McDonald Dominates Blue Sapphire with Pisces Victory

James McDonald reinforced his reputation as one of the sport's best with an impressive victory on Pisces in the Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield. Following an exhilarating performance on Champions Day, McDonald secured his fifth win out of six rides in Melbourne, demonstrating the skill and grace that establish him as a dominant force in horse racing. Pisces, a lightly raced three-year-old, showcased an incredible turn of speed, smoothly overtaking the competition in the straight to clinch a 2½-length victory over Rue De Royale. In contrast, the favored Coleman, who was involved in a contentious ownership dispute, dropped back to finish second to last after initially leading into the straight. Nevertheless, McDonald appeared invincible while riding Pisces.

“He’s a developing horse on the rise,” McDonald remarked after the race. “His performance at Moonee Valley was outstanding even with some misfortune. It felt more like a barrier trial because he only got a clear run in the last 100 meters. Today, he had a good draw and demonstrated his true potential.” Pisces’ trainer, James Cummings of Godolphin, supported McDonald’s views, commending both the jockey’s performance and the colt’s promise. “James executed the ride perfectly from the inner gate. He glided past the rivals like a horse full of potential,” Cummings noted.

With three victories and five second-place finishes from ten outings, Pisces is set for ambitious goals in the autumn, showcasing his promise as one of the stable’s emerging talents. Meanwhile, five-year-old Kin finally achieved her long-anticipated goal by securing her first stakes victory in the Listed Village Stakes. The Godolphin mare, skillfully ridden by Jamie Kah, clinched a close neck win over Pharari, with Miraval Rose completing the top three. Godolphin trainer James Cummings expressed his happiness over Kin’s success, stating, “Reaching stakes status significantly enhances her career, particularly for her future as a broodmare. The choice to race her despite the difficult weight conditions has proven to be very rewarding.”

This victory highlights a remarkable day for Godolphin at Caulfield, with Kin achieving a consecutive win following Pisces’ Group 3 success. In a mix of emotions, Ruakaka Raider claimed back-to-back victories in the Vale Colin McKenna Handicap while trainer Cindy Alderson recovers from a back injury. The gelding, making his debut in city class, narrowly defeated the favorite Hiyaam Proud by a nose with jockey Daniel Stackhouse aboard. Alderson’s representative, Melissa Batterham, commended the win, describing it as a much-needed morale boost for the stable. “This horse is still growing, but he has a promising future ahead,”

Stackhouse noted that Regal Vow continued her impeccable record with a Benchmark 84 victory under the guidance of trainer Charlotte Littlefield. The stable was buzzing with confidence after track rider Amanda reported that the mare was in excellent form earlier in the week. “She performs best when the ground has a bit of give, and the conditions today were just ideal,” Littlefield mentioned. With Little Jack and Sassy Boom finishing in the placings, Regal Vow’s triumph rounded off an exhilarating day of racing at Caulfield.