Samadoubt silences doubters with runaway win in Chelsmford Stakes

“Unless Winx had returned, nothing was going to run him down.’’

This was jockey Tim Clark’s accurate summation of Samadoubt’s dazzling win in the Group 2 $250,000 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Samadoubt proved his shock win in the Group 1 Winx Stakes two weeks ago wasn’t a fluke when he led most of the way and dominated his rivals in the feature weight-for-age race.

Clark was so far in front he was even able to have a long look over his left shoulder just inside the final 100m before easing down on Samadoubt as the chestnut streaked home more than three lengths clear of his rivals.

“Amazing, he’s just gone to a new level this time in,’’ Clark said.

“He was a lot more comfortable today over the mile (a1600m). I was able to just cruise across (from a wide barrier) in my own time.

“It took me to the first turn to get across but I was never worried. He relaxed well and just built up underneath me nicely.

“Coming into the straight I asked him for an effort and nothing was going to run him down the way he let go.

“He’s come back in terrific order and put his hand up for and turned into a weight-for-age horse. He’s put a couple of top performances together now.”

Samadoubt ($10) became the third horse this century after champions Winx (2017) and Lonhro (2003) to complete the Winx (formerly Warwick) Stakes-Chelmsford Stakes double, scoring by an official margin of 3¼ lengths.

Favourite Avilius ($2) raced wide without cover most of the way so his effort to claim second was still very good while Girl Tuesday ($5.50) charged home late to finish a nose away third.

Trainer Bjorn Baker described Samadoubt as “an exciting prospect which you don’t often say about a six-year-old”.

“The great thing about coming to the races today there was zero pressure, just come here enjoy it as win, lose or draw he’s had a great preparation already,’’ Baker said.

“I’m surprised we didn’t get a call for the Everest after he won first up.

“But his work since his last win in the Winx Stakes has been nothing less than sensational. He’s big and strong, he’s never been better.

“He’s not nominated for the Cox Plate, only the Caulfield Cup, but we’ll probably keep him at a mile and maybe go to the George Main Stakes next.’’