A pair of debutantes dominated betting, but it was the more experienced Runwiththetide who proved superior in the TAB Plate at Randwick’s Kensington track.
The Joe Pride-trained Ragga Ragga was backed from $2.40 into $1.75 favouritism off the strength of a recent 5-1/2 length barrier trial win, while there was also strong interest in blue-blooded Godolphin filly Tulle ($3.60), a full sister to Alizee and half-sibling to sires Astern and Tassort.
But the race belonged to Runwiththetide ($5), who quickly put paid to Ragga Ragga at the top of the straight before posting a three-quarters of a length win over Miss Emma ($20) with Tulle making late headway from the back to grab third.
Runwiththetide had notched three minor placings from four starts leading into Saturday’s race, significantly his first as a gelding.
“That was probably the making of him,” winning jockey Brock Ryan said.
“It was all a bit too soon for him last prep being a bull, but gelding is the ultimate gear change and I’m sure he’ll win plenty more races.
“He’s a lovely horse, beautiful type and beautiful mover.”
The three-year-old is prepared at Kembla Grange by Ross Mcconville, who took over the stable of his former partner, the late Gwenda Markwell following her passing just over a year ago.
McConville said Runwiththetide had shown early ability and while he had faith in the horse, he was wary of favourite Ragga Ragga and Tulle.
“Those other two horses in there were very, very well fancied but I knew he’d run a good race,” McConville said.
“We (thought) early on we had a nice horse and now we know we’ve got a nice horse. Onwards and upwards from here.”
The enigmatic Lyrical Gangster was on his best behaviour to score a last-stride win over his Chris Waller-trained stablemate Yet He Moves in the James Squire Handicap (1800m).
Jockey Kerrin Mcevoy said the performance was a pleasant surprise after his most recent experience on the horse, who appeared to be off the bit rounding the corner before gathering momentum in the straight and diving through late.
“He surprised me there,” McEvoy said.
“The last time I rode him he didn’t apply himself that well.
“He’s a horse you’ve got to try to give a bit of confidence to and I was able to get away with it today.”
