New weight for age star Samadoubt repeated his front running tactics that saw him win the Winx Stakes to lead for most of the way to win the Group 2 $250,000 Bob Ingham Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick today.

Samadoubt, above, scoreed an all the way win in the 20119 Chlemsford Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Samadoubt, above, scoreed an all the way win in the 20119 Chlemsford Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Winning jockey Tim Clark let Samadoubt take his time to cross over from the outside gate in the fourteen horse field but once he settled at the front of the pack, he was never headed.

Clark had the Bjorn Baker trained Samadoubt travelling like a winner at the top of the rise and the rest of the field was left behind when Clark released the brakes.

Samadoubt was sent out at the good price of $10 even though he he was a last start winner in the Group 1 $500,000 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 24 while the $2 favourite Avilius could make no impression on the winner to finish a four lengths second.

Kerrin McEvoy had to make a long run on Avilius, who was caught wide midfield, but the James Cummings trained import was in another race down the Randwick straight.

Avilius hung on for second ahead of the fast finishing Girl Tuesday ($5) with fourth place Haripour ($51) in the three way photo for the minors.

Baker and connections will have to pay a hefty late entry fee to gain a spot in the Group 1 $5m Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on October 26 but the six year old is entered for the Group 1 $5.15m Stella Artois Caulfield Cup (2400m) at Caulfield on October 19.

“He’s not nominated for the Cox Plate only the Caulfield Cup,” Baker said.

“I’m surprised we didn’t get a call for the Everest after her won first up. His work since his last win has been nothing less than sensational. Thanks to my great team at home. He’s never been better. He’s big and strong.”

“Win lose or draw we’ve had a great preparation but we have options in Sydney. We’ll probably keep him at a mile. He’s an exciting prospect – don’t often say it about a 6yo gelding. He’s been a phenomenal horse for me and Darby. He ran in a Breeders Plate.”

 

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.