Reading Races

Sun Herald

Sunday August 27, 2006

By TONY BRASSEL

RACE 1: COINTREAU HCP 2000m Fav: Carael Boy ($3.90) 1st WEATHER: Fine. TRACK: Dead (4).

WINNER of the 2001 Villiers Stakes, CARAEL BOY notched his first Randwick victory in 11 assignments on the circuit.

Yes, the big metric mile is based at Headquarters but Bob Milligan's evergreen gelding - rising 10 years - landed his Villiers at Warwick Farm when Randwick's course proper underwent a revamping project five years ago.

Nearing $1 million in earnings, Carael Boy proved too classy for his younger opponents yesterday.

1. CARAEL BOY: Tubas Pty Ltd Synd's br g 9y Free Flyer (Ire)-Song Of Spring) 59 carr 56 5 (Peter Wells, Trainer: Bob Milligan) settled 2nd before edging to the lead near the 1600m, he then controlled the tempo to the turn but looked in trouble near the 150m before withstanding the challenge of Lookout and drawing clear when it counted to prove too good on the day ($3.50 $4.40 $3.90 fav).

2. LOOKOUT: b g 6y (Snippets-Lawarra) 56 6 (H Bowman, Trainer: Bede Murray) was trapped wide early before pushing forward to race outside the leader (Carael Boy) from the 1600m, faced the breeze all the way to the turn but looked a winning chance near the 150m when he challenged Carael Boy but found that horse too strong however over the concluding stages (2.50 4.40) 3/4len.

3. MI CASA: gr g 5y (Shinko Forest (Ire) - Jevress) 54 2 (M Rodd, Bart Cummings) briefly led before steadying into 3rd spot, was still 3rd on the turn where under pressure and only plugged away without looking a winning threat in the straight (3.00 4.60 4.40) 3/4len, 43/4len.

4. PRECISE TIMING: 60.5 4 (R Thompson) wasn't the best to jump and settled at the rear, was ridden quietly at the tail of the field to the turn but never featured as a winning chance in the straight (5.00 9.00) 5.9len.

5. RESPECT: 54 1 (J Innes) settled in 3rd spot early before drifting back in the mid-stages as the field changed formation, made a move near the 800m to be close enough but was wide approaching the turn and others finished off better after topping the rise (8.00 9.00 7.50) 6len.

6. Hasta Manana: 53 3 (G Boss) 5th to the turn (6.00 8.50 7.00) 9.7len.

Scr: Bling Bling.

Time: 2m06.09s (last 600m 35.81s).

Off: 12.00.

RACE 2: AJC CONVENTION CENTRE HCP (C6) 2400m Fav: Mr Mister ($2.50) 2nd

FOR the second time in a fortnight TRINITY SONG proved MR MISTER'S nemesis over 2400m at Headquarters - only this week's battleground was the inside track. They'd previously had a donnybrook on the outer circuit.

Kicking off the 'triple whammy' on the $7 million 'inner', this winner was masterfully ridden by Glen Boss who brought the seven-year-old with another perfectly-timed charge.

Robert Price certainly has his Nowra neddy humming at present - the gelding had gone 10 runs without success leading up to this purple patch.

The favourite seemed to have every show. He settled off the lead this time and trotted around the bend before shortening stride late with fellow plugger ATTAINABLE.

1. TRINITY SONG: S J & R H Dickerson & R J Price's b/br g 7y (Song Of Tara (Ire) - Fly To Paris) 55 2 (G Boss, Trainer: Robert Price) settled midfield and enjoyed a good run saving ground all the way in transit, taken wide on the turn to improve but only chimed in over the latter stages to edge out the favourite on the post ($7.50 $8.00).

2. MR MISTER: br g 5y (Zabeel (NZ) - Gentle Flurry) 53.5 8 (H Bowman, Trainer: Gai Waterhouse) crossed from the wide gate to lead early before settling in second spot trailing Attainable from the 1400m, shaded that horse topping the rise and commenced a duel with Attainable until near the post where as he edged clear of Attainable, Trinity Song claimed them both (2.00 2.50 fav) sht nk.

3. ATTAINABLE: br g 5y (Zabeel (NZ) - Lady Paloma (USA) 53 1 (J Cassidy, Trainer: Graeme Rogerson) originally raced in second spot before pressing on to the lead near the 1400m, appeared in trouble when challenged by the favourite topping the rise but found plenty to go down in a tight finish (9.00 11.00 9.50) sht nk, sht hd.

4. KING SIZE: 53 3 (R Quinn) 8th settling, 5th turn (26.00 41.00 31.00) 2.3len.

5. PRIVATE DAN: 53.5 7 (J Ford) settled 3rd racing one off the fence, enjoyed a good run in transit before improving wide without cover approaching the turn, loomed as a likely winner topping the rise but the distance increase on the day found him out when it counted (3.50 4.00 3.80) 2.7len.

6. Prince Of Midnight: 53 5 (M Rodd) drifted back to settle second last, was last on the turn and the widest runner, only plugged away to near the 100m but never looked a winning chance (5.50 7.50 6.00) 3.6len.

7. Tiger John: 53 4 (D Beadman) 5th settling, 7th turn (9.00 21.00) 6.6len.

8. Set Up: 56.5 carr 53.5 6 (Peter Wells) 4th settling, 6th turn (41.00) 11.8len.

All started.

Time: 2m36.50s (last 600m 35.22s). Off: 12:35.

RACE 3: bel mondo HCP (C6) 1400mFav: On The Up ($3.50) 4th

KEEN mounting yard judges may have noticed CROSS BAR sports one testicle. How keen can you get!

Such close scrutiny isn't necessary though - the racebook or formguide describes his sex as 'r' for 'rig' - a condition also known as a cryptorchid and seen in such gun Northern Hemisphere stallions as Lyphard and A P Indy.

Placed at group level, Cross Bar highballed along at the head of the field before engaging with TOP OF THE TOP in a stirring final 300m duel.

Ultimately the classier, more genuine galloper won out to stride clear in a beaut return.

First-up, ON THE UP, a half-brother to SPINNING HILL parked out back then strode home in encouraging fashion.

1. CROSS BAR: Mrs V L Smith, Greenwich Stud Syndicate, P & Mrs J M Aldrich, Mrs J Jansen, Mrs B A Rutledge & J N McBreen's b/br r 5y (Cape Cross (Ire) - Lady Leica (NZ) 58.5 carr 55.5 9 (J Parr, Trainer: Gai Waterhouse) worked across from the wide gate to lead, raced inside Top Of The Top to the turn and was under pressure when challenged by that horse near the 150m, found plenty however and finished his race off strongly to prove too good in an excellent return ($6.00 $6.50).

2. TOP OF THE TOP: b g 5y (Langfuhr (Can) - Talk To Angels) 54.5 7 (Todd Pannell, Trainer: John Hawkes) pressed forward to race outside the leader (Cross Bar), faced the breeze all the way to the turn racing outside the winner and looked likely near the 150m, had no answer to the winner's finish (3.50 5.00 4.60 4.80) 11/4len.

3. PHILOLAOS: b g 6y (Deputy Governor (USA) - Perfect Shot (NZ) 53 2 (J Cassidy, Trainer: David Hughes) drifted back to settle 7th, was still 7th on the turn where looking for the way clear, the run only came near the 300m and he finished off strongly from that point but needed more room to do his best (9.00 7.00) 11/4len, nk.

4. ON THE UP: 53.5 4 (D Beadman) drifted back to settle second last, was last on the turn where taken wide to improve, battled away honestly in the straight but conceded the first pair too great a start from the turn (2.80 4.00 3.50 fav) 1.7len.

5. POLISH SYMPHONY: 53 3 (D Mc Lellan) drifted back to settle 6th, steadily improved wide with cover from the 600m before his run reached a peak near the 150m where he then plugged away honestly (12.00 19.00) 2.3len.

6. Ferruccio: 53 5 (D Beasley) 3rd to the turn (12.00 13.00 11.00 12.00) 2.9len.

7. Regal Troche: 53 8 (J Ford) 5th to the turn (9.00 13.00) 3.2len.

8. Octzano: 53 1 (R Quinn) 4th to the turn (31.00) 7.8len.

9. Rose Street: 53 carr 52 8 (K Fujii) 9th settling, 7th turn (10.00 11.00 10.00) 9.1len.

All started.

Time: 1m24.60s (last 600m 35.25). Off: 1.10.

RACE 4: R'WICK BETTING AUDITORIUM (C4) 1800mFav: Lang ($4.20) 2nd

LIKE Cross Bar, PITA HAPA is a son of Cape Cross (Ire), unlike Cross Bar Pita Hapa sports no testicles - or testicle.

Also ridden on the front end, the gelding sailed along with a dash of urgency yet found plenty once Ryan Wiggins revved for maximum speed.

Nearing the 200m LANG did accelerate in threatening style until he again, cracked under pressure. Veering out, then in, he provided Michael Rodd with an identical predicament to young Tye Angland two runs back.

He'll feature in barrier trials - twice - before next competing.

Second in running, RIGHT TO RULE boxed on for the minor placing with Vitrinite's brother EXINITE warming to the task.

1. PITA HAPA: Graeme Rogerson, The Estate Of The Late B Reid, Mrs H M Reid, S A Margison, G D Wrigley & A Roden's b g 4y (Cape Cross (Ire) - Hairini (NZ) 53 3 (R Wiggins, Trainer: Graeme Rogerson) pressed forward to lead setting a solid pace, always held a clear lead and maintained that margin until well after topping the rise, battled away honestly but it must be said the erratic second horse would have made a race of it with better manners ($21.00 $26.00 $17.00 $19.00).

2. LANG: b g 4y (Lord Ballina - Regal Cent (NZ) 53 5 (M Rodd, Trainer: David Payne) drifted back as usual to settle 9th, became awkwardly placed on the turn but found clear running near the 400m, he preceded from the 250m to run all over the track in a erratic display throwing victory away (3.00 4.00 3.80 4.20 fav) 11/4len.

3. RIGHT TO RULE: b g 4y (Xaar (GB) - Special Lass) 54 10 (D McLellan, Trainer: Darren Smith) pressed forward from the wide gate to settle in second spot trailing the winner, continually maintained that position to the turn and though he tried he never looked likely in the straight (9.00 11.00 9.00) 11/4 len, 13/4len.

4. EXINITE: 54 7 (D Beadman) eased across to settle a long way back, was taken wide without cover approaching the turn to improve before battling away without looking a likely winner in the straight (5.00 6.50 6.00) 3.6len.

5. POWER CIRCUIT: 53.5 4 (J Ford) 4th settling, 5th turn (13.00 17 13 15) 4.1len.

6. Grizz: 54 8 (H Bowman) settled midfield trailing Right To Rule, was pushed along to hold his position on the turn and failed to look a winning threat 5.50 6.50 5.50) 4.3len.

7. Returnoftheking: 54 1 (Z Purton) 6th settling, 8th turn (11.00 15.00 14.00) 5.4len.

8. Lord Grenville: 53 11 (G Boss) 5th settling, 7th turn (12.00 15.00 12.00 13.00 12.00) 10.9len.

9. Slightly Bent: 53 carr 52 2 (K Fujii) 7th settling, last turn (31.00 61.00) 11.8len.

10. Shock And Awe: 53 9 (J Innes) last settling, 10th turn (41.00 81.00 71.00) 12.2len.

11. Gypsy Honour: 58 carr 55 6 (J Parr) 8th settling, 3rd turn (5.50 6.00) 18.8len.

Scr: Rocarena (2), Tinsley (8), Stadio (14).

Time: 1m51.66s class record (last 600m 36.50s). Off: 1:45.

RACE 5: McGRATH R/E SHOW COUNTY QUALITY 1200m Fav: Primus ($2.60) 1st

CLASSY competitors started to swarm by this stage of the program and PRIMUS utilized his 'edge' to overpower a well-presented RESISTOR in the nick of time.

One look at this winner tells you he's a bit special, particularly his head and eye - high quality stuff. And that was reflected on the track when he sprung from the gates, sat back, then mowed down lesser rivals. He'll be having some spring, this one.

Resistor rallied willingly from second spot ahead of NEW EDGE but two late finishers promise more for the upcoming carnivals.

MALCOLM (a half-brother to Fields Of Omagh), wasn't as forward as some, while a more mature DREAM BALLAD (the half-brother to Tie The Knot), finished off splendidly.

NOTE: Due to an on-course technical problem, sectional times were not available for this event.

FUTURE: A sterling return by Dream Ballad.

1. PRIMUS: Iskander Racing & Breed Synd, Gazal Thoroughbreds P/L Synd, J Melick, J F Fildes & Gazcorp P/L Synd's b h 4y (Flying Spur - Copa De Oro) 56.5 7 (H Bowman, Trainer: John O'Shea) pressed forward early before drifting back to settle midfield, was taken wide on the turn to improve and near the 200m was asked for the maximum effort, he rallied to just edge out Resistor on the line ($2.25 $2.60 fav).

2. RESISTOR: b g 6y (Danehill (USA) - Volte) 53 11 (M Rodd, Trainer: Bob Thomsen) pressed forward to race outside the Leader (Smart Maxie), faced the breeze all the way to the turn before taking over near the 250m, kept trying as the favourite challenged soon after and was only just claimed near the line (19.00 21.00) sht hd.

3. NEW EDGE: b g 5y (Racer's Edge - Badinov's Babe) 53 3 (G Boss, Trainer: Jules De Smet) settled 5th, saved ground in transit all the way to the turn where he was now 3rd looking for the way clear, the run came near the 300m and he battled away honestly without threatening the first pair (8.00 8.50 8.00) sht hd, 13/4len.

4. SMART MAXIE: 53 8 (L Cassidy) pressed forward from wide gate to lead racing inside Resistor, that horse got the better of him soon after topping the rise and he plugged away honestly from that point (6.50 8.50) 2.1len.

5. MALCOLM: 57 2 (D Beadman) settled 6th trailing the winner, became outpaced at the 400m but couldn't quicken topping the rise, battled away at the one pace over the final 300m suggesting he may need further (2.80 3.60 3.00 3.10 3.00) 2.4len.

6. Dream Ballad: 53 1 (Ms K O'Hara) 8th to the turn (26.00 51.00) 3len.

7. Patezza: 59.5 6 (D Beasley) 11th settling, 12th turn (15.00 17.00 16.00 17.00 15.00) 3.8len.

8. Chess Record: 53 5 (Z Purton) 4th to the turn (26.00 41.00) 4.2len.

9. Cooder: 53 4 (R Thompson) 9th to the turn (31.00 51.00) 4.4len.

10. Cash Carter: 53 10 (J Cassidy) 7th to the turn (31.00 71.00) 6.3len.

11. Windemere Sky: 53 9 (Tim Clark) 10th settling, 11th turn (201.00 501.00) 14.9len.

Scr: But I'm Serious (9).

Time: 1m09.87s (last 600m 34.92). Off: 2.20.

RACE 6: BACARDI BREEZER TOY SHOW QUALITY 1400mFav: Walk Alone ($2.00) 1st

THIS winner is also a bit of alright and it's not the first time WALK ALONE has unleashed an electrifying closing burst.

First home in five of her eight outings (with three placings), this leggy daughter of Honour And Glory (USA) sparkled in the birdcage yet cut a hazy, distant figure when 10 lengths astern at the 600m.

Darren Beadman proceeded to chart a Super Impose trajectory aboard Don and Val Storey's excellent mare, ducking to and fro through the field before slicing through a gap 80m out. Just breathtaking.

Runner-up SHIRL PEGASUS is an up and comer. She also finds the line but 1kg between topweight and bottomweight diminished her chances.

NOTE: Sectional times not available at time of publication.

FUTURE: Walk Alone had a lap on these.

1. WALK ALONE: D W & Mrs V G Storey's br m 5y (Honour And Glory (USA) - Rain In Spain) 56.5 5 (D Beadman, Trainer: John Hawkes) drifted back to settle 10th, was awkwardly placed on the turn and only found clear running near the 200m with supporters now concerned, weaved her way between runners however to eventually draw clear and score with authority overcoming a major set back to win ($2.00 $1.95 $2.00 fav).

2. SHIRL PEGASUS: br m 4y (Fusaichi Pegasus (USA) - Night Rule (GB) 55.5 11 (Ms K O'Hara, Trainer: Guy Walter) had no luck from the wide gate settling 6th but three deep without cover, continued to race wide without cover to the turn, refused to lie down in a game effort (21.00 17.00 19.00 18.00 19.00) lg nk.

3. MELODY: gr m 5y (Stravinsky (USA) - Give It A Whirl (NZ) 55.5 6 (D Mc Lellan, Trainer: Darren Smith) settled 7th to the turn where looking for the way clear, the run came near the 250m but only battled away (11.00 17.00 15.00) lg nk, 3/4len.

4. ROMARE: 56 3 (J Cassidy) settled 5th and enjoyed a good run saving ground to the turn, was close enough topping the rise and tried hard (12.00 16.00 12.00 13.00) 1.3len.

5. YOLO: 55.5 15 (Z Purton) pressed forward to cross and lead, made a bold bid to lead all the way when only claimed late in an excellent effort (15.00 17.00 13.00) 1.4len.

6. Bella Arena: 56 12 (L Cassidy) 6th to turn (6.50 9.00) 1.8len.

7. More Than Lucky: 55.5 7 (M Rodd) 3rd to turn (7.00 10.00 8.00) 1.9len.

8. Prima Nocte: 55.5 10 (G Boss) 11th to turn (12.00 16.00 14.00) 2.4len.

9. No Penalty: 55.5 8 (D Beasley) 13th to turn (61.00 201.00 91.00) 3.1len.

10. Laylia: 55.5 1 (Tim Clark) 9th to turn (13.00 21.00) 3.2len.

11. Sacred Hit: 55.5 9 (Todd Pannell) 4th to turn (41.00 151.00) 3.6len.

12. Silent Song: 55.5 13 (R Quinn) 8th to turn (26.00 51.00) 4.2len.

13. Lyn's Money: 55.5 14 (R Thompson) last settling, 14th turn (15.00 26.00) 6.6len.

14. Lady With Attitude: 55.5 4 (K Fujii) 12th to turn (61.00 201.00) 9.2len.

15. Barberton: 55.5 2 (H Bowman) 14th settling, last turn (41.00 81.00 61.00) 10.6len.

All started.

Time: 1m23.34s (last 600m 35.70s). Off: 3:00.

RACE 7: SPORTSMAN - WARWICK STAKES 1400m Fav: Racing To Win ($2.80) 2nd

FREEWHEELING front-runners at the highest level invariably generate excitement so COURT'S IN SESSION'S sparkling return enlivened a ripper of a raceday further.

He's a popular horse this, whether you're on him or not. His tenacity when challenged is undeniable and the favourite RACING TO WIN, although impressive first-up, couldn't spot so much start to such a competitive leader.

They both went terrific although one suspects the runner-up will trim down just a fraction more.

The stayers stocked up boldly - EREMEIN, HEADTURNER, GRAND ZULU and RAILINGS were outrun when the leader zoomed along to stretch the field over 12 lengths or so. Each needed the hit-out yet confirmed spring aspirations.

1. COURT'S IN SESSION: P & Mrs L M Cruickshank, M H Spiers & W P & Mrs J A Houlahan's b g 7y (Bureaucracy (NZ) - Markatie Court) 58 5 (D Beasley, Trainer: Guy Walter) pressed forward to lead and was racing keenly in the run, held a clear lead topping the rise with the others under pressure to catch him, looked in trouble when the favourite loomed near the 150m but he found enough to just last, game win ($4.80 $5.50 $5.00).

2. RACING TO WIN: gr g 4y (Encosta De Lago - Surrealist) 57.5 3 (M Rodd, Trainer: John O'Shea) settled 5th, was 5th on the turn looking for the way clear, the run came near the 300m and he got home hard to just miss out (2.25 2.90 2.80 fav) sht nk.

3. DESERT WAR: br g 6y (Desert King (Ire) - High Heels) 58 9 (L Cassidy, Trainer: Gai Waterhouse) settled in 2nd spot trailing the winner all the way, was under pressure soon after turning for home to hold his position with the winner, tried hard over the final 300m but the first pair were too strong when it counted (10.00 14.00 12.00) sht nk, 21/4len.

4. EREMEIN: 58 8 (G Boss) raced closer than normal in 3rd spot, he was close enough if good enough on the turn, he battled away honestly in the straight and obviously will improve as his preparation continues (6.50 10.00 9.50) 3.7len.

5. AQUA D'AMORE: 55.5 7 (Z Purton) 9th to the turn (8.00 9.00 8.00 8.50 8.00) 4.6len.

6. Headturner: 57.5 1 (D Beadman) drifted back to settle 7th, he was under pressure near the 600m to hold his position before battling away at the one pace in the straight and again looks set for a successful campaign (9.50 13.00 9.50 10.00 9.50) 4.7len.

7. Grand Zulu: 58 11 (R Quinn) 4th to the turn (31.00 26.00) 5.3len.

8. Railings: 58 4 (Todd Pannell) 8th to the turn (31.00 61.00 51.00 61.00) 6.4len.

9. Men At Work: 58 6 (H Bowman) 6th to the turn (11.00 20.00) 7.3len.

10. Ice Chariot: 57.5 12 (G Lynch) 10th to the turn (11.00 16.00) 9.3len.

11. Dizelle: 55.5 2 (J Ford) 11th to the turn (41.00 101.00) 9.9len.

12. Fooram: 58 10 (Tim Clark) 12th to the turn (81.00 151.00 71.00 81.00) 10.8len.

Scr: St. Basil (6).

Time: 1m23.33s (last 600m 36.00s). Off: 3.43.

RACE 8: BigPond - SILVER SHADOW STAKES 1200mFav: Gold Edition ($2.90) 1st

THE previous winner might be Mr Popularity - here's Miss Popularity.

GOLD EDITION not only gave weight to several high calibre fillies, she also gave them a hiding after being driven to the lead, then sustaining pace.

Randwick's final three events fell to leaders so the Queenslander did enjoy an advantage but when they cart 57.5kg and concede up to 3.5kg, leading throughout, that spells dominance. (Note DIEGO GARCIA'S defeat in the last race when presented with a similar weight disadvantage).

Held up down the rise, MONTMELO charged into second so she's on her way this spring and what about TUESDAY JOY? Wide and out of play, the leggy miss rocketed to the line - she's classic material.

Track: Dead (5)

1. GOLD EDITION: K E O'Brien & Mrs T O'Brien's gr f 3y (Lion Hunter - Glimmers) 57.5 11 (G Lynch, Trainer: Ron Maund) pressed forward to cross and lead giving the others their chance, raced inside Astounded to the turn before racing away to a clear lead topping the rise, she was never in any danger from that point ($2.80 $3.20 $2.80 2.90 fav).

2. MONTMELO: b/br f 3y (Viscount - Road To Glory) 54 5 (D Beadman, Trainer: John Hawkes) drifted back to settle 7th, was 6th on the turn where looking for the way clear, became unbalanced near the 250m as she was looking for room and battled on gamely over the final 200m in a good return (4.00 4.80 4.60) 21/4len.

3. HEAT OF THE FIRE: b f 3y (Strategic - Bon Fire) 54 1 (G Boss, Trainer: Bob Thomsen) drifted back to settle 8th, saved ground on the fence all the way to the turn but became hampered near the 250m, once re-balanced she finished her race off well and like the second filly she should have finished closer (51.00 61.00) 21/4len, 3len.

4. ASTOUNDED: 56 15 (J Cassidy) pressed forward to race outside the leader (Gold Edition) faced the breeze all the way to the turn but was left behind by the winner topping the rise after the early work took it's toll (7.00 10.00 8.00 8.50 8.00) 6len.

=5. COAST TO THE POST: 54 7 (R Quinn) last to turn (21.00 31.00 26.00) 6.9len.

=5. TUESDAY JOY: 54 12 (D Beasley) eased across from the wide gate to settle 11th, trapped deep on a limb without cover, was forced to the extreme outside on the turn and whilst she was never a winning threat her effort should be forgiven (9.00 10.00 9.00 9.50) 6.9len.

7. Absolutelyfabulous: 55 13 (H Bowman) 7th turn (21.00 26.00 21.00 26.00) 7len.

8. Belong To Many: 54 8 (Z Purton) 5th settling, 4th turn (9.00 21.00) 7.1len.

9. Gallant Tess: 56 4 (M Rodd) 13th to turn (9.00 9.50 9.00 11.00 10.00) 8.1len.

10. Zoccoletta: 54 2 (J Ford) 4th settling, 5th turn (31.00 51.00 41.00 51.00) 8.3len.

11. My Lady's Chamber: 54 6 (A Robinson) 11th turn (31.00 41.00 31.00 41.00) 8.6len.

12. Mistifies: 54 10 (Tim Clark) 3rd to turn (101.00 151.00) 9len.

13. Yiannina: 54 14 (L Cassidy) 14th to turn (19.00 26.00) 9.2len.

14. Angel Girl: 54 3 (Ms K O'Hara) 9th settling, 10th turn (61.00 101.00 71.00) 12.1len.

15. Pure Energy: 57 9 (P Wolfgram) 12th to turn (26.00 41.00 26.00)14.5len.

= Denotes dead-heat for 5th. All started.

Time: 1m10.60s (last 600m 35.79s). Off: 4:20.

RACE 9: MARRIOTT - UP AND COMING STAKES 1200mFav: Court Command ($4.60) 1st

COURT COMMAND joined the list of leader-winners in the final three events to ping clear of the field from the outset, then keep a'rollin'. Again pursuers climbed aboard for the ride.

And these last three events do tend to boost the value of Walk Alone's performance in the sixth - she could hardly be seen 600m out!

A Wyong maiden winner two runs ago, this Novocastrian has moved rapidly to group 3 standard and he's no squib. There's a fair bit of bottom, given his physique and that Commands bloodline.

Dropping from 1400m, STORMPEDE turned in a fine display against such a fast foe while DIEGO GARCIA'S display was fine, considering his 57kg impost and a glaring leader-bias.

1. COURT COMMAND: R C Kemisher, K G O'Brien, B W Taylor, Mrs G N Treister, D E McEnearney, D J Driver, N C Wheeler, J H Knox's b c 3y (Commands - Court House Lane) 54 6 (D Mc Lellan, Trainer: Darren Smith) had no trouble holding the lead and travelled kindly in transit, held a clear lead topping the rise and was never in danger from that point in an excellent front-running display ($4.80 $5.00 $4.60 $4.40 $4.60 fav).

2. STORMPEDE: br c 3y (Black Minnaloushe (USA) - Boganvillia (NZ) 54 14 (R Quinn, Trainer: Peter Moody) pressed forward from the wide gate to race outside the leader (Court Command), faced the breeze all the way to the turn and had no answer to the winner's finish from the 250m (12.00 13.00) 4len.

3. DIEGO GARCIA: b g 3y (Catbird - Pine Lodge Lady (NZ) 57 1 (H Bowman, Trainer: Gai Waterhouse) drifted back from the inside gate to settle midfield on the fence, saved ground all the way to the turn then battled away (8.00 8.50 8.00) 4len, nk.

4. SLOW WALTZ: 54 4 (D Beadman) missed the start before settling a long way back, conceded too great a start on the turn, battled on honestly (10.00 12.00 7.50 8.00 7.00) 6.6len.

5. JUST MAMBO: 54 7 (M Rodd) 9th settling, 12th turn (17.00 21.00) 8.8len.

6. Super Savings: 56 13 (L Cassidy) 4th to the turn (16.00 61.00 41.00) 9.1len.

7. My Middi: 54 3 (Ms K O'Hara) 14th settling, 9th turn (4.40 5.50 5.00 5.50) 9.4len.

8. All Black Gold: 54 11 (D Beasley) 7th settling, 5th turn (51.00 61.00 41.00) 10.3len.

9. Little Sai Wan: 54 10 (G Boss) 8th settling, 11th turn (21.00 31.00 26.00) 10.5len.

10. Wonderful World: 54 5 (Tim Clark) 10th settling, 11th turn (9.00 15.00) 11.6len.

11. Antidotes: 54 9 (J Ford) 6th to the turn (16.00 41.00) 15.6len.

12. Sonaran: 54 8 (J Innes) 15th to the turn (151.00 301.00) 15.9len.

13. Flushing Meadows: 54 2 (Todd Pannell) 5th settling, 7th turn (81.00 151.00) 17.9len.

14. Backdraft: 54 12 (Z Purton) settled a long way back, was pushed along on at the turn but failed to threaten in the straight (5.50 4.40 4.80 4.20 4.40) 28.5len.

15. Assertive: 54 15 (J Cassidy) 13th settling, 14th turn (31.00 41.00) 33.2len.

Scr: Military Orders (13).

Time: 1m10.71s (last 600m 35.47s). Off: 5.00.