A country trainer lost his best horse, Bold Star put his Lighting Stakes credentials on the line while in Sydney, a Golden Slipper contender was unearthed. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.
KEY NEWS:
Country Trainer Loses Country Star
Todd Blowes suffered a cruel blow this week when several owners of his Country Championships winner Noble Boy voted that the horse should be transferred and will now be trained by Clare Cunningham. Blowes, understandably filthy with the outcome and the way he found it, will sell his interest in the horse and hopefully with that money he’ll buy his next quality animal.
Bold Star Wins The Kensington…Just
1200m back to 1000m is never an easy task, but Bold Star handled it and just got the photo finish to go his way when winning the Kensington Stakes at Flemington, driving hard to nab rank outsider Causeway Girl right on the peg. That run was a guide for trainer Gordon Richards and whether or not to pursue a start in the Lightning Stakes (1000m). He loves the straight course, and 1000m is his pet trip.
Cellsabeel New Slipper Favourite
The Maher/Eustace stable are flying with their juveniles and they now have the Golden Slipper favourite after Cellsabeel, who caught the attention of everyone in the Golden Gift, raced away to win at Rosehill on Saturday in testing conditions, but she lapped it up and one box she has ticked off is that if we get another wet Golden Slipper, she’ll handle it.
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:
They ran world class time in the Telegraph at Trentham on Saturday, running a tick over 1.07 for the 1200m, so the fact that Avantage gave them a start and a beating was just amazing. Her late splits will be amazing viewing given the last 600m leader to post was around 32.1, so she’s gone close to running around 31.5. Freakish performance.
DEBUT OF THE WEEK:
Want to see her do it again against better opposition, but the debut win of Mileva at Murray Bridge on Saturday was very sharp. Led throughout to win narrowly but very comfortably given she was barely ridden out at any stage. The time didn’t stack up great with the other 1000m race, and the stable do think she’s a Blue Diamond horse. Not sure about that, but she does have plenty of ability.
RIDE OF THE WEEK:
It’s good to see when riders do let their horses run instead of restraining and Avdulla got it perfect on Bandersnatch in the last at Rosehill. Probably got a bit too keen last time, but he let the horse stride from the outset and that won him the race. He relaxed, had the turn of foot when asked and the others were floundering while he was off and gone. Smart ride and a tough win.
SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:
Looking at the Stewards vision, yes Stella Sea Sun veered in, but I think there was enough time for McDonald to push forward on her instead of getting dragged back to last and that move cost her the win. They went slow in front and those from the back really couldn’t get involved. She did an amazing job to get as close as she did. Positive ride next time and she wins in similar grade.
HORSES TO FOLLOW:
Cellsabeel – She’s very good
Bandersnatch – Likely spells now, but he’s going to be a beauty next prep
Light The Waves – Wants 2000m+
ONE MORE CHANCE:
Parche – Slow to recover, so one more chance before penning her
New Universe – Too far back. Can sit closer next time and win
NEVER EVER AGAIN:
Calmyourfarm – Weak, weak finale
Blazing – Every chance in front. Not racing well at all
Word For Word – Well and truly a life ban now
Great Duchess – Pulled hard, weak finale, no more of her
Pizonie – Given every chance. I’ve had enough of him
Star Of Monsoon – He’ll win a race, but won’t be with me on
