Race day analysis for Saturday, April 7, 2018
RACE 1: RESTRICTED STAKES (3YOS&UPWARDS) 1000METRES/5
Without Exception had to be the most interesting entry with a definite 2000 Guineas date still the objective despite a mysteriously unenthusiastic performance in the Prince Consort as well as in two races on either side of this important Classic trial. With the tongue tie and figure of eight, equipment which he wore in his opening three off-the-reel victories, not declared he was only backed to the tune of potentially generous odds of 3-1. My Sugarman behaved in a thoroughly roguish manner at the post, delayed the start and gave away ground with his untidy break from the gates. A. P. I. was to the first to begin and battled for the lead with Go Go Girl to the top of the stretch. Confidently ridden, Without Exception strode beautifully a couple of lengths behind the duelling leaders and came strongly up the inner rails to lead at the distance. Overused early, A. P. I. had no answer and Without Exception galloped his way back into contention for the opening Classic most convincingly.
RACE 2: $180,000 CLAIMING (3YOS&UPWARDS)
Confirmed short runner Princess Statistic led under pressure from Great Manipulator until she got to the upper stretch and surrendered the narrow advantage. Always having the leaders in her sights, Royal Girl ran at them three wide, got to the front at the 200-metre mark and made her ninth trip to the winner’s enclosure from 30 starts.
RACE 3: MAIDEN CONDITION (4YOS&UPWARDS)
Lady In The Arena was quickly into stride and led on the stand side from debutant Mr Pantheon far side, who, fancied to the tune of 4-1, came in well trained and clearly had the backing of his stable. Running off a favourable handicap mark Lady In The Arena, although drifting to the far side over the last 200 metres, ran on well under pressure to keep the lead safe. Ahuagain, away from last November, was taken behind rivals to near rails and got into third place late but clearly needed to be made a lot fitter.
RACE 4: $180,000 CLAIMING (4YOS&UPWARDS)
For the second time in the last six months of his chequered career Jason’s Gold was fortunate to be in a field where he was the fastest, fittest and with clearly superior past form. Sent off the long odds-on favourite at 1-5, Jason’s Gold cantered with Reign Over. All almost alongside for 800 metres before his natural pace and overwhelming superiority took him clear.
RACE 5: MAIDEN CONDITION (THREE-YEAR-OLDS) 1300METRES/6 1/2FURLONGS
Fiery Path shot into the early lead but was soon joined by Aldebaran and these two-raced clear of 4-5 favourite Paper Chaser to the top of the home stretch. Aldebaran was found wanting for more speed as Fiery Path quickened in upper straight and it was left to Paper Chaser running wide from 500 metres out to take second place with the rest strung out behind in Indian file.
RACE 6: $250,000 – 210,000 CLAIMING (3YOS&UPWARDS) 1200METRES/6FURLONGS
Sir Jhunjhun Wala looked well and was able to go to front in the early strides until both Key Witness and Garrincha rushed up to lead him on the inside. With 500 metres to come Sir Jhunjhun Wala racing three wide took a narrow lead but was kept to the outside by Key Witness and the strongly ridden Garrincha, clearly going best, but still was only able to establish the decisive advantage approaching the distance. Sir Jhunjhun Wala, who has not yet developed the ability to match his looks, renewed his challenge inside the last 100 metres and was switched when winner Garrincha under left hand whipping swerved right late. An objection by the rider of Sir Jhunjhun Wala was overruled without much deliberation by the stewards. She’s Symbolic ran disappointingly although given every chance under a patient ride and failed to quicken when asked to split rivals 300 metres out.
RACE 7: RESTRICTED ALLOWANCE III (5YOS&UP/NW3)
In the first few strides Yolove went right sharply slamming into Sweet Destiny causing the rider on Sharp Skirt drawn alongside to pull out and lose ground quickly. Top Eagle made the running pursued by Yolove into the home straight with Urban Principal gaining on the inner rails. Yolove battled successfully for the lead entering the last 200 metres and kept on well in spite of the renewed effort of Top Eagle. Subsequently disqualified, the backers of Yolove particularly and the subscribers generally to the theory that a jockey is never fully in control leaving the starting gates need to accept that the stewards must deliberate and adjudicate on incidents which militate against a fair result. In these particular circumstances the jockeys are not usually fined or suspended in spite of disqualification.
RACE 8: RESTRICTED ALLOWANCE V (4YOS&UP/NW2) 1400METRES/7FURLONGS
Gary Richards, who was a most promising and fine young rider, made a return to local race riding after an 18-year stint in the United States and secured the mount on Laws Of The Code who led for over 1000 metres. Eddie’s Princess travelled well in pursuit of the leader and shot into a clear lead in upper stretch putting all except the winner in trouble. Trini Magic moved sharply into contention on the inner rails approaching the distance and wore down evens favourite Eddie’s Princess inside the last 100 metres with the pair going well clear of the other runners.
RACE 9: $450,000 – 400,000 CLAIMING (3YOS&UPWARDS) 1600METRES/8FURLONGS
Cheers and Brave Prospect battled for the lead after 200 metres and both quickened to go into a clear lead with 800 to come. The dispute continued into upper stretch with Brave Prospect taking the lead which was short-lived. Going third and galloping strongly from 500 metres out Colorando, 1-2 favourite, went between the long-time leaders 300 metres from the finish and outstayed them thoroughly to score by five lengths.
RACE 10: RESTRICTED ALLOWANCE IV (4YOS&UP/NW3)
Stanislaus and Jolly D disputed the lead for 600 metres until the latter went clear to be well in front at the distance. Jolly D tired visibly and quickly, swerving left under pressure with KD Flyer and Rambunctious Links both finishing well on the far side. Lady Jaela broke well but did not stay in the front rank and was taken behind several rivals to cross to the stand side. KD Flyer got lead late and held it for the win from Lady Jaela whose strong late run only failed by a neck.