Running for Second in the Grade II Saint George
Race ID:3868.5414
Grade III The Saint George Stakes
$200,000, 3 Year Olds and Up
One Mile and an Eighth (9 F)
Track: Turf
Local racegoers were treated to an exciting race at the New South Wales racecourse Saturday as a highly competitive group of turf runners took center stage to compete in the 1st Edition of the $200K Grade III The Saint George Stakes over nine furlongs. Without a standout among them, the crowd sent REDSADKY sherwood out as the post time favourite at odds of 3-1. There were several story lines that drew fan interest leading up to the race as evidenced by the racing tabloids prior to. The main interest centered on two improving three year olds who were jumping up in class to take on several seasoned turfers entered here. Both WIRBEL(IRE) papaxerxes and HI HOOFIN G(IRE) sweetie came into the St. George with some degree of success against graded horses within their own peer group but many thought ill of their entry here and the oddsmaker concurred.
Many of the horses looked remarkably fit and ready to go as the field approached the starters gate for the big race. Both REDSADKY, Black West (KY) freek and HI HOOFIN G in particular were lightly dappled and on their toes. As the gates sprung open, jockey Bangs took REDSADKY right to the lead, letting him have his head as he hugged the rail entering the first turn on top by one. Following closely were WARWICK cuprunners, HURRICAN RELIEF(IRE) topicountc, WIRBEL(IRE) and MAVERICK’S CAT(KY) maverkzx7r. As they headed down the backstretch, REDSADKY continued to hold an almost two length advantage and looking comfortable in doing so having successfully slowed the pace down to a jog. Entering the far turn, BOOMGATE(ENG) the general began to make his move as jockey Philp shook his reins to tell him it’s time. As the field straightened out for the run home, REDSADKY opened up by almost four. It was now a race for second as the seven year old son of Red Ransom, now under a hand ride, had things all under control. BOOMGATE(ENG) got up to be second, beaten two lengths under the wire while HURRICANE RELIEF(IRE), who ran evenly throughout, held on for third. Three year old HI HOOFIN G(IRE) ran a commendable race in view of his 75-1 odds and finished a fast closing sixth while closing six lengths through the stretch to miss third place finish by one length. REDSADKY covered the nine furlong distance in 1:47:3 and earning a 109 speed figure.
Handicapper Hladun capped an excellent weekend of racing coverage by winning the Exactor in this the Grade II Saint George as well as nailing both the GI The February Stakes (HOOSIER MINER) and the GII Kyoto Stakes (AWESOME FORCE) both run in Japan over the weekend.
GRADED HANDICAPS: Hladun said …
PP 11: 95197 REDSAD(KY) sherwood (3/1) RANK: 22
“This seven year old son of Red Ransom is the most accomplish competitor in the field having won seventeen races and banked $2.0M in earnings to date. He may have found a soft spot here as he won the Grade I Eddie O Cap just last summer in wire-to-wire fashion. His latest proved out of character for him of late as he’d been a consistent sort but he was coming off of a ten week layoff and can be forgiven. He looks to get back on track here and will be tough.”
QUESTION: Was that last one just racing rust being shaken off? Magic 8 Ball says … “Yes”
PP 3: 89474 BOOM GATE(ENG) thegeneral (8/1) RANK: 89
“This four year old son of Ranibow Quest comes into this event never having gone longer than one mile on the turf so the additional furlong is a question mark. His success to date has been primarily as a sprinter however he did win the Grade III Dracula Stakes at a mile last spring. In addition, he has had several good placings in other graded events including the Grade I 2000 Guineas where he finished a closing third beaten by five. He’ll need a fast pace to close into and his running style fits the additional yardage. If ready, he’s a contender in this spot.”
QUESTION: Can you get the additional distance? Magic 8 Ball says … “Outlook good”
PP 8: 108272 HURRICANE RELIEF(IRE) topicountc (10/1) RANK: 1047
“This six year old son of Generous(IRE) is another short on graded stakes experience but giving it a try in this spot. He comes out of an allowance affair where he won going away over nine furlongs running a 106. A winner of eleven races to date, including a victory in The Castle Fred(IRE) Memorial in 2007, he looks to test himself here. A contender.”
QUESTION: Can he make the jump to graded stakes company?
Magic 8 Ball says … “It is certain”
MEDIA QUOTES:
“We followed his lead and we knew our best chance was to go to the lead here but I was surprised that he took it so easily. I just gave him his head and put this guy on autopilot … he did the rest. It was a delighful trip around the track.” P. Bangs (jockey aboard REDSADKY)
“I knew he was going to run big today. All week he’s been sharp in the morning. Even though he’s light on experience, he’s an honest sort and brings it every time. Anytime a young one performs like this, its worth taking note” … M. Ridenour (jockey aboard three year old HI HOOFIN G(IRE))