Follow And Forget – 1/1/2016

There was some solid racing to kick off 2016 in Australia, and while there were no standouts, the racing was very good. Who caught our attention on the track? Find out down below:

FOLLOW:

Randwick:

Andrew Adkins:

Potentially as good as James McDonald at the same age. Lovely balance, good whip action, can use both hands and has a very solid drive on him, plus he still claims 3kgs in town. Showed on Friday how good he can be, and he is only 18 years old. Keeps his head on, and he could well challenge for the Premiership in a couple of years.

Race Four Number 9 Stravigo (1st):

Dominant win, aided by a peach from McDonald. Time was very good and he spaced his rivals. Interesting to note he is still paid up for the 3YO Magic Millions next week, and based on his win here, he’ll give it a serious shake.

Race Six Number 1 Chestnut Road (1st):

He can be hot and cold to follow, but on face value, this win was very impressive. Sat wide no cover for the entire trip yet cruised to the front in the straight and kicked on very strongly for a good win. Up in grade next time out should see him get weight relief, and he’ll be quite competitive.

Flemington:

Race One:

I think this will be a strong form reference. First three all looked sharp in the jump outs, and they spaced the rest, which is a good indication they’re talented, and the time compared well with the sprinters later on in the program.

Race Three Number 7 Allergic (2nd):

Godolphin galloper who was only third up here. He was outsprinted when the leaders booted for home, but once he picked up, he was good through the line. A win isn’t far away.

Race Five Number 4 Danger Close (6th):

Real eye catcher from this horse, who sat last in the run before ducking and weaving his way through the field and really attacked the line for a close up sixth. I am convinced he is flying, and if he gets luck, he’ll win a race very shortly.

Race Nine Number 4 Del Prado (2nd):

Just got a touch further back than anticipated and that cost him the win. Closed off very strongly and he looks set for a very fruitful campaign.

FORGET:

Flemington:

Race Two Number 2 We’ve Got This (Last):

You’d need pockets as deep as James Packer’s to follow this horse. The talent is there, but he is just too costly.

Race Eight Number 3 Hartani (12th):

Not even the jumps could spark this horse I think. Very weak and does nothing. Retirement ASAP.

Lovely ride from McDonald on this Team Snowden runner. Pinged over from the wide gate to sit outside the leader before ambling to the front and booting clear for a top victory. He was a risk I thought from the gate, but that’s why you put the best on.