Racing
Skin in the Game breaks through at second start
Lightly raced four-year-old Skin in the Game (Turffontein-Miss Amigo) broke his maiden status at only his second start when he powered home to easily win the Winning Edge Presentation Maiden over 1400 metres at Elwick on Sunday.
The Brendan Mcshane-trained four-year-old was coming off a game second on debut two weeks prior.
"It's amazing the difference in the two runs because on debut he missed the start by three lengths and came from well back and today he drew an outside gate but jumped brilliantly and landed in front." McShane said.
"We've got a lot to learn about the horse but we know he's got ability."
"He didn't have a horse to chase like he did at his first start and we know he is better chasing one from what he's shown on the training track.
"When Darma (Darmanin) hit the go button he wasn't as explosive as he was on debut so he was probably already showing signs of wanting 1600 metres."
Darmanin was full of praise for the gelding and predicted a bright future.
"The horse still has a lot to learn because he was clicking his jaw during the race and there wasn't a lot of steering involved and down the back, he just dropped the bridle and felt like he was going to switch off," the rider said.
"I just clicked him up to stay in touch and he was straight back on the bridle and travelled so easy.
"When we straightened, I gave him one tap with the whip and he lengthened out and went bang."
Darmanin told the owners that once the trainer "irons out all the creases" they are going to have a very nice horse going forward.
Promising stayer Ashfall could head to the spelling paddock after delivering a craftsman like performance to win the Kevin Sharkie Benchmark 74 over 2200 metres at Elwick on Sunday.
It was the four-year-old's third win from 10 starts since landing in John Keys' care late last year.
The gelding, that spent the first part of his racing career in the care of Chris Waller, was purchased for an undisclosed sum by Damian Meaburn as a major Tasmanian cups prospect.
On Sunday rider Anthony Darmanin had the gelded son of The Autumn Sun handily placed behind the leader Vintage Diesel until being urged forward about 700m from home when the leader was eased out of the race.
When balanced in the straight Ashfall ($1.90 fav) let down brilliantly to go on and score comfortable from Goddess Of Rock ($10) with Golden Prophet ($3.50) a close-up third.
"I had to get going earlier than I wanted due to the leader breaking down and he over-raced quite badly, but once he settled, he attacked the line like a very nice horse," Darmanin said.
Mr. Meaburn, who races the gelding in partnership with family members, said Ashfall might have one more run in a 2400-metre race in Hobart in a fortnight, otherwise he will head to Runnymede for a well-earned spell.
"A decision on whether to go again or spell him will be made later this week after consultation with the trainer," Mr. Meaburn said.
Ashfall has had 10 starts for his new owners for three wins and four seconds after finishing out of the money at his first three Tasmanian starts.
Apprentice jockey Lauren Bingley was emerged with no major injuries as a result of a fall from Takeaway in a maiden on Sunday.
Bingley hit the turf heavily when her mount stumbled in the home straight and after lying motionless for about 15 seconds, she sat up to signal that she was conscious and subsequently walked to the ambulance.
As a precautionary measure she was taken by ambulance to the Royal Hobart Hospital for observation but was later allowed to travel home to Longford.
"She is a bit battered and bruised but overall, there are no major injuries, thank heaven," said her life partner Kyle Maskiell.
A superb ride by Bulent Muhcu paved the way for a comfortable win by Sh'bourne Midnight in a BM64 on Sunday.
The Shaun Nichols-trained gelding was sent out the $3 favourite and those holding tickets on the son of Alpine Eagle would have been giggling 500 metres from home when the rider released the brakes.
Sh'bourne Midnight emerged from midfield quickly to haul in the leaders and when asked for the big effort the five-year-old cruised to his fourth career win, taking his prizemoney to well beyond $100,000.
Since resuming from a spell in October last year Sh'Bourne Midnight has notched three wins and five minor placings from nine starts making him one of the most consistent gallopers in the state.
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