Jimmy Recard digs in to win the Vain Stakes 2025
Jimmy Recard showed grit and class at Caulfield on Saturday, fending off a strong challenge to claim the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m) and extend his winning streak to three.
Sent out the $3.60 favourite, the colt was tested when Tycoon Star ($5) loomed up alongside in the straight, but under the drive of jockey Jamie Melham, he lifted late to prevail by a long head. Express Class ($13) was another 1-½ lengths away in third. The win follows his Gosford maiden success in June and his victory in the Taj Rossi Sprint Final at Flemington last month.
Melham said the colt had turned a corner mentally. “I knew he had ability, but I wasn’t convinced he’d put it all together yet. When he was bumped at the 200, I honestly thought he might give up, but instead he fought hard. He’s grown, he’s matured, and the penny has dropped with him now. I think he has some very big wins ahead,” Melham said.
Trainer Ciaron Maher said the stable had carefully placed the colt and were delighted with the result. “He’s improving every run,” Maher said. “We looked at Adelaide as an option but decided this race was a better fit, and he’s shown us he’s on track for a strong spring. He’s a beautifully bred colt, great physique, and has a bright future.”
Looking forward, Maher said connections would weigh up a path to either the mile of the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) or the sprinting route towards the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) in November. “We’ll let him show us which way to go, but either way, he looks every inch a Group 1 horse,” Maher said.
More Racing News
Ciaron Maher targets CF Orr Stakes hat-trick
The conclusion of the Spring Carnival's major events does not signal an end to Ciaron Maher's pursuit of top-tier racing victories.The prominent trainer, fresh off winning The Everest for $20 million and preparing a Melbourne Cup trifecta, is now setting his sights on a third consecutive win in the Group...
Golden Straand seeking redemption in The Hunter
Trainer Matthew Smith anticipates a significant improvement from Golden Straand this weekend, as the horse returns to racing closer to home after a disappointing Melbourne campaign. The five-year-old son of Snitzel is slated to contest the lucrative $1 million Listed The Hunter at Newcastle.This 1300-metre sprint represents Golden Straand's first...
Berry eyes continued success at Newcastle's The Hunter feature
Star jockey Tommy Berry has enjoyed considerable success during the spring racing carnival, including a sensational four-timer at Rosehill last Saturday, yet he still harbours ambitions for further achievements.His impressive list of wins includes the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) on Apocalyptic, the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m) aboard...
Small Fry to have final start for O'Brien in Zipping Classic
Trainer Joseph O'Brien, despite a challenging period with his major Spring Carnival runners, is preparing for one last contender at Sandown next Saturday.The final participant from O'Brien's Melbourne spring campaign will be Small Fry, competing in the $750,000 Zipping Classic. This Group 2 contest over 2400 metres signifies Small Fry's...
Birdman claims Champions Stakes over Cosmic Crusader
Birdman has asserted his championship credentials by reversing the Cox Plate placings with his frequent spring adversary, Cosmic Crusader, at Flemington on Saturday.The $3 million Champions Stakes saw the Chris Waller-trained Birdman cross the line ahead of Cosmic Crusader, who had previously won the Cox Plate, in the 2000-metre Group...
Lazzura powers to victory in the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes
Lazzura concluded a stellar spring preparation at Rosehill Gardens this afternoon, securing the Group 2 $500,000 Hot Danish Stakes over 1400 metres with a determined effort.The Chris Waller stable, represented by Darren Beadman due to Waller's presence at Flemington, acknowledged the mare's tough win. "It wasn't a gimme," Beadman stated.Sent...
Point Barrow causes upset in Champions Sprint
A four-year-old mare with a blistering turn of foot emerged victorious in Saturday's Champions Sprint at Flemington, proving to be the surprise package of the race.Point Barrow secured a significant Group 1 victory in the $3 million 1200-metre contest, which featured Tempted, a mare who had only three weeks prior...
Autumn Glow's Flemington triumph showcases champion qualities
While the victory in the Champions Mile at Flemington was perhaps harder fought than her prohibitive odds indicated, Autumn Glow firmly established her regal class.Facing her for the first time away from Sydney and at this renowned track, any potential disruption caused by the change of scenery was definitively put...
Golden Gift victory for Act Up after thrilling Rosehill contest
Act Up has delivered a notable two-state juvenile double for Lindsay Park, ultimately prevailing over fellow Victorian-trained colt Silent Intent in the prestigious $1 million Golden Gift at Rosehill.This significant win not only secures Act Up a coveted spot in the upcoming Golden Slipper field thanks to its substantial prizemoney...
Savvy Spy's winning form continues with Ranvet Handicap victory
The promising gelding Savvy Spy demonstrated a remarkable surge of closing speed to pull away from his competitors in the Ranvet Handicap, a 2400-metre contest.However, just as jockey Tim Clark was guiding the emerging four-year-old back towards the mounting yard, the horse suddenly executed a sideways movement that caught the...