17 Dec 2017
Stephen Autridge’s tipping skills were put to the test at Te Rapa and only rotten luck prevented a winning result.
The Matamata horseman, who trains in partnership with Jamie Richards, gave a solid push toward Chambord’s chances in the Gr.3 J Swap Contractors Sprint (1400m) only for the Sir Patrick and Justine, Lady Hogan-bred son of Zabeel to strike trouble in the straight.
Chambord was denied a run until late in the straight and once clear the injury-plagued seven-year-old powered home for second.
“I’m a Chambord man,” Autridge said.
“He’s just a loveable horse who’s been to hell and back. He’s not timid and he’s just a genuine racehorse.”
However, the stable still celebrated a near perfect result with barn mate Royal Success winning for the sixth time in 12 starts. His career has also been interrupted by leg issues.
“They had worked together during the week and Royal Success probably looked the better, but I thought the track may have been a bit hard for him today.”
Royal Success was given a cost trip in the trail by Cameron Lammas and a determined finish got him home by a head from the luckless Chambord, who drove late under Chris Johnson after being hemmed in until too late.
Autridge's co-trainer Jamie Richards said Chambord could yet contest the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham.
Champion sire Zabeel has sired eight Group winners up to 1200m but never a Group One winner. Golden Slipper runner-up Octagonal and Railway Handicap and Newmarket-placed Super Impressive have come closest.
The run of the third placegetter Ronchi, by Stravinsky and bred and part-owned by Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan, was also full of merit after again missing the jump, as he had done at his previous two appearances, and storming home along the fence. – NZ Racing Desk