Trainer Joe Pride commented on the performances of his stable’s three entries in the Group 2 $300,000 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
The Tramway Stakes culminated in an exciting finish, with Headley Grange emerging victorious, while his stablemate Attica charged home for third, and Private Eye could only pass one horse in the straight to finish seventh.
Soothsayer appeared set to win when it broke clear halfway down the straight, but Pride could see Headley Grange making ground, and the trainer maintained his belief.
“This horse is a winner, he just finds a way to get it done,” Pride said.
“About 100m out I had a bit of faith he was going to find a way to get there because he doesn’t really run ‘seconds’, if he gets close enough he finds a way to win.”
Headley Grange ($3.80), under the guidance of jockey Adam Hyeronimus, displayed its strong winning desire by wearing down Soothsayer ($16) by a nose, with Attica ($12) finishing with vigour late to claim third, two lengths behind.
Idle Flyer, the $2.45 favourite, saw its run slightly diminish to finish in fourth position.
Hyeronimus stated that Headley Grange was exceptionally calm before the race, which reflected in its performance.
“I swung on him going out and he went around nice and relaxed,” Hyeronimus said.
“Even behind the gates, normally first-up he can get a little bit hot but he was well behaved today.
“He didn’t have the speed to go with them early. I thought I’d be in a position a pair closer, but the result was I was following the one who I thought was the one to beat.
“I had a good run down the running. The second horse went really well and challenged us.”
Pride admitted he was uncertain about Headley Grange’s main spring target, though he is keen to attempt to retain the gelding’s title in the Group 3 $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on October 10.
“I am extremely happy with him, he has returned in great shape,” Pride said.
“I haven’t made up my mind with Headley Grange but I would like to get him to the Alan Brown Stakes. We have a lot of options with him.”
Attica was showing its best form at the finish, and Pride mentioned that the horse is unlikely to race again before the Group 1 $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 3.
“Attica was fantastic, he was really good,” Pride said. “I might go straight to the Epsom.”
Private Eye was expected to lead or race forward, but it had a slow start and settled at the rear of the field.
“Nash said he couldn’t get Private Eye to go a yard,” Pride said.
“Private Eye is a funny horse. Once he is back in the field he just switches off. He will be fine, we will find another race for him.”
Considering Headley Grange’s gritty victory, it’s worth exploring the available Australian betting sites for future bets.
