The Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) was built up as a match race between Manighar and Southern Speed, with a weight of money for the import…But the bookies won out with the Caulfield Cup champ holding on for a narrow but impressive victory over Manighar, who should have won, but had no luck until the final 150m. Both horses were super. Manighar ran a cracking fresh run and will go very close in whatever he contests from now on. The win was narrow, but take nothing away from Southern Speed. She races best when she has a bunny to chase. Due to circumstances, she was left in front far too early and did a remarkable job to cling on. The other eye-catcher was Moudre. Wow! Black book alert!
The Danehill Stakes (1200m) was supposed to be a one act affair with star Sydney filly Snitzerland expected to spank her rivals. But quality individual Stralia almost caused the upset of the day when he appeared to be travelling well and had a kick in the locker while the Sydney filly was in a pocket and in all sorts of trouble. But class kicked in over the final furlong with Oliver lifting Snitzerland late to record a narrow, but slick win. Stralia was excellent and is sure to pick up a nice race during the carnival.
The other feature race was the Bobbie Lews Quality (1200m). The money came thick and fast for Mosheen and Shanghai Warrior. But in the end, the early favourite We’re Gonna Rock, aided by a gem of a ride from Michael Rodd, was able to hit the front and hang on from the talented Queenslander Spirit Of Boom, who was having his first run in Melbourne. Veewap, who finished fourth, is fair dinkum flying at the moment. Give him a 1400m race in slightly easier grade and he’ll win. Mosheen was ok. She is being trained for the Cox Plate, so I was surprised that the money came out for her. Shanghai Warrior was a bit disappointing and thoughts about going to the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) can be shelved.
Warwick Farm hosted some quality racing on the weekend, with the highlight being Danleigh winning the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at $8.50 for the punters who stuck solid. 12/10 ride by Hugh Bowman and he had a big enough break to hold off Secret Admirer. Danleigh will take a stack of beating in the George Main Stakes (1600m), while with Secret Admirer…I don’t know. Yes, she is racing very well, but I am almost making her a bridesmaid. She can’t crack it for a win at the moment. I know she is racing against top class horses, but she is a top class horse…She should be winning one of these races. Lamasery was very good coming from behind. Other than those three, there wasn’t much to get excited about.
I like Dear Demi alot. I think she’ll win the Oaks in Melbourne but along the way she’ll win the Flight Stakes (1600m) after a superb victory in the Furious Stakes (1400m). James McDonald was in the press during the week for the wrong reasons, but he produced a peach of a ride on this filly to get her home over an unsuitable journey on an unsuitable track. I don’t think they’ll beat this one in the Flight, especially if Nechita goes to Melbourne after the Golden Rose (1400m) next week.
Rain Affair, on paper, was the best bet of the weekend in the Concorde Stakes (1100m). Easy lead, scratchings, class…He just wins right? Wrong. The stablemate Tiger Tees, the most consistent sprinter in New South Wales, sounded a warning to his rivals for later on in the Spring with a dominant win. Rain Affair was terrible. I know he was first up and on a firm track, but he was just disappointing for a $1.40 pop. Not sure where he goes because I don’t think the rain will come for him and he’d want to improve many lengths if he wants to be competitive in the Manikato Stakes (1200m).
So, who do we follow from the weekend? From Warwick Farm, I really like Strawberry Boy. He is a serious racehorse who toyed with his rivals in winning the opening race. Where ever Gai sends him, he’ll be awfully hard to beat. Other than him, I don’t think there was anything special to follow, apart from the couple mentioned above.
From Flemington, there are many. Keep an eye on Proper Madam. She ran a nice race in the opener and will be better over further. Awesome Bro was luckless. Give him an ounce of luck and he wins by five. Really nice horse to follow. Launay is banned. Never again punters. Easy lead for him and he just packed it in. Stralia is a high class horse. He got beat by a beauty today, but he’ll win a big race this time in. Mourayan was massive in the Makybe Diva. Sat wide with no cover in a hot race yet stuck on for fourth. Big return by him. And to finish up, follow Excluded, who won the last race. Still has plenty to learn, but he has immense talent.
