The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – July 18th Edition

The Kenso track proved to be more a greyhound track on Saturday, Chantrea continued her winning sequence in the West while a couple of former greats passed. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Fast Lane At Randwick

It was apparent after the first couple of races that the inside section of the Kensington track at Randwick on Saturday was gold and as the day went on, it became even more dynamite, with the majority of leaders being on speed or near the fence, and with that set up, came some dangerous racing, most notably race seven with Tom Sherry aboard Black Magnum riding to the track pattern of the inside lanes instead of peeling wider and with that, he almost came down.

Chantrea Wins Belmont Classic

Lindsey Smith had a tough week with the passing of his former star Scales Of Justice but a welcomed tonic came in the Belmont Classic (2200m) via a talented filly, Chantrea, who continued her winning ways under Pike to get home, just, over Heaven’s Gift in a thrilling finish. The winner looks above average and could be sent to Victoria.

RIP Chief De Beers

One of the favourites of Queensland racing, Chief De Beers, passed away peacefully at Living Legends during the week. The 28 year old was a beauty, but also a bit “different” in the sense that all 20 of his career wins came at Doomben, while in eight starts at Eagle Farm, he failed to fire, likewise when campaigning in Victoria.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Bit left field here, but I think a decent head nod has to go to the Maher/Eustace camp and to get Exemplar to win at Flemington. Yes, Sin To Win was unlucky, but this grey hadn’t won since in just under four years and looked absolutely gone, more so when racing over the hurdles, but on the flat on Saturday, he was the only horse you wanted to be on.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Going to Ballina on Tuesday. My Cousin James had trialled up really well prior to Tuesday and was keen to bet up. But he opened $2.60, a tad short, and drifted out to nearly $5. But he led, copped heat but kicked clear late and was much too good in an impressive debut. If he can stay in his lane and stick to that area, he can win again.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Thought it was a lovely front running ride from Cejay Graham aboard Madam Legend at Randwick. This filly showed some quality in winning. Start prior when leading throughout at Newcastle, it was a sit/sprint she created. On Saturday, she led and rolled at a good clip. Yes, helped by the bias, loved the positive initiative and rightfully gapped them.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

There’s a couple of rides I could nominate. Could even nominate the Kenso track. But the steer aboard Jawwaal at Dubbo on Friday…I think just watch the replay and it’ll explain it all.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Giovanna Run – She’s a big dope that’s got plenty to learn, but think she’s talented
Black Magnum – Less said the better
Alcyone – I’d have something on him for the Derby. He’s got loads of ability and is still dumb. Better with a bunny to chase
Maddi Rocks – She can keep winning provided she gets dry tracks
Roman Aureus – Decent rider on next time please

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Strawb – She’s better than that
Shokora – Had no chance given the race shape. Hopefully can draw a barrier next time

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Muntahaa – Why is he still racing?
Pinyin – She sucked in most…again. Had her chance. Low percentage bet given her pattern
Rogues Point – Just showing no will to win at the moment