DOOM OCT 31 - SAM’S EXPRESS DELIVERS THE GOODS

By Graham Potter | Thursday, November 5, 2009

Doomben, October 31, 2009.
Track - Good 3. Rail - out 2m.
Open Handicap - 1615m. Time: 1-36.34.
1 Sam's Express; 2 Sir Kingsford; 3 Eddie Rapido.

The Michael Nolan trained Sam’s Express is a tough opponent when caught in a galloping mood. Here he was well and truly on song, motivated by a gem of a ride from jockey Glen Colless, to the degree that victory was assured well before gelding crossed the line.

Colless settled the five-year-old in a comfortable fourth spot early. He was happy to go back to fifth place as the speed quickened in the sweep to the turn. Once in the home straight Sam’s Express lengthened his stride and it quickly became apparent that the five-year-old was going by far the best of any runner in contention.

Colless didn’t even have to go for him. Initially, all Colless did was give his mount more rein and push him out hands and heels and Sam’s Express got to the front with the minimum of fuss approaching the 100m mark. Colless did give him a few reminders then to keep him honest and although Sir Kingsford and Eddie Rapido did close up late they were always only chasing a minor placing as Sam’s Express cruised in to register his eighth career win.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Jockey Glen Colless: “He had the right run ... had the right alley. The tempo was very good. Got off the fence at the 600 and followed one forward, Joey Bowditch’s mount (Plenty Of Practise). Must have got to the furlong and I sort of hadn’t really moved on him. He hit the line good.”

PRICE FLUCTUATIONS:
Winner (Sam’s express): 13.00 out to 15.00.
Favourite (Daedalus): 4.00 in to 3.80.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Sir Kingsford (M. Hellyer) was slow to begin. Kentish Rose (Matthew Palmer) jumped away very awkwardly, almost dislodging its rider. As a result, M. Palmer lost the use of his near-side iron for a short distance thereafter. Daedalus (L. Cassidy) over-raced at the heels of Plenty Of Practise (J. Bowditch) for a short distance leaving the 1400m. Jockey M. Speers reported that Craiglea Charm hung out under pressure in the home straight.

When questioned regarding the seemingly improved performance of Sam’s Express, trainer M. Nolan stated that the horse had drawn a more favourable alley in today's event and was able to settle closer to the fence as opposed to its last two starts where it had been wide throughout. He further stated that it was his opinion that today's distance of 1615m was a more favourable distance for the horse and he was not surprised with the forward showing.