Dothraki Claims McCarten Stakes in Stewards Room

Mark Smith - Saturday March 17

It took stewards just 60 seconds to promote Dothraki to the winner's stall for the first time since the Tatts Lightning Stakes at Randwick back in October 2015.

Saturday's Group III Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens produced a thrilling finish.

The heavily supported mare Sprightly Lass set a cracking pace but was tiring noticeably 100 metres out.

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Dothraki was making his challenge under Tye Angland when Sprightly Lass veered out suddenly, checking Dothraki who picked himself up to set out after the erratic leader.

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Meantime, New Universe was flashing home along the rail and the three hit the line in unison.

The judge found a narrow margin for Sprightly Lass over Dothraki and New Universe but even her most ardent supporter would have been confident of keeping the race.(photo Steve Hart). 



"That's extremely satisfying," Peter Snowden said.

"He cops a rough deal this horse but he answered his critics today, there's no doubt he would have won."

"I still thought I won," winning rider Tye Angland said.

"Everything went great for him in the run from his wide gate and he really towed me into the race.

"He really chased his heart out today.

"I said to Paul, you should give me more credit. I got Assimilate home the other day and now I've won on old Dothraki."

A 7-year-old son of Mossman, Dothraki has proven to be a wonderful money spinner for connections.

The Triple Crown colour-bearer earned his fifth stakes win to advance his record to 7 wins, 9 seconds and 9 thirds from 43 starts with earnings of $1,295,085.

Bred by Gerry Harvey, Dothraki was a $45,000 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale purchase for Triple Crown Syndications from the draft of Baramul Stud and is the third winner for Volantis, a half-sister by Flying Spur to Group III winner Simonstad.

Volantis died in 2011.

Vinery Stud's over-achieving stalwart Mossman is rapidly winding down his stellar career at stud. He covered just three mares in his 18th season last spring.


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