Pre-race Gloaming Stakes favourite Sharp ‘N’ Smart has just held off fast finishing rivals Matcha Latte and Williamsburg in a thrilling photo finish in Wednesday’s re-scheduled Gloaming Stakes at Warwick Farm.
Traditionally run over the 1800m at Randwick, but with horrid weather and the abandonment of the card over the weekend, Racing NSW elected run over the shorter trip (1600m) during a mid-week card to allow trainers to prep their respective gallopers for the Group 1 Spring Champions Stakes on October 22.
It was Victorian visitor Captain Pluto injecting the speed into the race while the eventual winner, and NZ-trained galloper from the Graeme and Deborah Rogerson yard, Sharp ‘N’ Smart was able to box-seat in behind what was a truly well run affair.
Williamsburg who was luckless at the start and Matcha Latte went back from the wider draws, the latter then pressed forward to be wide without cover the trip.
The mid-race move from Matcha Latte made sure it was a grandstand finish at the post with Sharp ‘N’ Smart barely scraping in, while Williamsburg surged into third place with a barnstorming run.
2022 Gloaming Stakes Replay
It was all honours with the winner though, with this gelding out of Redwood proving too strong on the line.
“I thought he was going to win comfortably at one stage, and he just looked like he hit a flat spot within 200m, but he fought back and it was a real tough win,” said Shannon Doyle representing the Rogerson stable post-race.
“Obviously he knows’ where the line is, it’s a real gutsy effort and a good ride by Hugh Bowman as well.
“The further he goes the better he’s going to get, you know he’s going to be a nice stayer in the making without a doubt,” referencing the horse going forward to the Spring Champions Stakes and a tilt at the Victoria Derby as well.
Hugh Bowman was full of praise for Sharp ‘N’ Smart after passing the post, before declaring he would stick with the Group 3 winner as he heads towards the Group 1 at Randwick on October 22.
“It’s no surprise to see him come here and do that, and I think there’s more improvement to come personally,” Bowman said.
The result sets up an intriguing edition of the Spring Champions Stakes with Sharp ‘N’ Smart to progress there, along with Matcha Latte, Williamsburg and current favourite with online bookmakers Osipenko.
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