Trainer Annabel Archibald highlighted jockey Sam Clipperton’s bold tactical decisions after he partnered Mickey’s Medal to victory in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Clipperton employed some assertive tactics aboard Mickey’s Medal approaching the home bend, with the gelding responding admirably to the heavy track conditions, demonstrating ample energy and taking command of the race well in advance of the finish.
“It was a bold ride by Sam,” Archibald said.
“I was a little bit nervous when he put the horse into the race before the corner but he obviously felt he had the horse underneath him to do it.”
Clipperton indicated that Mickey’s Medal was travelling so proficiently during the race that he briefly entertained an unconventional manoeuvre at the home turn.
“I heard Annabel say it was a bold ride but at the top of the straight I was nearly going to go to the outside fence,” Clipperton said.
“But he was going so well I thought I had better not and he was too good, he quickened away, he put them to ‘bed’.
“He probably hit the front too early in the straight and might have clocked off a bit but he won well.”
Mickey’s Medal, priced at $15, crossed the line almost a length ahead of It’s A Knockout ($5.50), with Narbold ($6) securing third place a length behind, just ahead of the favourite Lugh ($3).
Archibald noted that Mickey’s Medal seemed to thrive in the extremely heavy track conditions.
“It is one of those days when horses are either handling this track or they’re not,” she said.
“Mickey’s Medal had only two goes on a heavy track previously and ran really well so we were hopeful coming here today.”
Clipperton commented that Mickey’s Medal “just travelled so well” throughout the race.
“He felt in the zone today,” the jockey said.
“I just wanted to keep him in his rhythm because he was handling the track so well.
“I had to ride him confidently and tried to build his confidence. He loved the ground and did a good job today.”
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