The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – March 13th Edition

A star mare got a deserving Group l win, the Slipper picture, potentially, came clearer, while #SF was to the fore in a memorable All Star Mile. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Mugatoo Wins All Star Mile

A plan six months in advance doesn’t always come off, but when it does, it makes the win all the more sweet and that was the case for Kris Lees with his brilliant import Mugatoo confirming himself as one of the best in the country with a win in the All Star Mile (1600m). Damien Oliver produced a 20/10 ride on Russian Camelot, but it was Hugh Bowman who produced a 25/10 steer on Mugatoo and it was the ride that won the race. Both will now progress to the Queen Elizabeth and be worthy threats.

Krone Dominant In Coolmore Classic

Krone went through to the keeper in the Magic Millions F&M, and again in the Guy Walter, but despite two impressive wins, she went around good odds yet again in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) and under a peach from Tim Clark, the Tony Gollan trained mare was dominant and she won impressively yet again. Give her a wet track in the Coolmore Legacy and she’ll take a power of beating once again.

A Kiwi To Win The Golden Slipper?

We will know on Monday if that is on the cards with Sword Of State producing the goods in dominant fashion once again, this time at Group l level at Ellerslie on Saturday. The colt is winning by a space, running time…he looks like he will measure up and connections will make a final call on Monday to determine if he makes the trip across.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Racing needs the battlers in the spotlight from time to time and whilst Mugatoo dominated that spotlight, for a couple of minutes, it was all about Kevin Hansen and his unbeaten filly Sweet Dolly, who won the 2YO Jewel at the Gold Coast. She wasn’t happy in the conditions but class got her home. Hopefully we see her during the Brisbane Winter.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Not sure what John Thompson has in store for Jojo Was A Man, but he looks a good prospect. Three year old that debuted over 1400m. Sat on speed, looked to travel very sweetly and when Nash pushed the button, the turn of foot was there. Debuting at 1400m, whether he could be a horse for a race like the Frank Packer Plate, or potentially heads to Brisbane, not sure. But he’s got talent.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Olly and Bowman get the nod for their steers on Russian Camelot and Mugatoo respectively in the All Star Mile. They ran the quinella and gapped the race. The rides from the two guns were brilliant and no doubt the respective steers were a big reason why they ran so well. Jamie Kah aboard Grandslam also worthy of a salute too.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Billy Egan has had a bright start to 2021, but it was just a nothing ride aboard Cherry Tortoni. I’ll say as well that the horse was going no good and was flat in his own right, but the ride ensured he was never going to win. The horse jumped well and could have easily been given a dig in the ribs to settle a pair closer. But restrained to last, eventually, and then Billy just waited far too long to get going.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Wandabaa – Most unlucky. She’ll be winning a Stakes race this prep
Hungry Heart – Give her a dry track and she’s your Vinery/Oaks winner
Charmmebaby – Lovely tick over run for the Country Championships Final
Pandemic – Nice barrier trial. Still think he’s a Goodwood horse

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Hilal – Not a Slipper…potentially a Champagne type? Looked very dour
Colette – Think she is just a wet tracker
Criaderas – Nothing against Rachel King, but this horse just doesn’t go for her in these good races. Final chance with jock change

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Zakat – He goes in again. Every chance and poor again
Cherry Tortoni – He was very ordinary, ride aside. Couldn’t back him in Sydney. Hope they go down the SA Derby path