Mother nature wasn’t kind, but it was still a grand return to racing at Royal Randwick on Saturday. The feature race was the Turnpoint Randwick Guineas (1600m) and once again, Danny Nikolic produced another memorable Group One winning ride on Mosheen. Not quite as brilliant as his ride on her in the Australian Guineas, but still great to watch. She has now cemented herself as one of the best fillies we have seen for a very long time.
In terms of the Golden Slipper, Ashokan led and fought on well to record a win in the Skyline Stakes (1200m) and in the process earnt himself a start in the $3.5 Million event on Easter Saturday. Hot favourite Raceway copped a bump on the home turn and was most unlucky to finish second.
Jade Marauder produced a stunning performance to claim the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) after seeminly having no chance after missing the start. Valerio and Kyria filled the placings.
But the day belonged to Mosheen, Danny Nikolic and trainer Robert Smerdon, who has done a wonderful job with this animal.
Race One: Aspiration Quality 1600m
FORGIVE:
I don’t think Crafty Irna handled the bog surface, even though she did finish second to Red Tracer on a heavy track first up. Forgive her and wait until she strikes a firmer surface.
FORGET:
Brightest was wide, but did have cover. She didn’t fire a shot in the straight and was very disappointing. It’ll be a while until she starts favourite again.
FOLLOW:
Older Than Time is ticking over beautifully. Solid first up run in the same race as Crafty Irna and again she produced a tidy effort. She has come back in super order and a win isn’t too far away.
Race Two: Hyland Colours Skyline Stakes 1200m
FORGIVE:
Collect is a good horse in the making. Just needs time and maturity.
FORGET:
Lord Duveen on a wet surface. Travelled well but when she was given her head, she paddled.
FOLLOW:
Raceway got a bump upon entering the straight and should have won. He is still one of the horses to beat in the Golden Slipper.
Race Three: Sweet Embrace Stakes 1200m
FORGIVE:
Flying Snitzel got beat for pace and never got warm until the race was over. She is looking for 1400m so the Sires Produce will suit her perfectly.
FORGET:
Kuchinskaya led and gave in very quickly. Either she is a dud on the soft going or she needs a spell.
FOLLOW:
Jade Marauder is high class, Valerio got last once she hit the front and was very game in defeat. Kyria just needs a dry track to be a force in the big races while Dear Demi is definitely looking for 1400m and beyond.
Race Four: Turnpoint Randwick City Quality 2000m
FORGIVE:
Herculian Prince led and was travelling like the winner, but for some reason Nash eased four and five horses wide. That cost him the race. Back up on him next start.
FORGET:
Can’t say anything here because all the big guns did well.
FOLLOW:
Coliseo is dying to win another race. Once again, took an age to wind up, but once he did, he attacked the line hard. He will certainly win a handy race during the carnival.
Race Five: McGrath Eskimo Prince Quality 1200m
FORGIVE:
Aeronautical is back. Was a mile off them, but he made up a stack of ground late. Knocked up the last 100m but that was due to fitness.
FORGET:
Didntcostalot is a one trick pony. Lead, hike along and hope for the best. Needs to drop out of blacktype grade now.
FOLLOW:
Mark Niagara down as a Doncaster lightweight chance. What a return from him, in particular his last 50m. Follow him with confidence.
Race Six: Turnpoint Royal Randwick Guineas 1600m
FORGIVE:
Manwanui just doesn’t get through the mud well. Wait until he strikes a firmer surface. Strike The Stars missed the kick and had no luck in the straight. He is still on target for the three-year-old classic races.
FORGET:
Can’t forget anything just yet because most of them are getting ready for longer races. If anything, put a line through Moment Of Change.
FOLLOW:
Mosheen wouldn’t look out of place at Royal Ascot. This is a world class filly here. And another unforgettable ride from Danny Nikolic. Ambidexter is ticking over beautifully for the staying races and is going to prove awfully hard to hold out.
Race Seven: TAB Sportsbet Weona Girl Quality 1200m
FORGIVE:
Don’t think there was any hard luck stories here, except for Alberton Park. Just whoever got through the ground best won.
FORGET:
Curtana had the right trail, but didn’t fire. Put that in the red book now.
FOLLOW:
Not really sure who is to follow here, because the winner paid $124, Quidnuc always runs well fresh, Alberton Park had no luck, but that sums her up and Gybe is rather limited. Very dangerous form race.
Race Eight: Jim Beam Handicap 1400m
FORGIVE:
Forfeiture appeared to be bolting in front, but fitness just gave way late. She is in for a ripper of a preparation, so don’t sack her.
FORGET:
Mossamine trialled super, but gee he went poorly here. Might be time to put the pen through him now because he was given the perfect ride by Rodd.
FOLLOW:
Really taken by the win of Knot Out. Sprinted very quickly to win here and now has won again, he might go on with it.
