The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Calanda has scored a narrow win in the Listed Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford for the China Horse Club.
Formerly the Pacesetter Stakes, the 1200m-race was renamed in honour of the 2004 winner who went on to become a champion Group One sprinter, winning races in England, Japan and Singapore as well as Australia.
Blake Shinn, who rode Calanda ($3.50) to a long head win over Supreme Effort ($3.20 fav) after settling him back with cover, said it was a thrill to win the race.
“I’m very proud to win the race named for the champion,” Shinn told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“I finished behind him a couple of times.”
Supreme Effort’s Kim Waugh-trained stablemate Oxford Poet ($12), ridden by Takeover Target’s jockey Jay Ford, finished third, 1-1/2 lengths behind the runner-up.
Godolphin’s Chetwood took up his customary role in front but was again found wanting in the final 200m, weakening to beat just one runner home.
Credit: AAP