Jemadar wins amid James McDonald’s charge
Not even the explosive revelation that retained jockey James McDonald was standing down pending a betting charge could stop the Godolphin juggernaut at Warwick Farm.
One day after McDonald was charged with having an interest in a bet on Astern for his debut win at Randwick in December, Jemadar emerged as another Australian stakes prospect for the global racing giant.
Aside from a statement in support of McDonald released on Wednesday morning, Godolphin is making no comment before the outcome of the stewards’ inquiry.
That includes trainer John O’Shea who was at Warwick Farm later in the day to earmark Jemadar as a horse with potential after he won #TheRaces Handicap (1600m).
“We’ll probably pop him out now and he’ll come back and target the latter part of the autumn,” O’Shea said.
“The fact that he’s got the mile now adds a little string to his bow.”
Jemadar drifted from $3.20 to $5 before the race but was too strong for Fiery Tail ($3.40) and rank outsider Valentino Rossa ($41) who filled the minor placing.
Godolphin turned to Nick Heywood’s three-kilogram claim, with O’Shea quick to praise the apprentice’s ride.
“He’s been a delight for us all season,” O’Shea said.
“He’s a great young boy and the three kilograms are a great help.”
Cosmic Cameo’s second win this preparation on his home track at Warwick Farm over 1000m prompted trainer Gary Portelli to make a programming suggestion.
“I hope there’s a $1 million 1000 metre race here at Warwick Farm – wouldn’t that be good?” Portelli said.
Cosmic Cameo strode away to win the Pro-Ride Handicap by a long head, with his delighted owners among the punters who specked him from $14 to $11.
“This is his go – 1000 metres and ride him like you stole him,” Portelli said.
“He’s had five goes at Rosehill and he goes disgracefully. He gets around the corner like a crab.”
Apprentice James Innes has been aboard for both wins this preparation with the first coming on October 19.
Andrew Adkins was the third apprentice to post a win for the day on veteran stayer Retune while Blake Shinn scored a double on the talented three-year-old Calanda and the Joe Pride-trained filly Once More A Lady.
Once More A Lady was the first leg of a double for Pride who took out the last race with Realise Potential.