Horse Racing The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – 23/7/2022

Wet weather wreaked havoc on Saturday, a smart three year old defied his usual pattern to win at Stakes level while a promising three year old is off to Hong Kong. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Randwick, Belmont Postponed

Wet weather and sustained ensured racing wasn’t taking place at Randwick and Belmont on Saturday. Randwick got through one race, a 1200m contest for juveniles, and with a time of nearly 1.20 for the 1200m was enough to determine that racing couldn’t continue. Perth has been hit hard by rain the last 24-48 hours and shortly before the first, the track was deemed unsafe to race with more rain coming.

King Of Sparta Wins Bletchingly

King Of Sparta is a horse that traditionally hates getting his feet wet but he thumbed his nose at that with a strong win on soft ground to take out the Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday. It was a peach ride from Jye McNeil, who got immediatley off the fence from gate one, tracked up and got towards the outside to finish best over a gallant Scallopini.

Majestic Colour Off To Hong Kong

Promising three year old Majestic Colour will continue his racing career in Hong Kong after being sold this week. The Winx Guineas winner was building a stronge record and last start gave them a spanking over the mile at the Sunny Coast. Ron & Judy Wanless have had good success in recent weeks via the likes of Flag Of Honour and Daytona Bay.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Death, taxes and Craig Williams being red hot in July. Usually this happens when he’s nearing a premiership win, but with his amazing efforts to help friends/family in Ukraine, as well as riding at Carnivals, premiership aspirations were long gone. But, since coming back from his latest trip to Ukraine, he is riding like a man possessed. Has ridden 10 winners from his last 31 rides, including four on Saturday at Caulfield. Jamie Kah has also come back with purpose since a European holiday, likewise D Oliver, so it’s going to be a great next couple of months leading into the Spring.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Zoukerino looks a smart colt for John O’Shea. He spanked them at Randwick-Kensington on Wednesday and yes, he found the A1 ground, but even allowing for that, he was dominant and won like a horse destined for better things. Keen to see what level he can reach.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

A couple of jockeys in the middle of the day at Caulfield that drew inside, stayed inside, and the end result was a plain finish. Jye McNeil was having none of that in the Bletchingly aboard King Of Sparta. He got off the fence shortly after jumping and tracked up his main rival, Scallopini, before edging off his back, finding clear air and finishing over the top. If he stays inside, I dare say he finishes unplaced, so the ride won the race.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Since the move to NSW, Willie Pike has duly got credit for how well he has done, settled in and that he will be a force in the premiership race next season. But, there is a gap between his best and worst, and his worst was on display at Goulburn on Monday. He rode the track horrendously, on a day where it was wider the better, he continually elected to stay towards the inside of the field and the horses he was riding just floundered in the worst ground. He did it as well on Wednesday, but got away with one via Tawfiq Lass.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Unusual Culture – I’d love to see her at Flemington. She looks a big track horse
Proper Rogue – Keep him to 1000m/1100m and they’ll win plenty

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Chopin – Had market support, but lost his compass. Clear forgive
Sigh – Want to see her on a firm deck with clear air

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Aysar – Snip snip or retirement
Glitter Strip – Life ban now
Skins – He’s gone