Long Awaited Return For Eagle At Caulfield

Sunday, 21 August 2016 08:20

Classy five-year-old Alpine Eagle will kick off his spring campaign at Group One level in the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.

After a meeting last week, trainer Tony McEvoy and owner Wolf Blass decided on the starting point for his preparation.

Saturday's Group One Memsie Stakes won out over the Listed Sofitel Stakes over 1400m at Flemington on September 10.

"Wolf had some thoughts that he wanted to discuss and all his thoughts made very good sense," McEvoy said.

"My concern was we were going to kick off a bit too late and that's why I wanted to get him going a bit earlier.

"The opposition would have had a run or two under their belt before us so we would have been chasing and if you have a little setback then we might miss our targets.

"In the end Wolf agreed we should get him going."

Alpine Eagle suffered a cracked pedal bone on the eve of the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington last October which sidelined him until May when he had one start at Morphettville.

McEvoy said he would let Alpine Eagle tell him what race he should be aimed at as the horse holds a nomination in both the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate.

"I will let the horse do all the talking, I've done enough talking about him," McEvoy said.

McEvoy said Alpine Eagle, who will be ridden by Luke Currie, had progressed well and he was looking forward to seeing him back at the races.

Darren Weir will gang-tackle the opening Group One race of the season with four runners.

Black Heart Bart and Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance will begin their spring campaigns in the 1400m weight-for-age contest while stablemates Palentino and Mahuta will have a fitness edge having had first-up runs at Caulfield on August 13.

The $15 Caulfield Cup favourite Tarzino is also scheduled to resume in Saturday's race and will run in a barrier trial at Cranbourne on Monday in preparation for his return.

Divine Prophet Adds Depth To Hawkes Squad

Saturday, 20 August 2016 08:12

The strength of the Hawkes Racing spring team has again been stamped with Divine Prophet claiming the Up And Coming Stakes to cement favouritism for the Golden Rose.

A week ago, Star Turn showed his improvement from his juvenile season with victory in the San Domenico Stakes.

Divine Prophet ($7.50) backed it up on Saturday at Randwick when he came from last to win the Group Three race over 1300m to put a short neck on Derryn ($3.60) with favourite Thronum ($3) the same margin third.

Senior training partner John Hawkes said the two colts would travel different spring paths with Divine Prophet now at $6 for next month's Golden Rose (1400m).

"He will run further than Star Turn. Probably up to a mile, a mile-and-a-quarter," Hawkes said.

"He is in the Golden Rose, the Caulfield Guineas and the Cox Plate but we will take it one step at a time.

"They are both lovely colts but there's a long spring ahead.

"It's a good start for the battlers."

Derryn, a last-start Caulfield winner, firmed from $15 to $11 for the Golden Rose with co-trainer Ben Hayes saying he got to the front a little sooner than hoped.

"He probably got left out in front a bit far out and something from behind just got him on the line," he said.

"I think we can still go for the Golden Rose if we ride him a bit quieter with cover he might be a bit better."

Divine Prophet's third and final start as a two-year-old produced a third in the Group One Champagne Stakes won by Prized Icon who finished fourth on Saturday under Hugh Bowman.

"I was delighted with him," Bowman said.

"He gave away a lot of weight to his rivals today but ran up to expectations and he is on track for this preparation."

Winx Star Keeps Shining In Warwick Stakes

Saturday, 20 August 2016 08:12

As a reminder of what came before and a portent of things to come, Australia's best racehorse has put on an awesome display in front of an adoring crowd at Randwick.

Winx cruised to her 10th consecutive win at her first start since the Doncaster Mile in April in Saturday's Group Two Warwick Stakes.

And while racegoers started cheering halfway down the straight, her trainer Chris Waller quietly gathered himself together after a nervous wait until race seven to try to find the words to describe his feelings.

Winx winning the Group Two Warwick Stakes at Randwick

"It is a relief," Waller said.

"She is in for a massive preparation. We haven't been too hard on her and she's had a couple of soft trials so sometimes it's hard to tell where they are.

"I thought she was ready but you don't know until race day.

Punters only wanted one horse in the field of seven with Winx the $1.24 favourite as all the others drifted.

Rebel Dane ($11) took up the running with Hugh Bowman sidling up outside him on Winx.

The pair led into the straight where Winx stepped things up a notch to assume control.

Hartnell ($21) warmed up late to run within 3-1/2 lengths of Winx who was gently guided to the line with Rebel Dane holding down third another three-quarters of a length away.

So comfortable was the mare's win her part-owner Peter Tighe suggested Bowman might consider not collecting his fee.

"She was just in second gear and he didn't have to do a lot - Hughie - he might even take a cut in his pay for that," Tighe said.

And while he might not give back his percentage, Bowman acknowledges just how special Winx is.

"It's hard not to get carried away with this mare. She really is something special," he said.

"It's just an honour to be on her back.

"Rebel Dane couldn't take me far enough. I don't think she's been as quick under me as she was today when I let her go.

"Usually there are horses around me and I've got something to run down.

"But today because I had the better of Rebel Dane at the 300 metres it was just me and her.

"When she let down, it was a special feeling and I'm looking forward to feeling it again."

He is likely to feel it again in two weeks when Winx steps up another 200m to the 1600m of the Chelmsford Stakes which is also the target for Hartnell.

Trainer Gary Portelli is unsure where Rebel Dane's next assignment lies.

"It was a great ride. We wanted him to get going when he did," he said.

"I had two philosophies. One was we'd fight the finish out with her and the other was that she'd space us. Unfortunately the reality came true.

"I can't believe how easily she moved up to Rebel Dane so far out.

"Just a different level of horse. Simple."

Ken's Dream Makes Step To Stakes Company

Saturday, 20 August 2016 08:12

A colt named in honour of his breeder has maintained an unbeaten start to his career with a stakes victory at Moonee Valley.

Ken's Dream raced to a nine-length win at Echuca on debut, earning the step up to Saturday's Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) Moonee Valley.

And after racing on the speed, the three-year-old fought off the challenge of Dam Ready to win by a length.

Part-owner Ray Shea said it was an emotional win, given the horse was named for breeder Ken McDonald.

"Ken was a passionate horseman. He and his brother in New Zealand, Terry McDonald, raced trotters and horses over there. (Pacer) Master Musician was one of his actually," Shea said.

"We shared horses with him, like Streets Away and a number of other horses.

"Unfortunately Ken passed away a couple of years ago and he never really got the opportunity to realise the dream of having that champion horse that he hoped he would," Shea said.

"He had many successful winners.

"Ken's family and George Douglas retained ownership of the horse and we're grateful to be able to take a share in the horse and name him Ken's Dream."

Ken's Dream, the $2.30 favourite, defeated Dam Ready by a length with 1-3/4 lengths to Throssell in third.

"He's pretty smart," jockey Dean Yendall said.

"Today was a throw at the stumps to see what level he's at and he proved to us he's a nice enough horse going places."

Trainer Darren Weir said Ken's Dream had taken a step up on Saturday but was unsure how much further he will get into this preparation.

"It's a hard thing to do to go from a maiden in the bush to winning a Listed race in town. The little concern would be whether there's much more to come (this preparation)," Weir said.

"Looking at him in the yard I thought he was light enough for where he is for this stage in his preparation.

"That's going to be the tough thing now, whether we have to stop or just space his runs."

Omei Sword Dashes Away In Silver Shadow

Saturday, 20 August 2016 08:12

Omei Sword's slashing Silver Shadow Stakes win has trainer Chris Waller considering giving her a shot at the Group One Golden Rose.

Jockey Brenton Avdulla showed the Randwick crowd a beaming smile as he guided Omei Sword to a 3-1/4 length win over Bacarella ($18) with Quick Fee ($13) third in the Group Two race over 1200m at Randwick on Saturday.

The Group One Flight Stakes remains Omei Sword's target but said she might race in the Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 10.

"We won't completely discount it," Waller said.

"The distance and the timing of the race would suit."

He said it was not his preference to run a filly in the Golden Rose but the race might provide Omei Sword with the better lead-up to the Flight Stakes (1600m) on October 1.

"To see her travel up like she did I think it's the sign of a pretty good filly," Waller said.

"I wouldn't say we have high expectations this spring probably more high hopes is a good way of putting it."

Omei Sword firmed to $8 for the Golden Rose, sharing the second line of betting with San Domenico Stakes winner Star Turn.

Divine Prophet was made the $6 favourite after winning the Up And Coming Stakes on Saturday.

Winx In A Class Of Her Own: Portelli

Friday, 19 August 2016 08:07

On any other occasion, Gary Portelli would be saddling up Rebel Dane for a Group Two race thinking he could win.

On Saturday against Winx in the Warwick Stakes at Randwick, he will be happy to settle for second.

"The fantasy is we do beat her. The reality is we can't," Portelli said.

Jockey Hugh Bowman on Winx

"But as they say it is better to have tried and failed than to never try at all.

"I just hope we're good enough to be in her photo."

The photogenic Winx has had the frame to herself the past nine times she has stepped out on a racetrack and is odds-on to do it again.

Since she ran second in the Australian Oaks in April last year, Winx has reached heights even her trainer Chris Waller finds awesome including the Cox Plate and Doncaster Mile.

Her versatility sets her apart and, although only seven horses will line up in the race, Portelli has no tactical plan to beat her.

"I will leave tactics up to Tommy Berry," he said.

"He is a track walker and he will know the best place to be.

"Rebel Dane has had a run and he's got fitness on his side but class-wise she's got us covered.

"She's the best horse in Australia. She wins at any distance. She's an absolute champion but he'll be in for the fight."

Winx is at $1.30 to make a successful return with Lucia Valentina at $6 and Rebel Dane the only other challenger under double figures at $8.

In the absence of Winx, the Kris Lees-trained Lucia Valentina won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the autumn on her preferred soft surface.

Lees said he would not change Lucia Valentina's race pattern despite a perceived lack of speed in the 1400m-race.

"There doesn't look to be any speed at all and obviously that's not going to help us," Lees said.

"Trying to change things with her, though, isn't an option. She is a mare who likes to settle and reel off a strong closing sectional when there is pace on up front.

"We'll just have to wait and see how the race develops."

For his part, Waller will send Winx out to the track and the rest is up to Hugh Bowman.

"That's why you put the good jockeys on," he said.

"I'm not going to be giving instructions."

Avdulla Produces Gem Of A Ride On Pearls

Saturday, 20 August 2016 08:12

Godolphin's No.1 jockey might be back in town, but trainer John O'Shea says Brenton Avdulla still has a big part to play in the stable's spring fortunes.

On James McDonald's first Sydney Saturday meeting since Anzac Day, Avdulla, who rode for Godolphin in his absence, guided Pearls to a Group Three victory in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.

Avdulla produced a ride in keeping with the form that has made him one of Sydney's most sought-after jockeys.

Pearls ($5.50) settled fourth before taking off at the home turn and holding off the fast-finishing favourite Dixie Blossoms ($3.60.

The Chris Waller-trained Elle Lou ($5) was third.

Pearls will have one more run before she contests the Group Two Golden Pendant at Rosehill on September 24.

Pearls carried 54kg and Avdulla's capacity to ride light is an important asset for Godolphin, O'Shea said.

"I think he's got a big role to play for us, particularly as we're trying to restrict James to a certain weight," O'Shea said.

"Brenton's come a long way in the last 12 months.

"It's a credit to him. He works very hard and his feedback's excellent."

The victory secured a winning double for Avdulla, who won the Group Two Silver Shadow on Omei Sword earlier in the day.

He has established an early lead in the Sydney premiership, notching nine wins after three weeks of the new racing season.

Wet Track Query For Atmospherical

Friday, 19 August 2016 08:07

Trainer Robert Smerdon's Carlyon Stakes plan for Atmospherical could be undone by the weather.

Smerdon has waited to start Atmospherical in Saturday's 1000m Listed race at Moonee Valley since the sprinter's third in the Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield five weeks ago.

"We had her in last week but it was a mares' handicap and it was not going to do anything for her value if she was competitive there," Smerdon said.

"We've looked at this race because she's effective over 1000 metres and it's a black-type race.

"If this race had have been two weeks ago she would have been running then.

"The issue against her tomorrow is if the track is wet. She's not at her most effective on a wet track. A seriously affected track would be a negative for her."

After 5.5mm of rain in the 24 hours to Friday afternoon, Moonee Valley was rated a soft (5).

"Further heavy rain during the evening and early morning will push the rating to soft (6)," a Moonee Valley track update said.

Atmospherical, a dual Listed winner, was formerly trained in Sydney by David Pfieffer and joined Smerdon's stable before her autumn campaign this year.

Atmospherical crossed the line fourth in the Monash Stakes (1100m) last month but was promoted on protest ahead of Lord Of The Sky after he shifted out at the 200m.

"Nick Hall wasn't saying she would have beaten Wild Rain but said he felt confident she would have fought it out with her if she hadn't had her momentum taken away," Smerdon said.

The trainer says he is unsure of future plans for Atmospherical who has just turned six.

"She might be off to stud on Monday, who knows?," he said.

"It's sort of race by race with her."

Tycoon Tara Wins Second Group Race

Saturday, 20 August 2016 08:12

The breeding barn can wait for Tycoon Tara who has backed up a Group win on the heaviest Randwick track in memory with another on the first good surface for months.

The former Victorian has now had two starts for Peter and Paul Snowden for wins in the Group Two Missile (1200m) and Saturday's Bob Ingham Show County Quality over the same distance.

The race was named in honour of Ingham for whom the Snowdens worked for many years before he sold his racing concern to Sheikh Mohammed.

Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Tycoon Tara ($5.50) raced on the speed and fought off Group One winner and race favourite Le Romain ($4.20) in the straight to win by 1-1/4 lengths with Mount Nebo ($10) coming from last for third.

"She's not going anywhere soon," Paul Snowden said.

"I don't think the owners want to retire her while she's in winning form.

"We'll find another couple of nice races for her."

Although she is a newcomer to the stable, Snowden said she was as relaxed as if she had been there all her life.

"She is so relaxed and is a push-button horse," he said.

"And to see her in the yard today, well horses don't look as good as that and not run well."

Kris Lees, trainer of Randwick Guineas winner Le Romain, said the race fitness of the winner was the telling factor.

"The mare in form had the run under her belt but I thought he raced really well," he said.

"He's come on the right way and he'll take good improvement out of the run."

Famous Seamus Ready For Another Spring

Friday, 19 August 2016 08:07

Group One winner Le Romain is the punters' pick to begin his four-year-old season on a high at Randwick but he may find some stiff opposition from a couple of hardened campaigners.

Decision Time sprung an upset in the Group Three sprint a year ago as an eight-year-old and is back to try to do the same on Saturday.

Another veteran, Famous Seamus, will also be out to upstage his younger rivals with his trainer Noel Mayfield-Smith keen to get his campaign started on an improving track.

Now an eight-year-old, Famous Seamus has had mixed fortunes throughout his career, winning the Group One BTC Cup in May 2014 but striking wet tracks in many of his other assignments.

"He is a horse who is weather dependent and wet tracks rule him out of a lot of races," Mayfield-Smith said.

"He's working well. He has trialled well and the sun's out so that's positive.

"He normally improves off his first run but he has conditions to suit and could run well first-up."

Although mindful Famous Seamus is getting older, Mayfield-Smith says he shows no signs of his age and the trainer goes to Randwick encouraged by race jockey Jay Ford's assessment of the gelding.

"Jay rode him on Tuesday morning and said he still has the same enthusiasm for his work that he's always had," he said.

"Age isn't worrying him and the times he runs are the same as they have always been so that says something."

Mayfield-Smith has the Tramway Stakes at Randwick and the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle as early targets.

"We will look at taking him back to Melbourne or even look at Western Australia," he said.

"As always it depends on the weather."

The Kris Lees-trained Randwick Guineas winner Le Romain holds favouritism at $4 ahead of last year's third placed Vashka at $4.40.