A gelding procedure appears to have done the trick for European import Buckaroo, who has taken out the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick to land his first win in Australia.
Buckaroo contested some of Sydney’s best middle-distance races in the autumn, his most prominent result a third to Via Sistina in the Ranvet Stakes, but it was his moment to shine in Saturday’s feature mile.
After spearing to the front halfway up the straight, Buckaroo ($7) staved off a desperate lunge from barn mate Hinged ($5) to get the verdict by a half-head, Nonconformist ($19) another 1-1/4 lengths away third.
“He’s been gelded since last preparation, his first-up run was good, and his work has been good,” winning trainer Chris Waller said.
“Tommy (Berry) had the initiative just to be a bit further forward today with the way the track is racing, which is how we’re used to racing in the UK and Ireland.””It’s a good reward for a tough old horse.”
Waller said both Buckaroo and Hinged would stick to the second-tier races over the carnival, including the Hill Stakes (1900m) on October 12.
“There’s some good prizemoney on offer in the next few weeks, and they won’t have to clash with the better horses,” he said.
“I think Hill Stakes, Craven Plates, they’re million-dollar races, and that’s where first and second will be running.”
Berry was relieved when the judge put Buckaroo’s number in the frame, admitting her wasn’t confident of holding out Hinged and rival hoop Nash Rawiller, who is renowned for his finesse in a tight finish.
“I thought I just got him, but I’m a bad judge, especially when you’ve got Nash breathing down your neck – he just throws them over the line,” Berry said.
The disappointment of the race was $2.25 favourite Zardozi, who didn’t appear to let down on the firm track, finishing sixth.
Jockey James Mcdonald was at a loss to explain the effort after she enjoyed a good run in transit saying, “she just didn’t produce the goods”.
Royal Patronage, who had form in both the UK and US, made an immediate impact to win the Tramway Stakes (1400m) a race later at his local debut, fuelling plans to put him on an Epsom Handicap path.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott said he had been impressed by the horse’s work at home but given his best form was over further, he wasn’t sure if Royal Patronage ($16) would find 1400m too short.
“He worked up quite sharply during the week, which was encouraging going into today,” Bott said.
“But in fairness, Europeans having their first start in Australia traditionally show form over further.”
Amelia’s Jewel made an encouraging return to finish second in what jockey Tommy Berry described as a strong pointer she was in for a fruitful campaign.
“Couldn’t have been any more proud of her,” Berry said.
“She was strong through the line and she’s in for a great prep.”
