Raging Menace Takes Queensland G1

The Juvenile Grade 1 form held true to form this weekend, with the two minor placegetters from Ireland’s G1-High Flyer Stakes lining up again at the elite level, and going home with first and third cheques. On this occasion a masterful ride by J Jones on Raging Menace, saw him home comfortably after the two early leaders, The Stardust and Hoarfrost Hill, had staged a suicidal duel before battling on bravely to secure the minor placings.

Drawn together out wide, the jockeys on The Stardust (previously second in the G1-High Flyer) and Hoarfrost Hill had clearly both been instructed to lead, and neither was prepared to disobey instructions. Despite cutting at each other for most of the journey, their tactics would have worked, had it not been for the storming finish of Raging Menace, who had been ridden much more patiently. Once the field had settled into three running lines, Raging Menace was nicely perched back on the rail getting nice cover in the third line. While the two leaders went for each other, Affirm This, Galvanized Anchor and True Blood formed the second row, giving the eventual winner nice cover. Never more than five off the lead, Raging Menace began to lengthen as they approached the bend for home. He looked the winner as they neared the turn but to their credit, both The Stardust and Hoarfrost Hill continued to box on. Once settling for the final burst however, it was Raging Menace who still had plenty in the tank, and he strode home with a comfortable two and a quarter lengths to spare, franking the form of his previous third in the Irish Grade 1.

Hoarfrost Hill secured the photo verdict for second, after a mammoth struggle through the entire journey with The Stardust.

Danisha once again ran on solidly from beyond midfield. Keep him well in mind as the races get longer.

Saint Vivant got well back early and also worked home nicely for the last payout.

Dollis Hill raced five and six off the pace throughout.

Affirm This and Galvanized Anchor were in the mix early, but surrendered when the race got serious.

Busted Hollow passed a couple of runners late.

True Blood showed early pace before fading.

Azdemonic and Idlepimps never got warm.

Moose Track held an early position, but faded badly.

Raging Menace is a two year old son of Trail City / Wild ‘N’ Free (Deputy Wildcat/ Nureyev). This was his third win from six starts and lifts his earnings to just below $400,000. He ran the eight and a half furlongs in 1.43.2 and returned a speed rating of 96. Previous rated # 12 in his division, this win elevates him to # 1.

Teerades is a relatively new, independent stable with a dozen winners from just 92 races. The trainer has almost unlimited time to devote to Raging Menace, as only two other horses share the barn.