The Belmont racetrack hosted an action-packed Nicopolis Stakes meeting on Saturday, where a mix of seasoned performers and emerging contenders produced memorable results despite challenging weather conditions. From front-running brilliance to storming late finishes, the day highlighted the depth of Western Australian racing talent and set the stage for an exciting spring ahead.
Swingman Strikes Early
The opening race set the tone with Swingman ($6.50 TABtouch) stamping his authority in decisive fashion. Ridden aggressively by Steve Parnham, the three-year-old took command with 500m remaining and refused to yield, maintaining a strong gallop to win by a neck. It was a continuation of his perfect start to the campaign, marking his second win from as many runs.
Punters had clearly taken note of his trial form, and Swingman’s performance confirmed his status as a horse to follow through the spring.
Sweet Tea’s Breakthrough
A feel-good moment arrived in the next event as Sweet Tea ($19) rewarded loyal backers. The seven-year-old mare, at her 34th career start, produced a stunning run from three-back the fence. Jockey Pat Carbery timed his ride to perfection, steering Sweet Tea past the leaders to secure a half-length victory over He’s Archie ($16).
Supporters had jumped on board after her promising trial nearly two weeks earlier, with odds slashed from $34 into $19. Her perseverance paid off with a long-awaited and well-deserved triumph.
Tropicconi Handles the Conditions
The bleak conditions and poor visibility did little to deter Tropicconi ($12). Shaun McGruddy made full use of the inside draw, pushing the six-year-old into a prominent position early. By railing through to lead on the corner, Tropicconi accelerated strongly and powered away to win by two and a half lengths for trainer Karen Kersley.
It was a commanding performance that showed his ability to thrive when others struggled, particularly in testing track circumstances.
Rokanori Steps Up in Phanta’s Absence
In the build-up to the $100,000 Nicopolis Stakes (1200m), brothers Chris and Michael Gangemi faced disappointment when stable star Phanta, a winner of the Belmont Newmarket and Idyllic Prince Stakes, was sidelined. But Rokanori ($15) ensured their stable still had something to cheer about.
Positioned three-back the rail, jockey Jordan Turner navigated the seven-year-old into clear running before unleashing a powerful finish. He surged over the final 75m to cut down favourite Final Siren ($2.70), scoring by a length.
The victory has elevated Rokanori into calculations for next month’s $1 million Golden Saddle (1200m) slot race.
Antique Star Battles Through
Punters’ pick Antique Star ($2.25f) overcame mid-race obstacles to deliver a gutsy win. Sitting behind Bigdayonit ($20), the five-year-old found himself in difficulty when the front-runner faltered. But Clint Johnston-Porter remained calm, threading his mount through a narrow opening before accelerating up the straight.
Antique Star hit the line strongly, defeating More Than Enuff ($6) by three-quarters of a length, showcasing both his ability and his jockey’s composure under pressure.
Cosmic Crusader’s Stunning Return
Perhaps the most electrifying performance of the day came from Cosmic Crusader ($2.10f). After a tussle for the lead early, the five-year-old eventually controlled the pace with 1000m remaining. Once into the straight, he unleashed a devastating burst, quickly putting four lengths on his rivals.
Johnston-Porter eased him down in the final 100m, yet he still crossed the line three and a half lengths clear in his first outing since October 2024.
The performance was a warning shot to rivals, confirming that Cosmic Crusader is ready to make a significant impact this spring. His effortless dominance marked him as the clear highlight of the Nicopolis Stakes meeting.
Essentric Nature Powers Home
Essentric Nature ($9.50), piloted by William Pike, produced another eye-catching performance. Sitting back early, he gave away a substantial margin to fancied rivals, including stablemate Yorga Pride ($7). But from the 400m mark, he began to eat up ground.
By the 200m point, he had drawn level with Yorga Pride before storming away to win by more than a length. It was an emphatic effort that underlined his strength and finishing power.
I Love Your Smile Redeems Herself
In the final race of the day, patience was rewarded for supporters of I Love Your Smile ($2.80f). The mare had endured a luckless run just seven days earlier, but this time she enjoyed a clear path.
William Pike, showing why he is nicknamed “The Wizard,” probed for gaps before finally unleashing the six-year-old at the furlong. She surged past Lombadina ($14) to win by half a length, giving Pike a double on the card and restoring faith in her ability.
Highlight of the Day
The standout performance belonged to Cosmic Crusader. A son of Maurice, he had shown his class with consecutive wins last year before being sidelined. His first-up victory demonstrated he is back in peak condition and ready to challenge the best.
“All indications from his first-up showing are that he’s back in a big way and can continue the progression.”
Horse to Follow
Eliteone (Race 7) looks a runner to watch going forward. Despite racing three-wide without cover, he fought on gamely to finish third, beaten only a head behind Yorga Pride. With better luck in running, he has the potential to break through in coming starts.
