3 minute read
Malaysian jockey Aizat Malik showed he will be a welcome addition to the Tasmanian jockey ranks landing his first winner at just his fifth start since arriving in the state with a clever front-running ride aboard Rafael’s Raid ($11) in the 2100m BM68 Hcp in Hobart on Sunday.
A maiden prior to the race Rafael's Raid, trained by John Keys, had been placed at four of his 11 runs and always runs his best races on the Hobart circuit.
Aizat Malik only arrived in the state last month to take up a job as stable rider for Longford trainer Monica Ryan.
"I'm happy to be here in Tasmania, such a new experience for me riding in the cool weather," Malik said after the race.
The John Blacker -trained pair Montezulu ($6) and Southern Wind ($13) filled the placings.
Earlier Keys saddled-up three runners in the 1400m BM68 Hcp and came away with a winning trifecta. Verbano beating Rich Clan ($6.50) with Nicco The Greek ($2.60) third.
Verbano ($8.50) was having her fourth run in from a spell and enjoyed the extra distance of the race. Drawn inside, Verbano raced midfield for most of the trip and was suited by the hot tempo set by Londiani who at the halfway mark was about eight lengths clear.
"Obviously very well placed by the team today, stepping up to the 1400m was the key and the inside alley helped. We drew well and there was a lot of speed obviously and we had a good spot, we just needed a bit of clear air and once we did she did the rest," jockey Anthony Darmanin said.
The win made it two for the day for Darma, who won last year's jockey premiership. He shared riding honours with Kelvin Sanderson.
Liandra lands coupCoup De Spry ($11) showed his fast-finishing second here a fortnight ago was no fluke going one better in the 1600m BM60 Hcp.
The 6YO trained by Liandra Gray in Devonport, came with a withering burst in the final 100m to grab Always A Winner ($51) and I'm Keefe ($19) to win running away.
"He put the writing on the wall last start when he was in the worst part of the track. He travelled beautifully for me, and when he can get that nice easy cart-up without doing any work, he's got a really good turn of foot," jockey Kelvin Sanderson said.
Coup De Spry had failed at his first two runs this time in when unplaced on the synthetic track in Devonport but has been impressive at both his runs over 1600m on grass in Hobart.
"He never goes well first-up and then second-up he got stirred up in the barriers and over raced," Gray explained.
Coup De Spry has won four times from 22 starts. Three of his wins have been at 1600m.
Age does not weary him"He's like a good wine", that's how trainer John Keys described 11YO Sir Simon, who made it back-to-back wins in Hobart with another all-the-way performance in the Open Hcp (1600m).
Sir Simon ($2.80) was having his 52nd start and has now won 16 times with 15 placings. Just A Needs ($4.40), as was the case two weeks ago, loomed to win but couldn't get past Sir Simon. Swoop Dog ($9.50) ran on nicely to finish third.
"He's just an old marvel. Clearly the beach and the sand do the trick; he's a credit to the staff," Keys said.
There are thoughts of tipping Sir Simon out for a spell, but his zest for racing and winning form may cancel them.
The win made it a treble for Keys.
