Theanswermyfriend runs deceptively fast mid-race sections in impressive Moonee Valley performance
A winner of one stakes race at Listed level in six wins from 22 starts, Theanswermyfriend is now in the stable of Darren Weir where the gelding has won two of his four starts for the leading trainer.
Theanswermyfriend again went to the front on Saturday and after running along in the mid-stages he fought back to take out the Harrolds Handicap (1519m) by a half-length from the Godolphin-raced Malaise (Helmet), with Moss ‘N’ Dale (Castledale) a short head away third.
At first glance the times did not look impressive, mainly due to the 1510 metre odd distance which was covered in 1:31.40 (12.03 200m rate) – equivalent to 1600 metres in 1:36.27 – and a slow final 600 metre time of 37.06.
But an examination of the early sectional times suggested that the race, in fact, could prove to be a strong form race for future reference.
Clocked from the 1400 metres point, Theanswermyfriend’s 200 metre breakdown was 10.85, 11.24 (400m in 22.09), 11.44 (600m in 33.53), 11.63 (800m in 45.16), 11.72 (1000m in 56.88), 12.27 (1200m in 1:09.15) and 12.92 for a final 1400 metre time of 1:22.07.
His very fast 1000 metre mid-race section of 56.88 (1400 metres to the 400 metres) really put the pressure on his opposition, noteworthy being Hiyaam (High Chaparral), The Taj Mahal (Galileo) and Sopressa (So You Think) – all resuming and noted for performances over longer distances, while all under riding a long way from home.
But that trio showed their quality in the final stages, running on resolutely for sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively, and all three returned impressive sectionals suggesting they are set for good preparations.
Hiyaam, winner of the Vinery Stud Stakes (registered as Storm Queen Stakes) (Gr 1, 2000m) at Rosehill last season, clocked 57.41 for her mid-race 1000 metres with her final 1400 metres in 1:22.15.
The Taj Mahal, winner of the Zipping Classic (registered as Sandown Classic) (Gr 2, 2400m) last season, clocked 57.56 for his mid-race 1000 metres with his final 1400 metres in 1:22.03.
Sopressa, winner of the Schweppes Oaks (registered as Australasian Oaks) (Gr 1, 2000m) at Morphettville last season, clocked 57.41 for her mid-race 1000 metres with her final 1400 metres in 1:21.91.
Theanswermyfriend has obviously pleased his stable since the Moonee Valley success and he is to back up in tomorrow’s Penny Edition Stakes (Listed, 1400m) at Morphettville Parks where he is second favourite behind the in-form Widgee Turf (Turffontein).
There were also a number of other impressive performances ‘on the watch’ at Moonee Valley – one of the best being the times recorded by the Lindsay Park-trained sprinter Faatinah (Nicconi) in his first-up win in the Carlyon Stakes (Listed, 1000m).
He worked, racing close to the pace, all the way before taking the lead at the 100 metres and then defeating the speedy Sunday Escape (Hard Spun) by a half-length in a time of 57.66 for the 1000 metre journey.
Clocked from the 800 metre point, Faatinah ran 10.24, 10.97 (400m in 21.21), 11.40 (600m in 32.61) and 12.07 for a final 800 metres in a fast 44.68.
In the McKenzie Stakes (Listed, 1200m), Team Hawkes-trained colt Brutal (O’Reilly) remained unbeaten after two starts with a game effort in beating Tavisan (Tavistock) after that Mick Price-trained/New Zealand-bred colt had run a bold race in the lead.
Time for the 1200 metre journey was 1:11.09, but again the early mid-race sectionals told the story with Brutal (from the 1000 metres) clocking 22.53, 34.42, 46.03 with his final 1000 metres in 57.58.
The runner-up Tavisan, a $31 outsider, also clocked impressive times (from the 1000m) of 22.48, 34.49, 46.09 and 57.73 – an effort that will not see him at such generous odds next time he races.
Earlier in the day, the Michelle Payne trained and ridden filly Sweet Rockette (Fastnet Rock) staged a very smart first-up win in the Three-Year-Old Fillies’ Plate (1200m).
After being trapped three wide in fourth place from a difficult barrier (11), Sweet Rockette showed tenacity in running down the highly regarded Godolphin-raced filly Multaja (Medaglia d’Oro) and score by a short head in a time of 1:11.47.
From the 1000 metres, Sweet Rockette clocked 21.92, 33.69 and 45.87 with her final 1000 metres in 58.30.
The runner-up Multaja worked most of the way, racing outside the leader Belzella (Bel Esprit) at a solid tempo and after getting to the front on straightening she was only beaten a short head in another good performance.
Multaja’s 200 metre breakdown (from the 1000m) was 10.47, 11.34 (400m in 21.81), 11.95 (600m in 33.76), 12.15 (800m in 45.91) and 12.58 for a final 1000 metre time of 58.49.
But the most impressive performance by a three-year-old on Saturday was that of the Kris Lees-trained colt Graff (Star Witness) who remained unbeaten in three starts after easily taking out the San Domenico Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) at Rosehill.
Graff enjoyed a good trip from his inside barrier (1) and after racing in fourth place on the rails, he got through on the inner on straightening and then raced away to score by two and a half-lengths from Neutrality (Sebring) with Performer (Exceed And Excel) third.
The time on the soft 5 track was 1:05.24 (11.86 200m rate), equivalent to 1200 metres in 1:11.17.
And while the overall time was not fast the tempo certainly was strong after the field had settled down, which resulted in Graff returning impressive closing sectionals of 56.46 (last 1000m), 45.41 (last 800m) 34.28 (last 600m) and 22.86 for his final 400 metres.
Graff now heads to the Golden Rose (Gr 1, 1400m) at Rosehill on September 22 with strong credentials.