Perfect six for Chakvetadze
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Chakvetadze cruises down the outside in the Gold Coast Guineas field
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She was always a filly destined for success with a record of five wins from five starts but Chavetadze amazed even her own connections when she made it six from six taking out the Group 3 Heinrich Group Gold Coast Guineas 1200m.
“It was exciting,” said trainer Michael Nolan.
“It was the one time that we went to the races with her that we probably didn’t expect to remain unbeaten considering how many good horses were in the field.
“For her to come out and win like she did, it was a huge buzz.”
Chavetadze (F3 Taimazov ARG-Gotha) was guided out of barrier nine by in-form apprentice Brent Evans and they settled behind the leaders.
They moved out at the turn, dropped a gear and revved up along the home straight to get to the lead and win by a long neck.
Leapfrog (Luke Rolls) placed second with Desuetude (Kerrin McEvoy) following a length behind in third.
“Everything panned out,” said Nolan. “We were always going to ride her just a bit off the pace. We knew there was plenty of speed in the race, there was a couple that wanted to run along.
“Brent was always told to take the sit which he did and she settled nice and tracked up to the turn. It was a matter of when he got her out in the clear in the straight and gave her a bit of room that’s when she really hit the line.
“We were all very happy.”
The filly’s first three wins in her first campaign were with apprentice Amy Taylor aboard and Evans has had the ride this campaign.
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Michael Nolan and Brent Evans celebrate their second win of the day (Noel Pascoe photos)
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“We’ve had apprentices on her because sometimes she’s had a bit of weight that we’ve claimed with,” said Nolan.
“Brent was an apprentice rider in a Group race but he was always going to keep the ride on her because he’s done nothing wrong and he knows her.
“She’s not foolproof to ride because she can be a bit hard to get in the barriers and things like that but we were always going to retain Brent.”
This was Evans first Group win and he did so surrounded by some of the country’s top jockeys.
“All credit to the filly,” said Evans. “That’s the best she’s relaxed since I rode her.
“I rode her quiet a couple of times but she’s just never relaxed like that before
“She’s a lovely horse and has got a bright future.”
Nolan and Evans enjoyed a race double at the Gold Coast on Saturday, May 5 also picking up a win with Palace Lover in the Gold Coast Football Club Class 6 Handicap 1400m but the Guineas was certainly a highlight for all connections.
“To win a race like that on Prime Ministers Cup day its pretty bit special. We’re all still excited,” said Nolan.
QUEENSLAND Racing web news: Hollie Roberts – May 5
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