An explosive performance by Appearance to win the Expressway Stakes has answered any questions about her fitness but posed a few queries for some of her rivals.
The triple Group One winner’s spring was cut short by trainer Guy Walter and her owners Darley when she showed signs of tying up, a condition which causes muscle pain.
Appearance - Photo by Steve Hart
Just getting the mare back to the races has been a labour of love for her trainer who made no secret of his admiration for Appearance after she won Saturday’s 1200-metre Group Two sprint over a classy field at Randwick.
“Just look at her. You won’t see a better looking mare anywhere,” Walter said.
“I said before the race I thought she would win. She has been going so well and has been problem-free throughout her preparation.
“She has been flying. I am so pleased for her and she is in for a big autumn.
“She is nominated for the Newmarket Handicap in Melbourne but I’m leaning towards the Apollo Stakes and the Chipping Norton.
“Then of course there’s the Coolmore Classic again and maybe the Doncaster – all those races.”
Despite Walter’s confidence, Appearance eased from $10 to $16 with Boban the $2.40 favourite.
Second elect Rain Affair ($5) took up his usual role as the leader and turned into the straight well in front.
But he was soon swamped and in bother, weakening to finish last of the 11 runners.
As Appearance swooped, Queenslander River Lad ($41) stuck to his guns to finish a 1-1/4 length second with Sizzling ($12) the same margin third.
Boban failed to show his usual dash and finished fifth, three lengths from the winner while Howmuchdoyouloveme ($15) also failed to run on.
Carlton House, who was the subject of discussion between his owner the Queen and trainer Gai Waterhouse over the decision to run over 1200m first-up, finished ninth after getting a check mid-race.
“I thought he went well compared to how he was last preparation,” jockey Tommy Berry said.
“He will win a nice mile race.”
Nash Rawiller, filling in for the suspended Glyn Schofield on Boban, said he was disappointed in the horse’s final 150 metres.
“I couldn’t fault him or his action and it’s difficult to be critical,” Rawiller said.
“But the last 150 (metres) was disappointing.”
Rain Affair, winner of the race two years ago, has been ordered back to the trials after pulling up with an elevated heart rate.
But all honours were with the winner who has the distinction of being the highest-rated horse in Australia running in Sheikh Mohammed’s maroon and white colours.
