Dothraki Withstands Protest

Saturday, 09 November 2013 03:21

Sydney galloper Dothraki withstood a protest from runner up Suavito to retain his win in the Hilton Hotels & Resorts Stakes at Flemington this afternoon.

Beaten by only a long head, James Winks on Suavito fired in a protest alleging interference from Dothraki, ridden by Nash Rawiller over the concluding stages of the race.

Dothraki

Stewards threw out the objection on the basis that while there was interference, they did not think it was of sufficient magnitude to change the outcome of the race.

Dothraki had a little backing from $14 into $12 while Suavito was well supported from $7 into $5. Third placed Consorting, only a long head behind Suavito was also backed from $5.50 to $4.40.

Dothraki

Winning trainer Gerald Ryan has always had a big opinion of Dothraki, comparing him favourably to stable star Snitzerland.

"I've always had a huge wrap on him and he's probably the only horse in the stable that can get anywhere near Snitzerland", Ryan noted.

Dothraki with Suavito (obscured) and Consorting (outside)

Snitzerland ran second in the Dilmah Earl Grey Stakes on Cup Day and Dothraki accompanied her to Melbourne.

"The only race we could find was this so we came down and had a crack", Ryan explained.

Dothraki had been running over sprint distances but Ryan took on board the suggestion of rider Jay Ford to step him up in distance.

"He's just taken a while to put it together and Jay Ford when he rode him the other day suggested that I go to 1400m where there's less tempo", Ryan said.

Dothraki with Nash Rawiller

Rawiller has only ridden Dothraki once before when he ran third on the Kensington track at Randwick in early October.

"Full credit to him today because he was stepping up in trip but Gerald had him in terrific order", he said.

"We got across outside the leader and raced beautifully off a moderate tempo and he was very strong to the line."

"He was a bit lost but when the horses came out him he found more."

His job done for the Spring, Ryan plans to spell Dothraki.

"He'll be on the float to go home tomorrow night because I still think the horse has got a lot to learn."

Photos: Fiona Tomlin, Quentin Lang