We spoke to jockeys competing in the Group 2 Valachi Downs Royal Stakes on Christmas Carnival New Year’s Day Races to get their comments on how the race went.
1st Imelda Mary Cameron Lammas
She jumped and put herself there. The step up to 2000m was perfect today and she was strong to the line.
2nd Secret Allure Jonathan Riddell
It was a nice run. The winner skipped away from us but my filly was brave to the line.
3rd Luminous Opie Bosson
It was a good run from an Oaks perspective.
4th House of Cartier Leith Innes
She went nicely backing up from last week she pulled too hard and that just dampened her finish.
5th Clementina Jason Waddell
It was a nice run from a horse having her third start. She is improving and just stays all day.
6th Pinmedown Jake Bayliss
It was an average tempo with the leaders stopping and starting which made it hard for the back markers. Nonetheless it was a gallant effort to get home as well as she did.
7th Elate Ryan Elliot (a)
We got too far back. I tried to get going at the 800m but we couldn't so we had to wait till the straight. She found the line nicely though.
8th Melarita Samantha Collett
We went forward and sat outside the leader. I thought we were a chance about 250m out but she just weakens the last bit.
9th Initiative Andrew Calder
We got into a nice spot off a slow speed and she battled to the line.
10th Musical Blues Jonathan Parkes
First run at the 2000m she was a little keen and that just told in the finish.
11th Van Irving Matthew Cameron
She was disappointing. Her form was only fair leading in to this and she has run accordingly.
12th Iridessa Shaun McKay
She is a nice horse in the making. She is about 6 months away but she will be a nice staying mare.
Last Rip Em Up Shafiq Rusof
We just got too far off them.