Dominion Day Stakes – Grade III

1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $150.00 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st        Mr Monarch                   Simmer Down Stable               Wilson E J         1:47.02

Claimed a month ago after mainly winning at a lower level than this it was no surprise that the six-year-old showed improvement, but it was a little bit of a surprise how easily he took this race. Finding a good early position from what could’ve been a sticky draw he was always traveling well and when given his head strode away for an easy and unchallenged victory. This is the geldings tenth win and by far his best and with a record of 8 wins from twelve over longer trips I would imagine we won’t see him sprinting again any time soon. 

2nd       Individuation                 Mb Stables                     Moran D            1:47.57

A brave effort from this great racehorse, he certainly did his best but just seems to lack the zip of his younger days. He will always be a factor in these types of races, but it looks now like we will be seeing his career managed to try and get him through to retirement with the respect he deserves. 

3rd        Cheap Ways                  Riggins Racing              Jones S              1:47.59

It’s always great to see a horse go from the fair track winner to third in a grade three but in truth this horse is much better than a fair track horse. Like Individuation he lacks the zip of his younger days but can still be competitive at the higher level as he proved today with a good finish for third.

4th        Hurricane Ridge           The Sidley Stud            Moran P            1:47.62

Went up on the speed but found it too much later in the race. He was never left alone and was always fighting to hold the place so it was no surprise to see him run out of puff down the stretch. He held on for a fair enough fourth but may need to step back in trip to find a win at this level.           

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES