Coldstone Applies Heat In Sweden’s Grade 2

Early expectations of a close fought feature in Sweden this week were put aside as Coldstone demolished her opponents in the Camlaw Stakes – G2. After a top ride just off the pace, jockey M. Mason made a bold move entering the straight, quickly put three lengths on the opposition, and the result of the race was then beyond doubt.

Yamazakura made the most of the inside gate, jumping brilliantly and controlling the race from the outset. Leave the Pieces was also smartly away from three, and sat outside the leader, with Awesome Cuchi moving across from her wide gate to form a line of three. Several riders wanted position themselves close to the pace, and as a result Symreality and Growling were virtually beaten on the first turn, as they were caught four and five wide. Superstar Eight, Tailor Made and Coldstone gained better positions in that line of five. Rudere, inside from Never Say Goodbye and Slithering made up the third distinct grouping. Mixed Up Contender found herself four wide early, while Aptitude Problem and How Apt were content to drop out in the initial stages

The order remained largely unchanged until the bottom turn when riders began to make their moves. Coldstone quickly hauled in Awesome Cuchi and Leave the Pieces who had had enough, then set out after Yamazakura. Tailor Made was trying to go with her, while Growling, despite her torrid run, was still showing fight. From further back, Never Say Goodbye and Slithering were moving into the picture stylishly, Mixed Up Contender was making a bit of ground from way back, and Awesome Cuchi was still giving all she had.

Into the straight and the only questions surrounded the minor placings. Coldstone, in a few very big bounds, had set up a three length break, and as nothing was issuing a serious challenge, M.Mason eased her approaching the wire to record a most decisive two and a quarter length victory.

Slithering had made up significant ground in the run home and worked home a clear second, clearly recording the fastest final sectional, and standing herself in good stead for the future.

Yamazakura held on gamely for third, never surrendering despite being headed a long way from home.

Never Say Goodbye boxed on valiantly without ever threatening.

Tailor Made was disappointing. Having enjoyed a good run, she failed to live up to her previous form. Despite this being her worst ever effort, she still covered expenses with the minor cheque.

Mixed Up Contender passed several runners in the latter stages

Awesome Cuchi showed heart, only yielding over the final section of the race.

Growling and Symreality couldn’t maintain momentum after being caught wide early.

Leave the Pieces used too much fuel early.

Rudere, How Apt and Superstar Eight never featured at any stage of the race.

Coldstone is a two year scratchbred daughter of Dixieland Band / Blushing Groom / Pleasant Colony. This was her second win from five starts and lifts her earnings above $200,000. She ran the 8.5 furlongs in 1.44.8 and returned a speed rating of 87. Her ranking is elevated from # 27 to # 3 following this, her first graded win.

Lenny26 is one of the newer lenny enterprises, and boasts the most impressive strike rate of 23 wins from 103 races in a stable primarily consisting of two and three year olds. Coldstone is the stable’s leading earner, while three year old Green Valley, a dual stakes winner is close behind. The trainer had five to the races this week for two winners, the other being Two for Two at the other end of the spectrum, winning a 2k starter allowance.