The Good, The Bad and The Ugly –12th December Edition

A North Queensland tough nut earned a crack at Group l glory, likewise with a gritty on speed grey mare while another mare got her blacktype win. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Master Jamie Secures Stradbroke Start

Rockhampton trainer Graeme Green will have a runner in the 2021 Stradbroke after his very tough four year old Master Jamie led throughout to win the Gateway (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Under Michael Rodd, who has taken little time to stamp himself as one of the leading riders in Brisbane, took control of the race shortly after the start and from there, it was pretty much race over and he proved too tough for a very gallant Stampe with Profit back in third.

Greysful Glamour Wins Villiers, Now Onto The Doncaster

Mark Newnham and Rachel King have made it back to back wins in the Villiers and have secured a bonny mare in Greysful Glamour a crack at Group l glory in the Doncaster. The mare, who races best when controlling from the front, got conditions to suit
and you could tell on the home turn she was going to take some beating. She tired late but clung on to beat the Godolphin pair, Best Of Days and Criaderas.

Athiri Wins Razor Sharp

Prior to Saturday, Athiri had placed at blacktype level on five occasions. She was bursting to get that Stakes win next to her name and she finally got it via the Razor Sharp, proving too good for a strong field under a lovely ride from Rachel King, who gets on so well with the mare. The unlucky runner was Tactical Advantage, who got badly held up at a vital stage.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Have to give a wrap to Team McEvoy and the job they have done with Savatoxl. I had penned him after his plain effort on Cup Day at Flemington, but they’ve reverted him back to sprinting and the rewards have been there for all to see. He won the Christmas Handicap at Morphettville on Saturday and admittedly had the track pattern in his corner, but he still had to take advantage of it.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

It was hard to get away from what Profiteer produced at Flemington on Saturday. Looked a real professional, had change up speed and he gave them a spanking. Big tick for him is that he ran quicker time than the last race, the Mares race, over the same trip, running around three lengths quicker. He’s smart, likewise  Yulong Turbo at Morphettville. He beat nothing, but all he has got is upside and he seems like he will love a fast run 1200m-1400m.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Gave him a clip earlier this week, but Jason Collett rode the perfect race on Significance. The best this horse has been is when he has led and got control. Took the lead shortly upon jumping in the Christmas Cup, got control and really, 600m out it was race over. Not sure he wins if he had to chase, so thought it was a very good.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Bossy aboard Frosty Rocks was an ordinary steer. All four wins, this horse has led. He handed up far too easily aboard Master Jamie and pretty much handed that horse the race. Big race for this horse given a Stradbroke start was there with a win, but he took away the best asset this horse has – speed. Poor ride.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Socialising – She’s ready to win now

Profit – He wants 1600m+ now

Snapdancer – If they go to the F&M Magic Millions race, she’ll be very competitive. Outstanding win, again

Criaderas – Lost the battle. Could well win the war

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Frosty Rocks – Poor ride I thought. He can win again, but has to lead

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Fake Love – Think she’s a speedy squib. Not a Magic Millions horse IMO

Travest – He just isn’t switched on mentally. Might need Blinkers but I’ve had enough of him