Racing:Media to thank for Chant's $12.70 winning dividend

Robert Priscott

Robert Priscott wanted to talk about the press immediately after Chant won impressively yesterday's $50,000 New Zealand Herald Eclipse Stakes.

The Te Awamutu trainer probably wanted to thank the media for the $12.70 win dividend, but couched it in different terms.

"I can't believe the media were saying it was only the wet track at Te Rapa that saw her win last start," said Priscott.

"Some of them were coming up with all sorts of reasons why she couldn't beat these horses, most of which she beat last time."

Chant was stylish in winning both races and definitely did not deserve to be at those extended odds. A big factor was that punters stayed with Don Garcia to the point where he was $2 when the field jumped.

If they ran the Eclipse with the same field in 10 days Chant would be at $4.50.

She is a hugely talented filly and the finishing sprint she can produce will make her very difficult to hold out in any of the late summer and autumn juvenile features.

Rider Lisa Allpress is so impressed with Chant's ability to finish off, she felt the best would not be seen of the filly until she stepped up to the 1400m of the Sires Produce races in the autumn.

"She's got such a lovely attitude and temperament," said Allpress.

Allpress made sure Chant remained in the favoured one out, one back spot, keeping hotshot Don Garcia three deep without cover.

She was quick to applaud the professionalism of Australian jockey Scott Seamer on Don Garcia.

"He was looking to slot the horse in, but when he saw how determined I was he stayed away - probably not like some of the younger riders here would do."

One race Chant will not be able to take on is the $500,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Classique at Te Rapa next month.

The race is for graduates of the Karaka sale ring but this filly, by first-season stallion Traditionally, is ineligible because she was passed in at Karaka.

It is fitting that Chant is raced by Karreman Bloodstock Ltd, whose principal Dick Karreman owns The Oaks Stud where Traditionally stands.

Habana was once again third, ahead of the luckless Royal Pericles.

Royal Pericles caused a stable fright when he flipped himself after being saddled and had to be vetted before being allowed to start.

Rider Gary Grylls said the colt raced very greenly and advised trainer Bruce Wallace to put blinkers on him next start.

"He got back last and I had a run up inside the winner, but he wouldn't take the gap.

"It wasn't until I pulled him out wide and into the clear that he'd let down."

Royal Pericles finished strongly despite failing to maintain a straight path from the 300m.

"He can go to the Classique next start and won't be going to Wellington.

"I want him to go to the Blue Diamond in Melbourne and you can't do that if you go to Trentham."

Wallace said he would definitely put blinkers on Royal Pericles.

Don Garcia did not have the best of runs, but that was not the cause of his failure.

"Yes, you have to say he was disappointing," said Seamer. "He wanted to do a few things wrong."

Don Garcia did not look comfortable and was struggling at the 250m.

"The most disappointing thing was that he was beaten at the 200m," said Seamer. "Where he was drawn he was probably always going to be a bit wide, but he was entitled to do more than he did."

Injured stable rider Michael Walker talked to Seamer before the race.

"Michael said the colt has always had a tendency to get away from other horses.

"He doesn't feel as though he's resenting racing, but things are very much up in the air. He's probably in need of a spell."

Trainer Mark Walker said he could not add much until Don Garcia had had a thorough veterinary check.