Some very good horses kicked off their Spring carnival on Saturday. But none were more impressive than Smart Missile, who now has a stranglehold on the Golden Rose. Here are my blackbookers from the weekend
Rosehill:
Helmet – Super effort behind Smart Missile and Foxwedge but again he was all over the shop. Loved his return and is sure to be a force in the Golden Rose, but I think he is the one to beat in the Caulfield Guineas.
Mourayan – Loomed up on the home turn and looked the winner, but fitness and the 58.5kg got to him late. He will get better as the Spring progresses, especially if the heavens open up. A race like the Metropolitan will suit him perfectly.
Russian Jar – Not sure how far he can go in terms of class, but he caught the eye in the last race, making up good ground on the fence, which was hard to do on Saturday. He looks to be in for a good campaign.
Caulfield:
Linton – Out of the Memsie, he was the one that caught my eye the most. Got well back, pulled out and hit the line beautifully for Team Williams. There is a big race in him no doubt because he is loaded with abaility, but I am not sure if 2011 is his year. Maybe next year for him, but if you are a fan of him, don’t jump off.
Lucky Eighty Eight – Should have dead set won by two or three lengths but he had no luck in the straight when finishing third behind Pinnacles. Great return by him and I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t win soon.
Written by Adam Page
