Some cracking racing was seen across Australia on the weekend, mainly at Rosehill where Catkins scored her second successive Breeders Classic triumph, while at Sandown, some promising youngsters shone while others flopped. Here are our horses to follow and forget from Saturday:
FOLLOW:
Rosehill-
Race Four Number 1 Odyssey Moon (4th):
I was pretty keen on this bloke, but after seeing him in the mounting yard, I knew my money was toast, because he looked very big in condition. Despite that, he loomed to win 200m out, but the fitness just gave out late and he tired to run fourth. He was beaten by three fit runners, so I definitely wouldn’t drop off him.
Race Five Number 2 Kermadec (4th):
Very serious colt who, much like Odyssey Moon, had a tummy on him in the mounting yard. He had the sweet run off the speed and 300m out looked the winner, but he just got the staggers late and battled on for fourth. Considering how big he looked, I thought his effort was outstanding. Randwick/Rosehill Guineas looks perfect for him, and I’ll be definitely following him with confidence.
Race Eight Number 4 Less Is More (6th):
The flashing lights for the day at Rosehill were clearly on this horse. In a race where they ran the first 900m in a slow 55.31, it was hard for anything to come from the back, yet Less Is More came from about fourth last on the turn and rattled home for sixth. He normally needs a couple of runs under the belt, so the fact he ran so well here against a slow tempo tells me he is in for a ripping campaign.
Sandown
Race Three Number 4 Berrimilla (2nd):
Hadn’t done much in Sydney, so Waller sent her to Melbourne, and it almost paid dividends with a win here. Looked unlucky not to win when getting held up at a crucial stage, but she surged late and was very good. She’ll be winning at this level sooner rather than later.
Race Six Number 10 Self Sense (3rd):
Big pass mark IMO for this gelding, who was first up since August. Sat off a slow speed and looked run off his foot early on in the straight, but he surged late and was very strong through the line. He’ll only get better, so I think he is in for a great prep.
FORGET:
Rosehill
Race One Number 7 Kontiki Dane (last):
Strong win at Warwick Farm, then ran okay at Wyong. Had a very soft lead here but was the first horse beat. He was later found to have pulled up mildly lame in the off foreleg, but I think his days as a city horse, for now, should be shelved. Get the confidence back up at the provincials.
Race Eight Number 2 Scream Machine (11th):
I’ve only been doing this segment for a few weeks, and already Scream Machine gets a second visit in the ‘Forget’ file. Granted he wasn’t suited by the slow tempo, but he showed very little endeavour in the straight. He is looking for the spelling paddock.
Sandown
Race Seven Number 8 Onerous (5th):
Brilliant jump out win followed by a dominant first up win at Seymour. Came here, was heavily backed, led at a slow tempo (first 700m in 44.23) yet was the first horse placed under pressure and was quickly beaten off. Might win races, but nothing too serious based on this effort here. Very disappointing.
Race Nine Number 12 Kerthos (12th):
Granted the speed was slow (first 800m in 49.63), but he just did nothing in the straight, and was again supported in betting. I have been a sucker for him before, and a few were this afternoon. He needs to drop down to the provincials/midweeks ASAP.
