Another Group One, another arrogant win by another superstar in Sepoy in the Blue Diamond Stakes. If he stays fit and healthy for the Golden Slipper, you can just about hail him as the winner.
Australias second best mare More Joyous made light work of her opposition to win the Futurity Stakes. The margin might only have been three quarters of a length, but Nash didn’t get fully stuck into her. It was a soft win on the line.
At Rosehill, Ilovethiscity showed us he’ll be winning a Group One this preparation with one of the easiest wins you’ll see. Satin Shoes booked herself a start in the Golden Slipper with a tough on-pace win in the Silver Slipper. Overall, a super day of racing yesterday.
Here is my review of the weekend’s racing and which horses should be followed for the future.
Rosehill:
Run of the day:
A tie between Ilovethiscity and Decision Time. The former was outstanding in the Hobartville and will continue to win if he keeps running like that while Decision Time just continues to get the job done. It was a great effort by him ot carry 60.5kg first up and he’ll go to Flemington and run in the Newmarket.
Ride of the day:
Brenton Avdulla produced a gem on Ilovethiscity. Put the three-year-old in the perfect spot and just eased him out then cuddled him and cuddled him until the final 200m and the horse showed his class. Honourable mention to Jessie Whipp on Lamasery. Was well back on the rail but Whipp weaved her way through and got the job done on the line.
One to follow:
Definitely Palacio De Crystal. She was near last throughout and hit the line very well over the concluding stages. The last 600m was run in 33.76 so the leaders had a picnic in front. The mare did a good job to finish as close as she did. Give her a dry track and she’ll be hard to beat.
Flemington:
Run of the day:
Sepoy gave his rivals a galloping lesson in the Blue Diamond. Could have won by further had McEvoy really got into him. Has the Golden Slipper at his mercy.
Ride of the day:
Nash Rawiller on More Joyous. Made King Mufhasa and Doubtful Jack work to get around the great mare, then he eased back to get the lovely trail behind the two leaders. He slid her out three deep and waited to hit the go button. Textbook ride by Australias best rider.
One to follow:
Shocking. Peeled out on the home turn and looked a serious winning hope before his condition gave out late. I’d definitely back him with confidence once he gets back to Flemington for the Australian Cup.
Written by Adam Page
