Guy Walter is hoping next year’s autumn carnival is the time for Jacquinot Bay to shine after the up-and-coming galloper ended his first campaign on a winning note at Randwick on Saturday.
Jacquinot Bay ($3.20) usually races back in the field but that plan went out the window early in the Cellarbrations Handicap (1600m) when he began well and found himself in front.
Jockey Blake Shinn was happy to let the lightly-raced gelding control the race and the five-year-old responded in the straight when challenged by Gangster's Choice ($6) to win by a long head. - Photo by Steve Hart
Jockey Blake Shinn was happy to let the lightly-raced gelding control the race and the five-year-old responded in the straight when challenged by Gangster’s Choice ($6) to win by a long head.
Less Is More ($61) was another 1-1/4 lengths away third.
“It was never our intention to be in front today,” Walter said.
“Blake thought he’d have about three or four behind him but he’s landed in front and being the great jockey that he is he didn’t panic and dictated the race.
“It shows the horse’s versatility. He’s had six starts for five wins and he’ll go for a spring spell now.
“I think next autumn he’s going to be a very nice horse.”
Jacquinot Bay won his first four races at Goulburn where Walter has prepared him from his satellite stable.
He then finished second to the highly-regarded Strawberry Boy at his first city assignment last start.
“He’s a really nice horse and has been well placed,” Shinn said.
While Jacquinot Bay will head to the paddock, trainer John O’Shea will consider the Group One Epsom Handicap (1600m) in two weeks for runner-up Gangster’s Choice – if he can gain a run.
“He tried his heart out and the (3.5kg) weight difference between him and the winner probably told in the end,” O’Shea said.
“He’s just a bit hard to place. Ideally I’d like to go to the Epsom but he probably wouldn’t get a run. I don’t know what I’ll do, I’ll just have to wait and see.”
