The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – December 14th Edition

A Doncaster berth was on the line at Randwick, The Brisbane Summer Carnival continued at Eagle Farm while a former top juvenile bounced back to winning form at Morphettville. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Quackerjack Wins Villiers

The race is still over four months away, but the Doncaster Mile already has an on pace horse in the race with the Mark Newnham trained gelding earning a golden ticket into the feature mile with a gritty but outstanding win in the Villiers at Randwick on Saturday. He had to do plenty of work from the wide gate to lead and was there to be run down, with Invincible Gem hitting the front in the final couple of strides, but Quackerjack got the bob in on the peg.

Alligator Blood Back A Winner

There were a couple of nervous moments for punters who dived into the shorts with Alligator Blood, who resumed in the Gold Edition (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday but in the end, his class really came to the fore late and was much too good for Eleven Eleven, who ran a new career PB in second. Alligator Blood is heading towards the Magic Millions Guineas and will be a dominant favourite.

Christmas Comes Early For Ef Troop

Ef Troop was one of the better juveniles a couple of years ago but lost his way in terms of figuring in blacktype races. Now with the McEvoy camp at start two for the new stable, he got another Stakes win next to his name at Morphettville with an impressive win in the Christmas Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville under a lovely ride from Barend Vorster, who stalked the brutal speed, put the leaders away and clung on.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Hard to get away from Quackerjack in the Villiers. That was just an outstanding win. He was entitled to drop off and fade away given the hard work he did early, but he kept finding under King and got the bob in to win over Invincible Gem, a Group l class mare, which is no easy task. He’s now into the Doncaster and will run an honest race.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

There were a couple of impressive first starters that were beaten but will be winning soon. Go back to last Sunday and Celandine at Hawkesbury. Did everything possible to lose the race, pulling its head off, veering out and in under pressure, yet still got very close. She’s smart, likewise Battleground from Canterbury on Friday night. The ride wasn’t great, and the horse did a bit wrong, but loved the way he balanced up and charged to the line. Should have won and will likely win next time out.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

A jockey that shows initiative is always a tick in my books, and the ride from Steve Vella on The Last Napoleon at the Valley on Friday was an absolute peach. As expected, was back off a very fast speed. He could have played the percentages and eased wider for clear air, but he realised those in front would tire, and wander about under pressure ie gaps would appear, and that’s how it panned out.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

It was a rather ordinary steer from McEvoy on Battleground at Canterbury. The horse had shown gate speed in trials, and that’s what he produced in the race. Could have led easily if given a squeeze, but instead McEvoy elected to take cover off an outsider and in turn, key threat Hellbenders was able to control the race outside the speed and dictate where Battleground could go. Should have won, simple as that.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Kawaikini – Horrible racing pattern, but she’s flying. Just wants a fair track
Misteed – Flying. Would love a drop of rain
Wild Ruler/Encountabull – Both nice colts that can be followed
Conceited/Jabali Ridge – Talented juveniles that gapped them

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Savvy Ken – Pulled way too hard in the run. Give him another chance
Bam’s On Fire – One more before being sacked. Thought she was disappointing

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Roosevelt – He’s becoming a real pretender
Lake’s Folly – Impressive debut. That’s about it
Goldifox – Borderline provincial class horse. Country grade is her go
Kylease – One trick pony. Started way too short. Not a betting proposition
El Dorado Dreaming – Who are the idiots that keep backing her
(On Dry Ground) Noble Boy – Can get away with dry ground at benchmark level. Not against the good types
Sir Pippin – Can warm the pine until further notice