The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – February 29th Edition

It was a day where that dreaded ‘B word’ was on the lips at Caulfield, a surprise of decent proportions in the Hobartville at Rosehill while the All Star Mile top ten and overall vote numbers were revealed. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Alligator Blood Confirms Star Status

Whatever well David Vandyke is going to with Alligator Blood, I want some. This horse has either raced or trialled at least once since July yet continues to maintain a high level and confirmed his status as one of the best of his generation with a commanding all the way triumph in the Australian Guineas. He copped pressure early on but was able to control things and from the 400m onwards, he wasn’t getting beat.

Te Akau Shark Wins Chipping Norton

‘The Shark’ is well and truly lurking the Sydney waters for the bigger riches and he started off in style by taking out the Group l Chipping Norton (1600m) at Randwick. He looked in a bit of trouble 600m out when spotting those in front a tidy start, but like first up, he unleashed a powerful finale to get up and win. He’s high up in the market for the Doncaster, but the way he won today, he’s looking for 2000m of the Queen Elizabeth.

Kiwi Filly Gets Revenge In Surround

Probabeel had missed out on big wins in Sydney during the Autumn as a 2YO and in the Spring, but after two strong wins back home in New Zealand, she came back to Sydney and seeking revenge on Funstar. They staged a brilliant battle the final 75m, with the race fitness and momentum of Probabeel being the difference. Funstar was enormous in second and is on track for whatever she targets.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Okay, it wasn’t the best race of the day, but in terms of arrogance, you’ll struggle to find one that won as arrogantly as Lochita did at Tuncurry on Saturday. Ben Looker had the Jason Deamer mare travelling sweetly off the speed and once the gaps appeared, she went through under a hold and won like it was a barrier trial. Broke the track record in doing so as well.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Greg Eurell might have a Slipper candidate on his hands in the shape of Ilovemyself, who showed really good change up speed to win the 2YO race at Flemington on Saturday. Looked in a bit of trouble but Olly rode the patient race, the gap appeared and the horse exploded through to win well and does look above average.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Want to go back to last Sunday at Taree in the Country Championship Heat. Sam Clenton on Magnalane was an absolute peach. Ride won the race 100%. Drew wide, rolled the dice to press forward and was able to slot into the 1/1 after around 200m and from there, he was the only horse you wanted to be on. Fell in late but the ride was a beauty.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

She rode a peach at Taree, along with a couple at Tamworth on Tuesday…but the steer on Star Alibi was an ordinary one. As the meeting progressed, it was evident that on speed/rail was the spot to be. So not sure why she restrained on the mare, back to near last, and it was pretty much a barrier trial for the mare. The winner bolted and was off and gone, but Star Alibi was given no chance.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Missile Mantra – She’s back on track
Funstar – 2000m+ she’ll win a major for sure
Rothfire – He’s my top seed for the Slipper. Just hope he comes through the Jewel, wins that, then comes to Sydney
Lakhani Rose – She’s got blacktype for sure in her. Really sharp return

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Imaging – He’s a racehorse, not a wrestler
Attorney – One more chance before penning him
Cazabillie – Back home to SA and she can win
Catalyst – I think sitting off a good speed, he can be effective. Not dropping off…yet

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Reelem In Ruby – That’s two poor runs now. Happy to watch from now on
Dreamforce – Happy to take him on for the rest of the prep. Disappointing
Beau Balmain – He might be too slow for jumping
Night’s Watch – He’s a pretender
Red Chase – Been a while since I’ve been let down by a horse as bad as this. Thought he was a moral. He went like a donkey
Over Exposure – Everything fell into place, but he turned it up big time