Curtain coming down

The career of the outstanding Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}) is drawing to a close and he will get one more chance to add another Group 1 victory to his record in the Mackinnon S. at Flemington.

Saturday's weight-for-age race over 2000 metres is expected to be the last time Hartnell is seen at Flemington as retirement is contemplated for Godolphin’s stable warrior.

"For a long period of time he's been the best horse Godolphin has raced in Australia," trainer James Cummings said.

"He has an amazing ability to always be figuring in the biggest races.

"It surprises some people that he's only won four Group 1 races, they think he's won more than that, but 10 of his wins have been in stakes races and he has placed in Group 1s 13 times. It's an amazing record."

Sprinter in top order

Santa Ana Lane (Lope De Vega {Ire}) at the top of his game for the defence of his G1 VRC Sprint Classic title at Flemington.

"His work on Tuesday was super," trainer Anthony Freedman’s son said. "The small field is a little query and so is the rain that's around, but we couldn't have him healthier and going better. "

"If he's in touch with them at the furlong pole and the track is not too rain affected then it's probably his race to lose, I'd say.

"He was disappointing in The Everest last year so he's probably coming in off a better run and he's third-up on Saturday while last year he was fourth-up.

"So that probably works in our favour as well."

Matriarch distance ideal

Group 1 performer Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) will attempt to record her first stakes victory at Flemington on Saturday when she contests the G2 Matriarch S.

The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained mare has been in good form in Melbourne this spring, finishing runner-up in the G2 Stocks S. at Moonee Valley and G3 Ladies’ Day Vase at Caulfield last start.

While her connections were pleased with both runs, Wellwood said they are looking forward to stepping her up over 2000 metres at Flemington.

“She has been racing well over a mile in Australia, but this is where she really gets her chance to excel,” he said. “She lacked a bit of luck first-up and then was left a little bit flat footed in her second run, but she really charged to the line well.”

Satisfying success

The G1 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Craig Williams gained a satisfying victory aboard Bumper Blast (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) in the Subzero H.

Williams guided the favourite to victory for the grey's owners, Hong Kong-based David Price and Jenny Chapman.

"I'm like family to them," Williams said. "They took me under their wing when I was in Hong Kong.

"It gives me a big thrill to do it for family and friends."

Bumper Blast is trained by Robert Hickmott and has now won two of his three starts. “He’s a nice, progressive horse and fantastic to have one like him,” he said.

Pedigree to fore

Soothing (Lonhro) raced right up to her quality sprinting pedigree to land the Listed GH Mumm Century S.

Ridden by Craig Williams, the Godolphin mare produced a power-packed finish down the outside fence to beat Ball Of Muscle (Dubawi {Ire}), who had won the race two years ago.

Soothing is from the family of the champion short-course specialist Black Caviar (Bel Esprit), former champion 3-year-old colt All Too Hard and sire (Casino Prince) and the G1 Galaxy H. winner and sire Magnus.

Group 1 potential

Trainer Gary Vile believes Power ‘n’ Glory (NZ) (Power {GB}) could be a Group 1 contender later this season.

He made the comment after the 2-year-old had won the Otaki Mail 1000 at Otaki where he accounted for Hasstobemagic (NZ), the first representative of Scissor Kick to race.

“He’s still a bit green, but he stuck to his guns well. He’s got a motor and heart and after Christmas he could measure up in the Sires’ Produce S.,” said Vile, who also co-bred and part-owns the gelding.

Service fee rise

Le Havre (Ire), whose Villa Marina (GB) captured the G1 Prix de l’Opera in 2019, will stand at an increased fee of €50,000 (AU$95,000) in 2020, Haras de Montfort et Preaux announced on Wednesday. He is joined by G3 Acomb S. hero Recorder (GB), who will command €5000 (AU$9500).

“Le Havre is having a great year in 2019 thanks to seven Group 1 performers including G1 Prix de l’Opéra winner Villa Marina (GB) on Arc day,” said Mathieu Alex of Montfort & Preaux.

“Recorder has been very popular since retiring to us in 2018. This good-looking son of champion sire Galileo was a very talented and precocious 2-year-old and we are absolutely delighted with his first foals born this year. They have strength, scope and a great attitude.”

Vale Barry Jones

Racecaller Barry Jones, who for half a century was the voice of Queensland country racing, has died after a battle with cancer, aged 75.

Jones lived for much of his life at Dalby on the western Darling Downs and called meetings at tracks such as Dalby, Jandowae, Bell, Warra, Wandoan, Taroom, Tara, Miles, Talwood, Flinton, Kumbia, Burrandowan and Warwick.

Close friend and fellow commentator Paul Dolan said Jones was an example of what made racing a great sport.

"Barry drove thousands of kilometres a year to call races but he loved every minute. He was a genuinely nice bloke who loved a chat and had friends throughout the state. Barry was able to watch his last Melbourne Cup on Tuesday and died shortly after."

Jones is survived by his wife Gina and their children and grandchildren.

Black type test

Caloundra trainer Stuart Kendrick will give Tambo's Mate (Mossman) an early crack at stakes company in the Listed Keith Noud Quality at Doomben.

The gelding has won six of his 10 starts, including his past two where he was far too good for handy fields at Eagle Farm.

Kendrick said Tambo's Mate had got better with each run this campaign and are ready to take another step.

"He is like a lot of horses who don't mature until they are four," Kendrick said. "Tambo's Mate has been superior to a couple of good fields at his past two starts.

"He beat Deep Image and Snitz into the minor placings two starts back and they have both been impressive winners since. I know it is a big step in class but it does look a nice option for him."