The Good, The Bad and The Ugly –January 2nd Edition

The focus for racing on Saturday started off at Eagle Farm with the Magic Millions being a key focus, while later in the day and evening, feature racing was at Ascot. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Another Waller Juvenile Flops

The jury is out on champion trainer Chris Waller and his capabilities training a top class juvenile after Ranch Hand became the second boom colt from the stable in seven days to be a beaten short priced elect at Eagle Farm in a Magic Millions Classic lead up. The colt wasn’t as bad as Shaquero last Saturday, but given he was the $1.50 favourite and taking on what looked a weak field, he was disappointing as first starter Queen Of Wizadry sprouted wings late to get the job done.

Magic Millions Guineas Picture Not Clear

After the Vo Rogue (1400m), that could well be the case given Apache Chase, who started $18, gave them a belting to win at blacktype level, but it also gives a massive tick to the two that beat him home two weeks ago in the Gold Edition, Isotope and Away Game, and no surprise to see them firm in all in markets for the Guineas.

Neufbosc Wins Thrilling Perth Cup

The Perth Cup (2400m) on Saturday looked a two horse race 1000m out between Truly Great and the heavily backed Neufbosc. That’s how it panned out, with the pair drawing clear for an epic battle up the straight, with the latter getting the verdict in the last stride to give Chris Parnham his first Perth Cup and continue a wonderful Carnival after claiming his maiden Group l aboard Truly Great in the Kingston Town. Truly Great was outstanding in defeat, sitting wide with 60kg and only going down narrowly.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

I’ll get headaches from continually giving nods to Jamie Kah but she deserves another one for her past week in the saddle. Rode a treble at Mornington last Sunday, backed it up with another treble at Flemington on Friday, then rode three at Caulfield on Saturday. This season, in Melbourne, it has been Jamie Kah then daylight, and she’s making some top class riders look ordinary. She’s the best in Melbourne and I’d say sits just behind J Mac as the best in Australia at the moment.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Godolphin have produced another smart juvenile in the shape of Frost Flowers, who won at Flemington on Friday. The late change up speed and sustained speed was what was impressive, running sub 33 for the last 600m, which saw the filly produce the best late splits of the meeting. If she can stretch her brilliance to 1200m, she’s in the picture for the better 2YO races.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

A wet Wyong track can be a tricky one to sort out with confidence and on TV it looks difficult to ride. Tell that to Christian Reith. He produced a couple of pearlers there on Saturday, firstly with Geist and then a couple of races later with Mollycoddle. No proper opportunities in town have seen him change his path career wise to riding at country and provincial meetings and the results are there to see. 12 winners from his last 50 rides and is becoming of the better riders to follow with confidence away from town.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

He played the percentages did Craig Williams, but it proved to be the wrong move aboard Housay at Caulfield. Had the back of the winner Evening Glory and had he stayed on its back, a run would have appeared and I think most would agree that he would have won. Probed to get to the outside and got shoved back in a pocket. Ugly viewing.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Morioka – Not sure she’ll be a star 2YO, but reckon next year she could be a blacktype filly
Private Eye – I think he’s right in the mix for the Magic Millions Guineas. Smart animal
Zabelarina – Ran last, but had no luck. She’s going super
Aussie Nugget – 1800m/2000m next time, back with confidence
Elaborate – He’s sneaky going well for the Magic Millions Stayers

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Mother’s Mercy – Just didn’t go a yard on wet ground. Forgive and forget she went around
Skymax – Just got laboured down with the weight. Don’t sack him off this
Smart Image – Doubt we will see him on rain affected ground again
Coin Collector – Sit/sprint last time, then found a brutally run race. Found wanting, but forgive
Zion – Cardiac Arrhythmia

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Price Range – Barrier trial star
Grey Missile – Wide throughout…still gave in too quickly
Potro Duro – Led and stopped. He’s cooked
Chapter And Verse – The love affair is over