Another Everest slot was filled, Ole Kirk stamped his class and Russian Camelot showed class and arrogance at Caulfield. All that and more in this weeks edition of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’.
KEY NEWS:
Big Boy Gets Big Chance
The form horse of the Spring at the moment, multiple Group l winner Behemoth, will get his chance on the richest stage on turf in the world when it was announced this week that The Star slot for The Everest would be represented by the SA raider in what is a massive coup for Grand Syndicates. The $6000 purchase will now race for the major share of $15 Million in three weeks time.
Ole! He Wins The Golden Rose
Ole Kirk was out of sight out of mind earlier in the Spring as the hype was around Doubtland and North Pacific when it came to the Team Hawkes 3YO attack, but he well and truly stamped himself as the #1 seed with an outstanding win in the Golden Rose (1400m), having an epic battle with North Pacific the last 100m, but he kicked strongly to win. The talking point post race was Rothfire, the heavily backed favourite, who did far too much work on speed and tired late, then was found to be 3/5 lame post race.
Russian Camelot Stamps Class In Underwood
Is it a case of good luck beating him in the Melbourne Cup? Potentially. Russian Camelot was arrogant in winning the Underwood at Caulfield. There was worries leading in that he might get back and concede a start, but Olly took bad luck out of the equation after 200m, punching him forward to sit near the speed and he was always in control, beating Humidor and Arcadia Queen.
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK:
Not so much a performance, but have to pay respects to Bob Ingham, who passed away this week. He and the family will forever be remembered in racing and their cerise silks, which were carried to victory by a number of champions, namely Octagonal and then a few years later, his little boy Lonhro. Thoughts with the family.
DEBUT OF THE WEEK:
Not sure what level he can reach, but the times suggest that the debut win of General Beau was pretty sharp at Flemington on Wednesday. Admittedly it was a 900m scamper but he was on debut and his overall splits were clearly the best of the meeting, doing it under hands and heels. He could probably win another race or two this time in given how precocious he is.
RIDE OF THE WEEK:
Bit of a pocket talk mention here, but it was a great front running steer from Josh Parr aboard Prime Candidate. Was made to work for the lead early, but got a couple of really cheap sectionals, with a 400m midrace section in around 25, which on a track suiting those on speed/rail, he was always hard to beat, but the take off on the turn to build the revs and get the others chasing was the winning move.
SLAUGHTER OF THE WEEK:
Couple of rides I want to be critical of. Starting on Friday night with Jamie Kah aboard Greysful Glamour. The only way this horse races best is when she’s leading and controlling, so not pushing the button to press for the lead was interesting. But, it was more so the wet track than the ride. Another ride that I didn’t like was Pike aboard Arcadia Queen. Wasn’t going to beat Russian Camelot, but the decision to stay to the inside and quicksand well and truly made sure she wasn’t going to win.
HORSES TO FOLLOW:
Cordilla – Goodness gracious me
Lord Fandango – Not sure where they go, but I reckon he’s going well. Wants further, so does he come to Melbourne and maybe the race on Cup Day, 2800 or the Sandown Cup over two miles
Bottega – I think he’s a sneaky Golden Eagle prospect
Aysar – Reckon he’s a Victoria Derby horse. Not brilliant enough for the Guineas I don’t think
Personal – She’ll run a beauty in the Thousand Guineas
ONE MORE CHANCE:
Haut Brion Her – Total forgive given her workload
Le Baol – Pulled up lame. Forgive
NEVER EVER AGAIN:
Yonkers – Perfect ride from Tom Stockdale. Just not good enough
Thought Of That – Who keeps backing this horse?
Miss Siska – Mares grade or retirement
Quackerjack – Not racing well at all
Masked Crsuader – Well and truly a #Pop
