Eagle Farm and ‘Super Saturday’ took centre stage on Saturday and there were some outstanding wins and scenes on track. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.
KEY NEWS:
Prince Fawaz Wins JJ Atkins
A bunch of mates, most of which are first time owners and they now own a Group l winning colt as Prince Fawaz confirmed his status as one of the better juveniles this season with a strong win in the JJ Atkins (1600m) under a patient ride from Kerrin McEvoy, who had to wait for the gaps to appear, which they did, and the horse surged hard late to win, beating a very game Kubrick. The scenes post race with the owners was something to behold.
Godolphin Treks North For Another Major
Trekking had been one of the more consistent gallopers during the latter part of the Sydney Autumn/Brisbane Winter and the James Cummings trained gelding continued his rise in the ranks with a commanding performance in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), capping off a big day for McEvoy with a Group l double. He got this gelding into the sweet spot, midfield with cover, and on the turn, he looked the winner and raced away from a gallant Tyzone. The Bostonian was looking to create history by winning all three feature Brisbane sprints, but after missing the start by a couple of lengths, that sealed his fate.
Good Kind Of Quickie In The Derby
The Phillip Stokes trained Mr Quickie confirmed his run in the SA Derby was indeed enormous with a strong win in the Queensland Derby under another peach steer from John Allen, who probably just sits behind Blake Shinn as the form rider of the Winter Carnival. He gave the three year old a lovely run just off the speed near the rail and was patient in waiting for the gaps to appear, which they did, and he held a safe margin on the line.
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:
It was only an Open Handicap at the Gold Coast, but the win of Manaya was just something else. Guthman-Chester took off 600m out and the mare was very wide, but she just cruised up to them. Was waiting for her to stop, but she was absolutely kidding to them, bolted in and was clearly produced some of the better late splits of the day despite doing that work to get there. Wouldn’t be shocked if she stepped up to blacktype grade before too long.
DEBUT OF THE WEEK:
She’s got the look of a Group l horse does Funstar. Made an absolute mess of them on debut at Canterbury on Wednesday, confirming the trial leading in wasn’t just a one off. She’s a very good. Last 600m was five lengths quicker than anything else, her last 200m of was two lengths quicker than anything else, and she did it without Robbie Dolan really going full bore. She’s very exciting and does look a Group l winner in waiting.
RIDE OF THE WEEK:
Beaten, but it was just an outstanding steer from Tim Clark aboard Duca Valentinois. Made all the right moves in the run on the Godolphin galloper, shoved into clear air on the turn and looked the winner when asked. Vinland was just too good on the day, but Clark could have done nothing more on the James Cummings horse, who does appear to save his best for Queensland.
SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:
Likely victim of circumstances, but it was still a rather ugly watch on Pohutukawa in the Guineas. Clearly should have won, but just got no luck in the straight under Blake Shinn, who has been the form rider of the Winter. Was about to burst through but got stopped in his tracks and from there, it was just a horrendous watch. Got credits in the bank does Shinn so he gets a pass. Also want to mention Chris Symons on Prezado. Horse was pulling its head off, and still restrains looking for cover…no shock the horse was weak late.
HORSES TO FOLLOW:
Pohutukawa – Wouldn’t look out of place in the Tiara
Kubrick – He’s one very good colt in the making
High Power – 2000m next time and he’ll just about be winning
ONE MORE CHANCE:
Noble Boy – Track was too firm for him. Just didn’t show the zip we know he has
I Am Queen – She’s better than that surely. Was terrible
Manolo Blahniq – Wide throughout, total forgive
NEVER EVER AGAIN:
Outback Barbie – Think she’s becoming a pretender against the better class opposition
Addictive Nature – Drop in grade or needs the snip. Just not putting in
She Knows – Been a very good mare for Danny Williams. Just not putting in
Vanuatu – Tried to ride her forward, and she found nothing late. Can win without me
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