Trainer Annabel Archibald made reference to jockey Sam Clipperton’s daring winning tactics after he combined with Mickey’s Medal to take out the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Clipperton made some use of Mickey’s Medal before the home turn but the gelding was handling the heavy conditions well, he was full of running, and had the race in his keeping a long way out.
“It was a bold ride by Sam,” Archibald said.
“I was a little bit nervous when he put the horse into the race before the corner but he obviously felt he had the horse underneath him to do it.”
Clipperton revealed Mickey’s Medal was travelling so well during the race and he even briefly flirted with the idea of trying something out of the ordinary coming to the home turn.
“I heard Annabel say it was a bold ride but at the top of the straight I was nearly going to go to the outside fence,” Clipperton said.
“But he was going so well I thought I had better not and he was too good, he quickened away, he put them to ‘bed’.
“He probably hit the front too early in the straight and might have clocked off a bit but he won well.”
Mickey’s Medal ($15) scored by nearly a length from It’s A Knockout ($5.50) with Narbold ($6) a length away third, just ahead of favourite Lugh ($3).
Archibald said Mickey’s Medal relished the very heavy track conditions.
“It is one of those days when horses are either handling this track or they’re not,” she said.
“Mickey’s Medal had only two goes on a heavy track previously and ran really well so we were hopeful coming here today.”
Clipperton said Mickey’s Medal “just travelled so well” through the race.
“He felt in the zone today,” the jockey said.
“I just wanted to keep him in his rhythm because he was handling the track so well.
“I had to ride him confidently and tried to build his confidence. He loved the ground and did a good job today.”
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