Review - Golden Slipper day

Race 7 Group 1 - Longines Golden Slipper
(2YO SW - 1200m)
Winning Horse: Capitalist (AUS)

Capitalist has won the $3.5 million Golden Slipper, giving trainer Peter Snowden his second triumph in the world's richest race for two-year-olds.

Race Result:

1st: Capitalist - $8.00
2nd: Yankee Rose - $21.00
3rd: Flying Artie - $4.00
Winning Time: 1:10.59 Last 600m: 35.10
Margins: 1/2L x 1 3/4L

Winning Trainer: Peter & Paul Snowden

On the win: “It is very special, especially the way it happened, he had a bit of trouble getting out but Blake had a lap full of horse and it looked like he had a lot to offer and once he got out it was a tremendous feeling and was so good to watch that last 200m.”
On starting own stable: “The people who have backed us and our stable have been outstanding and I feel justified in their faith in us and return serving a win like today, it’s a great result.
“James Harron was a big instigator in this whole programme and in buying horses, We are very lucky to get a horse like this in our first crack.”
“We thought we had a point to prove and thank god he backed us up because there is nothing better than letting the horse do the talking.”- Paul Snowden

Winning Jockey: Blake Shinn
On the win: “Words can’t describe it, I’m so emotional. This is the best feeling ever.
“This is one of the greatest races in the world and to be able to win it, I can’t thank everyone enough. This win is not just for me, it’s for everyone along the way who has helped me.”
Following the Todman: “They wrote him off. I’ve got to take my hat off the Snowden Racing, Peter and Paul.”
“We never wrote this horse off after his last start defeat, you just have to have the faith and go in confident to every race.
“Full credit to this horse’s ability. He’s backed up from the Magic Millions and come here today.
“I was just saying to him ‘C’mon, just one more performance and he did it for me. I am so proud.”
On the run: “We got a great run in transit, they went fast. I let Flying Artie cross me and was three back the fence and he settled so well.
“I was waiting for my options around the 600m. He sprinted hard when I took a gap underneath Honesty Prevails and he really hit the line hard.”

Beaten Jockeys:
Craig Newitt (Extreme Choice):“Disappointing, I don’t think he went 100m without getting interfered with. He got smashed out of the gates, another one before the corner when he started to make his run and even half way up the straight the Godolphin horse ran straight over the top of him. For him to get as close as he did, his run was outstanding.”

Damien Oliver (Flying Artie): “It was a very good effort, he had every chance. Landed a little bit closer than I expected, he fought it out really bravely just found a couple better today.”

Brett Prebble (Defcon): “I think the big day proved a bit too much for him. He got a bit agitated and was quite naughty behind the barriers. From the 600m he was off the bridle and chasing once that happened I was in trouble.”

Kerrin Mcevoy (Kiss And Make Up):“We were a little bit further back than we planned to be. Had a spot with a bit of cover but he just didn’t act and corner that well around the bend here at Rosehill, it was almost like the Rosehill bend was too sharp for him. He is better than that, just look for him next preparation.”

James Mcdonald (Astern): “He worked quite hard to get across, travelled well for a furlong but he was the first horse beaten, it was quite surprising.”

Dwayne Dunn (Star Turn):

Hugh Bowman (Good Standing):

J Doyle (Telperion): “I was very pleased with him actually, he was a little bit lost early on, we got around the turn and he got lost again when I asked him to go and quicken, another furlong will definitely suit. Good run.”

Opie Bosson (French Fern): “She was under pressure a long way out.”

Tommy Berry (Scarlet Rain): “She didn’t show that customary speed she has and even where she was she was off the bit and struggling to be there. She did make a noise when she was coming back in.”

Sam Clipperton (Calliope): “After that bit of commotion she actually jumped quite well and it just took me too long to get her back.”

Zac Purton (Yankee Rose): “Great effort, she was a little bit slow away but I was able to hold a good spot. Lovely run in the race, just the whip rules, if I was able to get into her a little bit earlier I think she may have made it very interesting, but I had to wait and it was too late.

Thomas Huet (Sweet Sherry): “Huge run, it wasn’t the plan to lead but there was no speed early. She was just lost that last 150m, good run.”

Jason Collett (Honesty Prevails): “Great run landed in a really nice spot and had every chance the winner was just too good. Really looking forward to her future.”

Damian Lane (Quick Feet): “She ran well, probably down in the inferior part of the track but stuck on well.”

Race 6
Group 1 - Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas
(3YO SW - 2000m)
Tarzino impresses with gutsy win defeating Montaigne and Jameka running third after a tough run.

Race Result:

1st: Tarzino - $3.10
2nd: Montaigne - $6.50
3rd: Jameka - $8.00
Winning Time: 2:03.56 Last 600m: 34.54
Margins: 1 3/4L x Long Head

Winning Trainer: Mick Price
On the horse: “He is a really really good staying colt, we tried to win an Australian Guineas with him and actually tried to win a Caulfield Guineas with him, he just came unstuck in those mile races but thought today might have been a bit of a bogey day for him, first time in Sydney we have had plenty of practice at Caulfield they have been great there to allow us inside grass reverse way all the time.
“I think he will improve from today and he is obviously the one to beat going into the AJC Derby, it’s a great bunch of owners and a really good horse.
On the run: “What I was thinking in the barriers was is he going to jump or not, he is a colt and they can be a bit inconsistent and he came out slow motion in the Australian Guineas which cost us, i just said to Craig (Newitt) today to keep him on his toes and i didn’t want him pulling or overdo it.
“It was a beautiful ride, he chased the right horse home Jameka and I just thought it was a strong win, if he shows up in right order on Derby day they won’t beat him.

Winning Jockey: Craig Newitt
“He’ll only improve off that, he’s an out and out stayer with a turn of foot and is fast becoming one of the best horses I have ridden.”

Beaten Jockeys:
Christian Reith (Le Romain): “He has done a good job this preparation, he is probably had enough this horse. He got galloped on in the run, turning the corner I thought he was travelling well, I thought a horse struck his back legs, after that he couldn’t recover.”

Hugh Bowman (Vanbrugh): “Good run he is racing really well and he is going to be a live Derby chance on the back of that performance.”

James Mcdonald (Etymology): “He is working towards his goal really well, today was a good stepping stone towards the Derby.”

Sam Clipperton (Shards): “He only raced fair.”

Tye Angland (Gold Ambition): “From the gate just got caught three deep the entire, it obviously didn’t suit. His run was alright.”

Brenton Avdulla (River Wild): “He has come a long way this preparation, but I feel the trip saw him out.”

Blake Shinn (Montaigne): “Really gallant performance, I followed Tarzino everywhere it went. Got the run at the 250m but Tarzino just pulled out a bit too many punches. I feel heading towards the Derby my horse will be better suited, he’ll be a really good chance in that race.”

Glen Boss (I'm Belucci): “Shocking, went terrible.”

Craig Williams (Hursley): “The outside barrier and a slow start in a slowly run race just made his work really hard.”

Opie Bosson (Oh So Splendido): “It wasn’t a bad run he was doing his best work late so the extra distance in the Derby might be ideal.”

Damien Oliver (Jameka): “It was a very good effort, I thought she was very brave. The leader caved in a fair way from home and she battled it out really strongly.”

Race 5
Group 1 - China Horse Club George Ryder Stakes

Winning Horse: Winx (AUS)
Winx once again proved to be the best Mare in Australia. Challenged by Kermadec in the concluding stages of the straight, Hugh Bowman on Winx found another gear to record a brave win.

Race Result:

1st: Winx
2nd: Kermadec
3rd: Press Statement
Winning Time: 1:28:70 Last 600m: 33:93
Margins: 1 1/2L x 1 3/4L

Winning Trainer: Chris Waller
On the run: “Very special, it looked awkward early but Hugh (Bowman) made it look easy he got into a beautiful position and found a nice rhythm.
“She ambled up to them turning for home which is always a good sign but it’s hard when you are trying to put away a field like today, a field of superstars, First Seal came up with her and I thought oh well there’s your challenge today First Seal has beaten us every other time but today she was just dominante.
On the win: “It hasn’t sunk in today and probably it’s a horse you look back on and really get a lot from it surprises me beating horses like Press Statement and Kermadec they are dead-set superstars in their own right and she has beaten them pretty easily.
On next start: “We will think about the Doncaster, obviously Queen Elizabeth is the race we set her for from the start of the carnival but you can’t ignore a $3m race the week before obviously is softens her up a little bit for the Queen Elizabeth but i have respect for Sunline’s, More Joyous’ and Super Imposes’ who carry the big weights in particular the two mares they have done it, Winx can do it.”

Winning Jockey: Hugh Bowman
On his first Group 1 win ever in this race: “I won my first Group 1 in Sydney in this race for Guy Walter (Court’s In Session).
“A few years ago I came here on Racing To Win and Weekend Hussler came up. Weekend Hussler was going ever so well and I thought we’ll see how good this Melbournian is today.
“Racing To Win ran his best and Weekend Hussler was too good.
On partnering Winx: “To come here on a mare like this today. It is one of the best races in the country just because of the field it attracts every year.
“It is a genuine world class Group 1 event. She showed her dominance here this afternoon and it is just an honour to be a part of it.”
“I was a little bit more apprehensive today than recent starts just because of the draw and the setup of the race. That is what a horse that is better than the rest can do, you can make a bit of use of them in two spots.
“I had to do that to get my position in the early part. She showed her dominance the last 200m. I was surprised when I think it was Hucklebuck (Kermadec) came with me up the rail.
“I was surprised he sprinted with me up the rail but she left him in her wake the last 100m and it was just me and her and it was ever so sweet.”
“We’ve come to expect it. I certainly feel as though it is up to me to put her in the right spot.
“I know she is going to deliver but I still need to put her in a position where she can. So far I’ve been able to do that.”

Beaten Jockeys:
Opie Bosson (Turn Me Loose): “He just overraced the whole way and just didn’t come back underneath me, he was pretty much gone from the turn.”

Zac Purton (Kermadec): “It was a great run he came through like he was going to go through with it, when he pulled up he was having a really big blow so I think he just needed it, he come on along from
that and will be better next time.”

Dom Tourneur (Hucklebuck): “Got onto the mares back on the corner but that was about as close as I got, they had an extra gear on him.”

Brenton Avdulla (Happy Clapper): “I’m happy with the way he is progressing, the grand final is in two weeks time and he probably drops 9kg into it, so I’m happy with him.”

Blake Shinn (First Seal): “She ran well I think it was a great Doncaster run, she drops from WFA to 54kg. The three horses that beat her home are exceptional top class horses. She sat second and carted the rest which didn’t suit her.

Craig Williams (Tinto): “What a race! I got on the back of Winx and just couldn’t sustain that type of run. Tinto ran really well for a horse that looks to be now targeted for the Queen Of The Turf. That type of run against that sort of field should leave her in pretty good stead.”

James Mcdonald (Press Statement): “Yeah he went good, just two very good horses went past him but he ran out of his skin.”

Race 4
Group 1 - Ranvet Stakes
(3YO+ WFA - 2000m)

Winning Horse: The United States (Ire) 6yoH Galileo (Ire) - Beauty Is Truth (Ire)(Pivotal (GB))
The United States ran along the rail to save ground in a patient ride by Kerrin McEvoy. Challenged deep into the straight by Hauraki The United States was able to kick strongly to claim the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes.

Race Result:

1st: The United States
2nd: Hauraki
3rd: Criterion
Winning Time: 2:03.17 Last 600m: 34.52
Margins: 3/4L x 3 1/4L

Winning Trainer: Nick Williams (Owner)
On winning the race: “It’s fantastic all of these guys have been in a lot of horses with us and we have had a bit of luck along the way and to win this race which is one of the biggest days of racing in NSW in the autumn is a real honour and to have all my mates in it is great.
On the backup:“I’m not sure I was confident but the horse came through last week well and just bounced straight off it and that made the decision very easy to come up here, we would not have brought him if he wasn’t in perfect order even off that hard race.
“He is very very tough, you saw he had seven runs in the spring he can go to the paddock now as a Group 1 winner and we can get him ready for the Cox Plate.
On the Melbourne Cup: “He didn’t get a very good ride last year but i guess there was probably 21 bad rides in last years Melbourne Cup but it’s not about the Melbourne Cup it’s about winning this race and to win a time honoured race like the Ranvet.”

Winning Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Regarding contesting the Ranvet: “He was third up today but backing up within a week so it was a great job by Rob (Robert Hickmott) and his team and Lloyd and Nick (Williams). It looked a nice race on paper.
“Well played Lloyd and Nick (Williams) for picking out this race after last start where he was only just beaten. It was a nice race for him today.”
“We came here quietly confident that he would run really well.”
In transit: We were awkwardly placed, last on the rail but I thought to myself I would cut the corner because I’ve got a better turn of foot than these.
“He really quickened up through a gap and I was in front within 100 yards. He showed good acceleration.
“He was full of running on the line and he is a handy horse in his own right, he showed that in the spring when he was great in the Moonee Valley Cup. His two runs back have shown he has been in good order.”
“He is great to ride. Rob (Robert Hickmott) said he was push button and that is exactly what he was.”

Beaten Jockeys:
Michael Walker (Criterion): “Good run I just think he may have peaked on his run. I thought he was going to win but he just peaked.”

Opie Bosson (Mongolian Khan): “It was a good run he’s looking out for the 2400m now and he’ll improve from that.”

Blake Shinn (Dibayani): “He ran well. Had a great run in transit, loomed at the top of the straight but the others just sprinted a bit better at 2000m.”

James Mcdonald (Hauraki): “He went fantastic, just devastated we met a better one on the day, he’s run a blinder, an absolute blinder.”

Zac Purton (Weary): “He just got on the bit a little bit during the run. He was out sprinted in the straight
but his last 100m was good.”

Hugh Bowman (Storm The Stars): “Bottom line is we need more from him but it is only his first preparation here in Australia and he is only going to improve.”

Craig Williams (Kool Kompany): “He was a little bit colty before the race and he subsequently stepped a little bit slow. Did a lot of work the first half of the race and under those circumstances I thought he stayed on well.”

Tommy Berry (Bohemian Lily): “She has turned up so far this preparation so we’ll just see how she pulls up.”

Race 3
The Sebring 3YO-LR

Southern Legend fought off the challenge by Egyptian Symbol with Denmagic running third.

RACE 2
Group 3 - Irresistible Pools & Spas NE Manion Cup
(3YO+ Qlty - 2400m)

Winning Horse: Libran (IRE)
Jockey Brenton Avdulla had Libran well placed coming to the turn, before extending into the straight to win comfortably. Cafe Society improved on recent outtings to run second.

1st: Libran
2nd: Cafe Society
3rd: Gallante
Winning Time: 2:30.41 Last 600m: 34.98
Margins: 2L x 1/2L

Winning Trainer: Chris Waller
On the horse: “He has been a work in progress, it all started during cup week in Melbourne, he has taken a while to find his feet this preparation but now he is up over more suitable distances he is starting to focus and finish the races off strongly.”
On the win: “It was a very good ride aided by a good barrier and small field he got cover, i would just like to see him switch off more again that’s now the big thing towards the Sydney Cup hence the reason we will probably run again in the Chairmans the week before the Sydney Cup.
“It’s good prizemoney and will give him a chance to be rock hard fit come Sydney Cup day,”

Winning Jockey: Brenton Avdulla
On his campaign to date: “It has been the plan all along, to take him along slowly. I think the main race Chris (Waller) wants to win is his next one, the 2600m on the first day of The Championships.
“Today he has probably got a bit more dour in him, Chris is starting to pour the work into him. He (Chris Waller) is a top class trainer and there is just a sense of timing about him. He is on the limit (weight) in the Cup and he was pretty good today.”
“We’ve just tried to get him to relax all prep. He still fought me a little bit then but I had to make a little use of him to hold my spot because I didn’t want to be three back the fence. When I was there and was able to pop off down the mile I was always in control. I had to slow him down at about the 1000m because I was always going so well.
On today’s run: “I had to put him off his rhythm a fraction but I always felt in control.
“He floated late and is still learning what he is doing.
“He has Group 1 written all over him. If it is not this prep, he’ll win one next prep.”

Beaten Jockeys:
Hugh Bowman (Beyond Thankful): “It was an improved run he settled better today and ran accordingly.”
Tye Angland (Auvray): “In hindsight I should have kept pushing forward I just didn’t think I had enough speed to get up there and cross them. It was a waste of a run.”

James Mcdonald (Gallante): “Nice enough run, he’s definitely on track but the penny hasn’t quite dropped with him.”

Glen Boss (Do You Remember): “One to forget.”

Tommy Berry (Cafe Society): “Much improved run, just got him into a nice rhythm today. Best part about him the winner out sprinted us but he was very strong on the line.”

Dwayne Dunn (Another Cocktail): “He ran well and he’ll take plenty of benefit from this preparation. Next time in he’ll be a nice horse.”

RACE 1
Group 3 - Nathan’s Famous Epona Stakes
(3YO+ FM SW+P - 1900m)

Winning Horse: Vergara (AUS)
Jockey James McDonald and trainer Anthony Cummings combine with Vergara to win the first at Rosehill on Golden Slipper Day. Vergara was able to lead throughout holding off the fast finishing burst of Heavens Above.

Race Result:

1st: Vergara - $12.00
2nd: Heavens Above - $3.80
3rd: Sweet Fire - $7.00
Winning Time: 1:56.83 Last 600m: 35.30
Margins: Half Neck x Neck

Winning Trainer: Anthony Cummings
On the ride: “It was a really well judged ride by James (McDonald), he took the speed out of it and took the main chances out of it.
“I thought All Cerise might have put a bit more pressure on the race but she sat back off us and it really handed the lead up to the leader and that was us.
On the win: “She has come back a better mare this time and today was the first time this preparation she has been able to get on the bit and travel and it was a well rated ride by James and she did the rest.”
On Daniel Moor missing the ride: “There is no pain involved (putting on James McDonald) but Daniel advised us on going to the 1900m after her last run and it was his advice as much as any that got us here and it’s a shame he couldn’t take the ride today.
On the future: “There are a few nice races for her throughout the Randwick carnival so we will have a look at that, this will probably be her last racing season so she will go through to the Brisbane over a similar staying trip and maybe something like the Hollindale Stakes.”
Winning Jockey: James McDonald
On the win: “It was a good, tough effort, she had to do it the hard way.
“I wasn’t going to pull against her, there is no point in the two of us fighting each other. She relaxed reasonably well down the side and then picked it up from the 600m. She was tough and too good for them.”
On picking up the ride: “It is a nice pick up ride. They (Pickup rides) are blessed, I’ll be picking up everything I can from now on.”

Beaten Jockeys:
Brenton Avdulla (Gust Of Wind): “Hasn’t come up.”
Tye Angland (Heavens Above): “Really good run. Fell into a good spot early, the second half of the race we just got shuffled back a few more pairs than I wanted to but she got out and was very game.”
Sam Clipperton (Adorabeel): “Not a bad run just need a bit more pace on.”
Dwayne Dunn (All Cerise): “Probably a little bit too far for her and she is coming to the end of her preparation.”
Tommy Berry (Sweet Fire): “I was surprised to see Gust Of Wind where she was and that sort of just took my spot. Couldn’t get in and she should have probably won.”
Tim Clark (Alegria): “Good honest effort but the winner was too good.”
Jason Collett (Mary Lou): “Got back from the wide gate but just wasn’t able to finish off with no speed.”
Kerrin Mcevoy (Skyline Blush): “Got into a nice position just never had enough horse to push out and get her into the clear. She stayed on okay.”
Damian Lane (Blendwell): “She ran well, distance for the first time three deep took its toll late.”
Craig Williams (Piamimi): “She is only a little girl but she has a really big heart and ran commendable.”