The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – March 14th Edition

It was wet and wild at Rosehill for Coolmore Classic Day, and speaking of wild, Caulfield became the ‘Wild Wild West’ for the All Star Mile. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

Key News

Back Pike, Five Million Reasons To Like

Willie Pike, the best there is in WA, hadn’t really proved himself on the big stage in Melbourne but that all changed in huge way at Caulfield in the All Star Mile (1600m) with a 12/10 steer aboard Regal Power in a very sweet win for all concerned, namely the rider, who admitted that he cost it the win last Saturday in the Australian Cup. But he bounced back in a big way with an absolute peach of a ride, mainly because he kept his key threat Melody Belle in a pocket and that won the race. It was even better for Team Williams and Bob Peters with their very good three year old Superstorm running a mighty second.

Con Te Partiro Wins Coolmore Classic

Tim Clark was the first to admit he rode Con Te Partiro too aggressively in the Guy Walter first up but he got the ride spot on when it comes with the imported mare, who got a Group l win next to her name by taking out the Coolmore Classic (1500m) in atrocious conditions at Rosehill. In a real slog to the line, she finished best to top off her CV for round two of the breeding barn after failing to get in foal in her first crack of life post racing.

Funstar Gets Revenge On Probabeel

Funstar was at her brilliant best in the Phar Lap (1500m) at Rosehill, leading throughout in what was pretty much a barrier trial for the star filly, who controlled things in front and really gave nothing else a chance, including Probabeel, who looked gone 600m out but surged again and was excellent in defeat. These two will clash again more than likely in the Vinery en route to the ATC Oaks.

Performance of the week

Have to give it to J Mac. He and Nash have had a great battle so far this season for the Sydney Jockey Premiership but the star Kiwi has got a lead now after putting together five of the best at Rosehill on Saturday, each ride being very good in different circumstances. A quick reminder that he is one of the best in the business.

Debut of the week

She’s my pony for the Percy Sykes is Chianti. I’ve loved her since her first trial back in October and I thought she was a moral in the Max Lees on Hunter Day. But Kris Lees spelled and had the Autumn in mind, and he produced her at the midweeks at Warwick Farm. Amazing really she got to near double figures and despite being that tad keen, she never looked like getting beat.

Ride of the week

World class ride from Pike on Regal Power. Tactically, it was perfect. He had the four year old just off the good speed, behind the horses dragging the field up to Flit. But the winning move was maintaining his line and ensuring Melody Belle wouldn’t push him out of the way. I think most would agree that had she got clear earlier, she wins, but the ride aboard Regal Power stopped that happening. Peach.

Slaughter of the week

I’m not really sure what Cameron Noble and Jimmy Innes were doing at Goulburn on Thursday. Noble on Iconista and Innes aboard Vulpes went crazy hard in front, running a 400m section in sub 21. That’s just silly for a Goulburn maiden and clearly they had to tire, which they did. I was on Iconista, so could solely blame Innes for continually punching forward, but some blame has to go to Noble too. Why he didn’t take a sit I do not know.