Written by Paul Vettise
Samadoubt (Not A Single Doubt) may have had some calling his upset victory in the G1 Winx S. a fortnight ago a one off, but the 6-year-old had any detractors eating their words when he again went wire to wire in another Randwick feature.
The Bjorn Baker-trained representative had less than a length to spare over 1400 metres two weeks ago and he showed significant improvement on Saturday when left his rivals to it to win the G2 Bob Ingham Chelmsford S. by a widening margin.
It was more of the same and then some from Samadoubt, who also had the disadvantage of jumping from a wide gate, but even that had no bearing on the outcome and he sped to the front.
When regular partner Tim Clark asked him for a serious effort 300 metres from home the response was electric.
“That was amazing. He’s just gone to a new level this time in and I was a lot more confident over the mile,” Clark said.
“That was amazing. He’s just gone to a new level this time in and I was a lot more confident over the mile.” - Tim Clark.
“We drew out and I was able to cruise across in my own time and I was never worried. He relaxed well and then we built nicely into the straight.”
Tim Clark
Samadoubt was revelling in his work and he showed impressive acceleration to gap his rivals and afford Clark an exaggerated look over his shoulder. Avilius (GB) (Pivotal) did well to run 2nd after racing three wide and Girl Tuesday (Street Cry {Ire}) got home strongly for third.
“When I asked him for an effort nothing was going to be able to run him down,” he said.
“He’s come back in great order and put a couple of really good performances together now. He’s turned into a weight-for-age horse.
Samadoubt showed impressive acceleration
"He's proved the other day was no fluke and now the great mare (Winx) has gone, somebody has got to put their hand up as the next weight-for-age horse and, at the moment, he's doing just that.
"There were a few stayers in there but Avilius is no slouch, and Girl Tuesday, there was some quality behind him but he just destroyed them."
Plans yet to be confirmed
Trainer Bjorn Baker isn’t sure just what the immediate future holds for Samadoubt, but was likely to look for a suitable 1600 metre event for his next appearance.
Saturday’s result came as no surprise to him, given the quality of his charge’s lead-up work ahead of the Chelmsford.
"His work since his first run has been nothing less than sensational and, I say it tongue in cheek, but he's been working like a Group 1 horse," Baker said.
Bjorn Baker and Scott Darby
The Melbourne spring carnival is now into play for Samadoubt, who has won up to 2000 metres and might be tried over more ground.
"Going forward, it gives him a lot of options,” Baker said. “He's nominated for the Caulfield Cup, but not the Cox Plate. “
Samadoubt is a son of the Gold Fever (USA) mare Isadora and he was purchased out of Riversdale’s draft to the 2015 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale draft by Darby Racing for what is now the bargain price of $40,000.
Avilius’ rider Kerrin McEvoy was more than happy with the performance and said the 6-year-old would improve further after feeling the pinch in the closing stages.
