Great day’s racing at Eagle Farm yesterday with several major talking points, but the highlight was Scarlett Lady’s stunning win in the Queensland Oaks thanks to a great ride by I think the best ever jockey to have come out of NZ, James McDonald.
If she backs up in the Derby next Saturday, get on her now because she won like a horse who will give the Caulfield Cup an almighty shake.
EAGLE FARM CUP REVIEW
FOLLOW:
A lovely display by Lisa Cropp on Glass Harmonium. He is a very good horse and has gotten better with each run. I don’t think leading is his go so expect big improvement when he is ridden off the pace.
FORGIVE:
Wasn’t much pace on upfront, so for Scenic Shot to finish as close as he did was an outstanding effort. Shane Scriven did everything he could on the ageless warrior but he couldn’t reel in the winner. He is still a major player in the Brisbane Cup, he lost no admirers.
FORGET:
I wouldn’t take Persian Star’s run too seriously as she is warming up for the longer races in the Winter. She hit the line very nicely late and will be much better suited at handicap level and with a bit more speed on.
SIRES PRODUCE STAKES PREVIEW
FOLLOW:
Dowager Queen was very good in defeat. McDonald tried his best to get clear running but she never really was fully extended until the final 75m and she hit the line very powerfully. Watch out for her in the T J Smith because she will lap up the mile.
FORGIVE:
Free Wheeling reared up and dumped Corey Brown when the gates opened and never took park in the race. He was a declared a runner, which amazes me, but he’ll be better off next prep as I think he will be having an operation to make him more focused.
FORGET:
She might have been spooked by her stablemate going off in the gates next to her, but Benfica was disappointing in the run. Didn’t travel at any stage during the race and it looks like the Snowden stranglehold on the juvenile races appears that it might have come to a halt now.
DANE RIPPER REVIEW
FOLLOW:
Culminate had the dream run and looked the winner at the 300m but the 58.5kg just got to her late but her run was fantastic. She has hit her straps again and looks ready to win very soon. Looks an ideal Winter Stakes horse.
FORGIVE:
Returntosender couldn’t get into the race from the nightmare alley and her effort was tidy enough, finishing tenth, 3.8 lengths away from Hurtle Myrtle. I wouldn’t totally rule her out when she races next.
FORGET:
Kanzan had the ‘put me in the paddock’ sign on her. She raced well, but she looked a bit flat, suggesting to me she wants a spell. She has won two blacktype races this prep, she has done her job for the team. Look for her to do the same in the Spring.
QTC CUP REVIEW
FOLLOW:
Varenna Miss oozed class in her dominant win yesterday. Trainer Tony Noonan is undecided about whether she backs up in the Stradbroke, or save her for the Winter Stakes. In terms of the horses welfare, I’d say save her for the Winter Stakes, but the way she won demonstrates to me she could give the Stradbroke a shake because when she is cuddled up, she has an explosive turn of foot.
FORGIVE:
Totally forget Sincero went around. Barrier one, first time at Eagle Farm, back from 1600m to 1200m, first time against open company, hectic tempo upfront. He had no chance and I think it was a good run. He was gone at the 600m but he did pick up the bit and was held up the final 250m. If he does back up next Saturday, he’ll go close to winning I think still, despite todays result.
FORGET:
Trainer Mike Moroney said prior to the race that King Pulse was going into the race with no excuses. He had the perfect run in the race, but finished last. Not the same horse as he was as a three year old and I think retirement has to be on the cards for him.
QUEENSLAND OAKS REVIEW
FOLLOW:
I want another champion staying mare to watch and I think I have one in Scarlett Lady. Dominant kiwi filly who was so impressive in NZ before winning the Doomben Roses, but her superb effort today suggests to me we have another Ethereal. And I have to wrap James McDonald. There have been some great riders to have come out of NZ eg Jimmy Cassidy, Shane Dye, Lance O’ Sullivan, Lisa Cropp and Michael Walker, but I watch kiwi racing a fair bit and this kid is miles and miles better than the ones mentioned. Remember he is only 19 yet he rides like a seasoned veteran. Wait until he gets bigger and stronger.
FORGIVE:
Heidilicous again missed the start and that put pay to her winning hopes. Was last most of the way and got warm late but was well held by the winner. She will spell and come back much better in the Spring.
FORGET:
She was trapped wide throughout, but Fillydelphia was a bit ordinary today. She raced very flat and needs a spell. Not sure staying is her go, but she is a very good filly for Robert Heathcoate.
DAYBREAK LOVER REVIEW
FOLLOW:
Steps In Time did all the donkey work in the run and for her to actually win was an outstanding effort. She got tired late but she was entitled to.Handy filly for John O’ Shea who is talented and can keep on winning.
FORGIVE:
Spirit Of Boom didn’t get much luck in the run and finished within a length of the winner. Has had little to no luck this prep and surely a win is not too far away from Toowoomba’s best three year old.
FORGET:
Skilled is becoming a money muncher now. He hasn’t had much luck, but thats been the case for the majority of his career. Happy to watch him from now on.
Written by Adam Page