The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – May 29th Edition

Jamie Kah did Jamie Kah things, a boom horse got beat while Chris Waller dominated another feature. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Vega One From Nowhere In Kingsford Smith

You didn’t know where to look 100m out in the Kingsford Smith (1300m) at Eagle Farm. Then all of a sudden, the yellow silks of Vega One came from nowhere and bloused them on the peg to win under Jamie Kah, who once again confirmed her status as one of the best in the country. Tony Gollan capped off the race by training the runner up, Jonker.

Ayrton Balloon Popped In Fred Best

Ayrton was regarded as the last great hope for the three year olds this season, but it was a pop for the formerly unbeaten galloper with the Victorian beaten by local Apache Chase, who led throughout and all honours with him, who was there to be run down but found plenty and he is now secured a start in the Stradbroke while it is back to the drawing board for Ayrton.

Waller Domination In Derby

Outside Explosive Jack, it was a case of what Waller horse could topple the hot pot in the Queensland Derby. The market said it would be Senor Toba, but instead it was Kukeracha, with James McDonald getting the best out of him to win narrowly, beating Senor Toba, with Explosive Jack in third.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

I think most would agree that in the Australian riding ranks, in no order, it’s J Kah, J Mac, Pike and then daylight to the rest. J Mac put on a clinic at Canterbury on Wednesday, riding four winners and barring misfortune, he’ll win another riders premiership in Sydney. He’s a star.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Didn’t win, but keep an eye on Santorini Sun from Canterbury on Wednesday. Ran third to Divina and could make a little case to say she should have won with clear air in the straight. She’s with Maher/Eustace and will appreciate further so I think with the right placement she can win.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Jay Ford doesn’t get much in town these days, but when he does, he often takes his chance, and he did so with Adelong. I thought it was a super ride. He didn’t let Marway get too far away, kept within range and eyeballed him from the home turn, with the hard fit mare getting the job done.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Father time is unbeaten. Is it starting to catch up with D Oliver? Admittedly he rode a double on Saturday at Caulfield, but during the week, gee he produced some ordinary rides, notably at Sale, and that has followed a pretty lean run in recent weeks. If there was a Mt Rushmore for Australian riders, he is there, make no mistake of that. But from a betting perspective, I’m starting to treat him as a negative jockey switch. I’ll also add myself here for a rather shithouse Saturday afternoon on the tip

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Brutality – Wet Winter and he’ll be winning races
Port Louis – I think he’s the JJ Atkins horse
Sweet Deal – Enormous in defeat. Tatts Tiara at her mercy

ONE MORE CHANCE:

April Rain – Either she wants a mile…or I, like most, have seriously overrated her
Lord Belvedere – Given none with the ride. Gee he was brave

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Gytrash – Wide, badly checked by Savatoxl, but he wasn’t racing like the winner and as I said post Goodwood, 1200m and beyond, he’s not top shelf, and today makes it 1/7 at Group level, 1/8 if you include the Everest
Snitz – Just not a city class horse anymore
Hypnos – Back to NZ for you
Osaka – Ditto re Hypnos
Superium – He’s a pretender. Every chance. Didn’t want it