Today’s traditional lead-up races to the Group 2 Karrakatta Plate 1200m feature for the two year olds had one common denominator – brilliant rides from jockey of the moment Jarrad Noske who collected a stunning riding double.
The $80,000 Listed Gimcrack Stakes 1100m for the fillies presented a formidable line up of Karrakatta fancies, with five starters vying for favouritism prior to the jump. The Dan Morton trained Camporella ($3.00 – $4.00 fav) was backing up from a stunning victory in the 2YO Magic Millions Classic back in mid-February, which saw it hunt down raging favourite Petrol Power in the shadows of the post after tracking wide for a majority of the race. That win provided the decision edge for punters, despite Camporella drifting in the market late in betting.
Charging forward from barrier seven, Noske was forced to sit Camporella outside Princess Hallowell ($6.50) who had sprung the gates to perfection and taken up the running. Busimiss ($4.40) slotted into third, while Foxalicious ($10.00) also found cover tracking into fourth position. Swinging the bend, Noske released the hand brake on Camporella who dashed to the lead, making all haste for home. Just when another win seemed inevitable, along came the challengers. Vampi Lass ($7.00) was motoring home quickly from back in the field, while Busimiss refused to admit defeat – the pair lunging at Camporella in the final strides. But Noske had found enough from his mount, falling in by a short neck from Vampi Lass, with Busimiss a further ¾ length away in third.
The market for this year’s $80,000 Listed Perth Stakes 1100m for the colts and geldings was a one sided affair – the result would be anything but.
Little known trainer Donna Riordan presented her Al Maher gelding Terror Force as a 10:1 outside chance following an impressive two length debut win in midweek company last month. Raging public elect Petrol Power ($1.70 fav) had proven its fighting qualities a fortnight prior, when holding off the fast finishing Busimiss in the Supremacy Stakes. As expected, Petrol Power stormed the gates and found the early lead – the commanding position which had seen it salute twice from its three start career. Meanwhile Noske had Terror Force in sixth position, trapped three back on the fence and off the bit. Entering the straight, Petrol Power unleashed hell – putting paid to Trichologist ($5.50) who had sat outside the leader, and skipped clear inside the final furlong. But Noske wasn’t done with yet, finding a desired split in-between runners and set off after Petrol Power. Inside the final 100 metres, the favourite was shortening stride, as Terror Force loomed up and stuck its nose in front in the last gasp to salute by a neck. Danny Rip ($6.00) also hit the line hard, a further neck adrift in third.
Today’s double for Noske has added two listed race victories to remarkable purple-patch of rides – the hoop having already pocketed the Perth and Bunbury Cups this year.
And there is one decision still remaining – who will Noske ride in the Karrakatta? – I think the answer is pretty straight forward – Camporella looking the obvious choice.
23.03.13