Classic Uniform holds out Happy Clapper to win Craven Plate
THE recipe for success for Classic Uniform is to be given a soft lead and that’s exactly what happened in the $500,000 Craven Plate at Randwick.
The Gary Moore-trained five-year-old won the Hill Stakes in similar fashion last time out, but the opposition on Saturday refused to put any pressure on the gelding and it made them pay.
Jockey Tim Clark, who finished fifth in The Everest aboard Tulip, was able to dictate the pace of the race and the heavily-backed favourite Happy Clapper was unable to reel in the $21.30 chance at Neds.com.au.
“What else can he do? He’s so brave,” Moore said. “He’s like all these beautiful women today. He’s as beautiful as them.
“2000m is probably just his limit. So I said to Tim [don’t let him go until we get to the 600m today].
“When he changed legs at the 100m he found a length and that is what has made the difference.”
Tim Clark described what the reaction from Gary Moore and the big team of owners will be like when returning to scale.
“He’ll be jumping for joy. It’s great for racing,” Clark said. “I got off this bloke the other day so I’m glad to get back on him and glad to win on him.
“The owners are here today so it is terrific.”
Clark paid credit to the fighting abilities of Classic Uniform which wouldn’t give into the $1.50 favourite over the concluding stages.
“He wouldn’t lie down. He gave me a hard ride up the straight,” he said. “He wanted to hang out quite bad however once he sensed those horses on his outside, he really dug in and fought them off.
“It’s been a terrific day. It’s been great to be a part of it. I’m grateful for the opportunities I get with people like Gary supporting me.”
Blake Shinn was forgiving for Epsom Handicap winner Happy Clapper which was given too much to do in the straight.
“Great run. We rode him to get the distance today. Loomed at the 300m. Ideally not the right part of the track but he still ran well,” Shinn added.