Trainer has classic aspirations for Sheer Madness

Darryl Sherer - Saturday August 12

Sheer Madness went some way towards justifying a tall home reputation with victory in Saturday's Raymond Ali Handicap (1400m) at Flemington.

Advertisement
Sheer Madness winning the Raymond Ali Handicap. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Settled fifth before travelling three-deep as Mulk set a moderate pace through the early stages, Sheer Madness was brought out into the centre of the track by Ethan Brown in the home straight.

Quickening into the lead 175m out, Sheer Madness ($5.50 - $8.50) stayed on strongly to hold the late rally from Confluence ($5.50 - $4.60) and score by three-quarters of a length with Kedleston ($14) a nose away third.

Trainer John Salanitri thought enough of Sheer Madness to start him in the Group I Blue Diamond Stakes and stable manager Frank Salanitri said the gelding is still learning how to race.

"He did a good job to win that after racing three-deep without cover for a bit," Salanitri said. "It wasn't Ethan's fault, it was just the way the race panned out,

"It was actually the best place to be as he's a horse that needs to keep rolling and have room to build momentum,"

Sheer Madness is by Moshe, a brother to Black Caviar, yet Salanitri believes the gelding will be better over longer distances.

"He's always shown us ability but the penny hasn't dropped yet," Salanitri said.

"He's an exciting horse, we'll probably have a go at the Caulfield Guineas but ideally I think he's a Derby horse.

"We'll give him a little time off and then look at coming back for the Guineas Prelude."

It was the first Flemington win for three kilo claiming apprentice Brown.

"It's a great thrill to get my first Flemington winner and he's an exciting horse," Brown said.

"I think he's looking for a bit more ground and he's still very raw - he did a big job to win today."

Nistaan firmed from $5.50 to start the $4.60 favourite but never looked like winning, beating just one home.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at the Warwick Farm trials with some of the big banger older stars in action and some exciting rising three year-olds that include a filly that has potential superstar written all over her.
Kiwi stayer Mark Twain on Comeback Trail
One-time Melbourne Cup fancy Mark Twain will make his first public appearance for more than 12 months when the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained gelding has an exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Expensive North Pacific Salutes at Geelong
The highest priced yearling for first season sire North Pacific, promising two year-old filly Angel Ladder opened her account with a tenacious win at Geelong on Friday.
Breeding To Win – Crystal Ball – New Season 3YOs to Follow
Who are we highlighting this week? - Analysis of the G1 winning 3YO’s for this season has made us realise how many horses on this list took giant strides from two to three, so we are looking into the crystal ball to find some juveniles we believe could end next season as G1 performers if not G1 winners.
Hello Youmzain Filly Chasing Another Stakes Win
The Lisa Latta-trained pair of Platinum Diamond and Brutiful Lass will bid to end their juvenile season in perfect fashion at Otaki on Saturday when they tackle the Listed Phils Electrical & Gipsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m).
Inglis Digital Now Online - G1 Winner Velocious the Star
The G1-winning Champion 2YO Velocious (Written Tycoon) has been joined by a host of outstanding racing and breeding prospects in a tantalising Inglis Digital July (Late) Online Sale catalogue.
St Mark’s Basilica Filly Impressive at Ascot
Due back at Coolmore Australia this spring, St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) had an impressive new winner overnight at Ascot in the UK where Princess Petrol stormed to victory.
Spring Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at Warwick Farm on Friday morning with a couple of heats for Group and Listed winners that included Lady Shenandaoh, Ceolwulf, plus Cups contender Sir Delius (GB).
Sires With Winners - Friday July 25
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Lookalike Star Turn Colt Franks Hot Form Race
When Angel Ladder won the first race at Geelong coming out of the VRC Next Gen Series Sprinters Final won by Jimmy Recard, you would think punters would have looked closely at Redders in the following event coming out of the same race, but he slipped under their guard.