The Goodwood 2014 Field, Odds and Tips

A bumper capacity field will line up for the final feature race of the South Australia carnival, the Goodwood Handicap. When markets were first posted on Tuesday evening it was 6/1 the field with Gai Waterhouse’s Driefontein ($7) edging out the Sistine Demon and last year’s winner Platelet, both at $7.50. Adding another dimension to an already tricky race for punters, is the inclusion of two quality 3yo fillies in Miracles of Life and Gregers who are at $7.50 and $10 respectively.

 

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The Goodwood 2014 Field

No Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Hcp Rating
1 BEL SPRINTER Jason Warren Craig Newitt 1 58.5kg 109
2 PLATELET Darren Weir Brad Rawiller 17 57kg 112
3 SESSIONS John O’Shea Steven Arnold 16 57kg 106
4 CONSERVATORIUM Gary Kennewell Joe Bowditch 18 57kg 106
5 UNPRETENTIOUS Nikki Burke Damien Oliver 6 57kg 103
6 DRIEFONTEIN Gai Waterhouse Vlad Duric 3 56.5kg 113
7 SISTINE DEMON Andrew Noblet Ms Jamie Kah (a) 20 56kg 102
8 SMOKIN’ JOEY Wez Hunter Ben Melham 12 56kg 102
9 ESSAY RAIDER Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas Jason Holder 13 56kg 101
10 RIZIZ Ken Sweeney Chris Symons 4 55.5kg 104
11 NATUZZI (NZ) Paul Richards Chris Johnson 22 55.5kg 101
12 KARACATIS Richard Jolly Mark Zahra 19 55.5kg 99
13 READY TO RIP Peter G Moody Luke Nolen 14 54.5kg 104
14 PAGO ROCK David Hayes Ms Kayla Nisbet (a) 9 54.5kg 104
15 ESPRIT DE BULLET (NZ) John Hyam Troy Baker 21 54.5kg 98
16 OFFICE BEARER Peter G Moody Ms Linda Meech 10 54.5kg 97
17 ECLAIR BIG BANG (NZ) Phillip Stokes Dom Tourneur 15 54.5kg 89
18 WHITLAM Danielle Wilson 11 54.5kg 89
19 MIRACLES OF LIFE Daniel Clarken Dean Yendall 2 54kg 105
20 GREGERS David Hayes Dwayne Dunn 5 53.5kg 98
21e CLASSY JACK John Hickmott 8 53kg 85
22e LUCKY SYMBOL Phillip Stokes 7 53kg 78

 

1. BEL SPRINTER – C Newitt (1) 58.5kgs

Closed well to finish fourth (1.4 lengths) behind Villa Verde second up from a spell in the G3 Challenge Stakes but failed to get through the wet conditions at his following two starts, the G1 Galaxy and TJ Smith where he finished eighth and fourteenth respectively. Yet to run a place in seven starts since returning from a Singapore trip last year and will find it tough here from the inside gate in a big field with the top weight.

 

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2. PLATELET – B Rawiller (17) 57kgs

Winner of the race last year, her form over the past twelve months and this campaign particularly, has been first rate and includes a gallant second to Driefontein in last fortnight’s G1 Robert Sangster The Strategic mare has only been assigned an extra 0.5 kilo for this year’s race however unlike last year; she hasn’t faired well at the barrier draw and will start from seventeen. That’s the only fly in the ointment for a mare going very well.

 

3. SESSIONS – S Arnold (16) 57kgs

Winner of The Shorts (G2) last campaign, the son of Lonhro returned from a spell with a pleasing sixth (1.6 lengths) to Villa Verde in the G2 Challenge Stakes before closing well to run fourth (1.7 lengths) from a mid-field position to Tiger Tees in the G1 The Galaxy. He stepped out in the WFA TJ Smith Stakes at his most recent start four weeks ago but like many, failed to handle the heavy conditions and finished tenth (6.9 lengths) from Lankan Rupee. Registered a close up third (long neck) to Buffering in the in the G1 Manikato Stakes last prep, when like he will be on Saturday, fourth run into his spell. On a firmer surface, expect a good run.

 

4. CONSERVATORIUM – J Bowditch (18) 57kg

The 6yo rounded out last campaign by winning two of his three starts in Western Australia including the G2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m). The son of Royal Academy has had two starts back from a spell and finished in the back half of both the G3 Irwin Stakes and G3 McKay Stakes, running eighth and seventh respectively. Carried 60kgs last start and goes well third up but will find it tough in this class from a poor draw.

 

5. UNPRENTENTIOUS – D Oliver (6)

He contested three top class G1 sprint races earlier this year among them, a creditable fifth in the G1 The Lightning behind Snitzerland and a slashing third (neck) to Spirit Of Boom in the G1 William Reid Stakes – both races under WFA conditions. The Stratum 5yo has had a seven week break since that run and goes very well fresh, having won three from five including his most recent first up effort, the G2 Schillaci Stakes. Oliver was aboard in the Schillaci – is only previous ride on the horse – and is reunited with him here. Generally gets back in the run and may need a touch of luck from gate six but Oliver can negate a clear path, he’ll be flying late.

 

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6. DRIEFONTEIN – V Duric (3) 56kgs

She made it two wins in Adelaide from as many starts with a strong display of sustained speed in last fortnight’s G1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m). The 4yo Gai Waterhouse trained mare jumped and ran her opposition ragged to win by 1 ¼ lengths with Platelet and Gregers filling the placings. Drawn perfectly here in gate three, unlike some others, and she’ll be in this for a long way again.

 

7. SISTINE DEMON – J Kah (20) 56kgs

The Excites 4yo made it seven wins from his last eight starts with an emphatic 6 lengths win in the G2 Victoria Handicap (1400m). From the outside gate, the Andrew Noblet trained galloper speared across to lead and give no chance to any of his thirteen rivals, the closest of whom was Gig. He has drawn poorly again for this, his maiden Group 1 race and goes up in weight and class on last start however, he is improving at a rapid rate and had more than enough on them last start to warrant a shot at this.

 

8. SMOKIN’ JOEY – B Melham (12) 56.5kgs

Surprised most when during the VRC Spring Carnival, the 6yo gelding won the G3 TAB.com.au Stakes (1400m) and backed it up a week later with a good second (head) to Boban in the G1 Emirates Stakes (1600m). His four starts back this time in however haven’t been up to that class and after running third to Spacecraft in a 1400m Open race at Flemington he, like most others, was left in Sistine Demon’s wake in the G3 Victoria Handicap finishing sixth (7.1 lengths). He needs to improve on recent efforts and only the one win from ten starts at this trip – his debut run in 2010.

 

9. ESSAY RAIDER – J Holder (13) 56kgs

Leon McDonald’s gelding made it a big day for his stable with a strong 3 length win in the G3 McKay Stakes (1100m) at his second run back from a spell, defeating Karacatis and Siwa Lady, a fortnight ago. Finished strongly last start and hasn’t finished worse than second in five races at this track/trip however, none have been in a race of this quality and judging by his previous efforts in Stakes and Group races, may find a few her a shade too strong.

 

10. RIZIZ – C Symons (4) 55.5kgs

The 5yo gelding has but together two good wins since returning from an extended spell with the most recent victory coming nine weeks ago in the Listed Matrice Stakes (1200m). From a wide gate, the son of Zariz who started an 18/10 favourite, settled midfield before finishing too well for his opponents, winning by a long neck. You’re So Good (second) and Lady Lakshmi (fourth) have been good in quality races since but not good enough to suggest that that form is strong enough to see Riziz win a Group 1.

 

11. NATUZZI – C. Johnston (22) 55.5kgs

New Zealand who made a winning Australian debut two starts back at Caulfield claiming a half length win from Couldn’t Agreemore in an Open Handicap over 1200m on a slow track. He finished well in that race but was only able to hold his ground at his next and most recent start, finishing seventh (7.4 lengths) again on slow. Came from a well back to run second to Irish Fling in the G1 Telegraph Handicap (1200m) earlier this year back in New Zealand on a fast rated track and wouldn’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet but just too hard to picture him winning from the outside draw.

 

12. KARACTIS – M Zahra (19)

Stable and owner will be looking for the second Group 1 win in as many weeks after Kushadasi’s Derby victory last week. This Hussonet 5yo ran fifth (3.3 lengths) behind Driefontein in the G3 Irwin Stakes (1100m) first up from a seven week break before a fraction closer (3 lengths) to Essay Raider when second in the McKay Stakes (1100m) last fortnight. Meets both horses better at the weights and doesn’t run too many bad races but will have to produce an absolute career best to win at this level from gate 19.

 

13. READY TO RIP – L Nolen (14) 54.5kgs

The first of two representatives for Peter Moody’s stable, Office Bearer the other, who will tackle this race third up from a spell. The 6yo had his last start three weeks ago but was no match for Sistine Demon in the run home, finishing fifth (6.7 lengths) in the G3 Victoria Handicap (1400m). Back to six furlong is a help, as would be a firmer surface. He also hasn’t carried a weight like this since 2012 when he racing in Queensland. Been placed at G2 and G3 level and meets last start’s winner 5kgs better at the weights, capable of running better than his current quote suggest.

 

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14. PAGO ROCK – K Nisbet (9) 54.5kgs

An ultra consistent galloper who was rewarded with a narrow win three weeks ago at Caulfield over 1100m defeating Unanimously, a good winner since. Having his first run in four weeks, the son of Rock Of Gibraltar dug deep under 57kgs late to arrive right on the line. Will lap up the light weight here and drawn well enough in gate nine to find a nice spot. Ran fourth in the G1 WFA Lightning Stakes behind Snitzerland first up this prep and during last spring, ran fourth to Spirit Of Boom and second to Unpretentious at level weights, meet him 2.5kgs better here and rates a very good eachway chance at $26.00.

 

15. ESPRIT DE BULLET – T Baker (21) 54.5kgs

Belied his odds of a 150/1 by running sixth (4.3 lengths) in the G1 The Lightning earlier this year but this three starts since returning to Adelaide after that effort, suggest he’ll struggle here. He finished sixth in the Irwin Stakes behind Driefontein and made no impression from the tail of the field in the McKay Stakes, finishing second to last.

 

16. OFFICE BEARER – L Meech (10) 54.5kg

Caught the eye first up from a twenty-two week spell when finishing hard for fourth (0.6 lengths) in the Listed Bob Hoysted Stakes (1000m) behind Adamantium and Pago Rock – who has run well since. He backed up the promising effort with a smart win at Sandown-Lakeside, again finishing strongly for a length win in the Listed Dandenong Stakes (1200m). Put away after that win, seven weeks ago now, with a tilt at some better races such as this in mind. The son of American Sire Officer, he is only a lightly raced 4yo stallion who is still improving.

 

17. ÉCLAIR BIG BANG – D Tourneur (15) 54.5kgs

Felt the 59kgs first up from a four month spell when fourth (1.6 lengths) behind Minaj and Miracles of Life in the Listed Redelva Stakes (1000m) before holding his ground last week when fourth again (2.9 lengths) in the G2 Sportingbet Stakes (1200m) behind Miracles of Life. Expected to see more from him in the run home but not sure he was totally at home on the slow track last week. Chances improve on a firmer surface but not enough given his two starts in this time to see him winning here.

 

18. WHITLAM – (11) 54.5kgs

The well travelled 5yo now calls Danielle Wilson’s Morphettville stables home and his most recent start, the Listed Hills Railway Stakes (1100m) at Oakbank over Easter, came within a length of registering his first win in over twelve months when second to Siwa Lady. Good effort last start but for weaker races than this.

 

19. MIRACLES OF LIFE – D Yendall (2)

The Not A Single Doubt filly recorded her first win since taking out last year’s Blue Diamond Stakes when successful in the G2 Sportingbet Stakes (1200m) last week. Unlike her previous start where she finished second to Minaj in the Listed Redelva Stakes, the Darren Clarken filly was ridden more aggressively last week and sat second in the run. It was the spot to be on the slow rated track and she comfortably held all challengers at bay, winning by 1 ¾ lengths from Jazz Song. She’ll be camped right up on the speed again from gate 2, is in good form and capable on all conditions.

 

20. GREGERS – D Dunn (5)

Ran fourth in both the G1 Oakleigh Plate (2 lengths) and G1 William Reid Stakes (1/2 length) at two of her first three starts this prep with the other run resulting in a second to Anatina who subsequently ran second to Tiger Tees in the G1 The Galaxy. After a month off, she lined up in last fortnights G1 Robert Sangster Stakes and had to do the chasing behind Driefontein who set a solid speed. She did well to hold on for third (1.6 lengths) and will only be better for the hit-out. The David Hayes filly has drawn ideally in gate five has top class form all around here and would appear to represent very good value at $10.00.

 

21. CLASSY JACK – (8) 53kgs – 1st EM

Speedy customer who led the field in last week’s G2 Sportingbet Stakes (1200m) and fought on over the final furlong to fall into third (2.6 lengths) behind Miracles of Life. He’ll push forward here too but will find the quality of opposition far too strong and will struggle late.

 

22. LUCKY SYMBOL – (7) 53kgs – 2nd EM

The Magnus gelding had won four of his five runs heading into the Listed Redelva Stakes two starts ago. Jumping from an inside gate, he sat behind the speed but had no luck obtaining a run and finished an unlucky third behind Minaj and Miracles Of Life. The Phillip Stokes trained runner then lined up in last week’s G2 Sportingbet Stakes but failed to handle the slow conditions, his first look at rain effected ground, and struggled in the straight running sixth of eight. A better horse than that but a race of this quality at this stage of his career looks beyond him.

 

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RACE OVERVIEW

The pace will be very strong here with Sistine Demon, Driefontein leading and the likes of Riziz, Miracles Of Life and Gregers all keen to take up a handy spot from their respective gates. The two predicted leaders, Sistine Demon ($7.50) and Driefontein ($7.00) top the early market and will give this field plenty to catch. Camped behind them will be two smart fillies in Miracles of Life and Gregers. Both represent good chances but with her performances at this level earlier in the year, have a leaning to Gregers. She started 11/1 in the Oakleigh Plate and 7/1 for the William Reid so $10.00 on offer here reads well. Wouldn’t like to leave out Platelet, Sessions, Unpretentious or Pago Rock either – both suited but can’t back them all. The big field will mean luck in running will pay an enormous part and going as wide as your bank will allow is the way to go!

  1. GREGERS
  2. SESSIONS
  3. SISTINE DEMON
  4. DRIEFONTEIN

News:

Richard Jolly had to wait almost 14 years to train his first Group One winner.

He hopes he only has to wait a week to celebrate another.

Kushadasi prevailed in a photo finish to Saturday’s South Australian Derby to give Jolly his biggest win since he took out a trainers’ licence in 2000 soon after retiring from a career in the saddle.

Kushadasi, Steven Arnold
Kushadasi, Steven Arnold

Jolly has Karacatis lining up in Saturday’s Group One Goodwood (1200m) with the sprinter out to improve on his fourth-placed finish a year ago.

“Last year he got beaten a length and I’d probably say he’s going as well this time in,” Jolly said.

“It’s a similar type of race, so he’s definitely a live chance.

“It’s a very hard race to win. You need to draw the right gate, be in the right spot, but he’s definitely one of the live chances in it, I feel.”

Dwayne Dunn rode Karacatis to second behind Essay Raider in the Group Three McKay Stakes (1100m) last start but he is committed to Gregers on Saturday so Jolly has booked Mark Zahra.

While Essay Raider, a Goodwood rival, beat Karacatis by three lengths last start, Jolly still thought Karacatis’ run had merit.

“He was in the wrong spot,” he said.

“I didn’t want him as close as he was and he was on the inside and probably not in the right part of the track on the day and the winner was.

“Essay Raider swooped down the middle, but late in the race Karacatis really hit the line well”.

Kushadasi’s Derby win by the barest of margins over Scratchy Bottom gave Jolly the distinction of having won a Group One as a jockey and a trainer.

As a 16-year-old, Jolly rode Saratov to win the 1989 Perth Cup

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