Horse Racing The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – 5/3/2022

A star colt returned in brilliant manner, a minor upset in the Randwick Guineas while a couple of Autumn Carnival features and their picture became somewhat clearer. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Hitotsu Outstanding In Australian Guineas

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.

Converge Wins Randwick Guineas

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.

Golden Slipper Picture Somewhat Clear, All Star Mile Picture Crystal Clear

The Reisling and Todman at Randwick are the traditional key lead ups for the Golden Slipper. Is that the case for the 2022 edition? Perhaps. Todman winner Sejardan looks spot on for the big dance in two weeks time and goes into the race as a key chance. Meanwhile at Flemington, the Blamey Stakes might well be the key form reference for the All Star Mile after Inspirational Girl, with the pull in the weights, nabbed Zaaki to win a brilliant race, albeit the race was run as somewhat of a barrier trial. Those two have enormous upside and look the pair to beat.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

I had this and the debut ready, but as I was writing this up, I was watching the races at Ascot. How’s The Serenity produced the goods in spades with very sharp change up speed when asked by Holly Watson. This mare is putting together a good record and wouldn’t shock me to see her measure up at blacktype level.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

If she can stretch her brilliance to 1200m, then the Karrakatta Plate is all over and they just hand it to Amelia’s Jewel. The arrogance of the win was something else, making an absolute mess of them, running fast late splits and doing it without being fully extended. She’s a very good prospect.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Peach of a steer from Brock Ryan aboard Le Lude. This mare isn’t normally a leader, but Ryan seized the initiative, rolled straight to the front, got control and the race was over from as far out as the 600m. This will do the kid a great deal of confidence given he will steer Count De Rupee in the Newmarket next Saturday.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

He is a good lightweight rider on occasion Jay Ford…but seriously, how can he keep the ride on No Compromise? Two horrendous steers the last two runs. The ride this afternoon…just not sure what he was doing. No initiative at all, deciding to follow a donkey in disguise as a horse and just never got involved. The horse is flying. Just get a decent rider on.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

No Compromise – He’s flying. Just needs a rider change
A Very Fine Red – Good return, she can win races
Zaaki – Good luck beating him in the All Star Mile
Yonce – I think she’ll end up being a better horse than Marabi

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Nature Strip – He’s a gun…but I think he’s a flat track bully
Laws Of Indices – Onto a dry track next time, but next time is D-Day
Anamoe – Repeat Laws Of Indices. He’s a dry tracker
Profondo – Can’t sack him off that

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

First In Line – Seriously…where did they get this horse from?
Mr Brightside – He’s not an All Star Mile candidate/threat