Last season's G1 Golden Slipper winner Vancouver (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) finished fourth in Rosehill's G3 San Domenico S. Saturday in his first start since that Mar. 21 contest. It was the first loss in five outings for the Gai Waterhouse-trained 'TDN Rising Star'. The 1100 meter contest was won by the Chris Waller-trained Japonisme (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}).
“He got into a good spot early but got a little bit lost when they sprinted because they did sprint quick,” said Vancouver's jockey Tommy Berry. “Fitter horses beat him on the day but he ran well.”
Waterhouse admitted she was surprised by her charge's performance.
“I couldn't see him being beaten,” she told Racing and Sports. “Whether it was the top weight or the 1100 meters, I don't know. I didn't come here today to get beaten but if he has to be beaten, better today than in the Group 1.”
The Australian sophomore division was dealt another blow Saturday when trainers Peter and Paul Snowden announced that last term's G1 Blue Diamond S. and G1 Sires' Produce S. victor Pride Of Dubai (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}) had suffered bone bruising in his near-hind leg and would miss the spring carnival. Coolmore purchased controlling interests in both Vancouver and Pride Of Dubai during their 2-year-old campaigns.
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