Racing: Chambord wonder run overcomes adversity

Chambord (No4, left) downs champ sprinter Start Wondering in yesterday's Listed Levin Stakes (1200m). Photo / Race Images

The trials and tribulations of Chambord form a lengthy list, but at Otaki he showed exactly what he is capable of when injury-free.

The seven-year-old overcame numerous setbacks to win the fourth race of his career when he lowered the colours of last season's champion sprinter Start Wondering in yesterday's Listed Fasttrack Insurance Levin Stakes (1200m).

Although he enjoyed a 7.5kg pull in the weights, Chambord's effort was nevertheless full of merit.

"He broke down in his final gallop before the Coupland's Mile three years ago, he shattered his cannon bone and we got him back from that," said Jamie Richards, who trains the Zabeel gelding with Stephen Autridge.

"That wasn't his only major injury either. He has had stress fractures high up in his back and lots of other bits and pieces, but he's as sound now as he has ever been.

"He has been a great horse for the stable and the owners have never moaned with all the things that have gone wrong."

Richards said they would see how Chambord comes through his Otaki outing before committing to a summer programme.

"We're always hoping he pulls up fine and he's nominated for the Railway and the Telegraph, but whether they may be a bit sharp for him we're not sure.

"There's a Listed race over 1400m at Te Rapa in a couple of weeks and that could lead up to the Rich Hill Mile if we think he can stretch out to 1600m."

Chambord sat three back on the rails before he was angled into the clear in the straight by rider Cameron Lammas and they proved too good for a gallant Start Wondering.

"We got a lovely run on the fence and when we came out I knew the second horse had a lot more weight so I bided my time a bit and then got him," Lammas said.

Cambridge Stud will offer Chambord's three-quarter brother by Savabeel (Lot 392) during the Book 1 Sale at Karaka next month.

• Rock On's latest success has earned him a trip north for a premier prize.

The five-year-old posted the fifth win of his career yesterday when he outstayed his rivals to win the Dunstan Feeds Championship Qualifier (2300m) at Otaki.

"He'll go to the Waikato Cup next and the 2400m on a big track will suit him," trainer Gary Vile said.

Rock On was again tardily out of the gates before he improved four wide 700m from home and he stayed on strongly in the run home to account for Sampson.

"I don't know what to do about his barrier manners, but over 2400m and two miles it shouldn't be so much of a problem," Vile said.

• The progeny of Rich Hill Stud stallion Shocking are on a roll.

He was represented by Avondale winners Formidable and Mental Telepathy on Thursday and at Otaki yesterday he produced another winning double that emphasised the son of Street Cry's versatility.

Promising staying mare Solesefei started the ball rolling with a strong staying performance in the Summerset On The Coast Premier (2300m) before Scandalo proved too slick for the Rating 75 speedsters in the Red Diamond Services Premier (1200m).

- NZ Racing Desk