I hope they show the replay on the racing channels here!!!
Best sprinter in the world?
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erins isle
- Grade III Winner
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Arganaut, we just may think you own a part of him!!! No only joking, what a great performance!!!!!! There was a great preview all around him on the BBC, very interesting.
From The Racing Post:
TAKEOVER HITS THE TARGET
WITH that dogged conviction and courage that symbolises the character of Australian sport, the £500 buy trained by a part-time taxi driver gave weight and a beating to the fastest of Europe's sprinters at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
And be warned - the team behind Takeover Target reckon he'll be more of a force when he returns for even richer second helpings on Saturday in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes, the second leg of the Global Challenge.
A bull of a speedster, with thick muscles, Takeover Target refused to surrender the advantage after taking on the lead of the nearside group with a furlong to go. He heldon by a short head.
"This race will just about put him right for the weekend, and I've always maintained that he's better over the extra furlong."
Those were the words of trainer Joe Janiak, who saved Takeover Target from an uncertain future after the gelding was troubled by leg injuries. Now he has conjured one of the outstanding training performance of modern times.
Janiak's Royal Ascot challenge from his ten-horse stable near Canberra was inspired by fellow Australian Choisir, who pulled off the spectacular double three years ago. Takeover Target is now as short as 9-4 to do the same.
"Choisir's success was big news back home, and I guess this will be too," grinned the caravan-dwelling Janiak who was far from fazed by the glittering occasion.
He owns the gelding in partnership with his two sons, one of whom, Ben, led up the horse. Since arriving, their winner has been stabled with Geoff Wragg in Newmarket.
"Difficult to believe this," added the trainer, pushing his hired top hat to the back of his head and sipping a glass of champagne. You'd guessed he have preferred a cold Fosters.
"Our horse won at the minor tracks, and I never thought he'd take me to places like this. It was after he'd won the Lighting Stakes back home that we first thought about coming, and the Ascot people came over to encourage us. This is some holiday.
"I'm quite serious when I say he'll be better in the Golden Jubilee. I'd been a little easy on him, after all the travelling, and he'll be just that bit sharper. As you can see, he has a bit of a winter coat."
Life is unlikely to change too much for the laid-back Janiak. He has trained about 100 winners in 30 years, and is happy to keep the operation small scale.
"I did renew my taxi driver's licencebefore I came out here. Now I'll be able to get a new taxi. Whatever happens as a result of this win, I wouldn't want the yard to get much bigger than it is now. We're moving soon to Coff's Harbour, which is on the coast between Brisbane and Sydney. I'vea flat to live in there, so the caravan will go."
Jockey Jay Ford feared that Takeover Target had been caught on the line by Benbaun.
"He was just getting a bit tired close home, and I was worried as we went over the line. But this is an amazingly tough horse, who refuses give in. That's his trademark."
Ford, 22, who has a long association with the winner, added: "It's a lot to ask backing up with another race on Saturday, but this horse can do it. There's no doubt in my mind that he's better over six furlongs than today's five."
Janiak said his winner may stay on in Britain for the July Cup.
After that he'll probably go to Japan and Hong Kong. He'll have a very high handicap mark back home now, we may retire him after Hong Kong."
Therewas a hiccup before the race over a mix-up resulting from by the differences between Australian and Britain's racing terminology.
Takeover Target was declared to wear cheekpieces, but that was never the intention of his connections who reckoned that meant a chunky noseband.
With the gelding having travelled 12,000 miles to compete, there was hardly going to be too much of a commotion.
From The Racing Post:
TAKEOVER HITS THE TARGET
WITH that dogged conviction and courage that symbolises the character of Australian sport, the £500 buy trained by a part-time taxi driver gave weight and a beating to the fastest of Europe's sprinters at Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
And be warned - the team behind Takeover Target reckon he'll be more of a force when he returns for even richer second helpings on Saturday in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes, the second leg of the Global Challenge.
A bull of a speedster, with thick muscles, Takeover Target refused to surrender the advantage after taking on the lead of the nearside group with a furlong to go. He heldon by a short head.
"This race will just about put him right for the weekend, and I've always maintained that he's better over the extra furlong."
Those were the words of trainer Joe Janiak, who saved Takeover Target from an uncertain future after the gelding was troubled by leg injuries. Now he has conjured one of the outstanding training performance of modern times.
Janiak's Royal Ascot challenge from his ten-horse stable near Canberra was inspired by fellow Australian Choisir, who pulled off the spectacular double three years ago. Takeover Target is now as short as 9-4 to do the same.
"Choisir's success was big news back home, and I guess this will be too," grinned the caravan-dwelling Janiak who was far from fazed by the glittering occasion.
He owns the gelding in partnership with his two sons, one of whom, Ben, led up the horse. Since arriving, their winner has been stabled with Geoff Wragg in Newmarket.
"Difficult to believe this," added the trainer, pushing his hired top hat to the back of his head and sipping a glass of champagne. You'd guessed he have preferred a cold Fosters.
"Our horse won at the minor tracks, and I never thought he'd take me to places like this. It was after he'd won the Lighting Stakes back home that we first thought about coming, and the Ascot people came over to encourage us. This is some holiday.
"I'm quite serious when I say he'll be better in the Golden Jubilee. I'd been a little easy on him, after all the travelling, and he'll be just that bit sharper. As you can see, he has a bit of a winter coat."
Life is unlikely to change too much for the laid-back Janiak. He has trained about 100 winners in 30 years, and is happy to keep the operation small scale.
"I did renew my taxi driver's licencebefore I came out here. Now I'll be able to get a new taxi. Whatever happens as a result of this win, I wouldn't want the yard to get much bigger than it is now. We're moving soon to Coff's Harbour, which is on the coast between Brisbane and Sydney. I'vea flat to live in there, so the caravan will go."
Jockey Jay Ford feared that Takeover Target had been caught on the line by Benbaun.
"He was just getting a bit tired close home, and I was worried as we went over the line. But this is an amazingly tough horse, who refuses give in. That's his trademark."
Ford, 22, who has a long association with the winner, added: "It's a lot to ask backing up with another race on Saturday, but this horse can do it. There's no doubt in my mind that he's better over six furlongs than today's five."
Janiak said his winner may stay on in Britain for the July Cup.
After that he'll probably go to Japan and Hong Kong. He'll have a very high handicap mark back home now, we may retire him after Hong Kong."
Therewas a hiccup before the race over a mix-up resulting from by the differences between Australian and Britain's racing terminology.
Takeover Target was declared to wear cheekpieces, but that was never the intention of his connections who reckoned that meant a chunky noseband.
With the gelding having travelled 12,000 miles to compete, there was hardly going to be too much of a commotion.
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arganaut
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Takeover Target
It's true erins isle about part-owning Takeover Target.
But only like all Australians feel right now and many others around the world.
We knew he was a special horse before he went to England and I think all racing people love the spirit of a thoroughbred who refuses to give up and let another horse go past without a massive fight.
It was a bleary-eyed day for me but one I would do over a million times but I guess that is why a horse like him is so special - you know they don't just come along everyday.
Being a horse owner myself a couple of times I really appreciate how few thoroughbreds actually ever make it to the track let alone win a race.
Takeover is a special breed, his racing action might not be 'text-book' but his heart gets the job done for him....and I guess at the end of day the most important part of a thoroughbred is one which can't be measured anywhere other than at the finish line - the will to win.
I hope you all have enjoyed the last few weeks as much as I have...and to think it may only be just the beginning with the Gr 1 Golden Jubilee on in a few days for Takeover and his trainer saying today he may stay on for the July Cup as well before going to Dubai and Hong Kong.
This is the stuff that dreams are made of - lets all go along for the ride!
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But only like all Australians feel right now and many others around the world.
We knew he was a special horse before he went to England and I think all racing people love the spirit of a thoroughbred who refuses to give up and let another horse go past without a massive fight.
It was a bleary-eyed day for me but one I would do over a million times but I guess that is why a horse like him is so special - you know they don't just come along everyday.
Being a horse owner myself a couple of times I really appreciate how few thoroughbreds actually ever make it to the track let alone win a race.
Takeover is a special breed, his racing action might not be 'text-book' but his heart gets the job done for him....and I guess at the end of day the most important part of a thoroughbred is one which can't be measured anywhere other than at the finish line - the will to win.
I hope you all have enjoyed the last few weeks as much as I have...and to think it may only be just the beginning with the Gr 1 Golden Jubilee on in a few days for Takeover and his trainer saying today he may stay on for the July Cup as well before going to Dubai and Hong Kong.
This is the stuff that dreams are made of - lets all go along for the ride!
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Last edited by arganaut on Fri Feb 04, 2011 9:12 am, edited 3 times in total.
Public Radio's "The World" program had a segment dedicated to Takeover Target today. I listened intently as they compared the gelding to Seabiscuit; the commentators were awed by Takeover's tenacity and his humble roots.
They said that he has made a name for himself in England and has stole some of the limelight from the country's football team!
Good luck Double T!
They said that he has made a name for himself in England and has stole some of the limelight from the country's football team!
Good luck Double T!
A horse gallops with his lungs
Perseveres with his heart
And wins with his character. --Tesio
Perseveres with his heart
And wins with his character. --Tesio
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arganaut
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Takeover Target
I had the great pleasure of speaking to Joe tonight and congratulate him, his son Ben and of course Takeover Target, on behalf of all his many fans in Oz.
And the fairytale might be far from over as in 2 days time Takeover takes his place in the Gr 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes over TT's favourite distance and race - 1200m down the straight.
There are 19 starters and if Takeover wins he is one race win away from a $1.3m bonus in the Global Sprinting Championship - he is currently on 40 points, 20 in front of the nearest rival.
I will leave you with these words Joe said to me tonight, "It would be nice to pick up another one".
Happy days!
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And the fairytale might be far from over as in 2 days time Takeover takes his place in the Gr 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes over TT's favourite distance and race - 1200m down the straight.
There are 19 starters and if Takeover wins he is one race win away from a $1.3m bonus in the Global Sprinting Championship - he is currently on 40 points, 20 in front of the nearest rival.
I will leave you with these words Joe said to me tonight, "It would be nice to pick up another one".
Happy days!
________
Last edited by arganaut on Wed Feb 02, 2011 8:38 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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wilf
- Breeder's Cup Contender
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- Location: Ocala, Florida.
Well its another terrific story in the rich folklore of Australian Racing, following in the footsteps of Makybe Diva, Kingston Town, Tulloch, Bernborough and Phar Lap. I hope that he stays sound, they do seem to last longer in Oz as the medication rules are pretty tough. When I lived in Melbourne there was a horse called Dor Kon that was pulled from a load going to Asia to race as the dealer liked him a bit and he ended up winning one of the great " Straight Six" races.........The Newmarket Hcp I believe, not bad for a tousand dollar cast-off!
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arganaut
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Takeover Target
Hi wilf,
Yes, Dor Kon, won the 1980 Newmarket Hcp carrying 46.5kg and surviving a protest.
Possibly the greatest sprinter Australia has ever produced - by consensus of many respected opinions - was the champion Manikato.
As hard as it is, almost impossible, to compare gallopers, yesterday, one of the best judges in this part of the world for many a year rated Takeover Target as good.
Manikato won 5 consecutive William Reids 1979-1983 1200m (now known as the Gr 1 Australia Stakes - the same race Cape Of Good Hope came and won in 2005) held at Moonee Valley - a remarkable feat. Manikato amazingly also survived 2 heart attacks. There is a statue in his honour at Moonee Valley.
Hi Ill-bred, carrying big weights is no problem as Takeover Target carried 60.5kg over 1350m around the bend and he was just 0.15s outside the Australian Record set in 1963.
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Yes, Dor Kon, won the 1980 Newmarket Hcp carrying 46.5kg and surviving a protest.
Possibly the greatest sprinter Australia has ever produced - by consensus of many respected opinions - was the champion Manikato.
As hard as it is, almost impossible, to compare gallopers, yesterday, one of the best judges in this part of the world for many a year rated Takeover Target as good.
Manikato won 5 consecutive William Reids 1979-1983 1200m (now known as the Gr 1 Australia Stakes - the same race Cape Of Good Hope came and won in 2005) held at Moonee Valley - a remarkable feat. Manikato amazingly also survived 2 heart attacks. There is a statue in his honour at Moonee Valley.
Hi Ill-bred, carrying big weights is no problem as Takeover Target carried 60.5kg over 1350m around the bend and he was just 0.15s outside the Australian Record set in 1963.
________
Last edited by arganaut on Fri Feb 04, 2011 9:12 am, edited 3 times in total.
-
erins isle
- Grade III Winner
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- Joined: Mon Sep 20, 2004 6:26 am
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From the Racing Post:
Janiak hoping for Takeover double
by Keith Hamer (June 23)
JOE JANIAK believes Takeover Target has every chance of completing the big sprint double for Australia in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday.
The seven-year-old bids to add the Group 1 sprint over six furlongs to his victory in the five-furlong King's Stand Stakes on Tuesday.
If successful he will emulate his compatriot Choisir who took both races for Paul Perry in 2003.
"We're in with a chance of doing the double," said Janiak, who is happier with the stalls position his charge has been allocated for the Golden Jubilee compared to the King's Stand.
Takeover Target will break from stall 13 in a field of 19, having started from 17 of 28 on Tuesday.
"The barrier draw's better than last time," said Janiak.
Before Tuesday's race, Janiak walked the course with jockey Jay Ford, who brought Takeover Target towards the centre of the trackto make his winning challenge.
Janiak reported his £500 bargain buy to be in fine shape following his short head win over Benbaun in the King's Stand. That was his 12th win in 19 starts and victory on Saturday would take his earnings past the £1 million mark.
"He's all right and he's been good since Tuesday," Janiak went on.
As expected, the victory has been well received back in Australia.
"We've had lots of messages. The support from home has been great," he added.
A second Australian raider going for glory is Glamour Puss, who was only beaten about a length when seventh in the King's Stand.
"She has come through her first run tremendously well and Danny (O'Brien, trainer) couldn't be any happier with her," said Garry Chittick, the mare's New Zealand owner and breeder.
"She usually takes a run to get to her best form.
"This is the main race we brought her to Europe for," Chittick told New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing.
"The distance of the King's Stand Stakes was always going to be too short for her as she is a 1200 metres (six furlong) specialist.
"In saying that, I was very happy with her run the other day and full credit to the winner, Takeover Target, for his performance which was a great result for the Australasian breeding and racing industry."
We all have our fingers crossed for you TT!! This will be a Royal Ascot week to remember until we are all old and grey!!!! Let's see it all tomorrow afternoon.....
Janiak hoping for Takeover double
by Keith Hamer (June 23)
JOE JANIAK believes Takeover Target has every chance of completing the big sprint double for Australia in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot on Saturday.
The seven-year-old bids to add the Group 1 sprint over six furlongs to his victory in the five-furlong King's Stand Stakes on Tuesday.
If successful he will emulate his compatriot Choisir who took both races for Paul Perry in 2003.
"We're in with a chance of doing the double," said Janiak, who is happier with the stalls position his charge has been allocated for the Golden Jubilee compared to the King's Stand.
Takeover Target will break from stall 13 in a field of 19, having started from 17 of 28 on Tuesday.
"The barrier draw's better than last time," said Janiak.
Before Tuesday's race, Janiak walked the course with jockey Jay Ford, who brought Takeover Target towards the centre of the trackto make his winning challenge.
Janiak reported his £500 bargain buy to be in fine shape following his short head win over Benbaun in the King's Stand. That was his 12th win in 19 starts and victory on Saturday would take his earnings past the £1 million mark.
"He's all right and he's been good since Tuesday," Janiak went on.
As expected, the victory has been well received back in Australia.
"We've had lots of messages. The support from home has been great," he added.
A second Australian raider going for glory is Glamour Puss, who was only beaten about a length when seventh in the King's Stand.
"She has come through her first run tremendously well and Danny (O'Brien, trainer) couldn't be any happier with her," said Garry Chittick, the mare's New Zealand owner and breeder.
"She usually takes a run to get to her best form.
"This is the main race we brought her to Europe for," Chittick told New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing.
"The distance of the King's Stand Stakes was always going to be too short for her as she is a 1200 metres (six furlong) specialist.
"In saying that, I was very happy with her run the other day and full credit to the winner, Takeover Target, for his performance which was a great result for the Australasian breeding and racing industry."
We all have our fingers crossed for you TT!! This will be a Royal Ascot week to remember until we are all old and grey!!!! Let's see it all tomorrow afternoon.....
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wilf
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Hi Arganaut.........dont get me started! Oh well its too late now! Manikato by Manihi from Markato, raised in a back yard in Adelaide I believe! Broke his maiden at Cranbourne. Was trained by Bon Hoysted for the Golden Slipper but he passed away.........nice guy. Trained subsequently throughout a great career by brother Bob, what a day at Moonee Valley when he became the first sprinter to earn a million$ on the same day that Kingston Town won another Cox Plate! I remember those days clearly as I was on the front line of the game strapping Ming Dynasty and Maybe Mahal among others. Picture Ming winning his second Caulfield Cup at age seven putting away the two best horses around in Hyperno and Kingston Town at 50/1...... I got 66/1.Actually Belmura Lad was a top class horse at the time but was overshadowed by them.....Concerning Royal Ascot , I thought that Starcraft should have gone there instead of wasting his time and money in the Breeders Cup Classic on the dirt. Regards Wilf.
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arganaut
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Takeover Target
Thanks Ernis Isle.
I'm with you Barbaro.
Wow Wilf - that is amazing! To strap Ming and Maybe Mahal - the mighty Midge Didham and the legend J.B. Cummings in the '80 Caulfield Cup...you have certainly been amongst it!
Would have loved to see Starcraft at Royal Ascot too - apparently he is setting new records in the breeding barn for fertility - off the chart!
You might be interested to know in about an hour Dandy Kid is attempting to set a new record for most wins at Moonee Valley. If he wins today that will be number 15!!
In 24hrs, it will be time for Flight Takeover Target to grace the Royal Ascot runway and prepare for take off!! All aboard for the ride of your life!
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I'm with you Barbaro.
Wow Wilf - that is amazing! To strap Ming and Maybe Mahal - the mighty Midge Didham and the legend J.B. Cummings in the '80 Caulfield Cup...you have certainly been amongst it!
Would have loved to see Starcraft at Royal Ascot too - apparently he is setting new records in the breeding barn for fertility - off the chart!
You might be interested to know in about an hour Dandy Kid is attempting to set a new record for most wins at Moonee Valley. If he wins today that will be number 15!!
In 24hrs, it will be time for Flight Takeover Target to grace the Royal Ascot runway and prepare for take off!! All aboard for the ride of your life!
________
Last edited by arganaut on Fri Feb 04, 2011 9:13 am, edited 3 times in total.
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arganaut
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Takeover Target
Latest news by UK reporter J McGrath.
Joe says main danger is the other Aussie horse, Glamour Puss.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.j ... hots24.xml
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Joe says main danger is the other Aussie horse, Glamour Puss.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.j ... hots24.xml
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Last edited by arganaut on Fri Feb 04, 2011 9:13 am, edited 3 times in total.
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arganaut
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Joe
Here is a great story on how Takeover came to be, how he was named, how his trainer was born on a ship, became a trainer and much more -
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/st ... 22,00.html
2 hrs to go and if Joe wins he will be presented with the trophy by the Queen!
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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/st ... 22,00.html
2 hrs to go and if Joe wins he will be presented with the trophy by the Queen!
________
Last edited by arganaut on Fri Feb 04, 2011 9:14 am, edited 3 times in total.
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arganaut
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Takeover Target
The horses are in the mounting yard and the jockeys are up.
Weather fine, track good.
Joe looks a picture in his top hat - dressed to meet the Queen in ten minutes!
Stay tuned folks!
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Weather fine, track good.
Joe looks a picture in his top hat - dressed to meet the Queen in ten minutes!
Stay tuned folks!
________
Last edited by arganaut on Fri Feb 04, 2011 9:14 am, edited 3 times in total.