Historical Analysis of the Robert Sangster Stakes
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 (6 times)
o Last 10 Winners Average Price of winner - $10.50
o Breakdown of winners - 2 fillies & 8 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), Surround Stks (1), Spell (1).
RECENT WINNERS
Barrier: 15, Weight: 55.0kg, Gross Time: 1:09.19
Margin: 1.8L, Track: Soft (5), Starters: 172nd: Secret Agenda (56.5kg), 3rd: Mica Lil (56.5kg)
Review: Amazing how winning form is often forgotten by punters. Here was a filly who had 6 wins from 9 runs including two at G1. And yet went around at double figures.
After winning the Surround she had an issue so was put out and then prepared for this sprint. After drawing near outside, Tim Clark went back to the tail and swooped.
As some leading contenders were held up, she tracked up on the turn then unleashed. The margin was large on the line and Royal Ascot was mentioned next.
2017 - SECRET AGENDA 4m (Not A Single Doubt x Negotiate) ($15)
Jockey: Damien Oliver, Trainer: Mick PriceBarrier: 16, Weight: 56.5kg, Gross Time: 1:09.15
Margin: 1.8L, Track: Good (4), Starters: 202nd: 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 DwyerBarrier: 6, Weight: 56.5kg, Gross Time: 1:09.49
Margin: 0.1L, Track: Good (4), Starters: 202nd: 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.
