Heart’ and 'Orong' and was sold at last years Magic Millions Gold Coast sale for only $135,000.
After settling near the rear of the field, Toorak Toff emerged around the corner and swept to the lead, winning easily by a length and three quarters, defeating previously unbeaten ‘Lone Rock’. The David Hayes trained first starter ‘Protector’ was another length and a half further back, in third place.
Toorak Toff trainer, Rick Hore-Lacy has always had a high opinion of his colt and looks forward to taking him to Sydney’s upcoming Group 1 races, providing he pulls up well after yesterday.
"We'll take him to Sydney now and have a crack at the AJC Sires' Produce and the big mile race (Champagne Stakes) up there," Hore-Lacy said.
Hore-Lacy also believes he will develop into a fantastic mile horse, with his potential long term mission a crack at the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas in October.
Winning rider Chris Symons followed Toorak Toff across the border and was confident of his chances during the run saying, "He's a nice horse; he was very professional during the race."
Toorak Toff is a son of ‘Show a Heart’ and 'Orong' and was sold at last years Magic Millions Gold Coast sale for only $135,000.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Nikolic to prove he's 'Not A Pretender'
Today he faces the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary board and tomorrow it's back to business for top jockey Dan Nikolic.
Nikolic's case is sure to headline sports news stories tomorrow, and Flemington's 'Super Saturday' looks like the perfect refuge for one of Australia's top jockeys.
In the first race on tomorrows star studded card, Nikolic will be aboard highly promising colt 'Not A Pretender' in the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes, run over 1200m.
Not A Pretender is coming off an impressive last start win at Caulfield a week ago, winning the restricted Inglis Premier for 2 year olds worth $250,000. Though struggling with the Melbourne way of racing, he still spaced his rivals winning comfortably by 4.3 lengths.
Even though the colt wore blinkers, when interviewed post race Nikolic explained that, "She was on one rein throughout the race and I thought she was quite good because she did everything wrong".
The Caulfield race is sure to have benefited the son of 'Royal Academy', and racing down Flemington's spacious straight can only be a positive.
Hopefully Nikolic can put the past week behind him and get back to what he does best, riding winners, and creating headlines for the right reasons.
Not A Pretender is listed as second favourite at $4.60 behind the Blue Diamond runner up 'Shaaheq' at $1.60.
Nikolic's case is sure to headline sports news stories tomorrow, and Flemington's 'Super Saturday' looks like the perfect refuge for one of Australia's top jockeys.
In the first race on tomorrows star studded card, Nikolic will be aboard highly promising colt 'Not A Pretender' in the Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes, run over 1200m.
Not A Pretender is coming off an impressive last start win at Caulfield a week ago, winning the restricted Inglis Premier for 2 year olds worth $250,000. Though struggling with the Melbourne way of racing, he still spaced his rivals winning comfortably by 4.3 lengths.
Even though the colt wore blinkers, when interviewed post race Nikolic explained that, "She was on one rein throughout the race and I thought she was quite good because she did everything wrong".
The Caulfield race is sure to have benefited the son of 'Royal Academy', and racing down Flemington's spacious straight can only be a positive.
Hopefully Nikolic can put the past week behind him and get back to what he does best, riding winners, and creating headlines for the right reasons.
Not A Pretender is listed as second favourite at $4.60 behind the Blue Diamond runner up 'Shaaheq' at $1.60.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Surround Stakes at Gai's mercy
Gai Waterhouse's super filly 'More Joyous' steps out again in this Saturday's Group 2 Surround Stakes at Warwick Farm.
In what was certainly a message to other trainers, More Joyous toyed with her rivals a fortnight ago setting a time that truly had to be seen to be believed.
At her last run in October, enegmatic owner John Singleton described her as, "probably the best horse I've ever had".
If she continues to dominate her rivals as she has at her past two starts, that statement will surely be proved correct.
It is her first visit to the difficult Warwick Farm track and that, along with bad luck seem to be her only worries heading into the race. Jockey Nash Rawiller takes the ride again and is sure to give her a fantastic run after drawing barrier 5 for the event.
This race will surely prove to be a stepping stone on the way to her main target for Autumn, the Emirates Doncaster Mile. This race has been preferred in opposition to chasing Oaks success after Singleton described the 49.5 kgs she will receive in the Doncaster as luxurious. Glen Boss has been chosen as the jockey, and will look to continue his good association with Waterhouse after winning the 2008 Golden Slipper on 'Sebring'.
In what was certainly a message to other trainers, More Joyous toyed with her rivals a fortnight ago setting a time that truly had to be seen to be believed.
At her last run in October, enegmatic owner John Singleton described her as, "probably the best horse I've ever had".
If she continues to dominate her rivals as she has at her past two starts, that statement will surely be proved correct.
It is her first visit to the difficult Warwick Farm track and that, along with bad luck seem to be her only worries heading into the race. Jockey Nash Rawiller takes the ride again and is sure to give her a fantastic run after drawing barrier 5 for the event.
This race will surely prove to be a stepping stone on the way to her main target for Autumn, the Emirates Doncaster Mile. This race has been preferred in opposition to chasing Oaks success after Singleton described the 49.5 kgs she will receive in the Doncaster as luxurious. Glen Boss has been chosen as the jockey, and will look to continue his good association with Waterhouse after winning the 2008 Golden Slipper on 'Sebring'.
Rogano seeking Autumn riches
Impressive three year old colt 'Rogano' resumes at Canterbury tonight after a 35 week spell since his impressive debut in June last year.
After catching the eye of punters around Australia with his scorching trial wins, Rogano made his debut winning effortlessly at Canterbury by two and a half lengths, confirming Trainer Paul Messara's thoughts of the blue blood youngster.
"I think he's the fastest horse I've had, just in terms of his raw speed. He's the fastest-actioned horse, he's pure speed really".
Messara was hindered in his placement of the highly touted colt as a two year old, and after a few minor setbacks leading to a scratching at Rosehill on Saturday, Canterbury tonight should be just a stepping stone onto greater riches throughout the Autumn.
Rogano is by 'Redoute's Choice' from the 'Rory's Jester' mare 'Singles Bar'.
He was passed in for $650,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions, after failing to reach his $800,000 reserve.
After catching the eye of punters around Australia with his scorching trial wins, Rogano made his debut winning effortlessly at Canterbury by two and a half lengths, confirming Trainer Paul Messara's thoughts of the blue blood youngster.
"I think he's the fastest horse I've had, just in terms of his raw speed. He's the fastest-actioned horse, he's pure speed really".
Messara was hindered in his placement of the highly touted colt as a two year old, and after a few minor setbacks leading to a scratching at Rosehill on Saturday, Canterbury tonight should be just a stepping stone onto greater riches throughout the Autumn.
Rogano is by 'Redoute's Choice' from the 'Rory's Jester' mare 'Singles Bar'.
He was passed in for $650,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions, after failing to reach his $800,000 reserve.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Nolen set for a 'Super Saturday'
He's currently riding the best mare in the land, won numerous Group 1 races and has a stranglehold on the Victorian Jockey premiership, but Luke Nolen may just have his biggest day in racing this Saturday.
Nolen has secured three top rides for the weekend including impressive three year old filly 'Set For Fame', whom along with 'Linton' shapes as a big chance to claim the $750 000 Australian Guineas. Trainer Peter Moody rates the filly highly and is confident of her hitting the line hard after the 1600m, which seems to be the major question mark for a few of the other top chances.
The second of Nolen's rides has never won a Group 1 race but with three consecutive second placings and a gritty fourth at the top level, some people would say that 'Wanted' is due for a win. Carrying only 51.5kg in the Newmarket Handicap, Wanted leads Peter Moody's charge of the light brigade and shapes as Nolen's biggest chance for headline success.
Moody said on Wanted's chances, "He is a tough horse and he is suited at handicap conditions, this is his race".
If Wanted can reproduce his run in last springs 'Patinack Classic' he will surely be hard to beat and earn that deserved Group 1 trophy.
'Sirmione', Bart Cummings last Australian Cup winner in 2008, shapes as the outsider of Nolen's trio.
After Saturday and Tuesday's excellent trackwork however, the master trainer himself seems quietly confident with his horse stating, "It's a good weight-for-age race, It's hard to win, but my horses are fit enough".
A win wouldn't suprise even the harshest of Cummings' critics as the horse seems to relish Flemington's spacious straight. This would be a great result for Cummings after losing his stable stars 'Viewed' and 'So You Think' for the Autumn.
With these three rides on Flemington's 'Super Saturday', Nolen has the chance to cement his place at the top of the current jockey ranks, and write his name into horse racing's history books.
(TAB Sportsbet currently has assessed Set for Fame at $5.50, Wanted at $21 and Sirmione at $15)
Nolen has secured three top rides for the weekend including impressive three year old filly 'Set For Fame', whom along with 'Linton' shapes as a big chance to claim the $750 000 Australian Guineas. Trainer Peter Moody rates the filly highly and is confident of her hitting the line hard after the 1600m, which seems to be the major question mark for a few of the other top chances.
The second of Nolen's rides has never won a Group 1 race but with three consecutive second placings and a gritty fourth at the top level, some people would say that 'Wanted' is due for a win. Carrying only 51.5kg in the Newmarket Handicap, Wanted leads Peter Moody's charge of the light brigade and shapes as Nolen's biggest chance for headline success.
Moody said on Wanted's chances, "He is a tough horse and he is suited at handicap conditions, this is his race".
If Wanted can reproduce his run in last springs 'Patinack Classic' he will surely be hard to beat and earn that deserved Group 1 trophy.
'Sirmione', Bart Cummings last Australian Cup winner in 2008, shapes as the outsider of Nolen's trio.
After Saturday and Tuesday's excellent trackwork however, the master trainer himself seems quietly confident with his horse stating, "It's a good weight-for-age race, It's hard to win, but my horses are fit enough".
A win wouldn't suprise even the harshest of Cummings' critics as the horse seems to relish Flemington's spacious straight. This would be a great result for Cummings after losing his stable stars 'Viewed' and 'So You Think' for the Autumn.
With these three rides on Flemington's 'Super Saturday', Nolen has the chance to cement his place at the top of the current jockey ranks, and write his name into horse racing's history books.
(TAB Sportsbet currently has assessed Set for Fame at $5.50, Wanted at $21 and Sirmione at $15)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Linton Ready for Denman
With 'Super Saturday' fast approaching the anticipation built enormously yesterday as owner Lloyd Williams paid the $41,250 late entry fee for impressive galloper 'Linton' to enter the Australian Guineas.
Linton, a son of Galileo, has won two of his three starts including a strong performance in the Group 2 Alister Clark stakes at Moonee Valley a fortnight ago. Since his Valley triumph comparisons between Linton and another Williams owned horse 'Reset' have been rife, with Williams himself declaring that Linton is potentially a better horse than Reset whom won the 2004 Guineas for him.
Even though this seems a huge step up in class for a horse with such little experience, Linton might just prove to be one of Australia's new rising stars. Along with the Cox Plate winner 'So You Think', these could be the horses we need to lead us into the future.
TAB Sportsbet yesterday rated Linton second favourite at $5.50, and seems the only logical danger to the Peter Snowden trained gelding 'Denman' who has been unbeaten this preparation.
Linton, a son of Galileo, has won two of his three starts including a strong performance in the Group 2 Alister Clark stakes at Moonee Valley a fortnight ago. Since his Valley triumph comparisons between Linton and another Williams owned horse 'Reset' have been rife, with Williams himself declaring that Linton is potentially a better horse than Reset whom won the 2004 Guineas for him.
Even though this seems a huge step up in class for a horse with such little experience, Linton might just prove to be one of Australia's new rising stars. Along with the Cox Plate winner 'So You Think', these could be the horses we need to lead us into the future.
TAB Sportsbet yesterday rated Linton second favourite at $5.50, and seems the only logical danger to the Peter Snowden trained gelding 'Denman' who has been unbeaten this preparation.
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