Group 1 winner Complacent has produced at huge upset in only his second competitive start in two years at Royal Randwick this afternoon; leading from start to finish to take out the featured Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).
Complacent produced an impressive start-to-finish performance to win the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart
Jumping from the gates well, in-form hoop Sam Clipperton allowed Complacent to stride forward and take up the running; setting a fair tempo alongside the likes of Royal Descent and Hartnell towards the bend.
Slowing the field somewhat rounding onto the final straight, Clipperton held the Authorized entire on the fence and allowed him time before asking for an extra effort; the horse maintaining a strong sprint to hit the line ahead of Doncaster Mile champion Kermadec and consistent mare Royal Descent.
John O’Shea was on hand for Complacent’s performance for success in the 2015 Chelmsford Stakes and revealed the Group 2 Hill Stakes (2000m) in two weeks will likely figure as the next point of call for the five-year-old.
“He’s a great horse, but you don’t need me to tell you that – you only have to look at his record,” O’Shea said.
“He presented beautifully every time we’ve brought him and he’s just raced up to it.
“He’s raced up to his work and it’s rewarding to everyone.
“He’s a magnificent horse and hopefully we can keep him sound and that’s not the last win he’ll have this season.
“I think the key for him is he needs to stay in Sydney. We’ll have a chat and find another race for him. We had planned to run him in the Hill and I think that’s a nice progression for him.”
Sam Clipperton delivered a ride beyond his years aboard Complacent in the 2015 Chelmsford Stakes and was quick to lay all the praise on the entire.
“That was alright. He just did it on his ear,”
“He got into a lovely rhythm and was happy. From the 500m I just left him slide up and he just got quicker and quicker and built.
“At the furlong I could sense them there to challenge and to my horse’s credit he fended them off – it was a very impressive effort.”
Complacent more than stamped his claims as one to watch through a standout three-year-old season highlighted by success in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m), but was forced into the paddock for close to two years with a strong of unfortunate ailments.
