The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – March 7th Edition

Group l racing was the central focus at both Flemington and Randwick, and did the Golden Slipper picture become much clearer?. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Bostonian And Shadow Hero Continue Wonderful Records

The Bostonian is near unbeatable first up, near unbeatable on wet ground. That was the set up for him in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick and some punters jumped on late as he was well supported and under a lovely ride from Nash Rawiller, the Kiwi wore down a very gallant Savatiano. While in the Randwick Guineas, Shadow Hero continued his love affair with the track, winning the Spring Champion in the Spring and producing a second up bounce back to claim for the Randwick Guineas.

Bivouac Brilliant In Newmarket

Nature Strip in the VRC Classic last year was one of the more arrogant wins at the top level in recent history. A close Silver medal definitely goes to Bivouac after what he produced to claim for the Newmarket Handicap (1200m). Despite being somewhat disappointing first up in the Oakleigh Plate, he was strong in the market and really, 600m out it was race over and he won very comfortably.

Farnan #1 Seed In Slipper After Todman Demolition

Farnan is by no means a standout in the Golden Slipper in two weeks time, but he’s clearly the horse to beat on current form after the colt led throughout and spanked his rivals in winning the Todman (1200m), confirming his place as the one to beat, running much quicker time than the fillies did in the Reisling.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Really hard to get away from what Bivouac did in the Newmarket. It was absolutely arrogant the way he put away a classy field and confirmed himself as the best three year old colt when it comes to sprinters with Yes Yes Yes retired. He was a bit disappointing first up in the Oakleigh Plate but bounced back in a big way here.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Doubtland was impressive in winning on the Kenso track on Wednesday. Was wide throughout and entitled to probably drop away late, but he kept finding and surged the last little bit to win well. Didn’t exactly smash the clock relative to the meeting, but in the right stable and can progress to better things.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Want to go back to Cranbourne on Friday night and young Matty Cartwright aboard Sweet Snitty. He’s a very promising apprentice who does seem to rate on pace runners very well and he did it again on this mare. Controlled things beautifully in front and wasn’t going to get beat from the 600m mark. I’m sure he’ll keep improving at these provincial meetings and in due time will make the leap to metro level.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

It was pretty much a 2000m barrier trial for Avilius in the Australian Cup. Just no initiative at all to win a big race and then cut back to the inside, which at that stage of the meeting was clearly inferior ground. He rode some good races on the program did Dwayne Dunn, but this was an ordinary watch.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Farnan – One to beat in the Slipper
Warning – Lovely lead up for the staying races
Avilius – He can back to Sydney and win. Given no chance with the ride
Go Deep – Impressive winner at Eagle Farm. Think he has more to come

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Pandemic – He’s not a wet tracker. Back on firmer footing for him
Castelvecchio – Gets one more look I think. Want to be forgiving
Iconoclasm – Needs a dry track

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Global Quest – Given every chance and found nothing. Might be a good three year old, but not a top two year old
Begood Toya Mother – He got his Birthday/Christmas/Easter in the Sir Rupert Clarke. Just not up to this level the way he’s going
Fidelia – Keep backing her and keep watching her run on
(On wet ground) Libertini – She is legless at this level when asked to get her toe in