Well, what a weekend of racing! It all kicked off on Friday night at Moonee Valley with boom youngster Sepoy showing us he could be another Manikato with a dominant win in the race named after one of Australia’s best ever sprinters. Chase The Rainbow staked his claim for the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) next Saturday with a dominant win in the Stutt Stakes.
It was Super Saturday at Randwick and it certainly panned out that way. Doctor Doom was handed the Spring Champion on a platter, Secret Admirer bounced back after an average run the week before to take out the Epsom, Streama proved herself to be a star with a thumping win in the Flight Stakes while Chris Waller dominated another staying race with the Verminator beating stablemate Hawk Island in the Metropolitan.
At Flemington on Sunday, the only horse punters wanted was December Draw, who showed true grit to nail Glass Harmonium in the Turnbull. Who do we follow for the next six weeks? These blackbookers should help.
Moonee Valley:
Sussuro – Jumped well, but immediately Williams eased her back and went to the fence. Was held up, got through late and flashed home for third. She looks to have come back in good order and a win during the carnival in a mares race wouldn’t be beyond her.
More Joyous – Didn’t have the best of luck in running. Sepoy was just so dominant but I think the grand mare was a shade unlucky. Could have finished much closer had she got out earlier. She looked superb in the mounting yard so don’t sack her. Give her a firmer surface and a bigger track and she’ll be winning.
Randwick:
Masthead – Slow pace cost him dearly. 36.05 for the first 600m…no way was Foxwedge going to get beat, despite being ridden upside down. Another stride and Masthead wins so his run was super. Sandown Guineas maybe?
Willy Jimmy – Very good miler who ran a cracking race in the Epsom. Sat midfield, loomed up at the 300m but fitness gave out late but he still finished a close fourth. Can’t wait for him to get to Melbourne. He’ll be hard to beat in a race like the Emirates.
Dowager Queen – I think this is the Oaks winner. There will be no Streama in her way, and Hallowell Belle isn’t a 2500m horse. She sat on the back on Streama but couldn’t match her turn of foot. She still hit the line hard, indicating she’ll lap up the added journey for the future.
Flemington:
Collar – I think the Caulfield Guineas is too soon for him, but long term I think Lloyd as another Cups horse here. He did some work early, sat outside the leader, cruised to the front and could have won by four or five but Hall eased him up the last 100m and recorded a very soft win. Big watch on this horse for the future.
Mosheen – The blinkers back on sparked her back to her best form. She trounced her rivals and is sure to be a leading contender for the Thousand Guineas. Can she go with Atlantic Jewel? Probably not, but she’ll acquit herself well.
Largo Lad – I tipped him today and I’m not jumping off. Sat back and charged home late for sixth. Can’t wait until he gets over more ground. Kudos to David Hayes and his team for persevering with this troubled, but classy galloper. I think they’ll reap the reward soon.
Efficient – He was eye catching again. Settled last and just weaved his way through. He finished eighth, but Team Williams has him almost back to his best. Again, patience pays off and it almost might with this old bugger.
Written by Adam Page
