Belmont Specialist Samizdat Sprints Superbly
Such was the impressive nature of Samizdat’s return to racing in the Pink Ladies Luncheon Handicap (1000m), connections are already turning their attention to the lucrative Melbourne spring carnival.
Samizdat was simply too classy for his rivals at Belmont Park this afternoon, coming from deep in the second half of the field to score an authoritative victory.
It was the Not A Single Doubt gelding’s third win from four starts and his second from as many starts at Belmont.
The only blemish in his career came at Ascot in March, where he was third to Double Bubble.
The Magic Millions winner from Pinjarra earlier this year had to face Double Bubble again today, but was able to comfortably get the better of the filly today.
Part-owner Michael Gangemi told The Races WA Samizdat had what it took to measure up in feature races in Victoria.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, but obviously we have had a look over east,” he told The Races WA.
“There’s some nice races over the carnival for a horse like this.
“He looks like he should be in the eastern states because he has got class written all over him.
“To lump 60 kilos when you’re a bit underdone…he’s come through in flying colours.”
Meanwhile, the Adam Durrant-trained Come Play With Me has ensured he will head to the Group 3 Strickland Stakes on June 29 in winning form, taking out the Mrs Mac’s Handicap (2000m).
The tough four-year-old had to lump 62kg today in search of his third straight win, but it proved to be no obstacle.
Jockey Brodie Kirby produced a patient ride aboard the gelding and waited for the gaps to present along the rails.
Kirby then urged Come Play With Me past race leader Salon Du Cheval and Noir De Rue to score by a short-head.
Durrant’s racing manager Duran Carter was in awe of the gelding’s hot run of form over the past month.
“Carrying that amount of weight is tough,” he said.
“He’s in the zone and it was a really great win today.”
Tim Walker