RAND SEPT 26 - ROAD TO ROCK IN GROUP 1 BOILOVER

By HRO | Monday, September 28, 2009

Randwick, September 26, 2009.
Track - Good. Rail - True.
George Main Stakes (Group 1) - 1600m. Time: 1-35.50.
1 Road To Rock; 2 Black Piranha; 3 Onemorenomore.

In a boilover result the Anthony Cummings trained Road To Rock came from well back to take the time honoured event at a starting price of 40-1.

With a hot pace being set up front by tearaway leader Court Command, Glyn Schofield, who made it a race to race double following his earlier success on McClintock, was happy to sit near the tail of the field before bringing the five-year-old entire to the outside to unleash a strong finishing burst.

Black Pirahna ran his usual honest race to secure yet another runner up cheque in a Group 1 while the lightly weighted Onemorenomore showed once again this crop of 3yo’s can certainly match it with the older horses at WFA.

The big disappointment of the race was the favourite Racing To Win who never travelled well and finished down the track.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Anthony Cummings "It really wasn't unexpected. I mean, I'm not a punter ... but I was tempted.

“His first up run was absolutely excellent (when sixth, 4.20 lengths behind Rangirangdoo over 1400m). I worked out a way to get him to the Epsom in the right sort of shape. I figured this is the best lead up race to have him perfect for next week and that's where I think he'll be ... and we got the best result. He goes into next week’s race in good shape and it's looking pretty good for the spring in Melbourne.

“All last prep we had little issues with him all the way through and it just took away from his finish. He would loom up ... he was there at the furlong and the half furlong I think in about six Group 1’s during the season and just didn’t find that length that he needed to.

“This preparation he has come through well. His action has been perfect. We’ve had no issues with him at all and he is really doing the job.”

Jockey Glyn Schofield: "I rode him three weeks ago at his first run back and he actually gave me a very good run even though he was beaten a few lengths. He felt good in the run even though he got a bit tired and today obviously he was a fitter horse. The tempo obviously helped him also.

“You know I couldn’t believe coming over the rise, I was sitting up behind Black Pirahna and I was waiting for him to go and he quickened and he couldn't go any quicker, so I elected to go and probably hit the front a bit too soon. I felt at one stage he might have idled a little bit, so I gave him a couple of reminders and he responded and won a good race.

“He felt like he's got a lot in front of him because the way he turned it on today was the sign of a good horse. Anthony (Cummings) said in the paper this morning that the horse might have slipped under the radar ... but they are well and truly aware of him now.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Newport was reluctant to race for a few strides shortly after the start.

When questioned regarding the performance of Racing To Win, H Bowman stated that, when taken to the fence by Onemorenomore early and when Mentality, which was following the tearaway leader, Court Command, did not cross to the rails, he was left without cover and Racing To Win over-raced when facing a strong head wind. He added that as early as the 550m he felt that Racing To Win was struggling and did not respond to his riding in the straight.

When questioned, trainer Mr J O'Shea stated the only explanation he could offer was, with the fast pace early, that Racing To Win had raced too far forward and too keenly, particularly running into a strong head wind. He added Racing To Win had pleased him leading into the event and he undertook to report the results of a full vet check. The inquiry into the performance of Racing To Win was adjourned pending receipt of that report.

A post race veterinary examination of Racing To Win did not reveal any abnormalities, other than an occasional cough. Following the final event, Mr O'Shea reported to Stewards that an endoscopic
examination of Racing To Win had not revealed any abnormalities.

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