Exciting prospect
Rising star Kolding (NZ) provided his sire Ocean Park (NZ) with his best result to date when he overcame a tough run to win the G2 Ascot Green Queensland Guineas.
Trained by Chris Waller, he was caught three wide at the back before launching a long and sustained run for rider James McDonald and the gelding’s fourth consecutive victory.
Waller wasted no time naming the G1 Epsom H. as Kolding's spring carnival target.
"I think he's the right horse to go through to the spring. An Epsom type of horse in my opinion," he said. "He's owned in the same interests as Rangirangdoo, who won that race and this race looks a good launching pad."
Plan comes to fruition
Kris Lees’ long-term plan with Sixties Groove (Ire) (Sixties Icon {GB}) was executed to perfection when the 6-year-old won the G2 Lexus Brisbane Cup.
"This was our target all the way along and after he ran so well in the Doomben Cup we knew we were heading in the right direction," stable spokesman Cameron Swan said.
"He's been as honest as the day is long and it was a brilliant ride from Damien (Oliver).
"At the 600m I was wondering where he was going to go but he kept improving, finding the runs and the horse was good enough to take them."
Grand send off
Signore Fox (Exceed And Excel) signed off his current campaign in fine style with victory under jockey James McDonald in the Listed Kirin Daybreak Lover at Eagle Farm.
“It was the perfect race for him. He got a gun ride, a form track and a good draw,” co-trainer Peter Snowden said.
“More than likely that will do for this preparation. I believe there’s a good race in him down the track.”
Signore Fox winning the Listed Daybreak Lover S.
Vinland too strong
Vinland (Sebring) produced a career high performance to triumph in the Listed RadioTAB The Wayne Wilson.
Trained by Tony McEvoy and ridden by Barend Vorster, the 4-year-old won out in a tight finish at the expense of Duca Valentinois (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}).
“It was a good fight and he’s honest and got ability,” Vorster said. “They ran along a bit and that helped him.”
Victorem victorious
Victorem (I Am Invincible) gained a measure of compensation for missing out on a Group 1 start when he was successful on the Eagle Farm undercard.
The 4-year-old charged home from well back in the field to land the Listed Jim Beam Black Hinkler H. and the seventh win of his career.
“That was unbelievable, I thought he was going to run a nice third,” trainer Jenny Graham said. “It was unfortunate he didn’t get in the Stradbroke, but I’m still very happy.”
Patience key to filly
The decision to ride 2-year-old Catwalk (Foxwedge) back in the field has helped the filly post her first win at Randwick.
The Chris Waller-trained youngster was having her second start and following a debut second went one better in the Winter H.
"She is still very green and raw but the talent is there,'' rider Jay Ford said. ”They went along at a nice speed and she relished the tempo. She has a lot of ability and a bit of attitude, too.”
Dream start
Well-related Snitzel filly Birdsong (NZ) made the perfect start to her career for trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman at Te Rapa.
She had enough gate speed to lead from the inside gate and sped clear in the straight to claim the Skycity Hamilton 2YO untested.
“She’s really improved since her trials and we put the blinkers on to sharpen her up,” Forsman said. “She’s a beautiful filly and will only improve.”
Bred by Sir Peter Vela and sold through his Pencarrow Stud draft at Karaka for NZ$400,000, Birdsong is a daughter of the Meld S. winner and G1 Moyglare Stud S. runner-up Scintillula (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
Memorable day
Apprentice Bridie Ansell posted her first winner when she successfully combined with Dr Watson (Handsome Ransom) at Trentham.
Nobody was happier than trainer Sylvia Kay, who pulled the right rein when dropping her 7-year-old back from a middle distance to 1200 metres in the Platinum Homes Taranaki H.
“It’s the greatest thrill ever,” Kay said. “She’s such a good girl, she turns up every morning, will hop on anything and I’m just so pleased she has got a win.”
