In-form jockey Nash Rawiller claimed his fourth win for the day with a bold front running ride on Epsom Handicap bound Dreamforce in the Group 2 $200,000 Harvey Norman Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick today.
Dreamforce, above, raced into Epsom Handicap contention with an all the way win in the Tramway Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Dreamforce was the first to leave the barriers and the John Thompson trained seven year old was never headed after that.
Rawiller rated the gelding to perfection out in front and once heads were turned for home, the well supported $3.30 favourite was never going to get run down.
Te Akau Shark ($3.80) was brave in defeat and after being cluttered up in amongst runner on the home turn, James McDonald was able to work into the clear and the Kiwi star worked hard to the line to claim second spot, three lengths from the winner.
The Chris Waller trained Eckstein ($6) also worked home from the back for third just ahead of his stablemate Star Of The Seas ($26).
Rawiller’s other winners on the nine event Randwick card were Yao Dash in the first, Miss Invincible in the BenchMark 78 Handicap for the Fillies and Mares and Baller in the 1200m BenchMark 78 Handicap.
Thompson has earmarked the Group 1 $1m Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 5 as Dreamforce’s main 2019 Spring Carnival goal and he will start as one of the main contenders.
“All roads lead to the Epsom as his main goal. He was better suited today and Nash was terrific today. I thought he’d suit him and he’s flying. I think he’s gone better than he ever has. He’ll go to the George Main and then the Epsom,” Thompson said.
“He’s the best I’ve had. Such a professional, a gun horse, does everything right and a pleasure to train.”
“He’s a real racehorse. He begins well, gives you 100% every start, it’s his 11th win, he’s so honest. You can’t install that in horses. He’s sound, he eats, he’s a trainer’s dream.”
Te Akau Shark remains the $4.80 favourite for the Epsom Handicap at Ladbrokes.com.au just ahead of Dreamforce who has firmed into $7.
The post Dreamforce in form for Epsom Handicap with all the way win in 2019 Tramway Stakes appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au.
