Shaun Guymer returned to the winner’s circle for the fifth consecutive Saturday meeting when he steered Gaze In Awe to a last-to-first success at Canterbury.
Guymer is starting to make his mark in the Sydney area and trainer Rod Craig praised the young rider for using his initiative and settling back in the field after Gaze In Awe wasn’t the best into stride in the De Bortoli Wines Handicap (1250m).
The consistent Gaze In Awe came from last to defeat Embark by half a head with another short half head to Charm’s Honour in third.
Christian Reith, rider of Charm’s Honour, fired in a protest against the second-placed Embark alleging interference on the home turn but his objection was dismissed.
“It was a great ride because the instructions and our intentions were to go forward today,” Craig said.
“We have three or four fantastic little apprentices in Sydney at the moment and the key today was that Shaun didn’t panic.
“He just let him get back and then he took off at the right time and he just got there.”
Craig was based at Canterbury when it was a training centre as well as a racetrack and always enjoys winning at the course.
“I trained here for five or six years before moving to Warwick Farm and I think I’m the last trainer to train a Group One winner out of here,” Craig said.
Craig believes Gaze In Awe, a son of Intergaze who he trained to eight Group One wins, will be better suited again when he gets to 1400 and 1600 metres.
“Full credit to this horse, he’s had 13 starts and never missed a cheque,” Craig said.
Guymer has ridden one winner at each of the past five Saturday meetings in Sydney and was one of three apprentices to get on the board at Canterbury.
Chad Schofield got home for a last-stride victory on Group One winner Atomic Force in the Hylands Kids Colours For Christmas Handicap (1100m), while Adam Hyeronimus scored the biggest win of his career when he booted home Zara Dancer in the Listed Frank Underwood Cup (1900m).
The Frank Underwood Cup victory was 21-year-old Hyeronimus’ first win at stakes level.
AAP TURF
