Notable sprinter Deep Field has suffered a second-consecutive defeat at Rosehill Gardens this afternoon; finishing second to a particularly impressive Target In Sight in the Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m).
Jumping from the gates well, Deep Field was settled in prime position behind early leaders I’m All The Talk and Kencella, who opened a two lengths gap over the back straight and rounding onto the final straight.
Target In Sight delivers a second-consecutive defeat for Deep Field (outside) in the Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes. Photo by Steve Hart
Charged with plenty to do with 400m to run, the Team Hawkes sprinter pushed wide and charged forward, but was met at the fore of the field by Target In Sight, who displayed a superior turn of foot to secure undoubtedly a career-best win to date.
Stable representative for trainer Joe Pride, Jason Abraham was on hand to witness Target In Sight’s impressive win in the Maurice McCarten Stakes; revealing the team was confident of a strong late charge this afternoon.
“An unbelievable win today,” Abraham said.
“We were going to run last week but it looked a bit strong for us and today when we saw Deep Field running we thought we’d be running for second again.
“He’s a good sprinter on his day and he just jarred-up last autumn at Flemington but came back today and the ground was just a little bit softer for him and it really worked out well.
“He likes the speed on, he gets back and he’s got really good sectionals coming home. With James today we said you might get too far out of your ground but he’ll be coming home late and look after him, so he did.”
James McDonald delivered a perfectly-timed ride on Target In Sight for 2015 Maurice McCarten Stakes success and is confident he is more than capable of competing at the highest level this season.
“He’s a good horse this, so hopefully he’ll progress into a really handy Group 1,” McDonald said.
“Obviously I’ve ridden this horse in the past and I know he’s very strong over 1100. I was very confident the last 100m.
“He’s definitely up to Group 1 level and hopefully they find a nice race for him.”
Yet to be confirmed to a specific target over the Autumn Carnival, a race like next weekend’s Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill may figure.
