Hazard Posts Upset Dane Ripper Stakes Win

Talented Godolphin runner Hazard has continued her scintillating run of form in her Doomben return this afternoon; producing an impressive final straight sprint to beat a classy field to the line in the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1350m).

Hazard produced an impressive final straight sprint to win the Dane Ripper Stakes this afternoon. Photo: Daniel Costello

Hazard produced an impressive final straight sprint to win the Dane Ripper Stakes this afternoon. Photo: Daniel Costello

Hazard was one of only three runners punters wanted any part of in the hours leading up to the 2015 Dane Ripper Stakes, and the daughter of Flying Spur got off to a perfect start when jumping from the gates well.

Forced slightly wide over the back straight, jockey James McDonald found a position for the five-year-old mid-pack; allowing early leaders Catkins, Jazz Song and Bring Me The Maid to set a reasonably early tempo heading for the bend.

Steadily working her way forward round the turn, Hazard quickly spooled up and charged forward upon arriving at the final straight; comfortably reaching Catkins with 200m to run and pulling a length clear to post undoubtedly her most impressive career result to date.

Hazard produced several commendable results for Anthony Freedman through 2014 but has undoubtedly kicked up another gear since Lee Freedman re-joined the training ranks this year.

Returning for success in the Grand Hotel Frankston BM90 (1000m) on April 1st, Hazard was unlucky to be blocked for a run when seventh in the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) on April 18th but has since been untouchable in taking out both the Ern Jensen Funerals Handicap (1100m) and Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes (1200m) leading into this afternoon’s triumph.

Popular mare Catkins continued her impressive run of form through 2015 in the Dane Ripper Stakes and has still finished no worse than second in six black type starts this year.

Undoubtedly the country’s best current thoroughbred yet to break through for a maiden Group 1 win, Catkins has received an ideal lead-in to the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) on the Gold Coast in a fortnight.

Bound For Earth completed a well-timed run for third in the 2015 Dane Ripper Stakes in what is a second-consecutive finish in the minors in a black type race; having run third in the Group 3 Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) on May 16th.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.