Palazzo Pubblico has made her Brisbane racing debut count at Doomben this afternoon; producing an impressive turn of foot in the final straight to take out the Listed Bright Shadow Quality (1200m) by a length.
Palazzo Pubblico produced a smart effort to win the Bright Shadow Quality in Queensland this afternoon. Photo: Daniel Costello
Palazzo Pubblico’s chances of success in the Bright Shadow Quality took a boost when she was allocated the rails draw on Wednesday, and the mare utilized the gate well when taking a good position on the rails, off pace early.
Jogging around the bend at half pace, the Conatus mare immediately responded when asked for an extra effort by Michael Cahill; mustering an impressive sprint on the fence to comfortably pull clear of the talented field late.
Cahill suffered a fall at Doomben aboard Artlee in the BTC Cup last weekend, but clearly took few ill-effects from the tumble with a gem of a ride in the Bright Shadow Quality.
“The barrier was a big help; she drew 1 and travelled like the winner,” Cahill said after crossing the line.
“She was going half-pace coming to the turn and she finished it off very well.
“Barriers win races, and she just had a lovely, economical run and was able to do her best work late.”
Trainer Matt Smith revealed a Brisbane Winter Carnival campaign was not always on the cards for Palazzo Pubblico, but was pleased the decision to float the mare north paid immediate dividends.
“We all know when you get them this way, you have to keep them going, so it was really good to see,” Smith said.
“I had a bit of a querry at 1200m with her because her last couple of runs in Sydney over the 1100m she was just a bit soft late, but she ran it out strongly today.
“We had it in the back of our mind we might go here or wait for the spring because there’s some nice short mares races in Melbourne for her.
“We’ll have a look, but her runs sort of have to been a month apart so we’ll have a look and see what’s there, or just wait and go to Melbourne.”
Punters who backed Palazzo Pubblico to win the Bright Shadow Quality with Ladbrokes.com.au have been paid out on a generous quote of $8 for success!
2016 Bright Shadow Quality Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | PALAZZO PUBBLICO | Matthew Smith | Michael Cahill | – | 1 | 54kg | $7 |
| 2 | 12 | SERENADE | Michael Moroney | Tim Clark | 0.8L | 9 | 54kg | $10 |
| 3 | 7 | MISS TENPINS (NZ) | Bjorn Baker | Jeff Lloyd | 1.6L | 4 | 54kg | $5.50 |
| 4 | 4 | TINA MELINA | Tony Gollan | Jim Byrne | 2.4L | 7 | 57.5kg | $6.50 |
| 5 | 5 | ADORABUBBLE | Barry Lockwood | Robbie Fradd | 2.6L | 2 | 54kg | $9.50 |
| 6 | 1 | PERIGNON | Gerald Ryan | Blake Shinn | 3.6L | 6 | 59kg | $8 |
| 7 | 3 | MISS COVER GIRL | Kelly Schweida | Damian Browne | 3.8L | 10 | 57.5kg | $5F |
| 8 | 10 | ZESTFUL | Kris Lees | Kerrin McEvoy | 4L | 8 | 54kg | $7.50 |
| 9 | 8 | FRILL SEEKING | Matthew Smith | Jason Collett | 4.1L | 5 | 54kg | $11 |
| 10 | 9 | SARISARA | Rex Lipp | James Orman (a) | 5.4L | 11 | 54kg | $31 |
| 11 | 13 | ALL SALSA | Glen Thompson | Ric McMahon | 5.6L | 3 | 54kg | $101 |
