Historical Analysis of the Robert Sangster Stakes

ROBERT SANGSTER STAKES - G1 1200m

The old Swettenham Stud Stks received significant upgrades from G3 to G1 status in the space of six years. It was added to the number of open age F&M G1 conducted in Australia from 2005.

Robert Sangster’s mark was indelible in this neck of the woods and he would have been glad about the upgrade and the conditions alteration to WFA saw instant improvement in the quality of the contestants.

Let’s see those lovely ladies who’ve taken out the race recently.

PROFILING THE RACE

o This race used to be the Swettenham Stud Stks at G3 level then G2 until it gained G1 status in 2005.

o Lee Freedman liked the idea of the changes - he won the first 3 runnings of the race at G1 and had Miss Andretti run at 5-2on only for her to show her decline with a poor 4th.

o Leaders have won on a few occasions but Juste Momente came from last in ’08.

o Wide barriers mean absolutely nothing in this race - the dog leg 1200 probably contributes to that like the Caulfield sprint journey.

o Last 10 Winners Most Prevalent Age of winner - 4yo (7 times)

o Last 10 Winners Average Price of winner - $11.50

o Breakdown of winners - 1 filly & 9 mares

o Races that the winner ran in prior - Lightning Stks (1), Newmarket Hcp (1), Anniversary Vase (1), Irwin Stks (2), Kewney Stks (1), Sapphire Stks (1), Galaxy Hcp (1), Spell (2)

RECENT WINNERS

2017 - SECRET AGENDA 4m (Not A Single Doubt x Negotiate) ($15)

Jockey: Damien Oliver, Trainer: Mick Price

Barrier: 16, Weight: 56.5kg, Gross Time: 1:09.15

Margin: 1.8L, Track: Good (4), Starters: 20

2nd: Viddora (56.5kg), 3rd: I Am A Star (55.0kg)

Review: Much was made in the lead up of the fact there were three G1 winners in this field and that they had beaten the older horses too. Secret Agenda had certainly raced well in open company but they were mares only races as this was.

Traditionally liking a track with some give, she was back onto the good but it wasn’t firm. When the leaders gave up a cheap lead, Oliver was happy to cross and control. It was into the straight when he had to go for her and she responded.

Kicking away early, the rest had to chase too hard and was just too speedy for them. The win made her invaluable.

2016 - PRECIOUS GEM 6m (Econsul x Gem Of Gems) ($21)

Jockey: Jake Noonan, Trainer: Henry Dwyer

Barrier: 6, Weight: 56.5kg, Gross Time: 1:09.49

Margin: 0.1L, Track: Good (4), Starters: 20

2nd: Sheidel (56.5kg), 3rd: I Love It (56.5kg)

Review: The contrast between what happened in the Sangster and the Oaks run 40 minutes prior could not be more stark. Luke Nolen won in great fashion then fell off Miss Promiscuity and was injured breaking bones.

The race itself looked like being won around the turn as Sheidel took over but was not helped by the riderless horse. Out of the pack came the mare for Henry Dwyer and she just got up on the line.

It didn’t look a strong running of the race beforehand and not after it either.

2015 - MIRACLES OF LIFE 4m (Not A Single Doubt x Dazzling Gazelle) ($4.20)

Jockey: Hugh Bowman, Trainer: Peter & Paul Snowden

Barrier: 6, Weight: 56.5kg, Gross Time: 1:09.72

Margin: 0.1L, Track: Good (4), Starters: 15

2nd: Gregers (56.5kg), 3rd: I Love It (56.5kg)

Review:‘Barbie’ had been racing very well during the Sydney Autumn winning the Challenge and placing in the Galaxy. But she was returning to her former home. Hugh Bowman had developed a very good relationship with her in their runs since being sold.

In the Sangster she was able to sit just off the pace in a solidly run race. Having lost her spot into the turn, Bowman balanced her up and over the last 200m she surged over them to score by a nose.

There were some good runs in behind but hard to knock such an honest mare.