A return to form saw brilliant two year old Time To Reign down the Golden Slipper favourite Tassort with a dominant win in the Group 2 $250,000 Chandon S Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill today.
Time To Reign, above, has shortened in the betting for the Golden Slipper after winning the Silver Slipper Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.
Trainer Gary Portelli is now eyeing off a second win in the Group 1 $3.5m Longines Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 23 after claiming the trophy with Time To Reign’s older half sister She Will Reign in 2017.
Time To Reign has firmed in from $26 to $8 for the Golden Slipper at Ladbrokes.com.au and is closing in on Tassort who has remained the $4.50 favourite.
Time To Reign was the winner of his first two starts at Randwick and Rosehill before missing a place as a short priced favourite when fourth in the Listed $140,000 Darley Lonhro Plate (1100m) at Warwick Farm two weeks ago.
“I was concerned that the speed would be on (today) and maybe things weren’t going to go to plan.” Portelli said.
“Early on it didn’t, he got a really bad bump out of the gates and Jason gave him a good dig and he got running again and then the speed was good, got a lovely spot one out and one back.”
“Geez what a nice horse he is.”
“$1.60 favourite (at Warwick Farm) you expect to win, you expect the punters to win and he just did a lot wrong.”
“That run probably toughened him up for today. It is a soft track today.”
“I have a little slipper at home and I would like to get another to pair it up if I can. I think I have the right horse now.”
“He will go around in the Todman in two weeks time.”
Time To Reign will have his next start in the Group 2 $300,000 UNSW Todman Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on March 9 as he heads towards the Golden Slipper.
Winning jockey Jason Collett didn’t panic when Time To Reign ($11) was tardy out of the barriers and was able to settle the colt nice and handy behind the leader Cardiff ($31).
Collett weighted until well into the straight before letting Time To Reign have his head and he went on to record a two and a quarter lengths wins over the odds on favourite Tassort ($1.85) who was making steady ground from back in the field.
Third placed Born A Warrior ($10) also made up ground from the back to finish ahead of McLaren ($7.50).
