A couple of NZ stars stole the show at Ellerslie on Saturday while at Caulfield, Godolphin tightened their grip on potentially another Blue Diamond. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.
KEY NEWS:
Catalyst Back With A Bang
It wasn’t the best of watches in terms of spectacular but it was still very impressive from Catalyst, who kicked off his 2020 campaign with a brilliant win from the back at Ellerslie. He was last to begin and gave them a start, but his class was there to see in the end and he ended up giving them a beating, running outstanding late splits. He now will likely head to Melbourne.
Hanseatic Confirms Blue Diamond Credentials
Despite sitting wide throughout, Hanseatic made sure he held on to the favourite tag for the Blue Diamond with a spank job of his rivals in the Boys division of the Preview at Caulfield, sitting wide in the run but cruised to the front and when asked by Luke Currie for the big effort, he put them away and did it effortlessly.
Probabeel Completes Karaka Double
History was made at Ellerslie in the Karaka 3YO Classic with the win of Probabeel given she became the first horse to win the Karaka Million 2YO then come back 12 months later to take out the 3YO event. It capped off a big day for Te Akau Racing with trainer Jamie Richards taking out the 2YO feature with Cool Aza Beel. The 3YO filly will now return to Sydney and face off again with her conqueror from the Spring, Funstar, likely in the Surround Stakes.
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:
Hard to ignore what Catalyst did first up at Ellerslie. Missed the start and they certainly didn’t walk in front, so was made to work, but his class came to the fore in the end and his late splits were outstanding. Onwards he goes to Melbourne and I’m really looking forward to seeing what this Kiwi can do in Australia.
DEBUT OF THE WEEK:
Nothing special on the clock, but sometimes just have to trust your eye and Valaquenta does look very much above average after his debut win at the Valley on Friday. He was backed as if unbeatable and despite a few nervous moments on the turn, he got clear and finished over the top for a most impressive win and is on the Blue Diamond path. The Blue Army that is Godolphin are humming along beautifully for the 2YO features.
RIDE OF THE WEEK:
He’s got the surname of Rawiller, so he’s in the right family is young Campbell, and his ride on Being Dazzled at Yarra Valley was a beauty. The gelding was seemingly doing little on the turn, but Rawiller made the bold move to head towards the outside fence and it proved to be the right call. The seven year old found the fast lane it seemed and zoomed home to win. Great initiative from 3kg apprentice.
SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:
All clear
HORSES TO FOLLOW:
Gaulois – Lovely run from him. Similar type race next time, he can win
Superium – Just had far too much to do given where he was. Was good late
Home By Midnight – Lovely tune up for him, whether he heads to Tassie, NZ or the Adelaide Cup
ONE MORE CHANCE:
Baaqyah – Race was over after two strides. Forget she went around
Microphone – He’s not a sprinter. Big track, 1400m+ for him. Not sacking him…yet
Sir Elton – Bumped into a potential Group l sprinter. Don’t drop off him
Salon Du Cheval – Given no hope with the ride
NEVER EVER AGAIN:
Redouble – Patience has worn out
