JASON Deamer couldn’t have wished for a better homecoming present!
The Newcastle trainer arrived back only on Tuesday evening after taking his first break in seven years, and wasn’t at Grafton on Wednesday when his filly Rapt ($6) trounced her rivals in the $80,000 Guineas (1600m).
Ridden by Ash Morgan, the More Than Ready three-year-old burst clear over the closing stages to score by nearly three lengths from Fiorsum Fred ($26) and Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan’s Chevron ($5.50).
Deamer pulled the right rein in sending Rapt to Grafton with fellow Newcastle trainer Kris Lees’ horses as he had also accepted with her in a Benchmark 72 Handicap (1550m) on the Kensington track today, and as well nominated her for a 3YO Benchmark 72 Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
“When the weights came out for the Guineas, I thought she was nicely placed with the limit (54kg),” he said.
“I wasn’t really concerned when she drew awkwardly.
“Rapt has always shown ability, and I’ve worked out the best plan with her is to ride her cold.
“Ash did that today, and she was very strong at the finish.”
A $130,000 2022 Gold Coast Magic Millions purchase, Rapt is raced by a Dynamic ladies’ syndicate.
Deamer thought enough of her as a two-year-old to “throw her in the deep end” and tackle the Listed Woodlands Stakes (1100m) at the Scone carnival in May last year after she had finished second at her first two starts over 900m at Newcastle and 1200m at Warwick Farm.
She ran eighth but was beaten only three lengths, then went for a spell.
Rapt went into the Guineas on a good form line, having been narrowly beaten by Gallic Fox (a close second in earlier Grafton race) before scoring at the Gosford provincial meeting transferred to Scone.
Deamer has a perfect record at Grafton, having now won with both his starters – and at the July carnival.
He won the Maclean Cup (1400m) with Zoe De Moon on the final day of the Grafton carnival two years ago.
Ash Morgan also rode Zou De Moon, and clinched a double on Wednesday (he won the opener on $9 chance Sherriff Cody) as he closed on the injured Aaron Bullock to become NSW winningest rider for a second season.
Morgan achieved that feat two seasons ago when he rode 136 winners.
. Provincial trainers snared three of the eight races at the Ramornie Handicap fixture.
Along with Deamer and Hawkesbury trainer Ed O’Rourke’s victory with Twi Turbo ($5), Kembla Grange trainer Paul Murray sprang a surprise result in the Super Maiden Showcase Plate (1700m).
Having only her fifth start, Beauer (Adrian Layt) at $51 defeated Kris Lees’ filly Lost Illusions ($5.50).
Murray, a regular visitor to the Grafton carnival as was his late father Bede, paid only $6000 online in March last year for the now three-year-old daughter of Brazen Beau.
Story John Curtis, July 17, 2024 - Pics Darren Winningham
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