Classy grey Smart Volatility has broken through for a maiden Australian win at Grafton this afternoon; mustering an impressive turn of foot in the final straight to take out the Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m).
Jockey Tye Angland piloted Smart Volatility to success in this afternoon’s Listed Ramornie Handicap at Grafton. Photo: Daniel Costello
Smart Volatility was rated little chance of success as a $21 chance in betting markets, but did his chances of success in the Ramornie Handicap no harm whatsoever when jumping well and taking an ideal position in transit on the heels of early leaders Executed and Echo Gal.
Receiving a good run in transit, jockey Tye Angland allowed the Danewin gelding to steady before asking for an extra effort and was greeted with a big turn of foot; Smart Volatility bobbing his head at the right time to beat a flying Big Money in a photo; Steel Zip running on for third.
Foreman for trainer John Sargent, Gareth McRae was on hand for Smart Volatility’s win in the Ramornie Handicap and was quick to praise the efforts of the trainer and the quality of the horse in the success.
“It was a great effort, and a great effort by Sarge to get him back up,” McRae said after the race.
“He had a lot of bleeding problems up in Hong Kong, so Patrick decided to send him down here with a plan to get his rating up towards 110 and then send him back for the international races.
“The owner actually flew down for the race today, so he’s over the moon.
“First-up we didn’t expect a lot from the race; Sarge didn’t put a lot of pressure on him and just let him come on in his own time really.
“He’s classed as a tough sprinter up in Hong Kong, so we’re just really lucky to get to train him.”
Angland delivered a gem of a ride aboard Smart Volatility in the Ramornie Handicap and was thrilled to re-associate himself with the gelding; a horse whom he partnered several times in Hong Kong.
“It was a good effort,” Angland said after dismounting.
“I obviously rode him a bit in Hong Kong, got to know him and got to know the owner well.
“That was the real horse that we saw today. Put in a lot of effort from a bad gate.
“I didn’t rush him across. It was all about just keeping him on the bridle, keeping him comfortable and he quickened up well. He floated and waited for them a long time, so plenty more improvement in him.”
In taking out the 2016 Ramornie Handicap, Smart Volatility has posted a career total of seven wins and as many minors through twenty-five starts.
