Bayliss adds to celebrations with city double for Waterhouse-Bott team
“The 10 out of 10 barrier is never easy, especially when you’re that far back in the 1100, but I knew he had the professionalism to handle it and that’s exactly what he showed,” Bayliss said.
“He showed good speed through the barriers and was able to get out to the outside of the leader, closing a treat for me and showing some fight at the end.”
Bott said Sly Boots ($4.40) would likely target $500,000 ($1600 million) at the Lakes at Wyong on January 10, before riding to a two-length victory over Sounds Unusual, whom he placed second in the 78 handicap (1600 metres).
“He’s just a slow-maturing horse and judging by his first run, I think his money is really starting to drop as well,” Bayliss said.
“He’s really starting to pick things up. He enjoyed a nice run today with a nice, solid clip and put them away really nicely.”
Fitzgerald hints at what’s to come
Apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald showcased her potential with a smart trip to the Cougars and became a maiden city winner on Saturday in her first chance at Randwick.
Last season’s leading state novice, Fitzgerald, led the Cougars from gate eight to a point just behind the leaders in the Grade 3 Highway Hurdle (1200m) before guiding the Barbara Joseph, Matt and Paul Jones-trained four-year-old through a late gap to a neck win over Joiselle.
The 23-year-old from Taree, who now has 176 winners under his belt, has been working at Warwick Farm alongside bosses Annabel and Rob Archibald for the past 13 months and will soon turn his focus to city racing once his provincial claim ends.
Fitzgerald had one city win at Canterbury earlier this season from just 14 races in the city before Saturday.
“I’m absolutely thrilled, it’s my first Saturday win and I couldn’t ask for a better boost in my first ride for the team,” said Fitzgerald.
Paul Jones praised the drive and said the Cougars will be ready for the Country Championship.
“It was a pretty good race, so you can never be too confident when you come here but it was a great ride,” he said.
“I felt like I needed to take three kilos off her back and Mollie is doing well. We’ve been keeping an eye on her for a while now and I think [claim] It was probably crucial in the final wash.
Meanwhile, two-time Sydney champion Zac Lloyd moved to the top of the senior premiership with four wins in two days at Randwick for the John O’Shea-Tom Charlton side, edging James McDonald to two wins.
Lloyd has 36 wins after beating Livin’ Thing in the 78 handicap (1200m) on Saturday, following a treble with Mamushka, Cellarmaster and Cross Tasman on Friday. McDonald is cycling in Hong Kong.
Clipperton accelerate comeback run
The Chris Waller-trained Mare Of Mt Buller will be awarded the $500,000 The Lakes at Wyong prize after being part of Everest-winning jockey Sam Clipperton’s breakthrough duo at Randwick.
Clipperton announced his retirement a year ago but returned to racing last month. He made it four wins after Mare Of Mt Buller and stablemate Unlimited earned him his first Saturday city victory on his return. He placed Mare Of Mt Buller just behind the leaders in 94th (1600m) and Mare came home best with a one-length victory over Collect The Cash. He then led Unlimited to a two and a half length win in the ninth furlong to 88 (2000m).
“Obviously I’m out of the winner’s circle due to retirement, but it’s great to be back here at Randwick and hitting the winners and I appreciate the support I’ve had from a wide range of people and it’s great to be back,” Clipperton said.
“It feels different this time, but I appreciate what I’m lucky enough to do every day a little more.”
Waller said: “Sam is a thinker and it’s good to see him come back in good shape and that’s where his heart is.
“He’s a hard worker and he justifies it with some results.”
Pfieffer hopes for a cooler head in Sunshine
Trainer David Pfieffer is excited about the prospect of Ice Kool improving with racing after securing a place in the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight with a 72 handicap (1100m) victory at Randwick.
Ice Kool is made the $2.40 favorite on Saturday after an impressive three-and-a-half length win on home debut at Warwick Farm, which puts him into the 3YO slot race at the Gold Coast on January 10.
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Despite extreme racing, Ice Kool managed to defeat Southern Heiress by a neck under Jay Ford on Saturday.
Pfieffer said before the victory that there was interest from Sunlight slot holders and “we’ll see what happens in the next 24 hours.” He was happy with the winning time and what was to come with the gelding of Zoustar.
“Obviously he has a lot of talent and is still learning his craft,” Pfieffer said.
“He got a little more enthusiastic in the middle stages of the race, he raced a little too much. The more he races, the more material he’ll probably provide and the better we hope he’ll get. It’s just a matter of learning to let go of the reins at the right times in the race, calm down, breathe and stretch out again.”
