The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – October 9th Edition

A star colt won a second Group l, a boom horse justified the lofty price tag while the Cox Plate picture was turned on its head. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Anamoe Wins Caulfield Guineas

Anamoe had been set for the Caulfield Guineas for six months and the plan came off in style with the Godolphin colt proving much too good in the 1600m feature, wearing down a very game Captivant with Artorius in third. The question now is will Anamoe run in the Cox Plate, especially after the results of the last two Saturday meetings.

Money Well Spent In Spring Champion

$1.9 Million for a horse at a sale can be fraught with danger. It can be disastrous, but that won’t be the case for the Galetta family and trainer Richard Litt after three year old Profondo spanked them in the Group l Spring Champion (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday. A son of Deep Impact, he was always in control outside and once the button was pushed, away he went. He’ll likely now spell and head towards the Randwick/Rosehill Guineas.

Cox Plate Picture Clear As Mud

Seven days ago, the 2021 Cox Plate looked a race in two between Zaaki and Verry Elleegant. After the Turnbull, it was all about Zaaki after Verry Elleegant disappointed. Now the Cox Plate is seemingly wide open after Zaaki could only manage third in the Might And Power (2000m) behind Probabeel and Nonconformist, with the star galloper seemingly left with no excuses in a disappointing effort.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

IMO, Paulele will be getting a run in The Everest next week, whether it be for Godolphin or James Kennedy. Smashed the clock in winning the Roman Consul and was brilliant in a 1200m demolition job. Off that run, he’ll run well in an Everest and the race is ideally suited for his racing style.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Good ticker shown by Mahrez to win on debut at Geelong on Wednesday. Market support said he was there to win and despite a few nervous moments, he finished best and was much too good. Apparently has gone for a spell, but look for him in the Summer. Off season, he can win in town.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Admittedly he had a bit on them, but it was a peach from Olly aboard Delphi in the Herbert Power. Stayed one off throughout off a muddling tempo, and instead of waiting, 700m out he slid up three wide, put the leaders away and had full momentum nearer the inside. The horse was dominant, but the ride certainly helped.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Hard to get away from Craig Williams aboard Brooklyn Hustle. This mare seemingly races best when wide with cover, allowed to get clear air whenever she wants and can explode. But despite drawing 8/8, he somehow found the fence and from the 600m onwards, it was an ugly, ugly watch. Olly aboard Tailleur was ugly too, three wide from gate three.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Kiku – Ticking along beautifully for a race. Just not sure which one
Sweet Deal – Wide throughout, she battled on really well. In for a good prep
Hitotsu/Forgot You – Lovely Derby runs from this pair

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Sword Of State – Near the hot speed and battled on. One more chance third up, hard fit
Amarelinha – Wide no cover chasing a good speed and battled on really well I thought

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

On The Lead – He’s becoming a hard horse to trust. Every chance and beaten by a Highway horse, who is flying
September Run – She wants give in the track, but no more for me