Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Darren Weir had his first starter in Western Australia which just happened to be a winner in a Group One.
That Group One was the coveted Peters Investments-Kingston Town Classic (1800m) and was won narrowly by Stratum Star with WA native Damian Lane in the saddle.
However, much of the talk post-race was around the runner-up Scales Of Justice and rider Douglas Whyte who found himself in strife with stewards after having been charged with failing to ride his mount out to the end of the race under rule AR.137(b).
Whyte pleaded not guilty after the race and the case was adjourned.
In true Weir style though, proceeding the trophy presentation, the Ballarat-based trainer discreetly made his way to the Stone Motherless Bar to shout the public with free drinks for the majority of the evening.
Here is how all runners fared:
1. GOOD PROJECT
Result: SCRATCHED
Last year’s Railway Stakes winner was scratched before the start of the day after succumbing to hoof soreness.
2. IHTSAHYMN
Result: 11th
Ihtsahymn settled back third from last in the run and made his move at about the 400m mark but never really got into the race at any stage. The winner of this race in 2013 may be looking for easier at this stage of his career.
3. STRATUM STAR
Result: 1st
A positive ride from Damian Lane ensured the run of the race from barrier one which saw Stratum Star box seat behind the leader Mackintosh. On turning for home, Lane was able to get the entire off the fence around the heels of Mackintosh and Scales Of Justice before duelling it out in the straight with the latter. Lane’s hard riding saw him just grab Scales Of Justice on the line.
4. KAWI
Result: 4th
The highly-rated Kiwi jumped nicely and travelled well in the run under Michael Walker but after being forced to make his move at about the 600m mark, the star galloper was unable finish off in the straight and toiled away for an honourable fourth.
5. DISPOSITION
Result: 10th
Disposition loomed in the straight inside Kawi as if he was going to challenge in the finish but that expectation was short-lived has his run came to abrupt end. Slightly disappointing considering he enjoyed a good run in the race.
6. HE OR SHE
Result: 15th
He Or She was snagged back to second last from barrier 13 by Chris Parnham but failed to make any impression on straightening. It has been a long preparation and he has earned a break.
7. DUBAI ESCAPADE
Result: 6th
You would have thought that the owners had won after running sixth at $201. This stayer took the shortest way home along the rail and ran excellent late splits. Onwards and upwards towards the 2400m Perth Cup.
8. BASS STRAIT
Result: 12th
Bass Strait tried his hardest but was found out at Group One weight-for-age level. He ran credibly for a galloper with a profile such as his.
9. TRADESMAN
Result: 7th
The best run in the race by a long way. Tradesman not only worked three-wide for the entire affair but he had the audacity to keep trying and finding the line in the straight to run a brave seventh. The fact that he beat eight runners home after a torrid run is an enormous effort.
10. SCALES OF JUSTICE
Result: 2nd
The four-year-old by Not A Single Doubt was unbelievably good after working triple time from the widest barrier. Scales Of Justice got outside of Mackintosh, in the lead, after using petrol and kicked away in the straight. He looked as if he was going to hold off Stratum Star but pilot error allowed Stratum Start to just grab him on the line. Still a huge effort and we now know that Scales Of Justice is the real deal.
11. VANBRUGH
Result: 9th
Vanbrugh enjoyed a carefree run in the race but when the sprint went on in the run for home he just ground away to the line whereas the thoroughbreds closer to the speed kicked on. A good effort for his first time at the track.
12. MACKINTOSH
Result: 13th
Mackintosh led them up for the entire race but gave up the ghost at around the 300m mark after absorbing pressure in the run from Scales Of Justice.
13. HEART STARTER
Result: 14th
Heart Starter settled in the perfect spot right next to the eventual winner but lacked the class required to finish off the tough 1800m trip. He has ability but might still be a preparation away.
14. NEVERLAND
Result: 5th
Trainers Grant and Alana Williams would have been very happy with the return to form by Neverland. She settled midfield and finished off the race well under Jarrad Noske who wore the yellow cap with the famed cerise and white silks of Bob and Sandra Peters. All is well heading towards the Perth Cup.
15. TICK TICK BLOOM
Result: 8th
Tick Tick Bloom was fantastic and the best of the closers. After settling last, she run on outstandingly well to record the fastest last 600m of the race in 35.39. She is another one who will be right in the mix for the Ted van Heemst Stakes and Perth Cup. A lovely return to form.
16. PERFECT REFLECTION
Result: 3rd
This wonderful mare gave her all again after winning last year’s edition of the same race as a three-year-old. She settled in a lovely position behind the eventual winner and finished off along the inside gamely to hold off Kawi for third. She’s nominated for the Perth Cup but whether she pushes on down that path remains to be seen.
Thanks to all who joined us at Ascot Racecourse and to those who tuned in on Sky Racing and Sky Thoroughbred Central.
Don’t forget, there is still plenty of great racing and seriously good times to be had at Ascot this summer with Group Three AJ Scahill Stakes (1400m) headlining next weekend’s raceday at Ascot Racecourse.
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