The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – September 19th Edition

The Everest Picture became a bit more clearer, a Group l winner returned to his best and a big boy scored another big win. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.

KEY NEWS:

Everest Picture Taking Shape

Despite a gut busting first up run, Farnan was announced as the representative for Aqus in the TAB Everest, with the three year old to be freshened up for the big dance. Then on Saturday, Classique Legend, who is also in the field, made a real statement with an outstanding win in the Shorts (1100m), overcoming difficulty to win.

Kolding Wins George Main

There was market support to suggest that Kolding would be a chance in the George Main. He was more than a chance. He was the winner, and gee he showed good ticker to get the job done from on speed, leading a 1-2-3-4 for Chris Waller, with Star Of The Seas, Imaging and Verry Elleegant filling the other spots. It was the first win for Kolding since the Golden Eagle last year.

Back-To-Back For Behemoth

Speaking of Everest, could Behemoth put his hand up? He made it two Group l wins on the bounce with an outstanding win in the Sir Rupert Clarke, lumping 60kg and producing a brilliant finale to get up and win. The race shape of The Everest looks like you’ll need a horse that will be strong at the end of 1200m, and Behemoth is certainly that.

PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:

I still feel the Kosciuszko might be a bit too soon for It’s Me, but good lord, how impressive was she in the Highway? That turn of foot she produced is saved for horses heading towards Group l races, and she was 0.8L off the track record that Redzel holds. The track was lightning quick, but still, for a Highway horse to do that, she is now favourite for the Kosciuszko. Could I take $4? No.

DEBUT OF THE WEEK:

Not sure what he beat on debut at Hamilton on Monday, but Mr Pickwick was impressive over the 1100m. Did work in the run but still looked to have plenty to offer and he was strong late in getting the job done. Not sure what level he can get to, but the win was good to the eye, so keen to see where he goes next.

RIDE OF THE WEEK:

Gee it was a peach from Olly aboard Orderofhegarter. The horse needed to win to secure a Caulfield Cup berth and he made sure the horse was there to win, put into a lovely spot just off the speed and from the home turn onwards, he was never getting beat in a strong effort to the line. He’s a live chance in a Caulfield Cup.

SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:

Going back to Monday at Tamworth and Aaron Bullock aboard Under The Pump. I’ll say that I was on it, so pocket talking here, but the ride was just far too negative. Market support suggested he was there to win and perhaps to be ridden more aggressively, but eased back to find cover and the leader/fav/eventual winner just got a picnic in front. Bullock waited far too long to get going and by the time he did, it was race over.

HORSES TO FOLLOW:

Yangtze Rapids – Just wants more ground
Matowi – He’s ready to win now
Hungry Heart – Just needs clear air to build the revs and she’ll win the Flight
Montefelia – Would love to see her go to Melbourne for the Thousand Guineas
Gallic Chieftain – Wait for the Blinkers to go back on. He’s going well

ONE MORE CHANCE:

Front Page – Not discounting re Kosciuszko
Dr Drill – Wide throughout. Total forgive

NEVER EVER AGAIN:

Reloaded – Think he’s a pretender
Avilius – His best days are behind him
Dreamforce – He doesn’t run a mile at this level
Bivouac – Ran well, but he’s a flat track bully and needs things to go his way
Groundswell – Weak finale
Lyre – Never…ever…ever again