The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – January 11th Edition

This racing week was all about the Gold Coast and Magic Millions, with big names both on and off the track highlighting the week that was. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Invincibella Completes Hat Trick

Invincibella is an absolute beauty for Chris Waller and she created history at the Gold Coast on Saturday when winning the Magic Millions Fillies & Mares for the third year in a row. Hugh Bowman had her in a sweet spot back off the pace before peeling wider on the turn with clear air and she produced a brilliant sustained finale to get the win over a gallant Irithea.

Crocodile Rock For Locals With An Alligator

The Candy Man let the locals down in the staying race, then it was as if Hollywood had written the script. A fuel tanker tipped sideways, causing major traffic drama, with several horses stuck on the Highway, notably the Magic Millions Guineas hotpot Alligator Blood. It forced races to go back to allow those horses to get on track, thankfully all was well with the star three year old and he went on to spank his rivals. Melbourne is now calling for the David Vandyke gelding.

Away Game Wins Magic Millions

In somewhat of a shock, The Maher/Eustace trained filly Away Game gave her rivals a spanking to take out the rich Magic Millions Classic, and it was a rough result all round with Stellar Pauline in second ahead of Conceited in third. The filly started $41 but thanks to Luke Currie, got into the three wide lane, with cover, and blended in perfectly to put them away.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Could have easily forgiven Alligator Blood for throwing the toys out of the cot given the day he had. But he took it all in his stride leading into the Magic Millions Guineas and he ended up giving his rivals a galloping lesson, confirming that he is worthy of being discussed as being the best three year old in Australia. It was outstanding the manner in which he put them away.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

To the eye, the debut win of Taiileur at Gosford on Friday was stunning…was it backed up on the clock? My word it was. The 1100m track record was broken in the first race courtesy of stablemate Acumen, who ran 62.88 with a last 600m of 33.73. Tailleur ran 63.05 for her 1100m with a last 600m of 34.9/thereabouts, going some six lengths quicker the first 500m than Acumen. It was just outstanding and she’s destined for better things.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Couple of lovely rides caught my eye on Wednesday, starting at Yarra Valley with Rossa Ryan aboard Serene Spirit. This horse was bolting and Ryan could have easily elected to come wide, give up a few lengths for 100% clear air, but elected to stay nearer the inside where those in front were paddling, tiring, and gaps were going to appear. He took it and the mare went on to spank them. Really smart ride. And also Mark Zahra aboard Wilmot Pass at Sandown. Just kept the momentum of this horse up and could have gone outside, but stayed inside, kept his main danger in somewhat of a pocket and had the momentum to win, which was the difference in the end. Also want to mention Kathy O’Hara and her very positive ride on Chat at Warwick Farm, with that move winning the race shortly after the start.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Teagan Voorham hasn’t really let me down since she moved to SA, so she has credits in the bank. But the steer on Robe Bay was a very ordinary one. It was a day where you had to get clear air and build momentum, but she elected to stay inside and hope for a miracle, which didn’t eventuate, and it ended up being pretty much a barrier trial.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Hungry Heart – She’s the only one I want from the Melbourne 2YO race
Embrace Me – Lovely return from her. Up in trip, can win soon
Kemalpasa – Should have fought out the finish. Not sure where he goes, but he’ll run well

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Firsthand – Seemingly every chance, but coat not quite there. One more look before penning him

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Elgin – Australian Bloodstock make some astute purchases…this one is in discussion for being the worst
Savvy Ken – Forgave the first up run. Not the second up run. Really poor
Charretera – Amazed he was so hard in the market, just a non winner
River Jewel – Led, got a good time of it, weak finale
Sure Knee – Self reporting for having her on top again. She’s been really ordinary her past few