Saturday, 7 January 2012: A stable change has seen Chasm get back into the winners stall after a lengthy draught with a deserved victory in the $100,000 Robert Taranto Doveton Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
 | Chasm
Photo by Racing and Sports | |
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Switching from Heath Conners to Brendan McCarthy's stables was apparently all it took to get Chasm a first place cheque, his first since ANZAC Day in 2009.
Since that day the more than capable galloper had raced with distinction, placing in Group 1
Emirates Stakes as well as placing in multiple Group 2 and 3 races, but new surroundings finally saw the son of Umatilla claim a victory.
Ridden by the in form Chris Symons, Chasm jumped well from barrier five before settling second last, one off the fence and about four lengths behind race leader First Command.
As the field rounded the turn Symons was in dire need of room and there was little on offer. With horses inside and out and right in front of him it was a matter of waiting for an opportunity.
Luckily for connections that opportunity came through at the 175m when a gap appeared between the four runners ahead of him. McCarthy had the horse fresh enough and he sprinted well, driving in between horses and claiming the lead and the win in the shadows of the post.
The margin between the group was a nose to Stirling Grove in second with First Command a long head away in third. Second Effort was a head away in fourth. The overall time was 1.09.43 and the last 600m was run in 34.47.
“Brendan said he has been doing really well and he wouldn't be surprised if he put himself into the race, which he did,” Symons said.
“His best efforts are over 1400m to a mile but first up today he has done well and just put his head in front at the right time which he doesn't do that often.
“He looked magnificent, he was pumped, he felt great going to the barriers, he jumped brilliant and sometimes it is a new environment that helps these horses along.”
McCarthy was quick to deflect praise back to Heath Conners after the win, and just got the horse into his stable at the right time.
“He has run a terrific race today,” McCarthy said. “He looked like getting baulked a number of times there and I didn't think he'd get through but he really finished it off well.
“He got the lucky today, finished the race of well and it all worked out beautifully.
“He was only out in the paddock a couple of weeks and he has done incredibly well since he's been in. His regular rider, Kylie, who was with him at Heaths, is still with him now and she has been a big part of it.”
Chasm is owned by Neil Wilson and has improved his overall record to 40 starts for nine wins and 11 minor placings and he has now claimed $761,113 in prizemoney.
