Takedown has continued his scintillating run of form through the 2016 Spring Carnival at Randwick this afternoon; bobbing his head at the right time to beat Our Boy Malachi and Danish Twist on the line in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m).
Takedown claimed a second-consecutive Group 2 win in this afternoon’s Premiere Stakes at Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart
Takedown returned to racing for an impressive win in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) a fortnight ago and he did his chances of a second-consecutive win at the grade no harm when he jumped well and took an ideal position in transit behind early leaders Howmuchdoyouloveme and Smart Volatility.
Dropping back into the pack as the field straightened, the Stratum gelding locked in a fierce sprint battle with Our Boy Malachi and Danish Twist, but produced a good enough kick at the right moment to win.
Blake Shinn produced a great ride aboard Takedown in the Premiere Stakes and was thrilled to post a black type win for trainer Gary Moore.
âWe need characters like Gary Moore and itâs really nice to be able to ride a winner for him this afternoon, on such a big occasion,â Shinn said.
âThis horse was really brave. When the chips were down he fought hard.
âIt was a really hot race. We had English, Our Boy Malachi â these are not easy horses to beat and Garyâs done a terrific job taking this horse another level each time he steps out.
âIâm just really delighted for him, heâs a lovely man. Full credit to him.â
Moore was typically animated following Takedownâs win in the Premiere Stakes and revealed that he hopes to travel the four-year-old abroad for a tilt at the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin in December.
âIâm so lucky to have such a great horse, he could be one of the best sprinters in Australia the way heâs going,â Moore said.
âHeâs going to be more dominant over a bit further and I hope weâre given the opportunity to take him to Hong Kong and run him in the sprint.
âI said to Blake before the race that when you go for him, just remember to lift him again when you challenge right on the death because heâll pick up again, and he did.
âThis horse is a great horse.â
Takedown has claimed an impressive six race wins and five minors through his seventeen career starts to date.