TAKEDOWN SLAMS HIS OPPOSITION IN THE GUINEAS

By Graham Potter | Monday, May 9, 2016

GOLD COAST GUINEAS – GROUP 3
Three-Year-Old Plate – 1200m

If ever you want to see a trainer really happy with a winner stick around to watch the action when a Gary Moore runner crosses the line first ... as Takedown ($2.75) did in the Gold Coast Guineas.

Put quite simply his joy was a joy to behold. The shouts, the smiles, the hugs ... he even tossed his hat into the crowd ... all played out as a fitting ending to the Prime Minister’s Cup race-day.

Everything had done right for Takedown in the running. Tim Clark didn’t chase him too hard early but there was a steady resolve to get to the front and Clark had his mount in the lead after the field had travelled 300m.

From there it was a question of measuring the pace and halfway up the straight it looked like Clark had got that calculation right by a comfortable margin. Privlaka ($17) had threatened briefly on the turn and in the first half of the straight, but he could not go on with his effort and that left Takedown well clear with only 100m to run.

He certainly looked well and truly home but the Moore runner had to survive one last scare as Sold For Song ($17), who was last and the turn and still six lengths adrift at the 150m, produced a storming late charge along the outside which suddenly had Takedown’s lead looking fragile.

As it turned out that charge fell short by 0.30 lengths as the post came in time for Takedown to secure his fourth career victory, setting off the Moore celebration and having punters mark Sold For Song down in the notebook.

TRAINER GARY MOORE:

“That was very exciting. He’s been a terrific horse for the stable. I’d like to thank my son who has done a marvellous job over the last ten days with the horse up here.

“There was a time when he was only running on about fifty percent air. He’s had the throat op in November and now he is not making any noise and, as you saw today, he was very dominant.

“There is improvement in him. It’s now on to the Fred Best where I think the 1350m will suit him.

“He has got a very big stride. He’ll be able to dominate for the lead and be able to travel a lot easier than today.

“Hopefully we can win it and then we’ll be exempt for the Stradbroke which dad (George Moore) won a few times.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:

SANTA ANA LANE – The start was delayed when the gelding became fractious in the barriers, underwent a veterinary examination and was cleared to race.

When questioned as to the performance jockey D. Browne stated that his intention was to obtain a position closer to the speed today however, after being fractions in the barriers the gelding was slow to muster speed despite his efforts, which resulted in the gelding settling further back in the field than anticipated.

Jockey Browne added that the gelding was momentarily held up upon straightening before shifting out after which it commenced to improve into the race. However, the gelding was held up for clear running over the final 100m and as a consequence went to the line without being fully tested. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormalities. A warning will be placed on the gelding’s barrier manners.

SOLD FOR SONG – Slow to begin.

THE VIRGINIAN – Began awkwardly. Inconvenienced near the 1100m and as a consequence raced 4 wide throughout.

BIG TREE – Inconvenienced near the 1100m and a short distance later had to be steadied when awkwardly placed at the heels of ALWAYS SACRED. Raced wide throughout.

PERFECT DARE – Inconvenienced near the 1100m and as a consequence raced 4 wide without cover throughout.

IN HIS STRIDE – Near the 900m had to be steadied when placed in restricted room. Leaving the 400m had to be steadied from heels.

BRIGADOON RISE – Held up for clear running between the 400m and 200m.

UNO BEST – Leaving the 200m was hampered by BRIGADOON RISE, which shifted out to improve.

ALWAYS SACRED – Raced 3 wide without cover throughout.

HESITATION – Raced wide throughout.

PRIVLAKA – Jockey G. Colless reported that his intention was to settle in a midfield position however, after beginning well from the inside barrier the gelding found itself in a handy position. Jockey Colless was of the opinion that the gelding is better suited when ridden further back in the field.

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