Jedibeel slices through to claim Group 2 Challenge Stakes
Brad Widdup & Tyler Schiller combined with Jedibeel ($10.00) to claim victory in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, slicing between horses to record an impressive eighth career win.
The son of Savabeel was first-up after a 84-day spell, however, did bring residual fitness into the $500,000 feature after securing Listed success at the end of last preparation over 1200m.
The five-year-old gelding had never missed the frame fresh, and that trend continued on Saturday, with the sharper 1000m journey proving no issues, with Jedibeel cuddled up to get the last crack at his rivals.
He was aided by the small field ticking over some slower sectionals in the middle stages, as Rachel King elected to lead aboard Way To The Stars ().
The well-supported bookmaker favourite appeared to have it all her own way, with I Am Me ($2.80) finding the leaders’ back throughout the journey, while Uncommon James ($7.50) was the only runner sticking to outside the leader.
Jedibeel and Kimochi () were in the back-half of the field, however, the latter was forced to sit three wide throughout the trip, with Dragonstone ($15.00) keeping her in a pocket at a crucial stage.
Jedibeel sliced through to hit the lead, and while Kimochi had excuses, the daughter of Brave Smash would have to settle for the minor money.
Jedibeel has been a model of consistency for Brad Widdup as he spoke post-race.
“He’s been a terrific horse from day one for us, and it’s great to see him do this,” said Widdup.
“Obviously, we aimed at the Razor Sharp last time and gave him a short break to get him back for these sort of races.
“I was keen to run him next week but if I did that I’d miss out on the Galaxy, so I threw the cards on the table and rolled the dice today, and away we went.
“Tyler’s (Schiller) always been a big believer that the Galaxy is a race we should be aiming at. He’s got a massive turn of foot and especially with a ride like that, where he can get out late and he finishes good.
“He’s a winner, you know these horses, they do it week in week out when they learn how to win and you can’t train them, they just win, they’re naturals.”
Tyler Schiller was delighted with the win as he spoke post-race.
“I was a bit nervous that James was trying to look for the same spot as me,” said Schiller.
“He’s just got a great turn of foot, he’s got a great racing pattern, he just lobs in behind the speed. He actually jumped really well today, which I didn’t want to be too close.
“I thought James was the horse to follow and then I was getting a bit held up and it just helped him even more because he’s got that great dash and I thought he was really strong late.”
Jedibeel is now a () for the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) on March 22.
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