3 minute read

A look at some of the other angles from Verry Elleegant Stakes Day at Randwick.

McDonald a tad torn over Slipper preference

James McDonald certainly did not hide his admiration for Storm Boy ($1.18 favourite) after steering the Golden Slipper favourite to victory in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes (1200m).

With this event being his first aboard the stand-out colt, and the horse's first run since winning the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on January 13, McDonald was at his measured best over whether he would choose Storm Boy over fellow boom Slipper contender Switzerland.

Owned by the powerful Coolmore establishment, the decision is very much with its supremo Tom Magnier and the international stud's team.

"Ryan (Moore) is obviously their number one and we'll see what happens but if I get the opportunity I'd love to ride him," McDonald said

"He (Storm Boy) has taken it all before him but he oozes quality. You think you're going fast and he goes faster. That is the scary thing about him."

Storm Boy is the $2.30 favourite for Australia's premier Group 1 contest over 1200-metres for juveniles with Coolmore's other top colt and Golden Slipper hope Switzerland, also unbeaten so far, at $8.

Quick back-up for Tashi

The added incentive of a black-type win is well known for a future broodmare and Peter and Paul Snowden are hoping to boost Tashi's value in the breeding barn with their plans to back up the four-year-old next Saturday at Randwick.

Tashi ($9) took out the James Squire Handicap (1200m) with Tom Sherry aboard, with Paul Snowden adding post-race that their intention was to return next Saturday for the Group 2 Wenona Girl Quality (1200m).

"The next three weeks will certainly suit her and if we can get a bit of rain around, she will certainly come into play," he said.

"She has always been a filly we have thought a bit of. We missed the winter with her through an incident in the paddock, she had an enforced layout.

"But she was very immature as a younger horse and she got to have that extended break, which is probably going to play into her favour at some stage and it looks to be this preparation."

Collett's surprise Group 2 win

Jason Collett was hopeful that Hell Hath No Fury ($9.50) could deliver a placing in the Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) and when he snatched the photo finish victory over James Mcdonald aboard Hinged ($2.80 favourite), he was pleased to similarly add to the four-year-old's future broodmare value.

Apart from the horse's performance, Collett was even more surprised when he realised that the race was a Group 2.

"I was hoping to run a place, to be honest but when she loomed up outside Hinged, I was up for the fight," Collett said.

So confident was Collett that he'd won the tight go on the line: "I actually said to James (McDonald), 'thanks'."

Hell Hath No Fury ($9.50) got the verdict by a nose over Hinged ($2.80 fav) with More Secrets  ($7) third, another 1-3/4 lengths away.

Quote of the Day: "I would have liked to see her draw a barrier and we could have been that pair closer. It was just a bit tricky to make up that much ground. It was no-one's fault, these things happen, she still knuckled down late." – Trainer Chris Waller on Fangirl going down to Think It Over in the Verry Elleegant Stakes.