Hartnell stamped himself as the best stayer Down Under with a dominant win in the feature race this weekend, the Group l BMW (2400m).
The Godolphin import, who did have good support in betting late, played up in the barriers and it looked touch and go for a moment there, but he was passed fit by the vet, ran, and was given an absolute peach steer by McDonald, who outstayed the Japanese raider To The World.
These two looked as though they were going to fight out the finish from a long way out, and on the turn it looked as though To The World was travelling better. But when Hartnell let down, he simply had the better turn of foot and better stamina.
Running third was the bolter Beaten Up, who had the charmed run off the speed. I think Protectionist needs to go to Warrnambool to get a decent staying distance, because 2400m is still too short for him. He worked home late, but was never a winning chance despite betting support.
He’s won a Melbourne Cup and a Sydney Jockey’s Premiership, but Blake Shinn scored one of the sweetest wins of his career when he steered Fenway, trained by his step brother Shannon Hope and step-father Lee Hope, to a Group 1 win in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
That alone made the win sweet for Shinn given he provided his family with their first major, but the win was more sweet because he beat home the filly he was dumped off, First Seal, who had her chance and was given a perfect ride by James McDonald.
Running third was Thunder Lady, who is the clear filly to beat in the Oaks. She was enormous and, seemingly to the eye in the mounting yard, had a touch more improvement left in her. She is ready to peak come Oaks Day. Winx was good late, but she just got too far back from the gate.
McDonald was at it again in the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m), producing an absolute gem on Hauraki to secure the Godolphin youngster a start in the Derby next week, and the market has reacted to his dominant display, firming him into third favourite at around $6 from $15 this morning.
Omeros stuck on well for second, but was no match, as was the case with Merion in third. Ruling Dynasty ran fifth, and he was an eye catcher from the back given they absolutely walked in front, and I don’t think Rosehill is his track. 2400m at Randwick will suit him perfectly.
Twelve months ago, Lucky Hussler was finishing near last in weak Listed races in Queensland. Fast forward to Friday night, and he is now a Group 1 winner after bolting through in the William Reid Stakes (1200m), charging home from off the speed and sweeping clear to win with ease.
Vain Queen was three wide on speed and stuck on very bravely for second, just ahead of the also brave Griante and the desperately unlucky It Is Written. As for the beaten brigade, Earthquake was unlucky and should have finished closer while I’m not sure where Rebel Dane is at. He had the charmed run but didn’t quicken at all in the straight.
Three blackbookers from Rosehill
1. Hollywood Bound
2. Leebaz
3. Rain Affair (wet track only)
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