Front Page smashes rivals in The Kosciuszko
Front Page (+450) has made it back-to-back victories in The Kosciuszko (1200m) on Saturday at Randwick and his first for new trainer Matthew Dale, securing the major portion of the $2 million prize.
It was another front-running effort as Tyler Schiller pinged the lids aboard the now seven-year-old gelding from barrier eight, charging across to secure the lead.
Kimberly’s Secret (+5000) tried to match motors but was simply no match for the leader as the race went on.
It left James McDonald stalking behind the leading pair and when he pushed the button, Opal Ridge (+190) did seem to be making up the ground late, as was Far Too Easy (+650).
It was to no avail in the end as Front Page had already cleared out for the prize, going on to score a dominant victory.
Winning trainer Matthew Dale spoke about how he inherited Front Page and heaped plenty of the praise on former trainer Geoff Duuryea.
“Geoff (Duryea – previous trainer) and the team, what they’ve done with this horse before getting him to me, I’m in awe,” said Dale.
“They told me every little thing I needed to know so that I could be well prepped and have him as good as I could here today. It’s been a little bit stressful, the last few weeks, but wow what a win.
“Geoff done a remarkable job with this horse his whole career.
“He handed me the keys 14 weeks ago, we had a few chats about how to prepare him and what he needs and we nailed it.”
Tyler Schiller was elated in his post-race assessment, thanking the connections before speaking on the feeling of winning back-to-back editions of the race.
“Can’t thank the owners and obviously Matt (Dale) enough,” said Schiller.
“Geoff (Duryea – previous trainer) has done a great job to give Matt all the knowledge about the horse, I know he’s not easy but gee he’s done a terrific job to get him here in that order and to beat them like that he’s a cracker.
“It was great last year to do it for Geoff but they’ve passed the baton onto Matt Dale and he’s done a terrific job. I can’t say he’s improved the horse but he’s got him going as good as he can.Gee he’s a terrific animal.”