The Cox Plate Carnival was the focus for punters this week and there were some brilliant performances across the two days. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.
KEY NEWS:
Loving Gaby Wins Manikato
A gamble made by the Maher/Eustace stable paid off big time at Moonee Valley on Friday night with Loving Gaby smashing the older sprinters in taking out the Manikato Stakes (1200m). She was helped by an absolute peach of a ride from Craig Williams, who took full advantage of the inside gate to have her in a forward spot and from there, it was a pretty painless watch and she showed a very sharp turn of foot. Favourite Bivouac didn’t muster enough early speed to use gate one and from there his fate was sealed.
Soul Patch Bursts Into Derby Contention
Dwayne Dunn told connections that the blinkers should be put on. Stable put them on and the result was an outstanding win in the Drummond Gold Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday and is now a serious Derby contender. He swept around a bunching field with Moonlight Maid, but he showed superior staying prowess and savaged the line in winning, suggesting 2500m next Saturday will be no issue.
Lys Gracieux Says Arigato In Cox Plate
Stunning..just stunning from Lys Gracieux in the Cox Plate (2040m). She was spotting them a decent start in the run and wanted to hang in when under pressure, but that change up speed she produced time and time again in Japan was on display late as she zoomed past Castelvecchio to record a top win. The three year old ran the race of his life and was given a peach by Williams, with Te Akau Shark, the controversial inclusion in the field, running third.
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:
How can you get away from the finale of Lys Gracieux. That turn of foot that had been seen for a few runs was on display and gee she put them away with such arrogance despite wanting to lay in under pressure. She’s a world class mare and the dominance of the win was stunning.
DEBUT OF THE WEEK:
Not easy to win on debut over 1300m but that is what Suave did on Thursday at Hawkesbury, doing it from the front and giving a really good kick when asked to beat more experienced runners. He had trialled up really well prior to that on a couple of occasions so keen to see where he goes.
RIDE OF THE WEEK:
Can’t go past Craig Williams and his effort on Loving Gaby in the Manikato. Used the barrier to advantage and her positioned in such a good spot, most importantly in front of the favourite Bivouac and from there, it was race over. The filly showed an electric turn of foot and was too good for her rivals but the ride won the race, clearly. His ride on Castelvecchio.
SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:
Thought it was a very negative ride from Bossy on Fast Talking at Randwick in the Highway. The chance was there to give the horse a squeeze and press forward from a wide gate, but instead was restrained back to near last on the fence and from there, it was just an awful watch and he pretty much went around like it was a barrier trial.
HORSES TO FOLLOW:
Diamond Thunder – Look out Magic Millions
Hasta La War – Sue Murphy may well have a very nice stayer on her hands
Ruuca – Gee he looks a really good colt for the future
Magic Wand – She’s on track for the Melbourne Cup
Pacodali – Could argue he should be 2/2 this prep. He’s flying
ONE MORE CHANCE:
Villami – Pulled up lame. Clear forgive
Serious Liaison – No luck at all
Mr Marathon Man – Just pulled way too hard
Bottega – Nice horse. Sprinting might be his go
NEVER EVER AGAIN:
Faretti – Speedy squib
Order Again – Needs to stay in his Brisbane lane
Improvement – Two ordinary runs now
Trope (This Prep) – Nice horse, but couldn’t back him again this prep
Mystic Journey (At 2000m against top company) – Had the run of the race. Ran very well. But 1600m is her go I suspect
