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A snapshot of the supporting races on the Epsom Handicap program.
Empire strikes in Breeders' Plate
Peter and Paul Snowden have drawn first blood in the opening two-year-old race of the Sydney season, producing Empire Of Japan for a sharp win in the Breeders' Plate (1000m) at Randwick.
A $680,000 Magic Millions purchase and full brother to former $2.8 million yearling Mount Fuji, Empire Of Japan ($5.50) produced a winning turn of foot from back in the field to zip past his rivals and score by three lengths.
Mach Ten ($5), a $1.2 million son of Exceed And Excel, raced greenly in the straight but held on for second with Physical Graffiti ($4.60 fav) another length away third.
Paul Snowden said Empire Of Japan had shown ability at home, and when second at the official Randwick trials so he wasn't surprised by Saturday's performance.
"I think the writing was on the wall at the trials the other day, just how relaxed he was and how well he hit the line," Paul Snowden said.
"Obviously, when you draw out there on the wing (barrier eight) you are dictated to a wee bit and what happens inside you.
"But knowing the fact he goes back and gets a bit of cover, and he hit the line as good as what he did the other day, it certainly gave us a bit of confidence here today.
"This horse isn't screwed down at all for today's event, what you see is what you get with him, he's got a fair bit of ability and he's got a good turn of foot."
Waterhouse breaks Gimcrack Stakes duck
Adrian Bott was confident he was going to win the Gimcrack Stakes halfway up the Randwick straight, only he thought it was going to be with favourite Perfect Proposal.
The filly had kicked back to wrest the lead off stablemate Sicilian and appeared set for victory before the stable's third runner, Platinum Jubilee, launched from the pack with a breathtaking finish to score.
"At the top of the straight, I was pretty confident with the other two and I had a quick glance back to see where the other filly (Platinum Jubilee) was," Bott said.
"She looked to be quite far back and struggling a little bit in the run, so I just focused on the front two.
"Then she was coming late, and I thought she was going on nicely to fill the placings, but she was very strong."
Incredibly, Platinum Jubilee gave not only Bott his first Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) win, but also co-trainer Gai Waterhouse.
Despite the latter's long history of success with juveniles, she had never won the time-honoured fillies' feature.
Platinum Jubilee ($10), a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Queen Of The Ball and a $600,000 buy at the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale, finished so quickly she had 1-1/4 lengths to spare over Perfect Proposal ($3.40 fav) with Divine Glory ($12) another length away.
Waterhouse and Bott's third runner, Sicilian ($4.80), finished sixth.
Bott was unsure of plans for the trio, preferring to see how they come through their debut runs before making any decisions, but he hinted they were part of a strong two-year-old arsenal for the stable.
"It's excellent to be able to get some nice value on their page, some residual value," Bott said.
"We will get over today, have a look, analyse the race because there is a bit to look at, then go from there.
"We've got some nice horses behind us so hopefully we can have another really good year (with the two-year-olds."
Montefilia remains on Cup path despite defeat
David Payne wasn't sure what to make of Montefilia after her disappointing performance behind Cascadian in the Group 2 Hill Stakes, but he certainly wasn't panicking.
The mare ranged up to Numerian on the home corner but was quickly under pressure and while she held third, she was beaten 5-1/4 lengths in the heavy 8 conditions.
Payne said Montefilia would undergo testing to ensure nothing was amiss but provided the results came back clear, he said she would continue as planned towards the Caulfield Cup.
"Who knows, she might have had an off day," Payne said.
"It is heavy and although she has won in it, I don't think she likes it.
"We will see how she pulls up, take her blood and have a good look at her this week but if everything is OK with the mare, I'd like to box on to the Caulfield Cup."
The race belonged to Cascadian, who showed the benefit of an interstate switch to take out the Hill Stakes (2000m) after two Group 1 placings in Melbourne.
It was the horse's first win over a middle-distance and stable representative Darren Beadman said the patience and faith of James McDonald made the difference.
"James rode him to get the 2000, didn't panic, trusted the horse," Beadman said.
"He had a lot of horse coming to the corner, had the right horse to drag him into the race and he got back onto the nicer ground in the home straight.
"Good, solid performance from a very honest, worthy galloper."
Cascadian is likely to remain in Sydney where his next target will be the Craven Plate (1800m) at Randwick in two weeks.
O'Shea sprinter Running high ahead of Everest
A thrilling four-way finish to the Premiere Stakes has only added to the intrigue surrounding this year's renewal of the $15 million The Everest.
Lost And Running scored a powerful win in Saturday's Randwick sprint to confirm himself as a serious Everest threat, but minor placegetters Mazu and Masked Crusader lost no admirers with their respective efforts.
Mazu fought on valiantly for second after looking to be struggling on the corner, while Masked Crusader flashed along the fence to grab third, just ahead of ageless warrior Kementari, who might have put himself in the frame for Godolphin's vacant slot.
Trainer John O'Shea said Lost And Running would take benefit from Saturday's win and head to The Everest (1200m) in peak condition.
"He's going to come on so much for that," O'Shea said.
"He was probably on empty with 100m to go, but he got the job done and we can go to the big race in a couple of weeks with our tail in the air and hopefully get another win."
Sam Clipperton was rapt with the performance by Mazu, who was one of the least-seasoned sprinters in the field.
"Disappointing we didn't win but really happy with him going forward," Clipperton said.
"He's improved lovely from his first-up run and I'm expecting him to improve again."
Quote of the day: "He's an eight-year-old and he's still got six cylinders." – Godolphin assistant trainer Darren Beadman on Cascadian after his Group 2 Hill Stakes victory.
