Ride Of The Day
DAMIAN LANE – SARACEN KNIGHT
In the Peter Comley Handicap, Saracen Knight didn’t look to have a hope of winning. However the energy conserving run Damian Lane gave him came to the fore with 150 metres to go, as he was able to sprint home and win.
Saracen Knight ran 11 metres less than the second horse Irish Flame, with Lane making use of the inside draw in the run before easing the gelding out into the best going in the straight.
Horses to Follow 
BUFFALO RIVER
Tremendous return.
He didn’t have it easy at any stage and as his rider Damien Oliver pointed out, he was forced to stay in the middle of the track given the fence was slower.
Only run down by a smart horse in Superstorm.
HOW WOMANTIC
Showed her tenacity to fight and beat the two horses she was competing with to finish second, despite being run off her course by Kalkarni Royale.
Only Pinyin, who got through on her inside, got the better of her.
DUKE OF PLUMPTON
Best work was late to finish fourth in the 1400 metres race.
He’ll be hard to beat over 1600 metres at his next start.
ECUMENICAL
Great run to finish sixth behind Instant Celebrity.
As stewards noted, she was trapped four wide throughout but she stuck to her task.
INSTANT CELEBRITY
Outstanding win by Instant Celebrity to make it four wins from four starts.
Craig Williams was content to track wide and make an early run, knowing she was the best horse in the field.
JUNIPAL
Next to Russian Camelot, the most impressive win of the day.
Sat wide, took the lead early in the straight and didn’t look like losing.
He’ll be hard to beat in the Toorak Handicap.
Sectional Stars
PINYIN
She produced the fastest last 400 metres of 22.71 seconds and 200 metres of 11.60 seconds to win the opening race.
GOLDEN HALO
Recorded the fastest last 800 metres (45.25 seconds) and 600 metres for the meeting (34.11 seconds) to finish fourth.
SUPERSTORM
He flew home to win, running 11.80 seconds for the last 200 metres which was the third fastest for the meeting.
CAMBOURNE
He produced the fourth fastest last 400 metres for the meeting, running-on to finish fourth behind Crosshaven.
From the trainers
Matthew Williams on Gailo Chop:
“He was terrific. He improved so much on his Makybe run to his Underwood run. Both years in the Makybe he’s been a little bit plain but when he’s got here, he’s jumped out of the ground getting to the 1800. Probably just got a bit brought undone."
“The plan was to sit outside Trap For Fools, and then Oli kicked up on Russian Camelot which we didn’t see happening. That was a bit of a surprise, and he could get rolling that bit earlier than he would have liked. He would’ve made it interesting had he been able to do his thing.”
Mick Price on Cambourne:
“I thought he got way too far out of his ground. These things are dictated to by bad gates. Bad gates cause awkward rides. If he had drawn a gate, then midfield, I would make a case that he’s in the money."
"He was one of the best closers, he’s a strong horse. He’ll get 1600 metres no problem. He’s having a good preparation and we’ll keep on and run in the Caulfield Guineas.”
Ben Hayes on Personal:
“I was thrilled with the run. Best part of her race was the last 100 (metres). Through the line she kept going so heading towards a Thousand Guineas she’s really spot on."
"We’ve trained her to peak for this race and I think in two weeks’ time.”
Phillip Stokes on Mr Quickie:
“I was (disappointed). I thought he presented really good today. He got out and obviously gave that winner too (much of a) head start. I thought he’d run second but he didn’t. I actually don’t think he’s run the trip out."
“He’s probably better coming back to a mile. Fresh form always says he runs well and that’s something we might have to think about.”
