BRC AUG 08 - CHILLED FREEZES OUT THE OPPOSITION

By Graham Potter | Monday, August 10, 2009

The Maryann Thexton trained Chilled has always shown fair potential and he cemented the view that he can on to better things with an authoritative all the way win at Eagle Farm.

Jockey Stathi Katsidis gradually worked the four-year-old across from his wide barrier to take up the running early in the piece. Once in front, Katsidis dictated the terms of the race to his own advantage and, when he gave Chilled more rein and the green light to go in the straight, none of his rivals were good enough to cut back the deficit as Chilled raced away to a clearcut win.

Eagle Farm, Saturday, August 8, 2009.
Track - Good 3. Rail - True.
Class 6 Handicap - 1600m. Time: 1-37.54.
1st - Chilled; 2nd - Sandton; 3rd - All Our Way.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Maryann Thexton: “The race went according to plan. Stathi (Katsidis) and I both thought we’d end up leading. We were happy to take a sit behind the pace if there was a silly pace but Stathi rode it just perfectly. He was very confident going into the race. I sort of thought he might be riding him a little bit too cocky, but, no, he knew what he had. There has been a big wrap on this horse for a long time. I just took the pressure off and let have a couple of nice runs. We are just let him come through his classes and we’ll reconsider our position down the track.”

Jockey Stathi Katsidis: “Yeah, I had to work a little bit for the lead (from a wide draw). I didn’t think I would have to work so much. There didn’t seem to be much speed in the race but as it turned out there were about six of them that fought for the lead early and I thought ... ah jeez. But once he found his stride he led easily and he held them off easily in the straight too.

“His last two starts I sat in behind them and I was a little disappointed in him. But then I sat down and had a bit of a think about the horse and he just dead-set wants to stay, so I forgave him his last two seconds (over 1200m, first-up and over 1400m in his last outing).Today, at the mile, it was still probably not far enough for him, but he has won accordingly. I think he is a better horse if you let him run. He is sort of one dimensional, one-paced sort of thing. A few horses challenged him on straightening and he kicked a little bit. He had a little sprint ... but he hasn’t got a great sprint ... and he just ground them into the ground there. It was a good tough win. He probably hasn’t beaten the greatest horses today but he is very honest and I think they should step him up to 1800m, possibly 2000m next start. I think when he gets up to 2000m and even 2400m you’ll see him better again.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Chilled): 2.50 out to 2.70.
The winner was the favourite.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
After being weighed out A. Pattillo, the declared rider of Eton Hall, was examined by the Club doctor who said in his opinion jockey Pattillo should not take the ride. Jockey L. Rolls was substituted and as a consequence of this riding change the race was late starting. Charvicky was tightened for room shortly after the start between Morgalicious and Golders Road, which was taken out by All Our Way. When the pace slackened leaving the 1000m Golders Road improved up on to the heels of Eton Hall and had to be steadied. Charvicky, which was following, also had to be steadied as a consequence. Mr Doyle and Khairesprit raced wide throughout.

A post-race veterinary examination of Khairsprit revealed the mare to be exhibiting soreness in the off-fore fetlock. Stewards ordered that a veterinary certificate of fitness must be produced for
Khairsprit before starting again.

B. Stewart, the rider of 4th placegetter Morgalicious, was fined $200 under AR. 145 for weighing in overweight.