Golden Slipper curse strikes Capitalist in San Domenico
CAPITALIST suffered at the hands of the Golden Slipper curse when finishing fourth behind Star Turn in the Group 3 Sam Domenico Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.
The 2016 Golden Slipper winner was a big drifter in the market at Sportsbet.com.au and closed at $2.50 after opening as short as $1.60 throughout the week. It was the 10th Golden Slipper winner to suffer defeat fresh up as a three-year-old.
“I don’t know what to make of it,” co-trainer Peter Snowden said. “For what it’s worth I’m happy with the horse. Obviously disappointing he got beat today but I can’t see anything wrong with him.”
The Hawkes-trained Star Turn was the market mover and closed at $3.20 after touching $5 earlier in the week. The well-regarded three-year-old was last seen finishing nicely behind Capitalist in the Golden Slipper and it never looked like getting beaten in the San Domenico.
“I said to Tommy (Berry, jockey) after the first 100 metres you’ll know whether you’re going forward or back. Make up your own mind because it’s a small tactical field,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
“He rode a great race; he didn’t push the go button until the last 150 (metres).
“Hopefully he’s got a long way to this prep and he’s a colt in the making that’s for sure.”
Hawkes also stated that Star Turn had grown significantly since its last preparation and a possible Golden Rose start could be on the cards.
“He’s definitely grown and put weight on. He’s just got thicker and stronger but the key to this bloke is his mental attitude – he’s more relaxed,” Hawkes said.
“There’s plenty of races around for him now. The Golden Rose is there, but there’s no definite decision yet.”
Star Turn firmed right in to $8 at Sportsbet for the Group 1 Golden Rose on September 10. Capitalist was the big drifter out to $6 with San Domenico second placegetter Tango Rain holding steady at $13.