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Flemington: A recap of all winners
Race 7 – The Elms Handicap LR 1400m
Winner: Cafe Millenium
Jockey: Celine Gaudray
Post-race sentiment from the connections emphasized a special bond with the horse, noting his responsiveness and the race’s favorable setup. The jockey highlighted confidence in the performance, pointing out that the race unfolded as anticipated and that Cafe Millenium delivered a strong, decisive finish.
Trainers’ perspective: Ben, Will, and JD Hayes spoke through JD, praising the partnership and the ride, and noting Ron Finemore’s support for young riders as a factor in the day’s success. They thanked Celine for her effort and described the ride as powerful and authoritative.
Jockey discussion on technique: Celine Gaudray was praised for her smooth hands and effective riding style, with the team describing her as an undervalued rider who contributes significantly to the stable’s success. They suggested that Cafe Millenium’s potential could grow further with future equipment adjustments.
Trainers’ note on equipment and development: The team mentioned that Cafe Millenium currently runs without headgear and believes the horse could improve with winkers or blinkers, especially on a Flemington track that suits him well. They indicated plans to steer him toward races at this venue.
Race 6 – Be Captivated Trophy 2500m
Winner: Berkeley Square
Jockey: Luke Nolen
On Lightning Day: Nolen shared that the day held personal significance, recognizing the opportunity to produce a win for Dan O’Sullivan and his team, and noting the horse’s weight as a factor that the winner still managed to overcome.
Track preference: Berkeley Square is described as enjoying large circuits, and despite a modest pace, Nolen was able to position the horse effectively from a mid-race hold and gradually surge to victory.
Winning trainer: Dan O’Sullivan
Race observations: The trainer praised Luke’s ride, noting the horse’s slow start but eventual ability to find a good spot and finish strongly. The horse’s form across recent campaigns, including a Derby run in youth and performances in Bendigo Cup, Geelong Cup, and Queen Elizabeth, was cited as a solid foundation.
Future plans: The Adelaide Cup is highlighted as a key goal, with the breeder keen to add that race to the horse’s achievements. The trainer also mentioned the potential for a Roy Higgins campaign and acknowledged that the horse might need a spell before another big campaign.
Race 5 – The Schweppes Plate BM90 1200m
Winner: Ndola
Jockey: Luke Currie
Race verdict: Ndola defeated rivals despite a tight finish, with praise for trainer coordination in refreshing the horse and preparing him for the straight 1200m. The team credited a patient approach and an effective turn of foot at the finish.
Rider’s assessment: Ndola showed strong acceleration when given space, ultimately holding his gallop to secure victory.
Trainers’ commentary: Ben, Will, and JD Hayes spoke about the strategy of bringing Ndola back from a 1400m campaign to 1200m, emphasizing the fit, sharp transition, and Currie’s timely daylight access for the final surge. The pair thanked supportive connections for backing the horse.
Future opportunities: The Stable hinted at additional straight-track assignments, noting Ndola’s suitability for further straight runs as a matured galloper. A prior straight-line experience as a three-year-old was referenced, suggesting Ndola could continue to race on the straight with growing confidence.
Race 4 – Vobis Gold Prelude 3YO 1100m
Winner: Perilous Fighter
Jockey: Luke Cartwright
Race impression: The victory was described as strong for a horse with a variable record, with trainer Clayton Douglas noting that the horse benefited from a well-placed ride and a favorable barrier. The race day was seen as a positive showcase for the VOBIS Gold series and its prize money, which benefits owners and trainers alike.
Association with Clayton: The trainer spoke about a long-standing, fruitful partnership, including a share purchase that allowed the horse to be developed under Rosemont’s guidance. The team celebrated Clayton’s growth as a young trainer and his continued improvement.
Race 3 – Desirable Stakes 3YO LR F 1400m
Winner: Sass Appeal
Jockey: Damian Lane
Rider’s reflection: Lane described Sass Appeal’s performance as straightforward, with the filly gaining momentum after an initial awkward start and maintaining a steady tempo to secure the win. The horse was noted for her ability to switch off and then accelerate decisively.
Future plans: Danny O’Brien outlined potential targets, including stepping up to 1600m and racing in the Kewney Stakes, with a view to keeping the filly in fillies’ company through the spring and aiming for a Group 2 race, possibly on Derby Day.
Race 2 – BM78 2000m
Winner: Tarvue
Jockey: Luke Cartwright
Rider remarks: Cartwright expressed enthusiasm about Tarvue’s future, citing the mare’s favorable Flemington performance and her big, efficient stride. He credited trainer John Sadler’s team for maintaining the horse’s form and for the improvement shown when allowed to use her full stride.
Trainer’s note: Sadler highlighted Tarvue’s consistent form aside from an early setback and praised Luke for his handling, while acknowledging a recent fence-position error and commending his return to win. The plan pointed toward further stays, including a Listed race at Moonee Valley or Pakeham’s Torney Cup.
Race 1 – TAB Talindert Stakes 2YO LR 1100m
Winner: Hard Kick
Jockey: Damian Lane
Rider’s reflections: Hard Kick proved tough to reel in, maintaining a strong finish after challenging rivals. Lane observed that the horse has genuine competitive spirit and has shown consistent improvement since jump-outs. The trainer team described him as a high-potential young sprinter with the potential to compete at longer distances as he matures.
What caught the eye at Ready To Run: The horse was purchased in Sydney’s Ready To Run sale and educated well, with connections expressing optimism about his future relative to other standout performers.
Next steps: The team planned to keep options open for the following week, noting multiple opportunities ahead given the horse’s head-on-chest win and ongoing development.
Most impressive aspect: The win was characterized by commanding tempo control and a powerful finish, described as the most straightforward part of the performance.
Notes on overall themes: The day showcased a mix of emerging talents and established competitors, with a strong emphasis on rider-trainer partnerships, strategic use of track layouts, and thoughtful consideration of equipment and distance targets to maximize each horse’s strengths.
