The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – August 2nd Edition

A major suspension for a leading jockey was the main focus for the week, while feature jumps racing took place at Sandown on Sunday. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Bowman Gets Six Weeks

Hugh Bowman copped a six week suspension this week for his involvement in the fall at Rosehill on Saturday when riding Smart Image which led to Hot ‘N’ Hazy coming down, causing Andrew Atkins to sustain multiple serious injuries while Hot ‘N’ Hazy couldn’t be saved. The penalty was originally three months but due to his near faultless record the past year, and with Spring on the horizon, the suspension was reduced to six weeks and will be free to return to riding on September 11.

Ablaze Confirms Champion Status

Ablaze well and truly stamped himself as the best jumper in this part of the world with a commanding on speed performance to take out the Grand National Hurdle on Sunday at Sandown, to go along with his Grand Annual. It was a first Grand National Hurdle win for trainer Ciaron Maher and continues a career best season for jockey Shane Jackson. Kiwi star Tallyho Twinkletoe was found to be lame post race with the pair to hopefully clash again in a couple of weeks at Ballarat in the Grand National Steeplechase.

Slowpoke Rodriguez Wins Crisp

Slowpoke Rodriguez had been struggling to find winning form but gee he has turned the corner in recent times, which was confirmed at Sandown on Sunday when taking out a brutally run Crisp Steeplechase. The pace was an absolute cracker set by The Dominator, and in survival of the fittest, Slowpoke Rodriguez came out on top.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

The old dogs and indeed champions of Enable and Stradivarius flexed their muscles in the UK. Yes, Enable beat two runners, but the arrogance of her win was simply breathtaking. Few days later, Stradivarius won his fourth Goodwood Cup and despite showing the world how large his fifth leg is, his class came to the fore and confirmed himself as the best stayer of the modern era.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Quatum didn’t beat much on debut at Warwick Farm on Wednesday but he was impressive, sitting on speed throughout on a testing track and ran good overall time albeit he did have first use of the track. Trialled up well leading and confirmed it on race day. Matty Dunn has a nice one here. Just a matter of the right placement.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

First day of the new season, first meeting back for J Mac after his suspension and he quickly reminded us he is still top dog in Sydney. The ride on Kiss The Bride won the race. Could have snagged back, but sent the gelding forward to land in the 1/1 and really, it was race over 800m out. The ride was a beauty and he showed again why he’s the best in Sydney.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

I was on Al Galayel so happy in that regard, but for those that were on Vassilator and Victoria Star, you’d be pretty filthy with the steers. Both horses sit back and finish off, but can understand why they went forward given there was no designated leader. But instead of controlling it, they went at each other and set it up perfectly for the eventual winner. Odd tactics.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Skelm – Race not run to suit. Follow him on a bigger track

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Enamate – He’s better than that
Black Magnum – Next start will be D-Day
Brooklyn Hustle – Cool the jets. Need to see her do it again before jumping up and down
Wilmot Pass – Unlucky, but didn’t exactly savage the line. One more look