Gr2 MISSILE Stakes “WON IT” as I AM ME Sizzles

08 Aug 23

The New 2023-24 Racing Season's First Stakes Race went to Dynamic mare
I AM ME with an all-the-way triumph.

I AM ME trounces her rivals Winning the Gr2 Missile S., ahead of Dragonstone (2nd) & Deepour (3rd)

(NOTE: Out of respect to connections of Big Parade who was fatally injured during this race -
our story was deliberately delayed 72 hours before posting.)

Dynamic Syndications now 5YO Mare I AM ME (I AM INVINCIBLE x MEFNOODA) recorded her 8th race win from 14 starts when adding this Group 2 Success to her already wonderful resume.

I AM ME wins eased down

Our Ciaron Maher & David Eustace trained “darling of the turf” simply sizzled for jet pilot TIM CLARK as the Dynamic Duo controlled the race throughout and had the luxury to be eased down when the camera flashed to take out the prestigious $300,000 Toyota Forklift ATC Missile Stakes Gr2 1200m at Rosehill on Saturday 5th August, scoring a resounding win.

Despite only being 90% fit noting that her real grand final is still some 11 weeks away, I Am Me ($2.40) was off and gone scoring by 1¾ lengths to Dragonstone ($26), with Deepour ($17) a length back in third in a time of 1:09.67 (600m 34.29).

In the Dynamic Syndications Silks, I AM ME for the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace Team, Australia’s Number 1 Stable last season, continued their amazing winter carnival success. I AM ME made good progress last preparation, rising through the grades quickly, winning four (4) on the trot including a Listed Race in Sydney in track record time.

Having last raced back on the 25th February, when 2 lengths away in the Gr1 Oakleigh Plate, I AM ME was resuming from a spell, after two outstanding trials and looking to add to her brilliant racetrack resume.

Our Dynamic mare returned to the sport having grown and matured significantly during her break away and was scintillating for her terrific Team of Dynamic Owners.

From the time I AM ME was sent to the spelling paddock, her racing programme had been set to have the two trials as foundation fitness to be ready and to be forward enough for a solid effort at 1200m, as we aimed for the valuable Gr2 status on the pedigree page and the many zeros that would add to her commercial value for the breeding barn when motherhood eventually comes calling.

However, this preparation is all about the grand plan of being, super fit, well and ready to have a genuine crack at the Gr1 Manikato Stakes on Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley.

A map of how we arrive there was to be dependent upon how I AM ME returned to our sport, and she gave connections and racing fans no doubt that she returned far better than she went out.

Winning the Missile Stakes Gr2 added to her Listed Canterbury Sprint 1200m win in Track Record Time on New Year's Day.

I AM ME winning the Canterbury Sprint 1200m Listed Race on New Year's Day.

Her resume now reads 14 starts: 8-1-1 & $636,600.

Congratulations to our Loyal OWNERSHIP TEAM that race
I AM ME: Dynamic Syndications Racing, Sheikh M B K Al Maktoum, Mrs J M Crooks, B & K Ramsey Family, Mr P J Woollett, Mr G Rassos, Mr R J Gall, Mr R G Dawkins, Mr A W Robertson, Mr A Cranes, Mr A Mitchell, Mrs M Joyce, Mr M G Joyce, Mr S B Troughton, Mr D P Lacey, Mr MJ Millner, Mr S Finnigan and Mr A D Vella

Ridden perfectly by Tim Clark to a well thought through plan, in a race that appeared to have exceptionally slick speed on paper, the Ciaron Maher and Dave Eustace-trained I AM ME was smashed in betting from $4.00 on Friday to head to the barriers as the clear $2.40 favourite.

I AM ME on her way to the barriers pre-race

We had devised our race strategy with Tim Clark to be “handlebar’s down” and use her natural gate speed from barrier 1 for the first 200m and then we anticipated that speed would be injected from Wewillrock, Fender and Big Parade whilst “whispers were strong” about Big Parade connections wanting to lead at all costs.

So, from barrier 1, for the first furlong, we were going to dig up and hold the fence underneath those wider runners, to put pressure on each go forward horse drawn outside us. The 7yo gelding Big Parade after having been off the racetrack for over 450 days would need to spend vital petrol early. We anticipated if anything went crazy to cross us to lead, then we would ease out of that pace battle and track that runner. With our mare’s class and such a light weight, we should be able to run over the top of any leader in the final furlong.

As the gates opened, the field bounced as one, then Big Parade (4) after 50 metres was pushed hard to be a half-neck in front of I AM ME in his attempt to break away to establish a margin whilst Golden Mile (2) pushed up to be between us and Big Parade and Fender (8) was pushing up from out wide.

Jockey Tim Clark used barrier one to take up the ascendancy and expertly controlled proceedings from the top of the field.

Tim was sitting pretty on I AM ME in no hurry to advance, with our mare travelling sweetly under her own steam with superior natural speed I AM ME pushed forward to be in control.

After they ran the first 100m the field started to sort itself out. Tim had a stranglehold on I AM ME who controlled the fence and Big Parade couldn’t answer her natural pace and was sitting second eyeballing I AM ME with Fender and Golden Mile withdrawing from the speed battle into one pair back tracking us.

At the 900m, Tim could see Josh Parr was struggling on Big Parade to keep up the pace and Tim slipped I AM ME some rein, and she worked a length in front, with a length back to Fender 3 deep, and Golden Mile 2.5 lengths behind us on the fence.

This far out I AM ME connections were confident the race was all but over as our mare had not spent any extra energy to control the race and had broken the will of those wanting to be forward.

Such was her dominance; Tim was able to slow the race tempo down from the 800m to the 600m with our mare bowling along with her head on her chest and those chasing still working to stay in touch.

Passing the 600m Tim hadn’t moved as the chasing brigade started to urge their horses along to make up the ground.

Tim waited until he straightened for the run home as the field swung the turn, then as they passed the 400m marker, Tim pushed the “go button” and our mare put a length and a half on Big Parade and 3 lengths and further on the rest of the field.

Sadly, for and connections of Big Parade and our sport, at the 320m mark, there were horrible scenes as Big Parade broke down and laid in towards the running rail, which caused interference to Golden Mile and Rocketing By was also hampered at that point.

Tim and I Am Me had no idea of what transpired behind them and passing the 300m the Dynamic Duo went whoosh and opened up a 3-length break on the chasing pack.

I AM ME = Off & Gone !

Out of the ruck, the fittest horse in the race Dragonstone who was having his fifth run for the preparation, ran on down the outside as the rest of the field was wilting under the pressure of the pace.

Passing the 100m mark, I AM ME was still two lengths in front of Dragonstone with two lengths back to Wewillrock and a length to Deepour.

I AM ME = Light on her feet !

Tim was looking at the Big Screen infield and knew our mare was full of running and in no danger as Dragonstone’s run had ended. So, for the final 80 metres Tim had the luxury to be hands and heels to the post and was even able to sit up the last 30 metres to coast to the line.

Heartbreakingly for connections of Big Parade, we learned he had sustained a fatal injury to his near-side shoulder and following an immediate vet examination, sadly Big Parade was euthanised.

I AM ME was flying!

I Am Me already had the race won at the time of the incident, but all owners and participants are involved in our sport because of our mutual love for horses, and this had been a tragic event.

It only came to our attention after the post as the field pulled up and we could see the tragedy unfolding back down the straight.

I AM ME returning to scale

That incident naturally, left connections of I AM ME with a hollow, gutted feeling for Big Parade and his connections. Once the reality had sunk in as to what had happened, it put an immediate sobering darkness on what would have been scenes of adulation and celebration for our mare’s first Gr2 success.

Returning to scale, Tim Clark, reflected the mood speaking with Sky Racing:

“She was great but it not a great feeling coming back to that (Big Parade),” said Tim.

“She stepped well enough and Big Parade was never going to be able to burst away to lead me comfortably.

“I was just able to do enough (to hold the lead) without firing her up, she got a bit of control through the middle stages, and once we got on the circle, she came back and gained control and with that weight on her back, being a mare of that quality, she would always be hard to run down. She has kicked off her preparation in great style.”

I AM ME by winning the Gr2 Missile Stakes, adds her name to a roll of honour that includes wonderful racehorses RAZOR SHARP; CAMPAIGN KING; JOANNE; KLOKA; COMMANDS; LONHRO; SPARK OF LIFE; DANCE HERO; RAIN AFFAIR; SWEET IDEA; PIERATA; ALIZEE; EDUARDO; etc.

The Ciaron Maher Team reported:

Ciaron Maher's Sydney foreman Johann Gerard-Dubourd "Aussie Jo" receives the Trainers Trophy from ATC Chairman Peter McGuaran

“We saw I AM ME go to another level last season, ending in a run in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate in February. While simply running in a Group 1 was considered a great result last prep, our sights have been set higher after a comfortable win in Saturday's Group 2 Missile Stakes.

She jumped cleanly and Tim Clark was happy to lead with the light weight. Some cheap sectionals mid-race allowed her to kick away late, although it was a sad footnote to the race knowing that BIG PARADE had an injury behind.

Still, it was an impressive win, with her pulling away on the line, and I AM ME is set for a big Spring now with race options aplenty, including a potential assault on the Gr1 Manikato Stakes.”

I Am Me has so far banked $636,600 for her connections, with her value extending well beyond that – an outstanding return on the $210,000 that Dynamic Syndications and Dean Watt Bloodstock paid to purchase her from the draft of Segenhoe Stud (As Agent) at the 2020 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

I AM ME after we purchased her at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier yearling sales

“Teamwork Makes the Dream Work,” and we acknowledge and thank Peter O’Brien from Segenhoe Stud, who gave us the “tip” at the Inglis sales that the then yearling filly would have a very reasonable reserve set as the breeder was a genuine seller. We had liked her on type and genetic cross but believed she would be well beyond our price ceiling. When Peter advised the realistic reserve was being set, we arranged for our vet to go through a detailed inspection. The filly was clean on x-ray and had a Grade 1 scope, and our vet Dr Tim Roberts gave us the green light and said, “if you don’t buy her I will.” So, we did buy her. We couldn’t believe we grabbed a filly like that for $210,000 in the salering, but she was there for sale, for open competition, and it was just one of those very occasional sale ring bargains.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum

She was bred by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum who shares in the Ownership Team of I AM ME, and is the first winner from Mefnooda, 5-time winning metro winner half-sister by Medaglia D’Oro (USA) to Group 3 winning filly One Last Dance and daughter of Group 3 winner One World.

Mefnooda was bought by Cambridge Stud at the 2019 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $450,000 and was covered by Too Darn Hot (GB) last spring after missing the year before.

I Am Me is the first stakes-winner of the new season for Yarraman Park’s reigning Champion Sire I Am Invincible, who is fully booked at a fee of $302,500.

Betting tells a story - I Am Me in betting had opened on Wednesday at $3.50 equal favourite and blew to $4.00 when money came for Big Parade into $2.60.

Then on Saturday the money came heavily and was backed into $3.20, then a late rally saw her into $2.40. Bookmakers couldn't right a ticket on Big Parade and he blew like a southerly buster out to $5.00 with some corporate bookmakers by start time. Reports from the TAB are that the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained I AM ME carried 33 per cent of the hold. Notable bets on the winner included $2,500 @ $2.80, $2,000 @ $2.70 and $7,800 @ $2.50.

Whilst well regarded media man Ron Dufficy made I AM ME his “Run of the Day.”

"I Am Me returned with a bang winning the Missile Stakes."

"She has developed again from last preparation. Although we have some sharp up and coming sprinters around heading into the Spring, she has to be amongst the pack."

Our Brilliant sprinter I Am Me highlighted her The Everest credentials with this strong Group 2 Missile Stakes victory but the allure of an all-important Group 1 could determine how her spring unfolds.

Adam Watt, Dean Watt, Johann and Peter McGuaran - Trophy presentation.

Adam Watt with Co-Owner "Lucky George" who has won many elite races with
Dynamic Syndications - He's certainly one of our "Lucky Charms"

Dean Watt, from Dynamic Syndications was interviewed by Mitch Cohen for the Daily Telegraph / Racenet about the plans for I AM ME stating:

"From day one coming into this preparation the Manikato Stakes has always been the target simply because we just feel her racing style will be suited to The Valley," Watt said.

"She is an on-pace runner with a high cruising speed that can naturally sprint off the front.

"At The Valley those behind her would need to go wider so it just seems like a race that would suit her."

I Am Me is a $9 TAB chance for the Manikato Stakes (1200) at The Valley on October 28, which is staged a fortnight before the $20m The Everest where she is $15 hope.

Running in Australia‘s most lucrative sprint isn't out of the question for I Am Me.

Watt confirmed he has been contacted by slot holders regarding I Am Me's The Everest prospects, but he admits there are several key factors that need to be considered.

Connections must still negotiate with slot holders for a percentage of the prize pool while running a mare in the race must be weighed up against the value of black type on her breeding page.

"It's a great race for a gelding, it's a great race for a stallion prospect but for a mare it's not always the greatest move business wise unless you think it will win," Watt said.

"I am not saying she can't win it because she's got such a great cruising speed and she's come back bigger and stronger.

"I wouldn't say she wouldn't run in an Everest, but it would have to be under circumstances that suit the slot holder and ourselves.

"There is still so much more water to go under the bridge.

"It's two weeks before the Manikato so we would consider it but our aim is always about maximising her commercial value."

Going Forward: I AM ME was sent to the paddock for 5 days to get over the run where she trots each morning and grazes during the day before being boxed at night. Her next assignment will be the option of either: The Gr3 Cockram Stakes 1200m at Caulfield on 2nd September – a SW&P event for fillies and mares over 1200m, with Blake Shinn booked to ride, or wait until the 9th September for the Gr2 Sheraco Stakes SW&P for fillies and mares 1200m at Randwick. How she rebounds after the Missile Stakes run over the next 7-10 days will determine which way we will look to head, as will barrier draws at Caulfield.

I Am Me - Winner Gr.2 Missile Stakes 5.8.23 from Dynamic Syndications on Vimeo.

I AM ME capped a Terrific Day for DYNAMIC SYNDICATIONS - we had two runners at ROSEHILL and earlier on the programme, we Won Race 2 with HARD TO SAY for his All Ladies Ownership Team.

HARD TO SAY leads all the way to win Race 2