The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – November 2nd Edition

Racing Twitter was well and truly ‘Turnt’ on Saturday, but that aside, there was quality racing across the board, with a very progressive mare at Rosehill being the highlight. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

No Railway For Fifty Stars

Despite an impressive win in the Sandown Stakes (1500m) on Saturday, the Darren Weir trained Fifty Stars won’t be heading to Perth for the Railway (1600m) next Saturday with Weir opting to spell the horse with bigger fish to fry in Melbourne in the Autumn. Weir said the length of time the horse would need to travel in order to get to Perth would be too much for a lightly raced horse with enormous potential.

Parr Quizzed On Roheryn Ride

It was certainly an interesting afternoon for the NSW Stewards and Josh Parr. Parr was quizzed on the ride he produced on $1.50 pop Roheryn in the first at Rosehill and the tactics he employed, settling last. The inquiry was adjourned, then largely thanks to a few tweets on social media from others, Parr was called back to discuss the fact his agent, John Walter, who runs a subscription tipping service, had the winner, Chess Star, on top. Parr’s phone was handed to Stewards…certainly interesting reading, both the Stewards Report and on Twitter.

Seasons Is Top Shelf

It’s hard to get a reaction out of trainer Les Bridge when it comes to his horses, but it was clear that he’s got a very high opinion of Seasons, who resumed with a spectacular win at Rosehill on Saturday, justifying a significant plunge which started on Wednesday as soon as markets opened. Bridge said he’ll only give the mare another run or two before spelling and bringing her back for the Autumn.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

I tweeted on Friday after she won that Gina’s Hope produced the win of the day and weekend at Kyneton and I haven’t budged from that. Her finale was that of a city class horse and potentially a blacktype mare. She ran the last 600m in under 35, three lengths quicker than any other horse in the race, and did it being eased down late. Mitchell Freedman has a very exciting prospect on his hands.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Slim pickings in terms of debut efforts, but it was hard not to be impressed by the debut win of Steal My Kisses in the Merson Cooper at Sandown. Jumped well from the wide gate and Olly had her up on speed, seemingly travelling sweetly and she was never really going to get beat from the 300m onwards. Mick Price is now looking at the Blue Diamond with her.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Heading to Morphettville and the steer from Ryan Hurdle on Hussybay was a beauty. The horse had been bursting to win a race but it had been nearly a year since he greeted the judge. The ride from Hurdle got him the win. Drifted back near the inside, let the pace sort itself out before probing nearer the inside for a run and once he got it, he went bang and put them away.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Ben Allen produced a lovely ride on Fifty Stars to win the Sandown Stakes. Redeemed himself for the steer on Kiwia earlier in the day. I still don’t think he’s out yet. Should have won. Just had no clear air when probing and the horse does seem very effective when outside horses with clear air. Not the greatest of viewings.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Eawase – Not sure where she goes, maybe Queensland? But she’s going very well
Liapari – Right placement and he’ll be winning. Flying for Lisa Enright
Sir Plush – He’s going to win very soon
Newsfan – Stick solid
Zoustyle – Serious animal with sustained speed. He’s a beauty
Victorem – Crying out for a bigger track

ONE MORE CHANCE:

I wouldn’t drop off Action despite him getting beat in the Peters on Saturday. He just got too far back in a race that was run at a very good tempo, and he was just run off his legs. I think the Perth Cup would be perfect for him, where they won’t go as hard in front like they did on Saturday. Don’t sack him.

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Gold medal goes to Royal Command. I’ve had enough of him. Adam Durrant thought at the start of the prep he could be a lightweight Railway horse. Clearly showing something at home but not producing it on race day. The other I’d put a line through is Bring Me Roses. She needs a drop in grade for a confidence boost or something, but her winning strike rate says it all.