Racing
Childs play as Grid Girl gets home
Melbourne jockey pushes favourite home for a Sydney riding double.
Jordan Childs makes the odd trip to Sydney but mostly at carnival times so a successful Sunday double at Rosehill made this visit extra worthwhile.
Melbourne-based Childs steered home two promising gallopers to victory along with another placing in his three rides on the card with Grid Girl's 1/2-head margin win in the TAB Handicap (1400m) following Plaintiff's win in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m).
Sandwiched in between was his third placing on the Grahame Begg-trained Wings Of Desire ($4.20) in the Chandon Handicap (1300m).
Grid Girl ($5 fav) notched her third win in as many runs this preparation with the five-year-old winning beforehand at Kyneton and Cranbourne.
Training trio Ben, Will and JD Hayes made the right move testing the mare in Sydney with success for her sixth win in 18 starts with five placings.
"It worked out well from the wide gate and the plan was to be positive on her," Childs said.
"A couple of them wanted to go quick so I was happy to let them go and get a bit of cover.
"It was a good, tough win in the end because she got challenged when she was probably a bit out on her feet but she held on."
That challenge came the Just Party ($9) in second who was the eye catcher of the race.
Peter Snowden has higher autumn carnival aims for three-year-old filly Plaintiff ($3.90).
"She looks above average," Snowden said.
"I thought (stablemate) Nitro had her cold there but she's lightly raced and still learning but I love horses that keep getting up and finding something.
"The autumn isn't far away, is it. A little freshen up won't hurt and get her ready for better class races."
Second-placed Nitro ($4.20) is rated a $15 chance in future markets for the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas (1400m) on January 17.
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