3 minute read
Racing and Sports provides a horse to watch out of Saturday metropolitan racing on March 5.
Randwick
Race 3: Showcourt
One to keep an eye on from Saturday's Randwick meeting is the Chris Waller-trained Showcourt.
Finding the line nicely for third on debut, the son of Snitzel was sent out a $9.50 chance in the Group 2 Colts and Geldings Todman Stakes (1200m).
Not showing a great deal of early speed in his debut run, nor in his lead-up trials, the two-year-old once again jumped away slowly from his wide gate and was quickly taken back under the riding of James Mcdonald to settle at the rear.
Travelling at the tail of the field throughout, the colt looked to be struggling to keep in touch with his rivals when approaching the 800m, but with some heavy riding from McDonald the two-year-old soon tacked back on.
Straightening with the field in front of them, McDonald elected to take a passage in between runners as his mount began to shift through his gears.
Making good ground and looking close to letting down with his full effort, the pair ran into a dead end approaching the 100m – ultimately halting all momentum.
After being eased for several strides, McDonald shifted the colt out a pair at the 50m and closed off neatly to the line.
Beaten just under 2L in fourth, Showcourt ran the third fastest final 200m (13.02 secs) despite being heavily hampered for most of that stretch.
Having secured a clear route in the straight and not being forced to a standstill at a crucial stage of the race, the colt finishes a lot closer – if not salutes.
Seen so often in horses under the tutelage of Chris Waller, Showcourt will without doubt improve from his run and prove mighty hard to hold out next start.
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