The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – March 21st Edition

There was no patrons at Rosehill for Golden Slipper Day but the first lady of racing, Gai Waterhouse, created more history. That, and a high priced colt bounced back in a big way. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Farnan Wins Golden Slipper

History was made via Farnan leading throughout to take the Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill with Gai Waterhouse winning the race for the seventh time, breaking the record she shared with her father, the legendary T J Smith. The colt led throughout under a positive steer from Bowman and he was far too good.

Castlvecchio Outstanding In Rosehill Guineas

The last time Castelvecchio was at 2000m, he ran second to a world class mare, Lys Gracieux, in the Cox Plate. He found the ten furlongs in the Rosehill Guineas, looked a million dollars in the mounting yard and thanks to a brilliant ride from Craig Williams, the highly valued colt got that elusive Group l win at three in commanding fashion. The question with Castelvecchio is whether or not they go to the Derby or have a crack at the Queen Elizabeth.

Dreamforce All The Way In George Ryder

Dreamforce always looked destined to win a Group l but he surprised a few that it came via the George Ryder (1500m). Nash was the only jock to show initiative in the race, taking it up and controlling things to suit himself and really, 600m out it was race over and those from behind, including hot pot Te Akau Shark, had no chance.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Have to give it to Gai Waterhouse and winning her seventh Golden Slipper. The feat probably should be celebrated more but given what is happening around the world, can understand. She’s one of the all time great trainers, especially with her juveniles. And a big pat on the back too for Adrian Bott, who won his first Golden Slipper.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Black Ruby Prince was really well tried when debuting at Avoca on Saturday off the back of impressive jumpouts and despite probably not being 100% happy around the tight circuit, he showed good class when balanced up to get there and win. He’s got enormous upside to come and could easily measure up at midweek level in time.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

It was high class stuff from Craig Williams aboard Loving Gaby in the William Reid. He made sure he was out of trouble on speed and also made Bivouac work in front, something the horse doesn’t like, and quickly beat it off on the turn and safely held them at bay. Star filly, but it was another 12/10 ride from Williams on the filly.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

What were the jocks doing in the last at Eagle Farm, namely Mick Cahill, Adin Thompson and Luke Tarrant? Were they worried the Coronavirus would catch them if went slow? That was just madness in front and no surprise all three runners folded up and set it up for those out the back. All very good riders…but that was borderline stupidity.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Hungry Heart – Think she could be a 3YO to run in a Cox Plate. Star
Declares War – Ready to win

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Princess Jenni – Better than that surely
Te Akau Shark – Poor ride I thought, and to the eye a plain run, but clearly not his GF
Warning – He’s still on track for the Derby, likewise Shadow Hero

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Avilius – Tempo, potential bias maybe…but he was still ordinary
Just Benjamin – Blinkers didn’t work, but still very poor