More Joyous sat deep early, but she earned her place as one of the best mares we have ever seen with a superb win in the BMW Doncaster Mile (1600m). After doing some early work, Nash had her in the perfect spot, peeled her wide at the top of the rise, and the Waterhouse bone and muscle got her home over Shoot Out, with Yosei, aided by a gem of a ride from Michelle Payne, holding on for third.
Class told the story in the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) with Streama showing champion qualities to nail Aliyana Tilde near the shadows of the post. Blake Shinn, rider of the runner up, and Luke Nolen, rider of third placegetter Thy, should both be commended for their rides. They dashed for home at the 700m and made the hot favourite work hard for victory.
Apart from Gai and her treble, the day belonged to kiwi whiz kid James McDonald, who booted home a quartet of winners, highlighted by his ten-out-of-ten ride on Queenslander sprinter Temple Of Boom to take out the James Boag Galaxy (1100m). He had the horse in the perfect position, saved ground, cut inside Nobby Snip and lifted him home to claim his first major on Australian soil. The kiwis have produced some outstanding riders…The Cassidy brothers, Grant Cooksley, Shane Dye, Lisa Cropp and Michael Walker to name a few…but if this youngster can keep his head firmly on his shoulders, he could be anything. Could have claims to be the best rider in the world.
Race One: Medina Hotels Fernhill Quality 1600m
FORGIVE:
They all had their chance to win because the winner wasn’t that flash at the 300m.
FORGET:
Not sure if Red Hot Chillies handled the going. Her form prior to this was strong and she was well backed, but she didn’t do much here.
FOLLOW:
Dear Demi is a really good filly. Giving weight to the boys at such a young age and on a wet track tells me she is definitely one to follow for the Spring.
Race Two: Keith Mackay Quality 1200m
FORGIVE:
Driefontein was home, she was home and she was home. But she just felt the 60.5kg in the last 50m. She is high class. She’ll be winning a big one in the Spring.
FORGET:
We’ve already said forget Agueda. The others were just outclassed or weren’t on their best behaviour.
FOLLOW:
I wasn’t sure about Single Style, but McDonald lifted her over the line, much like what Nash does in a tight finish.
Race Three: The Keystone Group Handicap (95) 1400m
FORGIVE:
Skyerush cut the corner, and being on the worst part of the track probably cost her the race. If she heads to Brisbane, she’ll be competitive.
FORGET:
Riva De Lago isn’t the same horse. Looked to be crusing in the run, but he did nothing when presented in the straight.
FOLLOW:
The whiz kid McDonald yet again lifts another horse home. He was doing nothing until he flashed at Skyerush very late. He has promised to win a good race. This preparation might see this.
Race Four: McGrath South Pacific Classic 1200m
FORGIVE:
Deceiver was caught deep with no cover but stuck on well. Maybe next preparation for this youngster.
FORGET:
Not sure if there is one to forget here.
FOLLOW:
Landing is top class. Gai has got another one.
Race Five: Patinack Farm Australian Oaks 2400m
FORGIVE:
Full Of Spirit pulled a bit in the run and really had no chance to run the 2400m out. She’ll run some good races when she gets home.
FORGET:
Apart from the first four across the line, they are a very ordinary bunch.
FOLLOW:
Streama doesn’t run 2400m, but her will to win and utter class got her home. A race like the Myer Classic on Derby Day will suit her perfectly.
Race Six: Japan Racing Association Plate 2000m
FORGIVE:
They had their chance because the winner was wide all the way.
FORGET:
Wasn’t helped by a spud ride by McEvoy, but Adroitly was a bit disappointing in the run home. He is heading towards the Brisbane Carnival. He might need to improve a length or two to feature.
FOLLOW:
Western Symbol was ultra impressive here. Sat wide, had to out-tough Herculian Prince and withstand challengers. Very good horse who will be a key figure in the Spring, maybe even the Cups.
Race Seven: Bmw Doncaster Mile 1600m
FORGIVE:
More Joyous was three deep for the first half of that race. No excuses for the beatan brigade, although Happy Trails didn’t quite get a clear run.
FORGET:
You have to watch the replay over and over again. Hard to say.
FOLLOW:
Sincero, if he heads to Brisbane, will win a Group One. He missed the kick and was caught near the fence. Mighty effort in defeat.
Race Eight: The James Boag Galaxy 1100m
FORGIVE:
Bel Sprinter…just. He did miss the kick, but he was entitled to run on in better style.
FORGET:
Bunched finish…yeah, be careful. Satin Shoes had the right run. She just didn’t accelerate.
FOLLOW:
Nobby Snip looks the perfect horse for the Stradbroke. Only concern is the flat spot he hits at the top of the straight.
Race Nine: Tab Sportsbet Sprint (85) 1200m
FORGIVE:
Next The Universe didn’t quite have clear running and cut back to the inside, which probably wasn’t the place to be. She still ran well.
FORGET:
For now, forget Miss Marx. She had the nice trail on the back of the winner, but she didn’t ping when McDonald asked her to. Wait until she finds some form again.
FOLLOW:
Dalika produced a ripping fresh performance. Trainer Gabrielle Englebrecht has this iron mare back in form and she should be winning races this time in.
