3 minute read
Mandy Cottell and Brenton Le Grand look back on the ten-race program at Royal Randwick and bring you the talking points of the undercard.
Internationals Land St Leger
The internationals struck an early blow on Everest Day with the James Ferguson-trained Land Legend ($4.40) scoring a thrilling win in the $500,000 St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick.
Ferguson, who trains out of Newmarket in England and is the son of renowned bloodstock agent and former Godolphin chief executive John Ferguson, sent the lightly raced stayer to Sydney specifically for Saturday's race.
Stable representative Katie Webb, who has been looking after the Bon Ho-owned Land Legend during his stay at the Canterbury quarantine facility, was thrilled to see the horse bring his best form to Australia.
"Absolutely delighted for Mr Bon Ho. We have a strong connection with him and for this horse to come out here and win first time for us is just unbelievable really," Webb said.
Webb said Land Legend would stay in Australia where he would be transferred to leading trainer Chris Waller.
"He goes to Chris Waller now so what the plan is for him, we will let him decide," she said.
Tyler Schiller was responsible for an outstanding ride on Land Legend, making a mid-race move when the speed was slow and judging the horse's finish to perfection.
Well backed to start $4.40, the winner scored by 2-3/4 lengths over Cleveland ($3.80F) with the runner-up's Kris Lees-trained stablemate Kalapour ($4.60) another neck away third.
Arctic Glamour picks up some black type
She was only coming off a 'lowly' mid-week maiden win at Rosehill but the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-prepared Arctic Glamour ($1.85F) has already picked up some valuable black type by taking out the Listed Reginald Allen Quality.
Given a perfect ride by hoop Kerrin Mcevoy, the three-year-old filly surged to the front over the final stages to win by 1-1/2 lengths over Joliestar ($4.40) with roughie Broadcaster ($26) a further half length back in third.
McEvoy, who was on board for the maiden victory, was impressed with his mount's professionalism and believes she can get out over further.
"Great win, she's an exciting filly," McEvoy said.
"She blew them away first-up and she's done it with trademark ease similar to last time.
"Off the back of that I'd say a mile will be no problems at all."
Co-trainer Alexiou was keen to get the daughter of Frosted into the Group Two Callander-Presnell in two weeks' time with prize money topping the $1 million mark.
"Thanks Mr V'landys," Alexiou quipped.
Tulloch Lodge to launch G1 Attack
A long-range plan by Tulloch Lodge is a step closer to fruition after Raf Attack cemented his Spring Champion Stakes claims with a strong on-speed victory in the Gloaming Stakes.
While favourite Tom Kitten was back in the field having a bumping duel with the well-backed Tannhauser ($6), Raf Attack ($8.50) was keeping out of trouble in front as Regan Bayliss rated him to perfection.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained three-year-old continued to lift as the challengers presented, clinging to a half-neck win over the flying Tom Kitten ($2.60F) with Cap Ferrat ($26) also finishing hard for third, another short neck away.
"The favourites were left with a little bit to do but he was out there making his own luck," Bott said.
"He's been in a couple of high-pressure races that just haven't suited him. Getting out in trip has been the key and he has been able to sustain a good gallop.
"He's going to go on to the Spring Champion in great shape."
Nash Rawiller was proud of the effort of Tom Kitten who shouldered his way clear rounding the turn before storming home to just miss.
"I said at the start of the prep he could be the best horse I've ridden, and he hasn't let me down today. Just unlucky," Rawiller said.
McDonald returns to Nature with I Am Me
James Mcdonald had a pretty simple plan heading into the $2 million Sydney Stakes and thankfully for connections of I Am Me, he was able to execute it.
Co-trainer Ciaron Maher said the mare went too keenly when finishing out of the placings in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) last start, so McDonald vowed to ride her like another horse who could sometimes overdo things.
"I Am Me just got on the chewy a little bit last start and overdid it," Maher said.
"James said he was going to ride her like Nature Strip prior to the race and he got it perfect.
"He got her relaxed, he got her out quickly, he got over (from an awkward barrier) nice."
I Am Me ($4.80F) had to fight hard for the win with Airman ($6.50) refusing to go away, McDonald's mount eventually getting the better of him late to score by three-quarters of a length with Bella Nipotina ($5) the same margin away third.
"Credit to the second horse because I knew he was there. I accelerated brilliantly and he was stuck to me like glue," McDonald said.
"I was cursing about the furlong, but I was pretty happy over the line."
Quote of the day: "I had such a nice run in the race and travelled so well. This stuff doesn't happen, it just went too perfect. I guess that's what very good horses do, maybe even champions, they eliminate the opposition." - A jubilant Sam Clipperton after Think About It took out the $20 million The Everest.
