The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – December 4th Edition

A legend bid farewell, a stunning Group l winner at Ascot again and the Golden Eagle form stood up. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Vale Chris Caserta

The racing industry is hurting following the tragic passing of Chris Caserta. A late night swim ended up being fatal, with his body recovered on Friday. The young man famously got down to 44kg to ride Jedastar in the 2019 Lightning Stakes. He made the move to Queensland and was just starting to get results going his way. Thoughts and sympathies to family and friends.

Kah Back With A Feature Win

There was a slight query on how Jamie Kah would return, whether she would pick up immediately with success or take time to find her feet. It looked hairy early on but when it came to the feature race at Pakenham on Saturday, the Pakenham Cup (2500m), it was a sweet steer aboard Smokin’ Romans and the Maher/Eustace gelding made a mess of them in a dominant display.

Regal Power Shocks In Kingston Town

The race was supposed to be all about Willie Pike, Bob Peters and Team Williams winning all three majors in taking out the Kingston Town Classic (1800m) at Ascot. The latter two were able to create that history. But Pike had to settle for second aboard raging hot pot Western Empire as Regal Power bounced back to his brilliant best. He was helped by Western Empire sitting wide no cover for the trip, but that aside, Regal Power has returned in brilliant order.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

I want to give a wrap to Jarrod Austin and his placement of Looks Like Elvis at Pakenham on Saturday. Freshened up after Oaks Day at Hawkesbury, he came to 1400m, away from Sydney and made a mess of them to win and win impressively. Interesting to see if they back up next week in the Villiers. If they do, he’s in with a shout.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

It wasn’t the strongest of maidens at Stawell on Saturday but I was impressed by the win of Rising. Smashed them from the front and big tick is that the race was run in faster time than the benchmark race over the same trip. Good time of year to progress to town so hopefully that’s where he goes.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Potentially helped by negative rides in behind, but love a front running steer where a jockey can take control from the outset and that is what Ryan Maloney did on Tambo’s Mate in the Recognition. He was smashed in betting and #TeamThey knew well and truly. Jumped well, found the front and after around 200m, the race was over. Maloney turned it into a 500m dash and those behind, lacking fitness some of them, were no hope of running him down. Great ride.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Ben Price was and probably still has claims as one of the more promising apprentices in SA, but his recent stats are awful and his steer on Alleboom at Morphettville sums up his recent form. He had a chance to get the tag up behind the speed, but decided to roll forward and sit three wide on the hot speed. He was left a sitting shot and tired for third. Horse was huge. Ride was plain. And if you think the Pike ride on Western Empire was a slaughter, you need to watch the replay. He was a stride or two away from slotting in one off and winning comfortably. He gets that spot, he’s a genius.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Air To Air – Surely there is a Class 1/Maiden Plate for her. Something for her to win
Huetor – Not beating much, but he’s a nice horse
Long Arm – Bagot winner if they keep pressing on. Should have placed
Niccanova – Race shape was against him. Ready to win next time

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Karlstad – The decision to come to Sydney will work out. He’s not far off a win

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Lucky Banner – Perfect ride by Jones. Just not good enough
Snitzonfire – Nice horse. But not one I could see measuring up in the Magic Millions
Francesco Guardi – Every chance. He’s having a think