The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – February 13th Edition

An enigma bounced back to his brilliant best, a quality mare made a successful leap to WFA company while the Country Championships began at Coffs Harbour. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Kah + Nature Strip = Whoosh In Lightning

Dan Andrews should get in touch with Jamie Kah about sorting out hotel quarantine because that will be a piece of you know what after she guided the enigma that is Nature Strip to a brilliant first up win in the Lightning (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday. He and Pippie ran along at a brutal speed, as was to be expected, and despite being tired late, he fought them off to win another big race. September Run produced an excellent Newmarket trial while the well backed Bivouac was disappointing on face value.

Colette Impressive In Apollo

The query with Colette was how would she go at WFA when lining up in the Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, but with the track getting worse as the day progressed, her chances enhanced and under a lovely ride from Rachel King, she was dominant in winning. Verry Elleegant paraded quite big in condition and will improve with the run while the eye catcher was clearly Mugatoo, who looks spot on for the All Star Mile.

Baileys Wins Opening Country Championship Qualifier

Baileys produced another example of how invaluable the online sales are with the former Victorian booking his spot in the Country Championship Final at Randwick with a strong win from the back to claim the opening Qualifier at Coffs Harbour, sprouting wings late under Scott Galloway to get up and beat the heavily backed Tara Jasmine, both of which booking their ticket in the field.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

There are a number of ways you could go here. But, it has to go to Jamie Kah. She has a massive lead in the premiership and all things being equal, she will win the title come July 31. If it is to happen, it will be a greater breaking of a glass ceiling that Michelle Payne produced in the Melbourne Cup. Females winning premierships in Melbourne/Sydney, two of the strongest jockey rooms in the world…few years ago it was unthinkable, but Jamie Kah is smashing barriers and doing it with ease. Notable mention to Stay Inside, who stamped himself as a top seed for the Golden Slipper.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

The Maher/Eustace camp have taken their time with Marabi and off her debut win at Pakenham, that patience will be rewarded. This was the win of a future Stakes class horse. Led throughout and really, Ben Allen didn’t really ask her for an effort and she was outstanding. Smashed the clock and being closely related to Jameka, she will get better as the distances increase. Keen to see where she goes next.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Brilliant ride from Nash aboard Kaapfever. This stayer can have a lend and usually just goes out the back and runs on. Nash wasn’t having any of that and rode with intent from the outset. Landed in a great spot off a good speed and 600m out, it was all over and he bolted up. He stood over him and made sure the horse knew he was in a race.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

I’m sure someone will find a ride, but I couldn’t really find any worthy of a nomination.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Stay Inside – Yep. He’s a Slipper horse for sure
Masked Crusader – Couldn’t back him if he keeps being short, but the hype…might well be real
Mugatoo – All Star Mile pony
Verry Elleegant – Just needed the run
Mo’Unga – Back him now for the Rosehill Guineas
September Run – Excellent Newmarket trial

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Hungry Heart – She’s not a wet tracker. One more chance on firmer footing, but she’s getting towards D-Day
Coolth – He’s a fruit loop. No idea what he’s doing on the track still. But has the talent
Bivouac – Not a 1000m horse, so give him another chance

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Not Mine – He’s a proper milk drinker
Travest – Blinkers or he’s not a proposition
Propelle – Needs things to fall into place
Kiss The Bride – Had his chance to win last couple
Selica – She’s limited. Every chance
Dadoozdart – Nope. He was too poor to give another chance