Horse Racing

Warrnambool galloper So Swift defied a Luxbet betting drift and became 2011 Sandown Guineas (1600m) winner on the Sandown Hillside.

Jumping from a Hamilton maiden to Group 2 winner, the country galloper courtesy of star jockey Craig Williams scored in a thrilling three-way finish.

Despite drifitng from $14 to $19 on Luxbet, So Swift prevailed over Niagara and Galah with noses seperating the trio in the Sandown Guineas of 2011.

Having his first city riding day since being suspended during the Flemington Spring Carnival, Williams settled So Swift midfield in a quickly run race dictated by Nash Rawiller aboard Niagara.

The Gai Waterhouse trained galloper was coming back from 2500m of the Victoria Derby and Rawiller was obviously making the 1600m 2011 Sandown Guineas a dour test.

The 2011 Sandown Guineas favourite Galah was being hard ridden before the turn and made a run along the rails.

Mahisara, who had settled third on the fence  got through when Niagara drifted off the track at the home turn but was beaten at the 100m mark of the 2011 Sandown Guineas.

So Swift ($19) defeated Niagara ($7) and Galah ($3.60 fav).

Highly Recommended ($9) ran on well, but greenly, to gain a close up fourth.

The 2011 Sandown Guineas was a great triumph for co trainers Symon and Bill Wilde who had the foresight and belief to prepare So Swift for the race.

The son of Barely A Moment was only having his second start after a 23 week spell.

“There was a bit of depth to the race this year, more than past years,” Symon Wilde said.

“When we drew a good gate and got the services of Craig Williams we thought we would have a throw at the stumps and hit middle.

“If you watched his Hamilton run it was really impressive.

“He picked them up quickly with a great turn of foot.

“And when Craig Williams looks at the tape and says he will ride him it gave me confidence as well.

“He probably was the one (horse) on the way up, some of the others had pretty busy Springs and this was always the aim.

“We will probably put him away for the autumn now, that is my gut feeling anyway.”

Williams earlier won on Maximus Moonard and Under The Eiffel and later made if a quartet with Hi Belle winning the final race.

The carnival is over but Luxbet are still giving great offers.

How about the $100 bonus bet. Just deposit $25 and they will add an extra $100 in your account. Enter the code 100BONUSBET, read conditions and win with Luxbet