Stalwart takes Goodwood title
MINUTE Repeater, the oldest horse that is racing in Tasmania, caused a boilover at Elwick on Tuesday when he powered home to win the $ 30,000 Goodwood Handicap over 1100m.
The Tegan Keys- trained 11year- old defied his age and form to deliver a near careerbest effort to score from Fragment and the odds- on favourite Deroche, in what is the traditional lead- up race to the Newmarket Handicap.
With Georgie Catania aboard, Minute Repeater ($ 41) settled fourth in a field of seven and was always travelling comfortably to the home turn.
When Catania peeled him wide to stake his claim at the top of the straight, the gelded son of Danbird powered home to score by a neck from Fragment ($ 3.50) with Deroche clinging to third just ahead of O’Lonh Star.
Deroche ($ 1.40-$ 1.90) began well but became the meat in the sandwich upfront between O’Lonh Star on her outside and Apriano on the rails.
Deroche was an easing favourite ($ 1.40 to $ 1.90) while the money came for Gee Gee Secondover that was backed in
from $ 5.50 to $ 4.40 before big money arrived for Fragment ($ 6 into $ 3.30).
Minute Repeater is owned and raced by Ayano Nishitani, the wife of former Japanese jockey and now trainer Yassi Nishitani, who was elated after the win.
“This is quite amazing, and I am so happy for the horse,” Nishitani said as tears streamed down his face.
“The horse just loves to race and always gives his all and Tegan ( Keys) has done a great work with the horse.”
Connections were noncommittal on taking the next step and heading to the $ 100,000 Newmarket Handicap.
Bandinelli notched his first race in Tasmania for trainer Siggy Carr when he led throughout to win a class one handicap over 1200m.
With Carr in the saddle, Bandinelli was allowed to stroll to the front from a wide barrier ( 8) and when she released the rains turning for home he sped clear and went on to win by almost four lengths from Ravage with outsider My Diana a close- up third.
“That was an impressive win, and he appreciated a firmer track,” Carr said.
Bandinelli, part- owned by this writer, is likely to have his next start in a benchmark race in Launceston in a fortnight.