Randwick-Kensington preview: Strong hand has Ciaron Maher in box seat

Herald Sun

13-05-2025

The Ciaron Maher stable have a three-pronged attack in the Maiden Plate including two in the market but assistant Sydney trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord isn't dismissing the roughie of the trio.
She Rex heads the stable's charge at the $4.80 second favourite with TAB Fixed Odds behind Charleroi ($2.40) while So Long Farewell is at $8.50 and Cheeky Dancer is the outsider of the field at $31.
She Rex has placed in each of her five career starts and is looking to atone for her last start third as a $2 favourite when third behind Convergent over this track and distance.
'First-up this time was good behind Engine Room and we had the Kensington race as a target because it had an Inglis bonus,' Gerard-Dubord said.
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'She found the front but probably could have gone a bit quicker. The horses from the back got momentum on her and she isn't a filly with much of a turn of foot.
'We have Tim Clark back on her who will suit her. He's very good at rating them in front.
'Hopefully she can get that maiden win out of the way shortly.'
So Long Farewell ran well on debut when fourth behind Maori Chief over 1250m here three weeks ago.
The son of Super Seth will take plenty of benefit from the experience and will appreciate stepping up in trip.
'We used that as a starting point for him and he ran a nice race,' he said.
'He was a bit new considering he was there off one trial.
'When they quickened, it took him a bit of time to pick up but the last bit of his race was very good.
'Jason (Collett) was very positive in his feedback and was keen to stick with him which is a good sign.'
Cheeky Dancer may have been beaten at Tamworth last start but was unlucky when going down by a nose.
Prior to that, she worked home well for third behind Pelosa over 1300m at Hawkesbury.
'She had a few issues as a young horse before we got her which is why she hasn't race until now as a four-year-old, said Gerard-Dubord.
'We took her to Tamworth because it was a good prizemoney race.
'When she got out, she got a bump and was only just beaten.
'We are happy with her and she deserves her chance here.'
The stable also has three two-year-olds looking to book a trip to Queensland for the winter carnival.
Ripley and Jenni Gone Bonkers contest the first division of the two-year-old handicap, the Schweppes Handicap (1400m).
Ripley debited with a handy third behind Secure over 1100m at Canterbury on April 21.
'He was very good on a tight track and the 1100m was probably a bit sharp for him,' said Gerard-Dubord.
'Stepping up in trip will be a big positive. That is what he is looking for.
'The give in the track will be no issue to him, the only problem is the barrier. It's a little bit tricky.'
Jenni Gone Bonkers was last of six behind Buffalo in a strong 1200m maiden at Newcastle first-up before a half-length second to Just A Journey at Kembla.
'She was very good last start. The winner controlled the race in front and she kept grinding to the line and just missed,' he said.
'She has drawn well and we are very happy with her.'
Agent Zero can improve off his debut fifth behind Miss Freelove at Canterbury when he steps out in the Broadsiding @ Darley Handicap.
'He is a horse we like but he is still learning and still switching on,' he said.
'He will appreciate the step up in trip.'
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Randwick trainer Craig Carmody is enjoying a career best season and can take a step closer a personal milestone with Sizzler on his home turf.
Carmody has a boutique training operation with between 10 and 12 horses in work and has already prepared 10 winners this season at a strike rate of 14.5 per cent along with along with a further 16 placings from 69 runners.
Five of those winners have come from his last starters with Sizzler providing two wins which has taken Carmody to 96 career winners.
'It's been a really good season. We are trying to place them to advantage and make the most of every opportunity,' said Carmody.
'I've got a fantastic team of staff, a couple of really good riders and the horses are all very happy. Hopefully it continues.'
Sizzler ended last campaign with a Class 2 win at Goulburn and has gone to a new level this preparation with two good wins in Benchmark 68 races at Kembla, the latest by two lengths form Presides on April 19.
The five-year-old looks a good chance in the Ole Kirk @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1250m) and moving Carmody a step closer to his 100th career winner.
'I'm really happy with the horse. He has really got his act together and has got a bit of confidence,' Carmody said.
'The races have been set up nicely for him. He's drawn decent barriers and had a nice run off the speed but his acceleration has been really good.
'All the way along, he has been quite an effective horse.
'He was unlucky not to have won on town before. A couple of times in his three-year-old year he was unlucky a few times.
'My only query is the wet track. When you look through his form, he doesn't have the best record on wet ground.
'The track was still quite wet on Tuesday morning but I'm hoping it can improve.
'They will gallop a horse on it at 6.30 on Wednesday morning so I will see how the track is before deciding if he runs or I want until Warwick Farm next week.
'I'm trying to be a bit picky because he is going so well and I want everything to be perfect.
It would be lovely to see him win one in town.'