Classy three-year-old Sweet Idea has overcome a talented field that included 2013 standout performer Guelph to win the 2014 Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick today.
Sweet Idea has overcome a classy field to win the 2014 Light Finger Stakes. Photo: Steve Hart
Having jumped fairly from the awkward barrier 10, Sweet Idea settled just off the pace within the main pack before pulling clear in the final straight and maintaining a strong final sprint to beat Gypsy Diamond and Champagne Cath.
Representative of trainer Gai Waterhouse’s stables, Mark Newnham said that while in top form, Sweet Idea is a very talented horse that is capable of producing a result in any field she lines up in.
“I don’t think it’s only fitness, I think it’s a bit of class” Newnham said following the race.
“She’s never run a bad race in her life; she’s never finished out of a place and has run in top company from her first start.
“As a three year old she has stamped herself as good as any filly going around.
“She’s just one of those fillies who never makes a mistake; she puts herself in a winning position.
“It’s great she’s been able to take this to the group races for fillies and hopefully we can win a group 1 with her now.”
Jockey Tommy Berry delivered a sensational ride on Sweet Idea, and revealed his intention to carry the ride on the talented Snitzel filly through all major events this preparation.
“She’s always shown plenty of ability and she has to be one of the most underestimated mares in Australia; you go back through her form and it’s faultless, especially first-up on a bit of soft going” Berry said.
“She travelled a little bit too well actually; she was a bit fresh today but got the job done.”
Having jumped as clear $2.20 favourite at Ladbrokes.com.au for the Light Fingers Stakes, Guelph was unable to match the late pace of the late charge, finishing three-and-a-half lengths off the pace in 6th.
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2014 Light Fingers Stakes Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | SWEET IDEA | Gai Waterhouse | Tommy Berry | – | 10 | 56kg | $3.20 |
| 2 | 6 | GYPSY DIAMOND | John O’Shea | Nash Rawiller | 0.8L | 8 | 56kg | $51 |
| 3 | 10 | CHAMPAGNE CATH | Chris Waller | Jay Ford | 1.2L | 7 | 56kg | $13 |
| 4 | 3 | REAL SURREAL | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Corey Brown | 1.3L | 1 | 56kg | $9.50 |
| 5 | 5 | ARABIAN GOLD | David Vandyke | Josh Adams | 1.4L | 11 | 56kg | $51 |
| 6 | 1 | GUELPH | Peter Snowden | Hugh Bowman | 3.2L | 9 | 56kg | $2.20F |
| 7 | 4 | THUMP | Kris Lees | Jim Cassidy | 3.4L | 3 | 56kg | $11 |
| 8 | 8 | EVERAGE | Craig Carmody | Nathan Berry | 4L | 6 | 56kg | $51 |
| 9 | 9 | ZANBAGH | Guy Walter | Blake Shinn | 4.1L | 5 | 56kg | $91 |
| 10 | 7 | ESTONIAN PRINCESS | Scott Aspery | Christian Reith | 6.7L | 4 | 56kg | $21 |
| 11 | 11 | ANOTHER PRAYER | John P Thompson | Jason Collett | 7.5L | 2 | 56kg | $151 |
