WIN OF THE DAY
Promising, who lived up to her name, had plenty of friends after a previous third to top talents Shmoov Mover and Supernatural and she didn’t let them down with a speedy and dominant all the way victory. The Pierata filly had the race shot to pieces after jockey Shaun O’Donnell hit the go button from the 200m, gapping her next rival by 2 ¼ lengths. Shapes as a Saturday winner for in-form trainer, Trevor Andrews.
TRAINER
Following 65 wins as a jockey, dual license-holder Angela Johnston celebrated her first Ascot winner as a trainer after the win of Thermosphere Lad, who kicked clear and looked the winner all the way through. Once the gelding jumped cleanly and jockey Jarrad Noske dictated the race in front it was painless viewing for punters.
Grant and Alana Williams bookended the meeting after hot favourite Yorga Pride was made to earn her win in the first before Axeman’s Jazz, first up since August and carrying the 59kg topweight hit the line hard in a strong return.
JOCKEY
After a double on Saturday, Shaun O’Donnell followed up again with the same tally after sitting with cover on Opal Tango and leading aboard Promising.
Clint Johnston-Porter had to give Yorga Pride a little shake up after sweeping the small field from last and came from another rearwards position when urging Axeman’s Jazz to get over the top of Missile Storm.
FAVOURITES
A day for punters with Yorga Pride, Opal Tango, Sunlit Fresco, Thermosphere Lad and Promising recording popular wins. Caporetto at $9.40 and Axeman’s Jazz, returning $6.50, put some value to the quaddie.
Sunlit Fresco was coming out of the Listed Summer Scorcher and looked vulnerable close to home but pulled out plenty and prevailed in a head-bobbing three-way finish.
Golden Dore, rattling home late and Kelora, who returned with an elevated heart rate, the beaten favourites in races six and seven respectively.
HORSES TO FOLLOW
Greg Cave’s Opal Tango might not have the profile or class of others on an Oaks path, but she was strong in winning over 1800m and looks like she can stay.
Axeman’s Jazz ran a beauty fresh and will appreciate the run under his belt. Runner-up Missile Storm gave cheek and will strip fitter after a solid resumption.
Skytalker’s racing well and was winding up late. 61kg and wide barrier didn’t help.
Golden Dore was swamping them late, but a long way back.
Schubeck couldn't get a clear crack at them in the straight for new trainer, Luke Fernie.
Julio Santarelli