Horse Racing The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – 14/5/2022

The Price/Kent stable showcased class on multiple occasions at Morphettville, Mazu confirmed his elite status in horrendous yet familiar conditions while at Scone, it was a mixed afternoon for Godolphin. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Price/Kent Flex At Morphettville

The Mick Price/Michael Kent Jr stable were expected to have a good day at Morphettville on Saturday thanks to Illation and he didn’t disappoint in the Guineas, but soon after it was Group l glory thanks to a strong staying performance from Jungle Magnate to take out the South Australian Derby (2500m), beating home Yaphet and Detonator Jack while Alegron had no luck behind slow horses.

Mazu Gets His Group l

The query with Mazu was how would he handle a dry-ish track at Eagle Farm for the Doomben 10,000. But, the rain hammered the track, it got to Heavy and he was the one to beat, duly saluting. But the win had plenty of merit because he came off the bit on the turn but ran through the pain barrier, surged and then fended off Paulele to win and win well. He’ll likely now spell and get prepped up for The Everest.

Mixed Afternoon For Godolphin

Godolphin and James Cummings looked set for a very good afternoon at Scone, and while they would have walked off the track happy, there would have been disappointment. In Secret and Zapateo won their respective Stakes races, but the focus was on Andermatt in the Luskin Star (1300m). A win there and potentially he books a ticket to Brisbane for the Stradbroke. But after sitting wide no cover, and keen, he failed to fire and the jury is now out.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

I was hoping and praying the clock would back up the eye and confirm in my mind that In Secret is top shelf and it did. Understandably the time was inferior compared to the Ortensia but they are proper hard fit seasoned sprinters. She was only having start two, the time was similar to that of the Denise’s Joy, but I loved her last 50m and through the line. She chased, chased with purpose, like she did on debut. Godolphin are limited when it comes to The Everest…she could put her hand up in a few months time?

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

These Inglis restricted races, as a whole, are putrid, but I didn’t mind the debut win of Vegas Raider at Scone in the Inglis 2YO on Friday. He came from a fair way back in the run and yes, found the fast lane, but still sprouted wings for an impressive debut. Visually, he was strong. On the clock, it was ordinary, so hopefully they don’t raise the bar too high. He can win some off season city races with good placement. I don’t think he’s Brisbane Carnival quality.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

I love a jockey that shows initiative and one of the best in the business, clearly, is Tommy Berry, and that was on display at Scone on Friday via Park Avenue. This horse usually races with a sit just off the speed but despite the big weight and wet trck, Tommy took him straight to the front and got complete control. Dashed just before the top of the straight to steal a winning march and the ride won the race.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

I think Craig Williams got caught somewhat napping in the Andrew Ramsden aboard Luncies. Splendiferous and Point Nepean took off and went around Willow on Luncies. Whether it was the horse flat footed or the rider asleep, I lean towards the latter. Final margin of 0.75L, I think had he been more switched on, the horse wins. That said, the winner did take off from a fair way out and sustained.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Kipps – Follow and follow with confidence. Outstanding Australian debut
Dr Drill – If he can find a dry track, he’ll be winning
Outlook – Ready to win
In Secret – She’s Group l quality
And We Danced – Fruitful prep awaits
Political Debate – He might be the JJ Atkins horse for Waller

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Winsum – Looked the winner 300m out. Peaked perhaps?
Arabolini – Needs Hennessy back on
Le Gai Soleil – She needs dry track
Isotope – Not a wet tracker

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Dosh – 955m The Valley is her go in life. Or 800m at Ipswich
Andermatt – 1300m not his go…but I doubt he is that good. Certainly not an Everest horse
Startantes – Only going to get harder for her