Exceeds into Golden Slipper calculations with Randwick win

Long priced winner Exceeds put herself into Golden Slipper calculations with a surprise win in the $100,000 Australian Fire Hose Plate (1000m) at Randwick last Saturday.

Exceeds, above, caused an upset when she beat the odds on favourite Eden Roc at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Exceeds, above, caused an upset when she beat the odds on favourite Eden Roc at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.

Exceeds was sent out as one of the outsiders of the nine horse field at $20 but was too strong at the finish, overhauling the odds on favourite Eden Roc ($1.70) at the end of the 1000m.

The Snitzel filly is still at double figure odds at $26 with Ladbrokes.com.au for the Group 1 $3.5m Longines Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 18 and winning jockey Brenton Avdulla is confident the flashy chestnut filly will run out a strong 1200m.

“What I liked about her effort today was how well she travelled when I eased her back in behind them early,’’ Avdulla said.

“The way she raced today I’m sure she will run a strong 1200m.’’

Trainer James Cummings said that connections were very excited with the win and can see the expensive filly only improving with more racing.

“We are very, very excited by that win,’’ Cummings said.

“There is some stylish colts in this race that she has got the better of and there is more to come.

“Duncan Ramage purchased her for $250,000 at the Magic Millions Sales last year and it looks like we have a promising, racy type of two-year-old on our hands.’’

Exceeds was only facing the starter for the second time at Randwick last Saturday and was coming off a first up fourth to Chris Waller’s smart filly From Within in a $100,000 two year old Plate at Canterbury on December 31.

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, wasn’t that disappointed with the effort of the odds on favourite Eden Roc and expects the Star Witness colt to take a lot of improvement out of his debut second.

“We are not too disappointed with the result,’’ Michael Hawkes said.

“Eden Roc will take a lot out of this race. It is all part of the learning process.’’

Eden Roc is currently listed as a $41 chance for the Golden Slipper.

Magic Millions 2yo Classic winner Houtzen heads the market order for the Golden Slipper at $6 ahead of She Will Reign at $8 and Khan at $13.

Early Golden Slipper market order at Ladbrokes.com.au: $6 Houtzen, $8 She Will Reign, $13 Khan, $15 Invincible Star, Menari, $17 Dinnigan, From Within, Tulip, Veranillo, $21 Condor Heroes, Jorda, Kanga’s Eye, $26 Exceeds, Lucky Louie, Luiza, Oscietra, Madeenaty, Serena Bay, Single Bullet, Vinland, $34 or more the rest.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.