Kiwi Posts Mild Upset in Rosehill Guineas

Interviewed on horseback prior to loading the gate for the Rosehill Guineas, jockey Craig Williams cited Volkstok’n’barrell (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ})’s superior turn of foot in the final 400 meters as the main reason the duo could turn the tables on Mongolian Khan (NZ) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) after being outstayed by that foe in the G1 New Zealand Derby at Trentham Feb. 28. Those comments were proved prescient, as the gelding kicked hard in the lane and held off G1 Victoria Derby hero Preferment (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), with Hallowed Crown (Aus) (Street Sense), favored off his success in the G1 Randwick Guineas, being found out at this longer trip. 

No better than the fourth betting choice, Volkstok’n’barrell was prominent early for Williams, but was content to ease back into third and into the slipstream of Mongolian Khan, who was ridden unusually close to the pace of 150-1 outsiderPounamu (Aus) (Authorized {Ire}) by his regular pilot Opie Bosson. Hallowed Crown, narrowly favored over Randwick Guineas second Sweynesse (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}) switched off nicely one from the tail, giving himself every chance to see out the 10-furlong trip. There was no change in the order as Pounamu took them into the final three furlongs, but the chief protagonists were winding up with their runs from the second flight. Hallowed Crown was gifted a run up the fence when Pounamu cornered wide into the stretch and Preferment launched his bid simultaneously, but Volkstok’n’barrell was letting down generously as Mongolian Khan weakened out. That trio fought it out into the final 50 meters, with Volkstok’n’barrell’s superior stamina winning out on the day. 

“Fantastic ride by Craig Williams, does he do his homework,” winning conditioner Donna Logan told Racenet. “He knew the horse inside out when I spoke to him in the mounting yard. I came here really worried [if he’d measure up. We’re good at home, but when you come here it’s a different story. You’re taking on real class horses and world class jockeys. I was worried– Ruakaka to Rosehill, my God, it’s a big difference.” 

The win was especially sweet for Logan, whose longtime training partner and former husband Dean Logan passed away late last month after a battle with throat cancer. 

“It’s Dean’s birthday, so thank God I did something right,” she told Racenet.

Saturday, Rosehill, Australia
SKY RACING ROSEHILL GUINEAS-G1, A$500,000, ROS, 3-21, 3yo, 10fT, 2:03.47, gd. 
1–sVOLKSTOK’N’BARRELL (NZ), 125, g, 3, by Tavistock (NZ) 
     1st Dam: Volkster (NZ), by Volksraad (GB) 
     2nd Dam: Row of Mapperley (NZ), by Long Row (GB) 
     3rd Dam: Petwood (GB), by Petingo (GB) 
(NZ$50,000 yrl ‘13 NZBSEL). O-G J Cossey, Mrs A Gibbs, C W Gibbs, J A Gibbs Mnzm, A M Goodwin, IDL Racing Ltd, Mrs D M Logan & Rosemont Stud Pty Ltd; B-IDL Breeding Ltd; T-Donna & Dean Logan; J-Craig Williams. A$300,000. Lifetime Record: GSW & G1SP-NZ, 9-6-1-2, A$606,790. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: 
A+++ *Triple Plus*. 
2–Preferment (NZ), 125, c, 3, Zabeel (NZ)–Better Alternative (Aus), by Flying Spur (Aus). (NZ$190,000 yrl ‘13 NZBPRE). O-Mrs L F Huddy, I Bruce, G L Huddy, R Smith, B L Mathieson, K H Warriner, J T C Lake, F W Cook, Mrs C M Cook, G G Ltd (Mgr: G G Peterson), Magic Bloodstock Racing (Mgr: P G Tighe), Woppitt Bloodstock (Mgr: Mrs D N Kepitis); B-Mrs B M & L J Anselmi Et Al; T-Chris Waller. A$100,000. 
3–Hallowed Crown (Aus), 125, c, 3, Street Sense–Crowned Glory (Aus), by Danehill. O-Darley Australia Pty Ltd & Gooree Stud; B-Gooree Park Stud Party Ltd; T-Bart & James Cummings. A$50,000. 
Margins: SHD, 1 1/4, 4. Odds: 6.00, 30.00, 1.75. 
Also Ran: Sweynesse (Aus), Mongolian Khan (Aus), Hampton Court (Aus), Pounamu (Aus). 
Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com five-cross pedigree. VIDEO.