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Clementina delivers at Sandown; Black-type tests ahead for Excelida; Saudi prize money withheld over court case

Clementina delivers at Sandown

Former New Zealand-trained mare Clementina  continued her good run of form on Monday, winning at Sandown for trainer Danny O'Brien.

The four-year-old daughter of Savabeel had finished third at both of her previous starts before powering home from the rear of the field to win the Clanbrooke Racing Handicap (2100m) under a well-timed ride from Damien Oliver.

O'Brien's foreman Ben Gleeson said there were several factors playing in Clementina's favour as she registered her first victory across the Tasman from four starts for her new stable.

"The drop back in trip and the wet track were always going to suit Clementina and it paid dividends," he said.

"It was the right trip and the right race for her, she was certainly due (a win)."

Gleeson indicated there were no plans set in stone for Clementina, who is raced by a partnership that includes high profile New Zealand owner Lib Petagna, but she would likely continue to race over the coming months.

"She is racing consistently and putting in great performances so it is going to be the right time of year with the wet tracks to keep her going," he said. "I'm sure there are a few more fillies and mares 2400m races around the track."

Clementina was originally trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman in New Zealand, for whom she was a maiden winner but multiple stakes placed.

Runner-up in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m), Clementina also finished fourth in last year's Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), which was won by Sentimental Miss.

Black-type tests ahead for Excelida

Well-related filly Excelida has South Australian black-type features in her sights after a strong win at Sandown on Monday.

Racing in the well-known yellow and black checks of owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Excelida settled towards the rear of the field before pulling wide in the straight. Given clear running, Excelida let down well for jockey Damien Oliver to reel in the leaders and score a comfortable length victory in the Same Race Multi Handicap (1300m).

"It was a fantastic win and a great ride by Ollie," co-trainer Ben Hayes said.

"He summed it up well from the gates and she really extended well to the line and was strong."

It was the third win for the three-year-old filly who was last seen when unplaced at Caulfield a month ago.

"I think time has been a good thing for her and first up this prep she found the 1100m a bit on the short side," Hayes, who trains in partnership with his father David and cousin Tom Dabernig, said.

"Credit to Ollie, he said step her out and she will be fine and he was right.

"If we get her right we will probably look at taking her to Adelaide and targeting those black type races."

Bred by Trelawney Stud in partnership with John and Di Struthers, Excelida is a daughter of Exceed and Excel and Lady Sayyida, a half-sister to the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) winning sire Ocean Park and to the dam of the dual Group One winner and sire Grunt.

Saudi prize money withheld over court case

The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia is withholding Maximum Security's winning prize money for the $20 million Saudi Cup after trainer Jason Servis was indicted on federal charges in the United States.

The trainer is one of 27 people indicted by the District Attorney for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan as part of an investigation into alleged doping of horses.

Servis sent out Maximum Security to win the world's richest race in Riyadh in February, but prize money for the 1800m race will not be paid until the JCSA has finished its inquiries.

"JCSA is conducting its own investigation in respect of the allegations and until that investigation is concluded, JCSA will withhold payment of prize money due to all connections of horses placed in prize-winning positions in the Saudi Cup," a JCSA statement said.

"This decision has been communicated privately to connections of Saudi Cup runners.

"Due to difficult operational circumstances caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic, the investigation has not yet concluded."

Maximum Security, who is jointly owned by Gary and Mary West and the Coolmore triumvirate of John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith, is now in the care of Bob Baffert.

The horse gained notoriety when he was disqualified as the winner of the Kentucky Derby in May, 2019 for causing interference.