MORN FEB 17 - CAPECOVER RETURNS TO WIN MORNINGTON CUP

By Scott Gooley | Thursday, February 18, 2010

Mornington, February 17, 2010.
Track - Good 3. Rail - True.
Open Class Handicap (2400m). Time: 2-29:73 (Carrying 59kgs)
1 Capecover; 2 Al Wafi; 3 Fairygem.

After finishing second in the event last year, former New Zealander galloper Capecover returned to take out the 2010 edition of the Listed Luxbet Mornington Cup on Wednesday. Trained by Patrick Payne, the seven year old gelding was having his third run back after a short let up following an honest effort in the 2009 Melbourne Cup.

Ridden by Steven Arnold and carrying top weight of 59kgs, Capecover settle third last on the fence as the field of twelve runners ran past the judge for the first time.

There was little change as the field, headed by Jeune He Is, ran toward the 1000m but, shortly after, the complexion of the race would change quickly.

Positioned in front of Capecover ($6) in the run was race favourite, Fairygem ($3.10) ridden by Luke Nolen. As the field left the 800m mark behind them, Nolen made a bold move on the favourite when he set the mare alight and quickly began to make ground on the outside of the field.

Arnold seized the opportunity, clicked Capecover into gear and followed Nolen’s every move.

Travelling past the 400m mark, The Tiger ran to the lead passing Jeune He Is who quickly submitted.

Apprehend and Fairy Gem were three and four wide respectively staking their claims and wider still was Capecover who had now peeled out from behind Fairygem and was finishing strongly.

As the field swept for home it was Capecover and Steven Arnold that had burst to the lead, racing a length in advance of Fairygem and Al Wafi ($11) who had railed through on the inside.

Inside the last furlong, Capecover extended his margin running away with the Listed event by two lengths. Second went to Al Wafi with Fairygem holding on to third a further half a length behind.

It was Capecover’s eleventh victory from forty-one career starts and the win took his career earnings to over $570,000.00.

Upon returning to scale, Arnold told of how the pre-race plan came to fruition .

“He was set for this race and had a couple of runs this time in and he’s fitness was right up to the mark today.”

“I was behind a couple of the favoured runners and I was hoping they’d get going early. They got on their bikes going down the side and we were able to track into the race.”

“There’s a bit of quality about the horse so he was good and strong late.” Arnold concluded.

Payne a former big race jockey himself and good friend of Arnold’s, was full of praise for horse and jockey.

“He’s just a beautiful old horse to train.”

“Stevie’s such a great rider. He gave him the perfect ride today.”

“We didn’t want him to give them a huge head start. He can get back and give them a start so we thought we’ll leave him in his comfort zone, but if he can take a better position, that’ll be well and good. Stevie just did that beautifully.”

Judging by today’s performance and Payne’s future plans, there may be more Black Type in story for Capecover.

“He’s going to the Lord Reims (Tooheys New Stakes 2600m at Morphettville on February 27) and the Adelaide Cup (3200m on March 8),” Payne confirmed.

Payne also trained the winner of the second race on the card. The 68 Handicap for three-year-olds was won by Rebel Truce ($5), ridden by Payne’s sister Michelle, who scored by three quarters of a length.

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
On arrival at the barrier Blackfriars Bridge shifted a plate and as a result pricked its sole and was therefore unfit to start. Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Blackfriars Bridge at 4.00pm.

Capecover (NZ) had to be re shod behind the barriers.

Sir Tristaclang raced wide without cover throughout. Approaching and rounding the home turn Al Wafi was held up when unable to obtain a clear run. Just prior to the entrance to the straight Wildly Excited was hampered when attempting a run between Apprehend and Old Jock (NZ) where there was not quite sufficient room, resulting in Wildly Excited then shifting out slightly and tightening Old Jock (NZ) out onto Coppervue.

When questioned S Stockdale, trainer of Jeune He Is, which led today as compared to its most recent starts, stated that his instructions to whoever rides the gelding are; if Jeune He Is jumps well go forward and if he does not to go back. As Jeune He Is jumped well today he went forward. Jeune He Is has led and won at Mornington on previous occasions.

M Zahra rider of Apprehend explained that in his opinion the gelding had now come to the end of its preparation.

Arnold