The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – September 11th Edition

A boom horse confirmed his status as top shelf, a superstar colt made a stunning return while the bubble burst on a couple of above average gallopers. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Believers Rewarded In Makybe Diva

The ratings boys and girls love Incentivise, the market loved him leading into the Group l Makybe Diva (1600m) with a sustained push throughout the week and in the end, they were proven correct with the former Queenslander making a statement, winning at his Group l debut in leading throughout under a very much in form Brett Prebble, fending off Mo’Unga with Sir Dragonet producing a ripping return in third.

Anamoe Stunning At Kembla

Talk about the believers being rewarded. The drift for Anamoe in the Run To The Rose (1200m) at Kembla was amazing, being around $2.50 before getting towards $4 come jump time. Those who kept the powder dry will be shouting the bar after the Godolphin colt gave them a spanking, and seemingly with good improvement to come leading into the Golden Rose in two weeks time, which is a scary thought for his rivals.

Bubbles Burst At Flemington

On paper, it looked like it would be a day for favourite backers at Flemington on Saturday but it pretty much was a nightmare. Artorius disappointed in the Exford Plate, Ayrton was beaten in The Sofitel after sitting wide throughout while Instant Celebrity left it too late in the Let’s Elope. Jury looks to be out on all three with potential Group l targets on the agenda in coming weeks.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

Maddie Raymond gets the nod for what she has done with Turaath. In just over a month, she has gone from being a Benchmark 64 mare to now a Group ll winner after the Let’s Elope and with that win, there are options aplenty, with the newly introduced race in Sydney, The Invitation, a definite consideration, along with the Empire Rose on Derby Day because if she was to win that race, she would get a $1 Million bonus.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Going back to last Sunday at Casterton with Timson for Symon Wilde. Not sure he beat a great deal but his finale from a seemingly impossible start was something else. Electric performance. Not sure he’s good enough to be a Spring Carnival contender, but placed right, he’ll win races for sure.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

J Mac put on a clinic at Kembla, D Lane was at his best at Flemington, but Brock Ryan and his steer on Count De Rupee was a ride of a jockey who is fast becoming a reliable hoop from a betting perspective. He had the 1/1 sit and could have held that line, hoped for a split, but instead he dragged back a half length, got on the back of key market threat Emanate, peeled off his back and was too good. Brilliant ride from a gun apprentice.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

I’m sure there’ll be a few, but I couldn’t find one from a jockey perspective. But, my local race track, the Tuncurry-Forster Jockey Club, deserves an absolute pasting. First meeting in six months on Friday, and after four races, jockeys/stewards were concerned with the track and the last 100m, had to call off the meeting. Fine weather all week and that was dished up. Simply not good enough, and after glowing appraisal early on with this track, the last couple of meetings, there have been concerns from participants. It needs fixing, ASAP.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Incentivise – And I said he wouldn’t win a race this Spring…dear me. He’s a star and I’m a believer
Seradess – She looked drunk down the straight. Back around a bend, I think she can bounce back

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Mankayan – He’s definitely not a Cups horse, but he’ll win races. Just no race sense
Silent Impact – Held up, but had his chance. But first run in a couple of months, deserves another look
Artorius – Either he needs Blinkers, he wants more ground…not sure, but can’t sack him…yet
Ayrton – Good in defeat given the run. Can’t drop off

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Written Beauty – I think she’s a pretender
Stay Inside – Could forgive the resumption. Can’t forgive this run. He’s in trouble
Mazu – Expected great things from him this prep but gee he’s been plain
Kingshier – Very plain run
Crosshaven – He’s just not good