A frustrating campaign finally took a turn for the better when Signore Fox overcame a muddling tempo to score an unlikely win in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap at Randwick.
Oriental Runner ($51) appeared poised for a boilover when he kicked clear after enjoying a soft lead, while Tommy Berry aboard Signore Fox was back in the field trying to extricate his mount into the clear.
When he finally found some space, the $3.20 favourite still appeared to have too much to do to win but he sprouted wings late to nail Oriental Runner by a short half-head.
Glenall ($10) was another half-head back.
“Geez, that was a win and a half,” Berry said.
“They rolled along for the first furlong and a half (300m) but then really backed it off down the side and a lot of them got jammed up and pulling.
“I was able to get out at the right time and he’s only got a 300 metre sprint anyway so it worked out well.
“He can definitely go on to better things than today.”
Co-trainer Paul Snowden admitted he had all but given up on Signore Fox winning when the four-year-old was shuffled back and the tempo slowed.
Having already endured a tough campaign, he figured the Razor Sharp was going to be another case of what might have been.
“He got balloted out of The Hunter, he got a temp the day before the Golden Eagle,” Snowden said
“Things haven’t been going to plan.
“I think he’s definitely got a nice race in him and he can definitely measure up to Group class.”
Snowden said the stable would weigh up whether to continue on with Signore Fox during the summer and target a stakes race in Queensland or pull up stumps and ready him for the autumn.
