Lanape Vibe outstays rivals while Bestower and Gentileshi are left with hard-luck stories

Promising stayer Lenape Vibe gets the winner’s purse while connections of Bestower and Gentileschi are left wondering what might have been at Rosehill.

Lenape Vibe outstays his rivals in tough conditions at Rosehill. Picture: Getty Images)

There’s not many races when two horses could be declared good things beaten.

But you could argue either Bestower or Gentileschi should have won the Precise Air Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday – and that’s taking nothing away from the winner, Lenape Vibe.

Champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy and Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller combined with Lenape Vibe ($11) for the gelding’s first Saturday success.

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But the connections of Bestower ($3.20 favourite) and Gentileschi ($4.40) were left lamenting what might have been.

The Kris Lees-trained Bestower’s effort to get up for second, beaten only a half-length, was extraordinary given the mare was at least 15 lengths behind the rest of the field early in the race.

“Bestower went into the gates quietly, stood there quietly and seemed ready to go but when they opened the gates, she just stood there and missed it terribly,’’ jockey Chad Schofield said.

“I couldn’t rush her along in that ground, I had to take my time to catch up to the field.

“We did that over a long period of time as I wanted to conserve her energy. It was a big run to just get beaten in the end.’’

Gentileschi’s tale of woe wasn’t as spectacular as Bestower’s but it was very costly nevertheless.

After being given the run of the race, Gentileschi was held up at vital stages in the straight, losing valuable momentum, as jockey Zac Lloyd desperately searched for clear galloping room.

Gentileschi eventually got to the outside and closed off her race well to narrowly miss reeling in Heed The Omens ($5.50) for the minor placing and finishing fourth, just over a length from the winner.

Lenape Vibe gets the W for @cwallerracing under @KPMcEvoy! How about the run of Bestower! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/1kFHnR5Gj0

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“I think she should have won,’’ said Paul Messara, co-trainer of Gentileschi.

But while all this was happening, McEvoy gave Lenape Vibe a perfect ride and was able to guide the lightly-raced son of Maurice to a strong win.

Lenape Vibe was having only his sixth career start, scoring his second win and impressing McEvoy in the process.

“He’s a lovely, big horse and it didn’t surprise me he could do that over a trip,’’ McEvoy said.

“I was hopeful and confident he would get through the ground which he did. He’s a good, off-season middle distance horse.’’

Waller admitted the “very wet (Heavy 10) conditions” made it tough going for Lenape Vibe and his rivals.

“It was a slog out there,’’ Waller said.

“But Kerrin got the horse into a nice rhythm, travelling comfortably, had the horse in a good position turning for home and he was strong to the line.

“Saturday racing is what pays the bills. Whether it is summer in a 40c day or we have a thunderstorm or two, you make the most of what you have got. It all adds up at the end of the year.’’

Originally published as Lanape Vibe outstays rivals while Bestower and Gentileshi are left with hard-luck stories