Punters certainly had the best of the first half of the program with three of the first five winners all starting as favourite. But as the track continued to wear in the soft conditions, the results became a little less predictable although some smart horses won late in the day. On-pace runners were favoured throughout the program.
Race 1 – Get On Now Hcp (1800 metres)
Favourite: Gilded Water ($3.20), finished third
What happened: Gilded Water jumped well enough from his 10 barrier and did not work too hard for jockey Mark Zahra to get across to sit outside the leader. Traveled well enough to the home straight but just found a couple of match-fit gallopers too strong on the line.
Trainer (Ciaron Maher) said: “He was very good. He’ll take a lot of improvement out of that and there’s a nice (benchmark) race for him in three weeks and hopefully he wins and then we think about the better races.”
RV stewards: No report.
WATCH: Race 1
Race 3 – Schweppes Hcp BM84 (1400m)
Favourite: Capper Thirtynine ($4.40), finished fourth
What happened: Jumped well from his inside gate, Capper Thirtynine made the most of his claim by going forward to sit outside the leader Sassy Boom. Under pressure on turning for home as the leader got clear and he just battled to the line to narrowly miss the placings.
RV stewards: No report.
WATCH: Race 3
Race 6 – G3 McNeil Stakes (1200m)
Favourite: Vinrock ($3.80), finished fourth
What happened: Took a trail behind the speed but was racing a little fresh as the field settled into their positions. Lost touch with the leading bunch as they turned for home and at one stage looked likely to finish at the tail but fought on well, despite being 6.2 lengths from the winner.
RV stewards: Laid in under pressure in the straight. Rider Mark Zahra reported Vinrock may now be looking to contest events of a greater distance and may appreciate the addition of blinkers. Trainer Matt Laurie advised that in his view Vinrock may be better suited on firmer tracks, however advised that it would be the intention to step the colt up in distance at its next race start. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any significant findings.
WATCH: Race 6
Race 7 – G3 The Heath (1100m)
Favourite: Zarastro ($3.20), finished fourth
What happened: Zarastro jumped well from his wide gate but was unable to cross horses on his inside such as a the eventual winner Tropicus. Looked in danger of dropping out half way down the straight but fought on strongly to be just nosed out for third.
Jockey (Angela Jones) said: “They were probably a bit sharp for him those horses. He likes to get to the front and travel quite boldly and he was just at his top to get outside the leader and he never really wanted to let down from there. The ground was perfect for him but up in trip, he’d be more suited.”
RV stewards: Laid in under pressure in the straight.
WATCH: Race 7
Race 9 – G1 Memsie Stakes (1400m)
Favourite: Another Wil ($3.40), finished sixth
What happened: Another Wil jumped well and found himself in a five-way battle for the lead until Jamie Melham dropped him back to sit outside the eventual winner Treasurethe Moment. Looked to be traveling into the race well on the turn but failed to find a sprint to get himself into the race.
RV stewards: Rider Jamie Melham reported the gelding was under pressure some distance from the finish and was disappointing. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any significant findings. Stewards will follow up with the stable.
WATCH: Race 9