Palazzo Pubblico snuck up on the inside to record a maiden win at black-type level in the 2016 Bright Shadow Quality at Doomben this afternoon.
Palazzo Pubblico scored the biggest win of her racing career to date in the Bright Shadow Handicap at Doomben this afternoon. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Palazzo Pubblico earnt herself a trip to Brisbane for the Bright Shadow Quality after she scored a brave win in the Tab.Com.Au Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on April 23 and she justified the decision of trainer Matthew Smith to send her north with a fast-finishing victory over Serenade.
Jockey Michael Cahill gave Palazzo Pubblico the ideal run in transit, but he took no credit for the ride and said that it was the barrier that helped the Conatus mare get across the line in the Bright Shadow Quality.
“The barrier was a big help,” Cahill said.
“She travelled like the winner, she was going half-paced coming to the turn and she finished it off very well.
“Barriers win races, she drew one and she just had a lovely run.
“She was able to do her best work late.”
Smith revealed after the Bright Shadow Quality that he considered sending Palazzo Pubblico to the spelling paddock following her last start win, but he opted to keep her in work and was delighted with the result.
The rising trainer is unsure whether he will give the four-year-old another race start this preparation and he indicated that he could give her a break before he brings her back for the 2016 Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival campaign.
“We all know that when you get them in form you have to keep them going,” Smith said.
“I had a bit of a query on her at 1200, in her last couple of runs in Sydney over the 1100 she was a bit soft late, but she ran it out strongly today.
“We had it in the back of our minds that we might go here or wait for Melbourne in the spring, but when she drew well it was an easy decision.
“Her runs have to be spaced and I will have a look and see what is there otherwise we will go to Melbourne.”
Serenade produced an improved performance to finish second in the Bright Shadow Quality, while Miss Tenpins toughed it out on the speed to finish third.
