A look back at the undercard on Crown Makybe Diva Stakes Day

Shinn excited by Dawn Service 

Scobie Breasley Medal winning jockey Blake Shinn expects Dawn Service to have a bright future after leading throughout in the Listed Exford Plate (1400m). 

The son of Group 1 Newmarket Handicap winner Sunlight jumped straight to the front and ran out an easy winner in a well-rated ride from Shinn. 

Shinn said it had been planned to ride the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained three-year-old in front and make his rivals chase. 

“He’s hard fit and had some good runs under his belt. It was a dominant effort,” Shinn said. 

“He controlled it, he went at a good gallop. I was confident he could do that. Gai and I had a chat this morning and that was the plan. 

“It was good to get the result on him and I think he’s got a really promising future as a racehorse.” 

Conditions suit Bellatrix Star 

One trainer not complaining about the wintry conditions at Flemington was New Zealand conditioner Mark Walker. 

With a stable also at Cranbourne, Walker said Saturday’s cold and wet conditions were more akin to a winter’s day in New Zealand. 

it certainly did not affect Bellatrix Star who took out the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m). 

Bellatrix Star was one of New Zealand’s better two-year-old fillies last season, scoring once in Group 2 company in her two wins before making her way to Cranbourne. 

“It is basically New Zealand conditions today,” Walker said. 

“It's freezing, it's wet, and she just loved it. She got a lovely run, and Mick (Dee) presented her at the right time, so she got all favours. 

“It was good to see her frank her form. She is one of our better two-year-olds in New Zealand and it is encouraging to see that they can measure up in Australia.” 

Everest possibility for Growing Empire 

With Yulong Investments holding a slot in The Everest, Growing Empire may have put his hand up for a start in the $20 million race next month with his win in the Listed Poseidon Stakes (1100m). 

Winning jockey Mark Zahra described Growing Empire as exciting a sprinter and young horse that he has ridden. 

“Off his trials, any horse that can flow along off the bit and have a good turn-of-foot suits my riding and he gives me a really good feel,” Zahra said. 

“He’s got all the attributes of a really good horse.” 

Trainer Ciaron Maher said he would sit down with the Yulong team to discuss options for Growing Empire who has the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day as a long-term target. 

“They (three-year-olds) do have a good record in it (The Everest),” Maher said. 

“The Coolmore was the aim, and there have been other horses, and I think Home Affairs went to both and ended up winning a Coolmore. 

“Maybe another run wouldn’t hurt (before The Everest if he went there), but it’s certainly a good problem to have.” 

Wet no concern for Chrysaor

Though starting first-up in testing conditions akin to the middle of June rather than September, the Chris Waller-trained Chrysaor found the ideal race to kick off his springtime campaign with victory in the Listed Vale Black Caviar (1400m).

After a patchy Queensland Winter Carnival preparation, the four-year-old looked at home on a Flemington-like heavy track.

“He had a Queensland winter which didn’t really work out that well,” Waller said.

“Track conditions, barrier draws, and even today’s draw wasn’t perfect hence the reason we told Craig to go back (and) don’t go too soon being at Flemington.”

Newitt’s experience and patience paid off as Chrysaor snatched victory from seasoned Flemington performer Nicolini Vito.

It was the advice from fellow trainer Mick Price that gave Waller confidence the gelding’s chances despite the wet going.

“I spoke to Mick Price before the race and he said, ‘don’t worry, this is as good a heavy 8 as you’ll ever get’. The grass is holding together well so I didn’t have to be concerned by the rating,” Waller added.

Kid lands Hayes team stakes double

Arkansaw Kid broke his Flemington maiden in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) after a disappointing run seven days earlier at Moonee Valley.

At his fourth run at the track, the four-year-old had previously finished fourth in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on Derby Day last November, and placed second in the Listed Sunlight Classic (1100m) here in March.

It was a pleasing return to form for the gelding who gave Ben, Will and JD Hayes a winning double after Mr Brightside’s victory in the Makybe Diva Stakes, and notched a riding double for Craig Newitt.

“Last start in the Chautauqua he ended up getting a pair further back than we expected and he was just a bit fresh in the run and overraced with the fast tempo, didn’t finish off and got run over the top,” Ben Hayes said.

“He pulled up so well and we thought this race would be suitable for him. The way he pulled up we were happy with him and thought we’d get down in the weights a bit more. It worked out perfectly.

“Well done to ‘Froggy’. He rode him perfectly.