The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – April 4th Edition

Hawkesbury had their day in the spotlight, big money was on offer at Caulfield while the respective Brisbane and Adelaide Carnivals continued to roll on. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Mr Quickie Too Fast In Derby Lead Up

The SA Derby picture was made a bit clearer after last Saturday with Gringzinger Star but after the win of Mr Quickie, the race does look between that pair, with Mr Quickie bouncing back to winning form with a pretty solid win in the VOBIS Heath (2000m). The three year old was ridden cold off a slow tempo, which played right into his hands given his turn of foot was superior to anything engaged.

Widgee Tops $1 Million

He is just an absolute beauty is Widgee Turf and he broke the $1 Million barrier in prizemoney by winning the VOBIS Mile (1600m) at Caulfield under a lovely steer from Brad Rawiller, with his patient hands coming to the fore late when shoving into the clear and class prevailing. He now is likely heading to the Stradbroke Handicap where he’ll be a knockout chance.

Iconoclasm Off To The Stradbroke

Iconoclasm has earned himself a crack at the Stradbroke after a tough win first up in the VOBIS Sprint (1200m). Had to chase a fair way out due to the hot tempo set by Miss Leonidas, and Miss Vixen was there to beat him, but class kicked in late and he just proved too good. Looks like he’s being trained as a 1200m-1400m horse and it looks the right move.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

There were some excellent performances throughout the week, but hard to ignore what Libertini did to her rivals on Anzac Day at Randwick. She made an absolute mess of them, careering away by over three lengths, running time, and doing it without really being fully felt for by McEvoy. She’s an exciting prospect and I dare say the 2YO race during the Scone Carnival will be right up her alley.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Wasn’t as impressive as The Autumn Sun when he debuted in the race last year and won, but Reloaded does look above average. Sat wide throughout, with cover, off a slow speed and took a while to wind up, but his last 75-100m was the best part of the race, really knuckling down to win. He looks the idea JJ Atkins horse with natural improvement and he does have a lovely stride on him.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Wasn’t a winning ride, but credit to Jess Eaton on Call It A Day at Caulfield. I love seeing an apprentice show initiative, whether it be via instructions or instinct. Whatever the case, loved the move to put the foot down before the turn, getting them off the bit and getting them to chase. Just bloused late, but rather see that compared to stack, rack then get out sprinted.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Clayton Douglas is a gun rider, and to an extent, not his fault Super Seth got beat on Thursday. Horse jumped too well and had to lead, rather than restrain. What I think he did wrong is that he just went far too slow in front. This horse, on breeding and the way he’s raced, suggests he gets stronger deeper into the race, so turning it into a 500m dash just wasn’t the go.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Spanner Head- Good off a moderate tempo, come back well
Ligulate- Goes close to winning if he gets cover. Enormous in defeat
Chalmers- Crying out for blinkers
Akasaki- No luck at all. Can be a chance at Scone
Zourkhan- Wet tracks only but is going well
Trusty Lad- No luck at a vital stage, on track for the Derby
The Fire Trap- Forget he went around, give another chance

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Be very forgiving of both Belfast Bella and Bajan Gold in the opener at Hawkesbury. Those near the front just gifted Josh Parr the lead and win on Free Fly Too. The other two were out the back and had no hope, especially the former. I think both will progress to the staying race at Scone, although Belfast Bella wouldn’t look out of place if they backed up in the Wagga Cup.

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Thine Is The Power- Honest. Just doesn’t win
Kaonic- I’ve had enough of him
Coral Coast- Got her Birthday/Christmas/Easter last start. No more
Shogun Sun (Beyond 1400)- Stick to 1200-1400m and he’ll win a race
Yitai Synergy- Barrier trial star at the moment