3 minute read
A daring ride by Tyler Schiller coupled with the late sectional strength of Celestial Legend gave the colt his second Group 1 in a thrilling finish.
The three-year-old saluted in the feature $4M Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) and overcame difficulties to score.
The race was run at a genuine tempo with Punter's Intelligence recording leader Phearson spearing across from the outside draw, and he ran the first 1000m in 59.02, approximately 4.5 lengths quicker than the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) for that section.
Celestial Legend got into an awkward spot throughout transit and was held up for the majority of the straight, but once clear, he surged to the line and showed his brilliance.
He clocked the race's quickest final 200m in 11.83, 1 length quicker than the next best being Rustic Steel.
The Les Bridge-trained runner has a bright future, and expect him to prove himself at WFA next campaign.
Runner-up Pericles tried hard in defeat, and placegetter Militarize was honest after making his run through the inferior ground and recorded 11.61 for his 400m-200m split.
Nugget had slight excuses but ran his final 600m in 35.56, and Kovalica is one to watch over more ground after clocking the race's quickest 600m-200m split in 23.15.
Rustic Steel, as mentioned, ran fast closing sectionals, and his final 600m in 35.39 was the second fastest after Celestial Legend in 35.19.
A quick mention of the favourite Another Wil who was honest in defeat after always facing the breeze and Obamburumai didn't handle the testing surface.
Chain Of Lightning broke through for her maiden Group 1 win after holding off the late challengers in the T J Smith Stakes (1200m).
The mare took a trail throughout, and she stole a break running a sharp 11.23 between the 400m-200m and maintained a solid finishing speed to the line.
Bella Nipotina was brave in defeat after always facing the breeze, and the run of I Wish I Win caught the eye.
He was first-up, giving the field a critical fitness edge, and he loomed to win the race running 11.07 for his 400m-200m split but peaked on his effort late. Follow him over more ground second-up.
Sunshine In Paris ran on well clocking 34.32 and race favourite Imperatriz didn't have much luck.
The Chris Waller-trained Espiona arguably should've won after being held up at critical stages, halting her momentum, and she savaged the line. Even with the interference, she ran the race's fastest final 600m in 34.19.
The Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) was run at a brutal tempo with leader Glad You Think So leading at a very fast pace, and to his credit, he stuck on well.
Victor, Riff Rocket was perfectly ridden by James McDonald, and he saved ground on the turn, giving him a break on runner-up Ceolwulf.
He ran the race's quickest 600m-400m in 11.68, almost two lengths faster than Ceolwulf, which gave him the winning edge. However, to his credit, he was strong to the line and ran an almost equal final 200m in 12.72.
Ceolwulf was brave and will back up in the upcoming Group 1 Queen Elizabeth.
A quick look at the Group 1 Inglis Sires' (1200m), which produced an exciting finish, and Manaal ran over the top of her rivals.
She ran 12.30 for her final 200m, 1.5 lengths faster than Coleman.
Traffic Warden again ran an honest race and went down fighting.
Fastest last 600m: Espiona 34.19
Watch Punter's Intelligence at 7pm on Tuesdays on Sky Thoroughbred Central.
