Escadaire, McGruddy Love It Second-Up

Sunday, 04 April 2010 02:13

The Frank Maynard trained Escadaire continued his superb second-up form with an upset win in the $100,000 Listed Miss Andretti Stakes (1200m), from Revolition and the unlucky Shock Value in third place.

Escadaire ($17) improved on his game first up effort when second to London in the WATC Stakes at Ascot a fortnight ago and the win was his fifth second up win from seven starts.

Shaun McGruddy resumed on the six year old son of O’Reilly and won his fourth race on the gelding, sitting in the one by one and sprinting too powerfully for his rivals.

Revolition settled outside of the leader Spitfire Ace who was the first horse beaten on straightening for home.

Shock Value was trailing the leader and was hampered when looking for a run in the straight, with Jason Brown firing in a protest against the second placed Revolition, which was quickly dismissed.

London had every chance and raced like a flat horse but still managed to grind into fourth position from Estiarte who continues to race in the best of his form.

Maynard is of the opinion that Escadaire is racing at the peak of his powers and was quietly confident about a top performance today.

The win was the six year olds second Listed win and his ninth overall from 34 starts with prize money earnings now above the $400,000 level.

“It has been a while between drinks for me," McGruddy said.

"We have combined for four wins before and I know this horse well.

"He feels like he will improve again and he should continue on in good form," he added.