3 minute read

A recently upgraded race, the Winter Challenge is a test for the milers (or near milers) following on from the Winter Stakes run at Rosehill a fortnight earlier. It provides the Winter horses a chance at some black type. Who takes the 2013 running?

THE WINTER CHALLENGE - Listed 1500m

A recently upgraded race, the Winter Challenge is a test for the milers (or near milers) following on from the Winter Stakes run at Rosehill a fortnight earlier. It provides the Winter horses a chance at some black type. Who takes the 2013 running?

Previous Winners - Last 8 Years

PROFILING THE RACE OVER RECENT YEARS

o Became a Listed Race in 2012.

o Has been run at varying distances around the mile as a Winter Final.

o 105 has been the average Timeform Rating over the last 8 years with levels of performances toggling between as high as Foreteller (113) and Jeteye (96).

o That win by Foreteller is the only one in recent times by a horse who has gone onto any real glory at better levels since.

o Last 8 Winners Most Prevalent Age of winner - 4yo (4 times).

o Last 8 Winners Average Price of winner - $6 {only two favourites amongst them}.

o Breakdown of winners - 7 geldings & 1 mare.

o Winner’s Lead Up Races - Winter Stks (1), Winter Challenge Heat (1), Other Hcps (6).

RECENT WINNERS

2012 - SPINNAWITCH 5m (Country Reel x Zerelda) ($5.50)

Jockey: Blake Shinn, Trainer: Jarrod Austin

Barrier: 5, Weight: 54.0kg, Gross Time: 1:36.61

Margin: 0.8L, Track: Dead (5), Starters: 8

2nd: Forty Thirty (54.0kg), 3rd: Winning Glory (55.0kg)

Review: After taking over the training of many horses from Denise McGrath, young trainer Jarrod Austin had his biggest day at the races after training Urquidez to success earlier in the day. This mare had had injury issues in the past and this was a triumph. Well supported from $9 in, she was midfield in a small field but with a 7-2 fav and only two beyond double figures, it was such an even race. A struggle for a little while, she got clear and held off the pack.

2011 - FORETELLER 4g (Dansili x Prophecy) ($5)

Jockey: Damien Oliver, Trainer: Chris Waller

Barrier: 6, Weight: 55.0kg, Gross Time: 1:31.26

Margin: 3L, Track: Slow (6), Starters: 12

2nd: Scarf (54.0kg), 3rd: Bellagio Wynn (55.0kg)

Review: The best winner of this race in recent times started off his Australian career in far lower places than he has emerged from. Despite running in some French Group races, he was tried in the stand alone Autumn Listed races. On a slow track he was back last but as we now know that is his style and a longer race was to his benefit. With Damien Oliver on an unusual trip north, he simply trotted in.

2010 - ALTERED BOY 4g (Danehill Dancer x Floridays) ($9)

Jockey: Brenton Avdulla, Trainer: Chris Waller

Barrier: 3, Weight: 53.0kg, Gross Time: 1:34.52

Margin: 0.5L, Track: Heavy (10), Starters: 10

2nd: Mr Unforgettable (54.0kg), 3rd: Illuminates (58.0kg)

Review: Chris Waller had become a master placing his team, which had grown in recent years to a massive string. The Heavy track was only to this horse’s advantage. Yet again the winner was back near last but able to swoop on a damp surface over Mr Unforgettable who was thought of as a real ‘wettie’ so it was a very solid win. Still running and winning races as late as March of 2013, he was a solid member of the leading trainer’s premiership arsenal.