Cover image courtesy of Racing Photos
If Accidental Bid gets in - He can win
The Great British-bred Accidental Bid (GB) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) heads betting for the G1 South Australian Derby at Morphettville on Saturday, but for now sits first emergency, leaving connections in limbo heading into raceday. Trainer Ciaron Maher is taking a measured approach as he waits on a scratching to secure a start for the Australian Bloodstock-owned colt.
“It is what it is, there’s not much we can do about it,” Maher told racingandsports.
“He’s a progressive colt, but he’s only lightly raced, so that can happen.
“Given the rating he’s returned last start, and even his first start was good. He’s had the couple of runs in Europe. He’s a nice horse- he’s probably caught us all a little bit by surprise.”
Accidental Bid | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
That breakout performance at Pakenham - a nearly eight-length demolition over 2000 metres, announced him as a genuine Derby horse, and Maher expects further improvement if he gains entry.
“The gate is ideal, he’ll improve again up to that trip, the 2518m should be ideal for him,” he said.
“His prep has been good, he’s had a good grounding, he travelled wherever he liked last start.
“His (Accidental Bid) prep has been good, he’s had a good grounding, he travelled wherever he liked last start.” - Ciaron Maher
“A shower of rain would be nice, but even if it doesn’t come, I still wouldn’t mind. His action has just improved, strengthened and matured as he’s gone through the preparation.
“He only turned three in early April, and he’s adapted quite well and pretty quickly. Hopefully he gets his start, he’s going very well.”
“He (Accidental Bid) only turned three in early April, and he’s adapted quite well and pretty quickly. Hopefully he gets his start, he’s going very well.” - Ciaron Maher
Should luck not fall his way, alternative staying targets remain in play. Regardless, the Derby shapes as an even contest with depth beyond the favourite. Engine Of War (NZ) (Circus Maximus {Ire}) brings a strong staying profile as he attempts to become the second Group 1 Derby for his sire Circus Maximus (Ire), Single Choice (Anders) has staying form that that should measure up, while Arabian Prince (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) appeals as a genuine blowout hope, as a stayer that would thrive in a truly run race.
Tenenbaum carries local hopes in the Clarendon Stakes
From Morphettville to Hawkesbury, attention shifts to the 2-year-olds where a well-related colt looks primed to deliver for the home team.
Brad Widdup saddles up Tenenbaum (Snitzel), a $750,000 Inglis Easter purchase and full-brother to the Listed Hong Kong Derby winner Cap Ferrat (Snitzel), with the colt installed as favourite for the $160,000 Clarendon Stakes after an impressive Wyong maiden victory.
That win came over a field that ties neatly into this race, adding depth to the form around him, including The Thorncaster (Farnan), who meets him again after subsequently running a close-up second at Eagle Farm at his next start.
Tenenbaum as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
"He won well the other day at Wyong. I did have him ready to go in the Skyline but he got a temperature and that put us on the back foot but he got over it quickly,'' Widdup told racingnsw.
"I didn't want to chase the big races after a setback, that's the reason we went to Wyong. He was very good there.
"This race has always been on the agenda since then, I just had to rethink where we go and what we were going to do and this race was the race to have a crack at."
"This race has always been on the agenda since then, I just had to rethink where we go and what we were going to do and this race was the race to have a crack at." - Brad Widdup
A recent trial at Hawkesbury suggests he has held his condition, with the colt producing a controlled, professional effort to win comfortably.
“Tommy (Berry) was away, and Rachel King rode him in the trial,” Widdup said this morning. Tenenbaum is a very nice colt, and it would be great to win my first feature race at our big meeting on Saturday.
"He's in good order, he worked (Monday) morning and I was very happy with the work. We're trying to have him as cherry ripe as we can.
Brad Widdup | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
“Brisbane is definitely on the radar, but let’s get through Saturday first.”
Despite a compact field, the race carries intrigue. As mentioned earlier The Thorncaster brings matching formlines, while The Roaring Sun (The Autumn Sun) looks a major threat stepping up to 1400 metres after a strong finishing debut behind Seraphox (Harry Angel {Ire}).
Regal Award chases the Hawkesbury Guineas
Talent has never been the issue for Regal Award (Ole Kirk) - it’s putting everything together on raceday or not letting himself down at crucial moments that remains the challenge.
The Phillip Stokes-trained 3-year-old gelding lines up in the G3 Hawkesbury Guineas, with gear changes made after a costly slow start last time out in the Listed South Pacific Classic, where he still managed to grab third in a brave effort.
Stokes is hoping the addition of a barrier blanket sharpens things at the jump.
Regal Award | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
"He has been a bit frustrating, because he has got all the ability in the world and does things wrong," Stokes told racenet.com.
"We had him back in the trials last week and had the barrier blanket on him.
"He (Regal Award) has been a bit frustrating, because he has got all the ability in the world and does things wrong." - Phillip Stokes
"I feel that worked and his work on Tuesday, I went and watched it, it was very good on the course proper there at Rosehill.
"He couldn't be any fitter. There are some nice horses in that race and hopefully he can step better, take a more forward position. He's as good as I could have him."
Phillip Stokes | Image courtesy of Phillip Stokes Racing
A clean getaway could be the difference between promise and performance, particularly in a race with depth and tempo.
Safely through Saturday’s race, Stokes has some lofty ambitions in Queensland and a Group 3 event that provides a guaranteed start in the G1 Stradbroke Handicap is the target.
"He would need to run really well on Saturday, which I am sure he will, and then we would look at a Fred Best," Stokes said.
"He (Regal Award) would need to run really well on Saturday, which I am sure he will, and then we would look at a Fred Best." - Phillip Stokes
"We thought 1400m is probably his sweet spot and he probably doesn't get a mile at this stage."
Among the opposition, Skyhook (Written Tycoon) brings class to the contest and if anything, he drops in grade, Horseshoe Hill (All Too Hard) is trending upward and was a lovely run last time, and Burma Star (Exceed And Excel) profiles as an upset hope as he is ready to peak at the right time.
Taken targets Big Dance ticket via Hawkesbury Cup
The Hawkesbury Gold Cup presents both an immediate prize and a longer-term objective for Taken (NZ) (Ardrossan), who heads north with a clear mission - to secure a Big Dance berth.
Prepared by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, the 4-year-old has been set for this race following a narrow Caulfield defeat, with his consistency, 13 top-three finishes from 15 starts, underpinning confidence within the camp.
Taken (NZ) | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
“The Big Dance ticket is the real reason we’re there, so fingers crossed we can nail it,’’ Kent Jnr told racingnsw.
“When choiced with a $200,000 Bendigo Mile or put him on the bus to Sydney and have a go at a $250,000 Group 3 with a Big Dance ticket it was a pretty easy option so here we are.
“You need a very good horse to win a race like the Big Dance, we’ve got to get into the race first but you need a horse that’s upwardly mobile, that’s talented, and runs a strong mile.
“If he gets the job done he can go for a break and be aimed at the spring. There’s so many options for him. If we don’t win on Saturday, we can try again in the Scone Cup."
Michael Kent Jnr | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
Barrier draws have shaped his recent runs, but a kinder alley this time could see him return to his preferred pattern having done less work - rolling forward and controlling the race.
“Finally, he draws a gate. It really helps out, he’s a horse that can put himself forward in his races and he’s just very genuine so it looks a lovely race for him,’’ he said.
“He’s pretty foolproof. He breaks well, puts himself forward, travels sweetly then kicks well. He keeps getting that bit better every time we've raised the bar.”
“He’s (Taken) pretty foolproof. He breaks well, puts himself forward, travels sweetly then kicks well. He keeps getting that bit better every time we've raised the bar.” - Michael Kent Jnr
As always, the Hawkesbury Gold Cup is deep and competitive. Tavi Time (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) demands respect despite a heavy weight and tricky barrier, Vivy Air (Hellbent) adds class to the mix, while Shoihisha (Supido) appeals as a well-timed outsider capable of making her presence felt late.
Brave Monarch sets his eyes on the Guineas
The promising Chris and Corey Munce-trained 3-year-old Brave Monarch (Brave Smash {Jpn}) sets his sights on the $350,000 Queensland Guineas on Saturday at Eagle Farm, having won four of his six career starts.
"Brave Monarch keeps improving, he has a good record and wants to win,'' Munce commented.
"Brave Monarch keeps improving, he has a good record and wants to win.'' - Corey Munce
"He goes about his business like a real 'pro' and Martin (Harley) gets on well with him. He's a really nice horse, a pleasure to have in the stable.''
Beyond his racetrack ability, Brave Monarch’s story is equally notable for his modest beginnings. The striking chestnut was purchased for only $20,000 by Hancox Bloodstock at the Inglis Classic Sale two years ago and has already returned nearly $290,000 in prizemoney.
Brave Monarch | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
"Shelley (Hancox) has been a great supporter of our stable since we started,'' Munce said. "So, it's nice to have a good horse for her.
Beyond the guineas, connections have a clear, yet performance-based pathway in mind, one that could see the gelding step quickly into elite company.
"If Brave Monarch goes well in the Guineas, we will probably go to the Fred Best Classic and if we get a result there, then it leap-frogs him into the Stradbroke.''
The hardest for the promising 3-year-old looks to be the Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich-trained Autumn King (The Autumn Sun) and the smart Snitzel filly Snitzel Dancer who has won her last two.
