Group l racing was the focus at both Randwick at Flemington on Saturday, with stars of both horse and human on display, the Golden Slipper picture became clearer, while for the remainder of the Sydney Autumn, the New Zealand Derby at Te Rapa might prove to be a key form reference.
Down below is a review of the feature races.
2023 Canterbury Stakes Replay
2023 Canterbury Stakes Review: The enigma that is Artorius hadn’t won a race in a long time but that all changed here. His first run since a European prep, Zac Purton produced a 12/10 steer to slice his way through the field and nail Imperatriz on the peg for a big win in an electric return. He’s a world class rider when right and he produced it here. Imperatriz, I thought, had every chance and was entitled to win the race. Granted she was only pipped late but I thought she was a bit disappointing. Looking to the future, given the way the track played, the first up run of Kirwan’s Lane was outstanding. He’s right on track for the Doncaster and I reckon a slice of $26+ could be worth having something on. Golden Mile was solid, albeit every chance, and Electric Girl improved her price tag big time with a Group l placing.
2023 Randwick Guineas Replay
2023 Randwick Guineas Review: That man again Zac Purton to the fore, producing a 12/10 aboard Communist to score somewhat of a surprise victory at Group l level. He lobbed into a beaut spot behind the tempo before angling clear at the top of the straight and I think the winning move was slightly waiting to push the button. He played the waiting game and he timed the run to perfection. Lindermann was good on speed, Zou Tiger was brave as ever, Manzoice good for the Derby…Aft Cabin. I said pre race he was a Goldilocks and he confirmed it here. He was given every chance by J Mac but was very weak late. IMO, he’s a 1200m horse and needs things to fall into place.
2023 Todman Stakes Replay
2023 Todman Stakes Review: This looks the better form reference for the Slipper of the two lead ups. They have gone out around seven lengths slower to the 600m than the Reisling yet have come over nearly two lengths quicker. To me, this looks a perfect tune up for Cylinder. 600m dash home and he was strong late, beating Red Resistance. Off that, I can’t see Red Resistance running out the 1200m of the Slipper strongly enough unless they opt for a sit, but I doubt that eventuates. it’s all about the Godolphin colt.
2023 Reisling Stakes Replay
2023 Reisling Stakes Overview: They went out hard here. That’s why credit has to go to Learning To Fly to fend off Facile. She was there to be beaten but found under pressure to fend them off and win, just. But, given they walked home, relative to the Todman, that is really concerning for two weeks time. I am not sure Learning To Fly will have petrol left in the tank. The other two are just horses, nothing special.
2023 Australian Guineas Replay
2023 Australian Guineas Review: Kiwi filly Legarto was given little respect by Australian form experts given her form was hard to line up and some thought the last run was plain. But she proved she is one of the best 3YO’s in Australasia, producing an unbelievable finale to nail them for a special Group l win. She looked in trouble 200m out but once she got clear air, like she did back home, she savaged the line for a big win. Attrition was massive, as was Japanese Emperor. The talking points post race were the nasty fall, and hopefully all concerned are okay. The other talking point was Jacquinot, who pulled up post race with EIPH, so forgive and forget he went around. The flashing light run was Virtuous Circle. who will likely head to the Alister Clark.
2023 New Zealand Derby Replay
2023 New Zealand Derby Review: Legarto is one of the best 3YO’s in Australasia. That title of #1 clearly belongs to Sharp N Smart, who is now a three time Group l winner after winning this race. He was ridden ugly by Ryan Elliot. He’s not the sort of horse that you can ride pretty. He loves work and showed it here, making a sustained run and was just too strong and too tough. This, I think, will be the form reference for the Rosehill Guineas, Tulloch and the ATC Derby. The eye catcher was clearly Mark Twain, who made up a stack of ground from last on the turn. That was his first run in around a month so with that run under the belt, he surely comes to Australia as one of the main contenders for the big races.
