Sumstreetsumwhere claims Sarten, Te Rapa
Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh was hoping he would get home alive after Sumstreetsumwhere won Monday’s Group II Sarten Memorial Stakes at Te Rapa.
Ridden by Jason Waddell in the $100,000 race, the son of Highly Recommended won comfortably for his jubilant owners and the trainer’s good mates Ben Foote, Sam Beatson and Andrew Stewart.
‘‘I’m just rapt they’ve entrusted me to train their horse,’’ Marsh said. ‘‘They are all in town - I’m hoping I get home alive [after celebrating].
‘‘The 2000 Guineas has always been on our radar and if he pulls up well it’s the logical step.’’
TAB odds-setters reacted quickly bringing Sumstreetsumwhere into $9 on the third line of the Group I Guineas betting behind the Te Akau pair of Embellish and Te Akau Shark.
‘‘We all know the Sarten is the main lead-up race [to the $500,000 Guineas],’’ said Waddell. ‘‘Stephen [Marsh] did it last year with Ugo Foscolo.’’
Waddell reflected on his fortune to be on the horse after he picked the ride up at the horse’s previous winning run when Troy Harris was unable to make the weight.
‘‘It just goes to show in racing - right time, right spot,’’ he said.
‘‘Things can change very quickly in this game. I feel sorry for Troy, he’s put in all the hard work on the horse.’’
Marsh praised Waddell for a ‘‘10 out of 10 ride’’ with the jockey finding the perfect spot in the running from his outside gate.
‘‘He’s ridden him perfectly both times,’’ Marsh said.
Maiden galloper As You Will justified his 2000 Guineas nomination and came into $26 for the Group I with a powerful finish into second ahead of Hawke’s Bay Guineas winner Hard Merchandize who is likely to bypass the Guineas.
Marsh won earlier in the day with richly-bred filly Pierrocity, by Pierro out od Dane Ripper.
’’She’s going to be a top-class racehorse,’’ Marsh said of the 1000 Guineas nominee.
‘‘I don’t know which way we’ll go yet, whether we go to Christchurch or wait for the Eight Carat and the Royal Stakes up here.’’
Victory in the day’s open 1600 confirmed a start for the Roger James-trained Von Tunzelman in November at Flemington.