Godolphin runner Chetwood has made a successful transition to black type racing at Newcastle this afternoon; completing a strong start-to-finish performance to take out the Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1350m).
Jumping from the gates well, Chetwood was unable to find a good position in running early and jockey Tim Clark instead elected to press the four-year-old forward and take up the pace approaching the bend.
Offered a clear racing line upon arriving at the final straight, the Exceed And Excel gelding comfortably jogged clear of his rivals and never appeared in doubt; beating Group 1 winners Le Romain and Famous Seamus with ease.
Assistant trainer Darren Beadman was on hand for Chetwood’s win in the Cameron Handicap and believes that this performance is only the beginning for the talented gelding.
“He’s poetry in motion, this horse,” Beadman said.
“He thrives on training at home and he thrives on racing and he just loves getting out there and galloping.
“Drawing the gate that he has in his last couple of starts he’s really enjoyed, because he’s been able to get into that nice rhythm and motion.
“It was a lovely-judged ride from Tim and a lovely team effort by Godolphin.”
Clark is in a purple patch of form currently and echoed Beadman’s sentiments regarding Chetwood’s class and career prospects.
“He is a progressive young horse, lightly-raced and with plenty of upside,” Clark said after dismounting.
“That was a really solid performance, up against some classy gallopers. He showed good determination and probably the track hasn’t suited him. I think that makes the win that bit better.
“I spoke to James (McDonald) before and he said the first two furlongs are vital. If I could get that right, he’ll do the rest.
“I was always going to lead and it was just a matter of getting there when I wanted to. He gave me a good ride throughout and gave me a good kick.
“He doesn’t feel like he’s going that quick, he’s got a massive stride and he’ll keep racing his way through the grades.”
In taking out the Cameron Handicap, Chetwood has posted an impressive four wins and two minors through only six career starts.
2016 Cameron Handicap Results
Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Starting Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 8 | CHETWOOD | John O’Shea | Tim Clark | – | 8 | 54kg | $2.80F |
2 | 1 | LE ROMAIN | Kris Lees | Christian Reith | 1.5L | 2 | 59kg | $3.70 |
3 | 2 | FAMOUS SEAMUS (NZ) | Noel Mayfield-Smith | Jay Ford | 1.7L | 3 | 57kg | $31 |
4 | 7 | HIS MAJESTY (IRE) | Kim Waugh | Brenton Avdulla | 1.8L | 6 | 54kg | $4.40 |
5 | 9 | SNOOPY | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Robert Thompson | 3.2L | 1 | 54kg | $6.50 |
6 | 10 | ROYAL TUDOR | Rodney Ollerton | Grant Buckley | 4L | 7 | 54kg | $41 |
7 | 6 | DECISION TIME | Clarry Conners | Jim Byrne | 4.3L | 4 | 54kg | $41 |
8 | 5 | MOUNT NEBO | Allan Denham | Kerrin McEvoy | 5.1L | 5 | 54kg | $26 |