News

Bushie too slick for city star

16th Jan 2011

The Sunday Telegraph - Ray Thomas - Sunday, 16 January 2011

FAVOURITE backers crashed and burned as hot-pots Godspeed and Glissade were rolled in both juvenile races at Rosehill yesterday.

Trainer Gerald Ryan expected to win a two-year-old race - but didn't necessarily believe it would be Hollyweird in the Winning Post Restaurant Handicap (1100m).

Ryan had high hopes for $1.87 million colt Godspeed in The Races.com.au Handicap (1100m), who was sent out $1.60 but found bush battler Bossdon City, a $50,000 yearling, too fast and too good.

In the very next race, Hollyweird, who cost "only" $140,000 as a yearling, proved too brilliant for boom filly Glissade, the $1.35 favourite.

"Well, that is some consolation," said Ryan's stable foreman Brad Tyson after Hollyweird's win. "We thought Godspeed's biggest danger was his lack of race experience and that's probably how it turned out."Hollyweird ($8.50) scooted away from Glissade to win by nearly three lengths with Mickelberg ($19) another two lengths away third.

The Bossdon City camp pulled off a well-orchestrated betting plunge, backing their youngster from $11 to $5.

"Anyone who could use a stopwatch would know how good he was; it was all there," Bossdon City's trainer Brett Cavanough said.

Godspeed, a son of super sire Redoute's Choice, was trapped four wide early, leaving jockey Steve Arnold with no option but to ease to the rear of the field. The hot favourite was the widest runner on the turn and sprinted quickly coming to the 200m, momentarily looking likely to mount a challenge but was safely held by Bossdon City on the line.

The first two placegetters dominated their rivals with Free Wheeling ($7) more than three lengths away third.

Although immediate plans for Godspeed are up in the air, Cavanough said Bossdon City is likely to back up in the $250,000 Inglis Classic (1200m) at Rosehill."He's a tradesmanlike two-year-old and he won't have a problem backing up next Saturday," Cavanough said.