Ranvet Stakes (Group 1)

THE Chris Waller-trained five-year-old Zed mare Verry Elleegant continued her stellar rise to racing’s top echelon winning her eighth Group 1 while downing the star of autumn 2020, the Irish-bred Addeybb. Just nine lined up in the Ranvet Stakes over Rosehill’s 2,000 metres, as the top pair dominated interest.

Settling second and third in the run it was a case of when, as James McDonald eased Verry Elleegant back to take the trail on Addeybb. “Marquand blinked…” echoed course broadcaster Darren Flindell at the 700-metre mark as Tom Marquand asked William Haggas’ Pivotal gelding for his effort.

Battled

The mare was right there as the pair battled the length of the straight, the advantage the way of Verry Elleegant whose edge in race fitness shone through for a winning margin of a length as the Animal Kingdom gelding Angel Of Truth took third. The result was a reverse of 12 months earlier, when Addeybb went on to take out the double with the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

“I think she is a better horse now,” said Waller. “She just had a little bit left in the locker and she needed it because he just fights back. He did it again today like he did a year ago, but she was good the last 50 metres.”

The question of travelling to France for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe was raised but Waller has more pressing events on his mind indicating that Verry Elleegant will now go straight to the Queen Elizabeth in three weeks time making that her fourth run from a spell, one less than last year.

Post-race Tom Marquand was upbeat and looking forward to how his horse will come on after that effort. “Delighted with the run,” he said. “As we kept saying before if we bump into her at her best it’s going to be tough to beat her. He gave his all. This was always going to be a run-up to a bigger day and he put his heart and soul into it.”

Mo’unga holds his nerve in Guineas

Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas (Group 1)

A LINE of eight fanned across the final bend anticipating running down the leading pair’s two-length margin in Saturday’s Group 1 Rosehill Guineas, held over the non-traditional 2,000 metres. Seven-wide, the race favourite Mo’unga looked the most likely as eight was whittled to five in a desperate run to the line.

Getting his nose in front with 100 metres to run, the Savabeel colt held his nerve, as just two lengths separated the first five, Mo’unga prevailing over the Real Impact gelding Sky Lab and the Kermadec filly Montefilia.

The fall-out from the race was swift with Tommy Berry and James MacDonald hauled in over excessive use of the whip. McDonald escaped with a $4,000 fine, and Berry was fined $5,000 and suspended for two weeks, costing him rides on Tancred Stakes day and the day one of The Championships at Randwick.

Licence

A maiden Group 1 for the NZ$325,000 yearling from Karaka, it was also a maiden Group 1 for trainer Annabel Neasham. Born in Northamptonshire England, Neasham has had her own licence for just six months. Having first started in Australia with Gai Waterhouse in 2016, and spending two years with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, she secured her own stables at Warwick Farm this season.

“You always dream of these moments and winning these races, and he’s an incredible horse,” said Neasham.

“I just can’t thank the Fung family (Aquis Farm’s owners) enough. It’s just unreal that they’ve given me an opportunity with horses like this. I can’t believe it.”

Neasham, happy with how the colt pulled up, revealed on Monday the Mo’unga will bypass the Derby and be aimed at either the Doncaster Mile (1,600 metres) or Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2,000 metres).

Rugby Union fans will also have had their interest piqued by the name Mo’unga, he is part-owned by his namesake, All Blacks star Richie Mo’unga who is donating his share of the prize money to charity.

Eduardo in the stars

Bisley Workwear Galaxy (Group 1 Handicap)

THE Joseph Pride-trained Eduardo emphasised the quality of his course record win over Nature Strip last start with a wire-to-wire victory by four lengths in the Group 1 Galaxy over 1,100 metres. Dominating the race, the Host gelding, formerly trained in Victoria where he ran third in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate, put on a procession which will have him in the frame for the A$15 million Everest in October.

“He is a very good horse. He’s made a statement today. He made it the other day, but it was a statement not taken up by all,” said Pride. “There’s better ahead of this horse, no doubt about that.”

Treble Tom

TOM Ryan, took out the first three races at South Australia’s revamped Oakbank carnival on Sunday landing the hurdle, a jumpers’ flat and the steeplechase. On the favourite in the hurdle for trainer Nick Smart, Ryan then landed a pair of well priced runners for Grant Young, getting Spying On You home at $14 before winning the steeple on Pentelligentsia at $16.