Horse Racing The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – 26/2/2022

A rider made the best ever comeback from injury, A champion mare showcased her greatness yet again while at Caulfield, there was more evidence to suggest that an Airbnb party at Mornington can do you the world of good. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Verry Elleegant Wins Chipping Norton

She got conditions to suit in the Chipping Norton (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, but even allowing for that, all time great mare Verry Elleegant had to showcase her champion qualities when it counted to win the feature race, just holding off She’s Ideel in a great clash, run in horrendous conditions. It’s now onto The Ranvet before another crack at The Queen Elizabeth.

Avdulla Produces Memorable Comeback Group l win

After a nasty fall in the Autumn, it was feared Brenton Avdulla wouldn’t ride again, but he recovered in time for the Autumn Carnival and literally a week after his return, he made sure people remembered how good he is via a Group l win aboard Hinged in the Surround (1400m). She was there to be run down but Avdulla, in that familiar style he has, lifted her the final few strides to win, just edging out Startantes.

More Group l Glory For Zahra

The Mornington Airbnb party might become an annual thing for those who went to the original, especially Mark Zahra, who has returned to riding from the enforced break in outstanding fashion, winning another Group l, this time aboard Daumier in the Blue Diamond (1200m). It was another Blue Diamond for Team Freedman, with the stable getting it right yet again, this time with a colt, who wore Blinkers first time and just got the win over Revolutionary Miss, with a close up Jacquinot in third.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Struck By…is he back on track? It was the win of the day IMO at Morphettville on Saturday. Led at a genuine clip and was there to be run down, but he bolted up, so much so that he was eased down the final 100m, and the final margin of 1.7L seriously flattered his rivals. He is Stakes class if he can build off that.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

It wasn’t a debut as such but it was an Australian debut and what a debut it was from Samoot at Canterbury on Friday night. I don’t think she beat much and was helped by being fence in run, but gee it was arrogant. Will be very interesting to see where she goes, whether the Provincial Championship is too soon or she goes through her grades. But I think she’s pretty good.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

It was only a Pakenham maiden but it was a peach by D Lane on Oriental Legend. The horse, seemingly, looks a big dumbo. The whip wasn’t working when it mattered so Lane put the whip away and for the final 50-75m, he drove out hands and heels and the horse responded, lifting late to win. Smart ride from a gun hoop.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Seriously, someone buy Michael Hickmott a stiff drink. Maybe another. Madison Lloyd butchered Lake’s Folly last Saturday and it was even worse on the seven day back up. The horse was backed as if he was unbeatable. Lloyd and her decision making ensured the horse was beatable and beaten. Just made all the wrong moves and the horse was luckless, again.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Brutality – Lovely pipe opener towards the Doncaster
Duais – She wins the Australian Cup if that hasn’t busted her and they head down
Surefire – Looks a Sydney Cup horse if he can remain in one piece
Castlereagh Kid – He’s a definite Derby contender
I’m Thunderstruck – Been ridden both runs this prep like they’ve been barrier trials
Minhaaj – Nearly went through the fence. Don’t sack her off that
The Map – Could be a key local for the SA Oaks
Struck By – He’s back in a big way

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Icebath – Forgive a good horse for one bad run
Colette – I think as she is getting older, she’s more effective on firmer decks
Epsiona/Fangirl – Both were ridden like this wasn’t their GF. Another chance
Forbidden City – Wide no cover, clear forgive

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Order Of Command – I think his Carnival racing days in town are over