Latest News

By Ray Hickson

The cards didn’t fall his way a week ago but trainer Peter Robl is keen to give consistent galloper Finally Realise the chance to take advantage of another transfer onto the Kensington track and go one better on Wednesday.

The four-year-old is deep into his preparation and has never backed up within seven days but he’s showing no signs of stopping and Robl is happy to roll the dice in the Vinery Handicap (1250m).

This meeting was originally programmed for Canterbury while Finally Realise’s past two runs were scheduled for Canterbury and Warwick Farm respectively.

But with Covid restrictions still in place Wednesday's meeting was moved to Randwick’s inner track and Robl says it’s a big plus, regardless of whatever rain falls.

“He seems to appreciate racing on the surface,’’ Robl said.

Finally Realise runs second at Kensington on August 18

“He’s going terrific, this will be his eighth run this preparation but he seems to be thriving in the stable and is a hardy little fellow.

“While he’s eating well, working well and racing well he’ll keep punching through. This horse has shown he appreciates a firmer track but he does get through (wet ground).”

A week ago the gelding endured a wide run and was only denied in the last stride by Super Effort in a similar contest over the 1250m.

Robl said jockey Brock Ryan did nothing wrong and it was just some smart riding from champion hoop Nash Rawiller on Escaped holding a spot off the fence that put him in a tricky position.

“It was a little bit devastating to watch but it was just the way the race panned out,’’ he said.

“I did say to Brock before the race that the only thorn in your side will be Nash, that he doesn’t outwit you and pop you three deep and leave you there. That’s kind of what happened.

“You’d sooner get beaten two lengths than like he did. He’s never backed up but he gives no indication that he won’t either.

“He’s been a little bit unlucky through his career, he’s done a few things wrong in his races but he’s run into Malkovich in a maiden at Wyong and Harmony Rose in a maiden at Kembla Grange. They beat him convincingly, but you can run into anything in a maiden.”

Finally Realise was $3.40 with TAB on Tuesday.

The former jockey has 22 horses in work at Randwick but has taken up the opportunity to be reigning TAB Everest champ Classique Legend’s trackwork rider since his return from Hong Kong.

Peter Robl and Classique Legend (Pic: Les Bridge Racing).

Robl said he’s been relishing working with Les Bridge’s superstar and can’t wait to see what he can do when he makes his long awaited return next month.

To his eye, Robl said the six-year-old seems to have readjusted better than expected after arriving back at Randwick from Hong Kong but the proof will be in when he’s tested out in the Group 2 $500,000 The Shorts (1100m).

“We’re keeping him under the radar,’’ Robl said.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong. He’s good in his action, good in his wind and in his mannerisms.

“He seems a really happy horse in his work, I can’t fault him. He’s had a couple of solid gallops and I can see why he is a good horse.”

Classique Legend, $6 in TAB’s all-in Everest market, will barrier trial at Randwick before his first-up run.

All the fields, form and replays for Wednesday's Kensington meeting