Chloe Baxter and Jade Hampson were the toast of Fannie Bay on Saturday when they combined with Vanguard Legend for a memorable victory in the $75,000 DCOH Darwin Guineas, feature event on Day 1 of the Great Northern Darwin Cup Carnival.
Baxter, who sent out her first winner, First Crusade, a little over three years ago, had previously sent out a feature winner at the Carnival, He’s The Ultimate winning the Metric Mile for her in 2023.
But she took her training career to the next level with the Guineas win of Vanguard Legend (as well as the Guineas consolation in the previous event), and had the pleasure of sharing it with her good friend Hampson, who served the majority of her apprenticeship in Darwin with Tayarn Halter, Baxter’s mentor when she was looking to begin a training career.
Credit must also go to Hampson, who was able to manoeuvre her mount, who began from the outside gate in the 11-horse field, onto the inside fence by the time the field passed the 1200m mark. There she remained as Fly, Vieri and Simply Just made play out in front, closely pursued by Bruno Bruno and The Men Went Home.
With about 500m to run, Vanguard Legend improved along the inner to be right behind the leaders Fly, Vieri and Bruno Bruno and on the inner of The Men Went Home. On straightening, Hampson made the split-second decision to stay to the fence, and dived through to hit the lead with about 150m to run.
The Men Went Home made his challenge out in the middle of the track but he could not match the sprint produced by Vanguard Legend, the margin at the line a length and a-half. Bruno Bruno ground home to take third four lengths away, with Fly and rank outsider Pigeon close up next.
A beaming Baxter said: “What a thrill! I’ve had a lot of support and today is just the icing on the cake. And it’s great to win it with Jade, we’ve been mates for years now.”
Hampson, who rode her 100th career winner in Darwin a couple of weeks ago, had previously won the Alice Springs Cup in 2023 aboard Write Your Name, but Saturday’s victory was her biggest in the Top End.
“He gave me such a great ride, and Chloe has done an awesome job with him. He was very strong through the line too so bring on the Derby!” said Hampson.
Vanguard Legend, a 3yo bay gelding by Microphone from Leading The Way, was previously trained by Peter Robl before entering Baxter’s care earlier this year.
He has now won four of his 12 starts for his large ownership group, which includes Baxter and the Women In Thoroughbred Racing Legends No 1 and No 2 syndicates managed by Brooke Prince and Toni Kostas respectively.
The $135,000 Ladbrokes NT Derby (2050m) on 19 July will now be on Vanguard Legend’s agenda as he looks to pick up the $50,000 DCOH Darwin Double for winning both 3yo features.
In the previous race, Capitol Hill justified the decision of Baxter to dodge the Darwin Guineas with a solid victory in the Frontier Hotel and Punters Bar TROBIS 3YO Handicap (1600m).
The 3yo son of Prized Icon and Yankee Eyes would have got a run in the Guineas with his 56 rating, but Baxter elected to “take the easier option” and aided by a lovely ride from Jason “Hip Hop” Lyon, Capitol Hill duly saluted.
After beginning well enough, Lyon allowed his mount to settle fifth or sixth in the run and one-off the inside fence as Cassette and Point Loma cut out the pace. Lyon improved his position approaching the home turn and soon after straightening, he was alongside Cassette, who weakened soon after.
A good home stretch battle ensued between Capitol Hill and the Phil Cole stablemates Graysville and Saxon Beach, but the former had a little too much up his sleeve and reached the line a length and a-half clear of Graysville, with Saxon Beach a short neck away third and The Accelator fourth.
Purchased cheaply from an online auction by co-owner Jamie Dyer, who shares in the ownership with Baxter, Capitol Hill has now won twice from some 13 starts, and the way in which he hit the line on Saturday, a tilt at the Ladbrokes NT Derby may well be on the cards to give Baxter a strong two-pronged attack.
“That’s Jason’s first win for me – he’s staying at my place while he’s up in Darwin so that will go some way towards paying the rent!” laughed Dyer afterwards.
Story Courtesy Andrew O’Toole