Horse Racing The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – 1/10/2022

A dead heat was the result in the Epsom, Zougotcha confirmed her status as the best 3YO filly in Sydney while a barrier trial was what happened in the Turnbull. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Ellsberg/Top Ranked Share Epsom

Randwick was the scene of some great finishes on Saturday, with the best of them being the Epsom Handicap (1600m). Ellsberg and Top Ranked had an epic battle over the last 100m or so, and on the line, it looked like Ellsberg just got there. The slow mo then said perhaps Top Ranked but the photo said they couldn’t be split. Ellsberg provided Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou with their first Group l since forming a training partnership.

Zougotcha Dominant In Flight

It was the case of the Golden Rose form v The Rest and it ended up being a one act affair with Zougotcha proving to be the most dominant filly in Sydney this season, drawing clear to win and win well from She’s Extreme with early leader North Star Lass in third. Fireburn was back and never a factor, whacking away for fourth.

Smokin Romans Surprises In Turnbull

The Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday is traditionally a race where you need to run well if you’re going to be a Cups or Cox Plate contender. But, it’s clear as mud after the race with Smokin Romans winning the race after sitting outside the speed, drawing clear to win and win well in a race where they didn’t change position. The win confirmed that the Naturalism victory was no fluke.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Arrogant win from Private Eye in the Gilgai. The market support suggeted he was travelling for a kill and really, it ended up being a kill. He spanked them and it was a win where really, why wouldn’t a slot holder be interested? it was electric, he ran time and has the upside in the tank. Brilliant return.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Platinum Jubilee was a dynamic winner of the Gimcrack. I was on Perfect Proposal and she looked like she was fighting back and winning, but then Platinum Jubilee came from nowhere and her last 100m was brilliant. Did she beat much? I’m saying no, but will be keen to see how she goes in the future.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

The 2kg claim for Dylan Gibbons in town is an absolute steal. He’s a star and his front running steer aboard Hosier at Randwick was a peach. The grand final for this horse is over a month away, so I’m sure that was in the back of his mind. He rated it to perfection and gee he’s going places this kid.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

The jockeys get a rest this week. I’m having a crack at Moonee Valley. So far this season, this track has been a joke. The inside has been red hot this season and gee it was evident last week. Friday night though was embarassing and it’s scary what the Manikato/Cox Plate Carnival could end up playing like.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Flag Of Honour – He’s right on track for the Spring Champion
Character – Zero luck and should have gone close to winning
Renaissance Woman – She’s the Oaks pony

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Fireburn – Not penning her…yet
Moko – 2000m next time
Backmarkers in Turnbull – Give those out the back another chance

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Icebath – Life ban for her
Montefilia – Yuck last 250m. Jury is out