Shoot Out Stanzout
August 1st 2010 08:41
It was not one of the greatest Bletchingly Stakes (Group 3) fields ever assembled. But there is still every indication that this year's winner Shoot Out will rise to greater heights as the Melbourne Spring unfolds.
His rivals on Saturday consisted of the soon to be (the very next day) 8 year old grey gelding Stanzout, who at one time was a Group 2 winner (Gilgai Stakes) and multiple Group 1 placegetter (including a 3rd behind Apache Cat in the Lightning Stakes). But that was 2 1/2 years ago, or longer. Trainer Colin Davies has patiently tried to revive his career at a far easier level. Stanzout would run the race of his resurrected career and fill a brilliant second placing - looking all the world a winner as he began his charge out wide in the straight (and as the photographs suggest).
(photos: Neil Murray) click for enlargements
Neil Murray Photography
Velocitea was the best performed sprinter of late engaged in the field. She resumed off a nearly 3 month break after winning the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville. A very good mare - but not to be mentioned in the same breath as other Group 1 winning mares such as Typhoon Tracy or Miss Andretti (track record holder for 1200m at Caulfield). She would race handy and fade in the latter stages - dwarfed as she wilted between the males on her inside and to her outside.
The now 10 year old Royal Ida ran a brave 4th. And when has he not been brave or competitive in his racing career. But not to forget that he was retired over a year ago and is another example of a horse competing in this race who has a resurrected racing career.
Behind him was Secret Flyer. A 7 year old with lots of ability - and equal serves of problems that have stymied his once very promising career. In 6th position came the stayer Apprehend, a bold free going stayer not expected to be in contention in a Group 3 sprint. Behind him were two major disappointments: Keano, the enigmatic Pins entire who was so narrowly defeated by top-class sprinter Reward For Effort at his previous start. But tease, followed by disappointment, has been much of the tale of this horses career. The Bel Esprit (now) 4 year old Tollesprit was expected to be competitive but was a dismal flop when resuming.
Champion trainer Peter Moody threw his consistent handicap mare Elumino in the deep end, but after racing against her pattern and leading she faded badly. And bringing up the rear was one-time Group 1 winner (Yalumba Stakes) Douro Valley , also placed 2nd in a Caulfield Cup and another horse being resurrected - this one under the guidance and magic of renowned horseman and trainer Peter Morgan. He finished tailed off.
The winner of the Bletchingly Stakes was the brilliant (then still 3, but now turned) 4 year old Shoot Out, already a Group 1 winner of the Rosehill Guineas, and AJC Derby - and previous to this a Group 2 winner of the Royal Sovereign Stakes over 1200m. A very versatile horse indeed. Trainer John Wallace has a long campaign programmed for this bay son of High Chaparral and he was nowhere near his peak fitness when resuming. Jockey Stathi Katsidis could not believe that he actually led the field for a short time in the early stages before he was able to allow Elumino to poke through for a slight lead. There is the prospect of a WS Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup much further down the track for this $15,000 yearling who has now returned to his insightful owners over $1.43 million.
For Shoot Out it was a season-starting ‘trial’ that added over $75,00 in prizemoney to connections. It was not a premier sprint full of sprinting royalty. It was the beginning to a long Spring campaign. What follows promises to be far more interesting.
His rivals on Saturday consisted of the soon to be (the very next day) 8 year old grey gelding Stanzout, who at one time was a Group 2 winner (Gilgai Stakes) and multiple Group 1 placegetter (including a 3rd behind Apache Cat in the Lightning Stakes). But that was 2 1/2 years ago, or longer. Trainer Colin Davies has patiently tried to revive his career at a far easier level. Stanzout would run the race of his resurrected career and fill a brilliant second placing - looking all the world a winner as he began his charge out wide in the straight (and as the photographs suggest).
Striking grey Stanzout ranges up to tackle the fading Velocitea (middle) with Shoot Out responding along the rails
(photos: Neil Murray) click for enlargements
Neil Murray Photography
Velocitea was the best performed sprinter of late engaged in the field. She resumed off a nearly 3 month break after winning the Group 1 Goodwood Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville. A very good mare - but not to be mentioned in the same breath as other Group 1 winning mares such as Typhoon Tracy or Miss Andretti (track record holder for 1200m at Caulfield). She would race handy and fade in the latter stages - dwarfed as she wilted between the males on her inside and to her outside.
120 metres from home and the grey Stanzout appears to have Shoot Out beaten
The now 10 year old Royal Ida ran a brave 4th. And when has he not been brave or competitive in his racing career. But not to forget that he was retired over a year ago and is another example of a horse competing in this race who has a resurrected racing career.
Behind him was Secret Flyer. A 7 year old with lots of ability - and equal serves of problems that have stymied his once very promising career. In 6th position came the stayer Apprehend, a bold free going stayer not expected to be in contention in a Group 3 sprint. Behind him were two major disappointments: Keano, the enigmatic Pins entire who was so narrowly defeated by top-class sprinter Reward For Effort at his previous start. But tease, followed by disappointment, has been much of the tale of this horses career. The Bel Esprit (now) 4 year old Tollesprit was expected to be competitive but was a dismal flop when resuming.
A happy Stathi Katsidis weighing in after winning on Shoot Out
Champion trainer Peter Moody threw his consistent handicap mare Elumino in the deep end, but after racing against her pattern and leading she faded badly. And bringing up the rear was one-time Group 1 winner (Yalumba Stakes) Douro Valley , also placed 2nd in a Caulfield Cup and another horse being resurrected - this one under the guidance and magic of renowned horseman and trainer Peter Morgan. He finished tailed off.
The winner of the Bletchingly Stakes was the brilliant (then still 3, but now turned) 4 year old Shoot Out, already a Group 1 winner of the Rosehill Guineas, and AJC Derby - and previous to this a Group 2 winner of the Royal Sovereign Stakes over 1200m. A very versatile horse indeed. Trainer John Wallace has a long campaign programmed for this bay son of High Chaparral and he was nowhere near his peak fitness when resuming. Jockey Stathi Katsidis could not believe that he actually led the field for a short time in the early stages before he was able to allow Elumino to poke through for a slight lead. There is the prospect of a WS Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup much further down the track for this $15,000 yearling who has now returned to his insightful owners over $1.43 million.
For Shoot Out it was a season-starting ‘trial’ that added over $75,00 in prizemoney to connections. It was not a premier sprint full of sprinting royalty. It was the beginning to a long Spring campaign. What follows promises to be far more interesting.
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