We got a taste of the Autumn Carnival in Melbourne on Saturday at Caulfield with several blacktype events on the nine race card, headlined by the WJ Adams Stakes (1000m). The major shock came in the feature while earlier in the day we unearthed a Blue Diamond contender. Here are a few blackbookers from the meeting heading forward.
Race One: Inglis Premier 1200m:
All about Kinky Boom here, a first starter for Tony McEvoy, who rocketed into Blue Diamond contention with a simply unbelievable debut win. Sat back, was off the bit, but Williams clicked her up, gave her clear air and she careered away for a dominant win, running home nearly five lengths quicker than any other runner from the race. Big tick re the Blue Diamond.
😲😲 Kinky Boom. That is an above average filly. pic.twitter.com/u6QHQEQWC1
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 3, 2018
Race Two: Ladbrokes Chairman’s Stakes 1000m:
Ennis Hill won the race, but I think a tad flattered given he got a rather soft lead. I think I’d want to follow Prairie Fire for the Mick Price team. Snitzel colt on debut who had no idea what he was doing but still rattled off a 32.93 for the final 600m despite doing plenty wrong. He might just well be the best horse out of this race.
Ennis Hill was never going to be beaten! @StephenBaster skips away for @lindsayparkrace. pic.twitter.com/XDgiOYMdkm
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 3, 2018
Race Five: Ladbrokes Handicap (78) 1100m:
Very nice return on Eurack…visually. The times will say she was pretty much handed the race, which was a good thing in hindsight because it appeared as though she was nowhere near wound up, just as Nathan McPherson admitted the days leading in. Her brilliance got her home. Handsome Thief outstanding off a slow tempo and setback. They clearly are the pair to follow.
What an exciting prospect Eurack is! Another strong and impressive victory @MelbRacingClub today. pic.twitter.com/leK4GG3FpQ
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 3, 2018
Race Six: WJ Adams Stakes 1000m:
I’m not sure what to make of the Snitty Kitty run. She was first up yes, and there was going be improvement heading into the Oakleigh Plate, but gee I thought she was very plain late when run down by 1000m Moonee Valley specialist Lady Esprit. Snitty Kitty produced the second slowest final 600m of the race, only going quicker than outsider Sunday Escape. Nasdex was heavily backed but the slow tempo didn’t help. His finale was strong.
Lady Esprit what a win! @Reganbayliss got in the clear and has beaten heavy favourite Snitty Kitty at massive odds. pic.twitter.com/Q6JthkowGr
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 3, 2018
Race Seven: Mal Seccull Handicap (84) 2000m:
Bedford produced the run of the day, and clearly IMHO. Sat back off a slow tempo, peeled out and still rounded them up to win. He covered the equal most amount of the ground in the race, clearly produced the quickest final 600m of the race and did it despite wanting to throw it away late. Not sure what the stable has in store for him, maybe a trip to Tassie? Whatever the case, I’ll be following. Huge win.
Bedford puts them to bed! @LaneDamian rides Bedford across the line first for @FreedmanRacing. pic.twitter.com/JvVehbMmKw
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 3, 2018
Race Eight: Ladbrokes Manfred Stakes 1200m:
I think the two follow are Cliff’s Edge and Muraaqeb. Outstanding win by Cliff’s Edge and he is becoming just absolutely bombproof at the moment. He can win from 1200m-2000m, can win first up and go deep into a prep. He has the makings of a top class horse. Muraaqeb produced just a good of a return. Off the bit on the turn but got clear air and worked home beautifully.
What a return! Cliff’s Edge squeezes through on the inside with a CRACKING victory! pic.twitter.com/8o4zXOeci5
— Racing.com (@Racing) February 3, 2018