A calm midweek afternoon at Royal Randwick unfolded into a meeting of steady quality and measured competition as the Australian Turf Club’s Kensington Midweek card played out on Wednesday, January 14, running from 2:20pm to 5:50pm. Across seven races, the program blended emerging talent with seasoned performers, building naturally toward its centrepiece, Race 3 – Buy An Arrowfield Graduate Plate, worth $100,000, which stood as the clear highlight of the day.
Speed and professionalism were on display early, with Race 1 – Anamoe First Yearlings Plate setting the tone for the meeting. ASTRONOMIX, a 3-year-old bay gelding, showed natural pace and composure under James McDonald to stop the clock at 58.01 seconds. Trained by John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, the gelding asserted himself late to defeat FARFETCHED, while CHARLINA finished third after staying on resolutely.
A change of tempo followed in Race 2 – Spelling At Coolmore Mt White Plate, where patience proved decisive. SKIRMISH, the 3-year-old brown filly trained by Ciaron Maher, produced a measured run under A. Farragher to score in 1:23.74. She held her line strongly in the closing stages to deny SUPERATA, with EXPLICIT completing the minor placings.
The meeting reached its focal point in Race 3 – Buy An Arrowfield Graduate Plate, where class and timing came together seamlessly. GORGEOUS, a 3-year-old bay filly trained by David Pfeiffer, delivered a polished performance under Jason Collett, accelerating clear in the straight to record a winning time of 1:07.88. LET’S GO BARBIE chased gamely into second, while DOUBLE VISION stayed on for third in a contest that highlighted depth among the graduates.
Momentum continued in the middle of the card as Race 4 – Myplates Handicap showcased a strong finishing effort from UNLEESHING, a 4-year-old bay or brown mare. Ridden by James McDonald for trainer Bjorn Baker, she controlled the race when it mattered most, crossing the line in 1:33.98 ahead of SHANONI, with KILKENNY filling third.
Youth met precision in Race 5 – Asahi Super Dry Handicap, where ALBANY ROAD delivered a sharp victory. The 3-year-old bay gelding, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and ridden by R. Bayliss, stopped the clock at 1:03.53. He showed a sharp turn of foot to edge past HAPPY BELLIE, while CALGA POWER finished close behind.
Experience took centre stage in Race 6 – Exceedance Yearlings Handicap, as NEW BUSINESS, a seasoned 6-year-old chestnut gelding, produced a decisive late run. Tim Clark partnered the Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained runner to a winning time of 1:23.22, holding off OFF THE PRESS, with MY PHAR LADY securing third.
The afternoon concluded on a determined note in Race 7 – Tab Handicap, where HARLOW MIST, a 5-year-old bay mare, closed the meeting in style. Trained by John Sargent and again ridden by Tim Clark, she displayed stamina and resolve to win in 1:51.43, fending off CLIMB THE LADDER, while KENMARE BAY rounded out the placings.
Overall, the Kensington Midweek card delivered exactly what it promised. Competitive fields, clean racing, and a standout feature that anchored the afternoon. Royal Randwick Race Results 14 January once again proved that even midweek fixtures can produce performances of substance and lasting impression.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.