Group l racing returned to Caulfield on Saturday, as well as the Blue Diamond picture becoming clearer. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.
KEY NEWS:
Warwick Farm Off
Don’t think many would complain about the rain hitting NSW, but with heavy rainfalls this week, it forced the Warwick Farm meeting on Saturday, Inglis Millennium Day, to be postponed with sections of the track deemed unsafe. Not all is lost though, with the two feature Inglis races added to the Wednesday program, but the downside is that more rain is forecast for this week.
Blue Diamond Picture Becomes Blue
Hanseatic well and truly confirmed himself as the number one seed for the Blue Diamond in two weeks with a brilliant come from behind win in the Prelude at Caulfield on Saturday, sprouting wings late to nab the other boom colt, Rulership, right on the peg. He is now a clear favourite for the big dance, with the boys seemingly having the edge on the fillies.
Sweet Home Alabama In The Orr
He was wide throughout without cover against a WFA field, but Alabama Express continued the three year old domination this season with a tough win in the CF Orr (1400m) at Caulfield. Under Mick Dee, the colt was forced to sit wide but despite that, he showed a really good turn of foot when let down and was too good, potentially sealing his career post racing, but there was talk afterwards that trainer Michael Moroney may contemplate gelding him. His next assignment is likely to be the Newmarket Handicap.
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:
Really hard to get away from Hanseatic at Caulfield. Had the potential to sit near the speed, but Currie eased back, hooked wide, conceded ground yet savaged the line late to grab Rulership on the peg. He should eat up 1200m in two weeks time and you’d think he and Rulership are the two to beat in the big one in a fortnight.
DEBUT OF THE WEEK:
There was a bit to like about the debut win of Kaakit Akit at Randwick on Wednesday. Was backed as if unbeatable and despite being a bit green, like he was in the trial, he was far too good. Time was slow compared to the race two, but putting that down to a soft early sectional. He looks a nice type…probably not a Golden Slipper candidate, but has his share of ability.
RIDE OF THE WEEK:
Broken record here, but love a jockey that shows initiative and a couple of examples were displayed on the weekend. Firstly at the Valley on Friday night with Georgina Cartwright on Alienated. Linda aboard Obscura couldn’t have gone any slower, so Cartwright got going mid race and timed it to perfection as she got around the field without spending too many petrol tickets and from there, his toughness came to the fore. Stubby had a fat day at Morphettville and his ride on Zoffala was a beauty. Horse is one paced, so he got going mid race, took the front and made it a true staying contest, with his horse finishing much too good.
SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:
Initiative is great to watch. A lack of it is not pleasant. Thought it was poor tactics from Mick Dee aboard Rainbow Thief at Pakenham on Thursday night. Could have easily held the lead but instead he restrained for cover and with that, came two things. One, the horse, who was already keen in the run, pulled his head off once crossed and the second point is that it just gifted the race to Left Hand Man. Ugly viewing.
HORSES TO FOLLOW:
Fresh – She’s done a good job in one prep. One to follow for the future for sure
Hanseatic/Rulership – They ran 1/2 in the Prelude. Likely run 1/2 in the big dance but wouldn’t rule out them switching places
Microphone – Firmly in the camp of Catalyst for the Guineas. Might save on this guy. He was very good today
Harlem – Lovely return from him. He’s on track for the Australian Cup
Avilius – Just wants a wet track and he’ll be winning
Te Akau Shark – Look out Queen Elizabeth Stakes
ONE MORE CHANCE:
Patriotic – Slow tempo clearly against him. Don’t sack
Rainbow Thief – Allowed to run next time please
Badoosh – No luck at all at a vital stage
Jaguary – Want to give him another chance on a more genuine tempo
Kyshaka – No chance given where she was in the run. Don’t sack her off that
NEVER EVER AGAIN:
(Beyond 1200m) Hey Doc – Was into the wind, but still very ordinary late
Sizzleme – No more of her
Art Attack – He’s a real one batter. I’ve had enough of him
Autumn Splendour – She’s a nice filly…but my pockets aren’t deep enough
God’s Penny – Had every chance to win. Just not going as well as he has previously
