Prizemoney increases for Victorian racing was the focus point for this week, along with news on a couple of riders, on completely different sides of the spectrum. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.
KEY NEWS:
MRC Have Everest Fever
In a move that’s been widely applauded by all in the industry, the Melbourne Racing Club has purchased the Australian Turf Club slot in the Everest. The ATC was keen on getting an international to contest the race, but with no real keen interest abroad, the slot has been sold to the MRC, who announced how they’ll attack the race. The winner of their 1100m contest, the Schillachi, will represent the MRC in the big race seven days later.
Melbourne Cup Plans for Lord Belvedere
Ciaron Maher has a decent opinion of Lord Belvedere, so much that so that he thinks the horse is worthy of having a crack in a Melbourne Cup qualifier. The UK import was a most impressive winner at Flemington on Saturday, confirming that the track/distance of the Bart Cummings early in the Spring, a ballot exemption race for the Melbourne Cup to the winner, is within reach of this lightly raced gelding.
Enticing Star In The Everest
Bob Peters was very keen to get two runners in the Everest and his wish has been granted with Chris Waller announcing during the week that Enticing Star will represent the stables slot in the race, joining Arcadia Queen in the feature, real feather in the cap for Peters and his business. Both mares will be trained by Chris Waller and will likely have a run or two leading in.
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:
There was no real standouts in terms of horses.
DEBUT OF THE WEEK:
The Maher/Eustace stable might have a smart one in the shape of Hapaira, who bolted up to win on debut at Murtoa on Monday. Showed good ability in a recent jumpout and translated that to race day, leading throughout and careering away late for a dominant debut victory. Keen to see where she goes, but I very much doubt that will be the last race she wins.
RIDE OF THE WEEK:
Ben Melham motionless when steering a horse…it’s just a thing of beauty. Exhibit A on Lord Belvedere at Flemington. That horse was winning 800m out. Was absolutely bolting, just a matter of plotting the right path and Melham rarely gets it wrong when doing that, and it wasn’t wrong on this import, tracking up wide with cover on the turn, peeling out and finishing best. Pretty watch.
SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:
Rare that Robbie Dolan is asleep at the wheel, but he well and truly was on Notation. Had amble opportunity to ease three wide on the turn but Bowman on Gresham beat him to it and boxed him in and from there, it was an ugly watch. Could very easily make a case that she should have won.
HORSES TO FOLLOW:
Master Of Arts – Reckon he needs one more, but he’s going well
Costello – Coming winner
Gresham – That should top him off nicely for a 1500m-1600m race next time
Taniko – Right race and dry tracks, she can continue winning
Sylvia’s Mother – She’s a blacktype winner in waiting
Turf Man – He’s on track for the Darwin Cup maybe?
ONE MORE CHANCE:
Slow Burn – Wide no cover for the trip, total forgive
Killavally – Can’t pen him off one poor run. Want to see again
NEVER EVER AGAIN:
Zavance (this prep) – Her GF was the Guineas last time. She raced like a tired horse in the end
Angelic Spirit – She’s just going way too keen
New Universe – Self reporting…good lord
Yogi (dry tracks) – Wet track, I reckon he goes closer to Azuro, but dry tracks aren’t his go
Roselli Sting – Pure milk drinker
Tristano – Rinse, repeat with Roselli Sting
Mr Hamilton – That’s two poor runs now on the bounce. Concerning
