Caulfield – Saturday 21 October 2023
Basilinna (Race 3)
First time out past the mile and didn’t she relish it. Huge flashing light run for the Oaks. Going to take a good training performance given she is getting deep into her first prep but if she can hold her form, I think she can give Damian Oliver a fairytale finish.
Coeur Volante (Race 4)
Won like a good horse first up at Group 3 level at the Valley. Was well backed in this and whilst she got a good ride from Blake Shinn she looked super powerful through the line when she was probably entitled to be weakening. Her and Skybird look the clear two top seeds in the Thousand Guineas to my eye.
Vivy Air (Race 4)
Won a strong 64 on Seymour Cup day first up. Got back in this and closed off very strongly for second on Saturday. Keen to follow her – think she will be competitive where ever she goes, including a Thousand Guineas.
West Wind Blows (Race 9)
Has produced two cracking runs in his two Australian starts. The Champion Stakes at Flemington on November 11 has his name all over it.
Caulfield – Saturday 14 October 2023
Chain Of Lightning (Race 5)
Was in an awkward spot on the inside with out any cover. Loved her late work through the line first up. Think she will run well where ever she heads next.
Verdad (Race 9)
He’s the one I want to take out of the Guineas heading towards the Moonee Valley Vase and Derby. He was really starting to get through his gears when he copped the big check at the 50m mark. Picked up again through the line. Can settle closer up in trip next time.
Flemington – Saturday 7 October 2023
Triple Missile (Race 9)
Thought he was one of the runs of the day first up. Had just the one jump out leading in raced with no cover and still finished a clear second behind a really good horse in Star Patrol. Hoping they head to the Rising Fast with him again on Derby Day where he will be a huge show.
Von Hauke (Race 10)
Progressive gelding from the Cliff Brown barn. Was sharply up in grade to listed level off a bm 64 for this but has gone super in an on pace dominated race. Is certainly one to follow.
Caulfield – Saturday 2 September 2023
Georgie Get Mad (Race 1)
Had to do a little bit of work early and I thought he was just a pair to close to a warm speed second up. Only collared late. He’s not world beater but could be suited to a race around the Valley when night racing kicks off in the coming weeks.
Unanimous (Race 2)
His late work under hands and heels was very good. Ready to do something next start, preferably on a bigger track where he gets time to warm up.
Yellow Sam (Race 3)
Unleashed a big turn of foot to just miss Nunthorpe which had the right run on the speed. Think she’s got another win in her this prep.
Scheelite (Race 5)
The wide draw forced them to go back right back to last on Saturday, he absolutely scorched home the last 600m. He can settle closer with a better draw next time. Line finder.
Papillion Club and Wrote To Arataki (Race 7)
Two middle distance resumers who were unsuited by the tempo and distance. Thought their late work was excellent and I’m keen to follow them towards mare races like the Lets Elope Stakes and Stocks Stakes.
Magic Time (Race 8)
Another one of these resumers who were doing their best work late. Very nice horse with a stack of upside.
Amenable (Race 9)
Great run back towards the inside. Completely unsuited under weight for age conditions. Sectionals were excellent. Toorak Handicap has his name all over it.
Here To Shock (Race 10)
Thought his run was enormous. Did some work early to reach position outside lead, kicked clear only to be run down late by Devoted carrying 50.5kg. Ready to win.
Caulfield – Saturday 19 August 2023
Georgie Get Mad (Race 1)
Ran well here first up at a big price. Got cut out attempting to get a run up on the inside which was also the inferior ground. Clearly should of run a place.
Carini & Dubai Poet (Race 5)
Was pretty keen on Carini’s chances off a sneaky good jump out where he really powered through the line late. Race day was pretty much a carbon copy of the jump out. Got way to far out of his ground but really moved well the last 200m and doubt he’s beaten very far at all if he doesn’t lay in behind the winner Amenable with 150 to go. He’s got a nice race in him this spring.
Dubai Poet is the other one I’m keen to take out of the race. This was a nice run. Held up, back to the inside (inferior ground) and hit the line hard.
Right You Are (Race 10)
Turned into a winning machine last prep after joining Maher and Eustace and returned in great order on Saturday with a good second. He will only get better as he get out in trip.
Moonee Valley – Saturday 12 August 2023
Belle Et Riche (Race 5)
Recommendation was a good thing beat in the eyes of many and that’s probably reasonable commentary but the horse I’m keenest to take out of the race is Belle Et Riche who was given a barrier trial here first up over 1200m. Her late splits were very good and she is a much better mare at 1400m. Keen to follow her.
Floating Artist (Race 7)
Appeared to have the right run in transit but he wasn’t at all suited by the slow speed under the big weight. Looks a lovely run to spring board off. Furthermore this race has proven to be a decent form reference in recent years! Live Caulfield Cup chance.
Helix (Race 10)
Market said he’d be a bit rusty first up and that proved to be the case. However, I liked his late work. Can be competitive in the right race stepping up in trip next start.
Flemington – Saturday 5 August 2023
Rick’s Café (Race 4)
Hit the line well under little riding here first up. Will be better with the run under the belt and extra distance next time out.
Hennessy Lad (Race 8)
Sat outside lead and stayed on well for second. Nice second up effort that. Looks ready to peak third up.
Pippali (Race 9)
Was having first start for Moody and Coleman. Hit the line very nicely after being snicked right back from the outside draw. Follow.
Berkeley Square (Race 9)
Very talented four year old who arguably should of won a Caulfield Guineas last spring. Was resuming off a lengthy break here. They rode him cold and he worked home very strongly. Expect him to be ridden closer next time. Follow him with confidence. He’s a good horse.
Paperboy (Race 10)
Was a sneaky good run in the last over an unsuitable trip. Very interested in him next time assuming they step to 1400m. Should get a big price.
Moonee Valley – Saturday 29 July 2023
Another Wil (Race 3)
Rattled home for second on debut, won easy at its next start then very good here against the bias. Talented horse with a strong sp profile who is worth following.
Flemington – Saturday 17 June 2023
Blazing Harry (Race 2)
Price / Kent runner who was well backed coming off a Geelong maiden win on debut. Kept closing on the winner Steparty with a big gap back to the third placed horse. This looks good form.
Zac De Boss (Race 4)
Straight track specialist who was heavily backed from the time prices went up Wednesday. I thought he ran pretty well considering he wanted to lay in on one reign for most of the race. Think he is worth another go next start especially if they opt for a change of rider.
My Brothers Keeper (Race 8)
Another who was heavily backed. Was home hard against the pattern of the day to finish third. He is definitely a horse to keep following in these winter staying events.
Sandown – Saturday 10 June 2023
Pacific Ruby (Race 8)
Progressive mare who is unbeaten since joining the Maher & Eustace stable in the middle of last year. She’s done a very good job to beat some hard fit horses here first up and can continue to win races this prep.
Milford (Race 9)
Liked the run of Milford who ran home into fourth after being dragged back to last from his outside barrier. He’s ready to be put into the race third up.
Flemington – Saturday 20 May 2023
Zac De Boss (Race 7)
He’s a good straight track horse who travelled into it nicely before being chopped out at a crucial stage. He might be something to bet on second up with the benefit of fitness on his side.
Beehunter (Race 8)
Has taken a while to get going this prep but was home hard here against the inform Pinstriped. Can be hard to beat in the right race next start.
Flemington – Saturday 13 May 2023
Parisian Dancer (Race 3)
Thought this was a very promising run for a horse that normally likes the cut out of the ground. One to follow up in trip and preferably onto a wet track.
Shaiyhar (Race 5)
Ex French galloper having first Australian run. All his overseas form is over 3000m so the 1600m first up was always going to be too short. Thought the way he hit the line was very encouraging after being snagged at the start. Follow follow follow.
Green Fly (Race 8)
I didn’t think he jumped out that well leading in but this was a great pipe opener first up. He will run very well next start.
Sandown – Saturday 15 April 2023
Shezatempest (Race 5)
Progressive type who’s had just the four starts. Was dragged right back at the start and finished full of running at the end on Saturday. Can win again before heading to the paddock for a break.
Vultan (Race 8)
Was terribly in under the set weights conditions on Saturday yet was super running home strongly into second. Another win does not look too far away.
Heart Of Puissance (Race 8)
If this wasn’t a prep run for the Bool I will give it away! He looks to be right on track and ready to peak for the May carnival.
Sandown – Saturday 8 April 2023
Clarity (Race 2)
Was well backed in betting here first up and I loved her late strength. She likes the wet and has early pace which makes her a good betting proposition heading into the winter months.
Loco (Race 6)
Our best of the day on Saturday and a frustrating watch. Just couldn’t sprint as quickly as the winner at a key stage but I loved the last 20m and am keen to follow him up in trip. He’s a talent.
Lady Of Honour (Race 7)
On pacer who looks ready to win now after two really good prep runs. There’s a Group 2 Fillies and Mares race in Adelaide at the start of May which looks perfect for her.
Flemington – Saturday 25 March 2023
Snapped (Race 1)
Returned from a let up in the opening race and finished full of running. She can settle closer next time and be very hard to beat in a similar race to what she contested on Saturday.
A Very Fine Red (Race 4)
Was left an impossible task after getting way too far back here first up. Her closing sectionals were excellent. In for a good prep.
Virtuous Circle (Race 7)
Three year old who had no luck in the Group 1 Australian Cup. His run prior in the Australian Guineas was very good. I think he is a live chance in the Australian Derby this week at a big price.
Numerian (Race 7)
Thought he was the run of the race in the Australian Cup. Copped all sorts of pressure out in front and continued to keep bobbing until Cascadian got out and nailed him. Was only second up so should have plenty left in the tank.
Milton Park (Race 8)
Was a sneaky good run on Saturday. Likely to be a big price third up and if he can find the lead could take a fair bit of getting past.
Flemington – Saturday 11 March 2023
Life Lessons (Race 8)
Life Lessons is a lightly raced daughter of Tavistock. She raced wide with out cover here first up and I thought she stuck on very well considering under minimal riding. This race rated well and I am keen to follow her.
Dream Hour (Race 9)
Was given no hope here first up after being snicked right back in a slowly run contest. Ran some really good closing splits to get home into fifth out wide which something that wasn’t easy to do on the day (most races were dominated by those on pace). Is suited up in trip next start.
Flemington – Saturday 4 March 2023
Butch Cassidy (Race 1)
Waterhouse/ Bott debutant who had no luck in the two year old event. Was bolting with no where to go which meant Melham was forced to snick right back and pull to the outside. Rocketed home into second running the third fastest last 200m split of the day, which is not easy for a two year old.
Youth Spirit (Race 2)
Improved significantly here third up getting out beyond 2400m for the first time in Australia. All honours the winner however I think Youth Spirit now has the right platform to win a similar event fourth up.
Wango Award (Race 4)
Strong filly who well and truly out performed market expectation in race 4. She finished full of running in sixth place. Big track preferable for her moving forward.
Running By & Paris Dior (Race 6)
A race to follow with confidence – times / margins. Outside of the winner Benedetta who was most impressive I liked the return of lightly raced filly Running By. J Kah was pretty kind on her – a nice pipe opener. Paris Dior was also excellent first up and can be followed.
Pakenham – Friday 3 March 2023
Mvita (Race 8)
Liked it’s chances on Friday night & was heavily backed. Led them up and looked to be travelling well and then taken out to finish 30 lengths last. Pulled up lame in the leg and can bounce right back next start.
Sandown – Saturday 25 February 2023
Call Di & Eternal Flame (Race 2)
Call Di was ridden very poorly I thought and did an excellent job to run third considering. She’s a line finder with a lot of talent. Eternal Flame had little luck and can drop back to something easier next time and be hard to beat.
Toregene (Race 3)
Made a really solid return running second in the Mannerism. She’s got a likeable racing pattern and is a horse we can follow with some confidence this preparation.
Flemington – Saturday 18 February 2023
Wishlor Lass (Race 1)
Travelled sweetly in behind the leader in the opening race on the program. Was then badly held up until the closing stages finishing full of running when eventually seeing clear air. Nice horse.
Timour (Race 4)
McDonald spent the first half of the race restraining back to the rear from the wide draw. Produced a big close out wide. Can settle first half of the field if he draws a gate next start and be hard to beat.
Excelida (Race 5)
Loved the effort to get home into third from a hopeless position back last on the turn. Will be something to bet on third up if she can jump cleanly and avoid Annavisto.
Muramasa (Race 6)
Ran the fastest last 200m sectional in the CS Hayes. He’s a nice staying type on the rise. A firm surface could be the key to him.
Buenos Noches (Race 7)
I Wish I Win is the one everyone is talking about out of the Lightning but Buenos Noches has also gone absolutely super here first up as well. He is a live chance in the Newmarket and is double figure odds with most of the corporates.
Sandown – Saturday 11 February 2023
Amigo (Race 3)
Moody colt who was very well back – $11 into $7.50 – here on debut. He was building very nicely through the line and his breeding would indicate he’s going to be better once he gets out beyond 1200m. A race like the Sires Produce (1400m) could be perfect for him.
Chain Of Lightning (Race 6)
She had absolutely no luck here over a trip short of her best. Her last 50m once clear was very very good. Keen to be with her up in distance next start.
Mr Brightside (Race 7)
They opted to ride him cold first up from the wide draw. His closing splits were the best in the race. Expect them to ride him forward of midfield next start in the Futurity Stakes with fitness under his belt. Looks a bet at double figures in futures markets!
Sandown – Saturday 4 February 2023
Rheinberg (Race 5)
Is racing like a horse that is looking for 1600m now. I quite like backing the Hayes horses as they get deeper into the prep and I think he is one the market may potentially miss next start.
Snapped (Race 7)
Blew her chances at the start but was still able to finish off quite nicely. Hopefully can get away from the machine better next time. She has a stack of ability.
Glory Daze (Race 9)
Had no right to win here second up after playing up in the yard and finding a trick spot in the run. He has a stack of upside and is only going to get better as he gets out over further.
Pakenham – Thursday 2 February 2023
Veight (Race 1)
Certainly has a V8 engine. Skipped clear early in the straight and never looked like slowing down. That was off the back of some good trials and Damian Lane had nothing but praise for the horse post race. Worth sticking with.
Skinny Dip (Race 2)
I think not leading was a little costly for Skinny Dip. Had it taken the front and got control of the race when the opportunity was there it would have been extremely hard to get past. It was still a gallant effort and the wide draw may have been detrimental to its chances. Worth sticking with next start if it draws a kinder gate. This galloper is ready to win.
Moonee Valley – Saturday 28 January 2023
High Approach (Race 9)
Never ever saw clear air here first up and looked to have plenty to offer. In for a good campaign.
Sandown – Thursday 26 January 2023
Ruthless Dame (Race 7)
Was a drifter in betting and was given a very quiet ride first up in the Manfred. Zipped home very nicely. Prep run for target race next start?
Moonee Valley – Saturday 21 January 2023
Proprietary (Race 4)
Liked her debut win at Mornington. Sat outside lead in a muddling run race on Saturday. Looked like she was going to run last on the turn before picking up again to run the second fastest last 200m split of the race. Better for the experience and think can be very competitive in a similar race next time out.
Playoffs (Race 8)
Was money around for him here first up which is always a good sign and he ran on well despite copping a big bump turning for home. Suited up in trip next start. Is in for a good preparation.
Shock ‘Em Ova (Race 9)
Was completely unsuited there on Saturday. Found himself back and wide on a track favouring those racing on speed and close to the fence. Thought his work through and beyond the line was very strong. Is looking for 2000m and beyond.
Moe – Sunday 15 January 2023
Gold Revolver (Race 2)
Excellent effort landing on the speed and proving way too hard to get past. Should be able to go on with things from here and looks a progressive type.
Silkstar (Race 3)
Eased to the line winning on debut in amazing style. Looks ready for some black type races despite only beating up a maiden field.
Flemington – Saturday 14 January 2023
Rioyuki (Race 5)
Home hard to just miss at both runs back. Ready to peak next start.
British Columbia (Race 9)
Progressive four-year-old who is improving with every run. Is ready to win again.
Cranbourne – Friday 13 January 2023
Naval Destroyer (Race 2)
Peter Moody galloper who fought on well against short priced favourite Choquant. He is bursting to win a race – keen to be with him next start.
Mister Fairbanks (Race 3)
Had no luck at all here after been snagged right back from the wide gate. Can settle closer third up at the mile and be hard to beat.
Mornington – Sunday 1 January 2023
Smile And Wave (Race 2)
Electric return making absolute light work of them. Smile And Wave looks to have come back super this prep and should be able to go on with things next start. Worth sticking with.
Flemington – Saturday 17 December 2022
Excelleration (Race 3)
Drifted back at the start, threaded through and surged late to just miss rock hard fit Pounding. Terrific first up effort. Should be able to settle closer in the run next time up in trip. In for a good prep.
Dance To Dubai (Race 5)
Travelled beautifully in behind solid tempo and jock completely missed the boat. Keen to be with her next start in a similar contest with a positive jockey change.
Micro (Race 9)
Godolphin four year old who had absolutely no luck in the final event. Loved the way he was finding the line under very little pressure. Ready to peak next start.
Mornington – Tuesday 13 December 2022
The Sisters (Race 7)
Finds trouble more often than not but today really had an extra tank left through the line. Bursting to win a race and should have won today with a clear passage. Stick with it.
Sandown Hillside – Saturday 10 December 2022
Miss Five Hundred (Race 2)
Was building nicely over the concluding stages before running into trouble late. Well set up now to run well in something a touch easier over 2400m next start.
Arktika (Race 4)
Loomed up to them but pulled out of the race soon after. Arktika was well backed in markets and had the right form for the race but pulled up with breathing issues. Expect it to bounce back next start.
Belle Et Rich & Wrote To Arataki (Race 6)
Race 6 was a benchmark 78 that has rated very well. These two mares were home fast in it and will be both third up and ready to peak next start. Hoping they go their separate ways. Very keen to follow both.
Kettle Hill (Race 8)
Another Maher & Eustace import who looks to have some serious ability. Absolutely no luck here first up over an unsuitable distance. Want to be with him next start at the mile.
Propice (Race 9)
Had first two starts in Aus then was sold to Hong Kong. Did nothing over there and has returned to Aus. Stable clearly have a big opinion – was well backed and they booked Craig Williams. Can be winning next start.
Ballarat – Saturday 19 November 2022
Belle Et Riche (Race 1)
Talented mare who closed off well here first up. Suited up in trip next start with a run under her belt.
A Little Deep (Race 7)
Won maiden impressively on debut. Was in the wrong part of the track here and therefore has done a really good job to run second. Hard to beat in the right race next start.
Future Score (Race 8)
Another who did a good job racing in the wrong part of track. Only second up so suggest he will still have plenty of improvement to come. Not sure where they go with him but is one to keep an eye on.
Detonator Jack (Race 10)
Was awesome winning first up at Flemington. Market was all over him here despite a couple of queries ie staying at 1400m and a significant rise in weight. Follow.
Cranbourne – Saturday 12 November 2022
Smax (Race 4)
Mick Price/Michael Kent trained galloper who closed off strongly in a high rating three year old contest. Will be hard to beat in the right race next start.
Brayden Star (Race 6)
Was excellent winning on his Australian debut having jumped out very well leading in. Can keep winning as he progresses through the grades.
Flemington – Saturday 5 November 2022
Aesop (Race 2)
Very poor run from Aesop but has pulled up with issues again. Talented galloper that isn’t right at the moment. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it return next year and make a winning return. Stick with it.
Flemington – Saturday 29 October 2022
Atishu (Race 8)
Liked the way she hit the line in the Empire Rose. Weaving in between runners. Ran the second fastest last 200m section of the race and will be suited on the quick back up in the Matriarch on Saturday.
Moonee Valley – Saturday 22 October 2022
Running By (Race 4)
Was coming off a debut win on the Ballarat Synthetic and just ended up in a horrible position back and on the inside. Johnny Alan was doing his best to get away from the inside but was eventually forced to make his run up along the rail which was the inferior going. Still managed to make up nice ground and was only getting stronger through the line. Nice horse.
Roots (Race 10)
Well backed favourite in the Group 3 Tesio Stakes. She was held up for a stride or two on the turn and that has probably cost her the race. Will be super competitive in anything she runs in next start.
Moonee Valley – Friday 21 October 2022
Fission (Race 4)
Returned a gelding on Friday night and was heavily backed right the way through betting off a couple of nice jump outs at Cranbourne. Then went to pieces in the yard and at the start – sweating up really badly and refusing to load. Despite all this came from off the speed to power over the top of the heavily backed Field Of Flutes and was as soft as you like on the line. Has some serious talent and can win again off that.
Caulfield – Saturday 15 October 2022
Asfoora (Race 7)
Lightly raced four year old mare who ran slick time winning the McCafe Sprint over 1000m. Beat a handy field here with good gaps back to second and third. A race like the the Oakleigh Plate in the Autumn would be perfect for her.
Bandersnatch (Race 10)
Team Hawkes galloper who has hit the line very well at both runs back. Handles all conditions and is ready to win now third up.
Caulfield – Saturday 8 October 2022
Kings Gambit (Race 1)
Son of I Am Invincible who was ultra impressive taking out the two year old event. Won it by 5 lengths in fast time. A lot of water to go under the bridge but if it gets to next years Blue Diamond in one piece he will could take plenty of beating.
Kin (Race 3)
Kin can’t seem to get a crack at them this prep. Settled miles off the leaders and once clear worked home extremely well into 4th. Building up to a win just needs to sit handier.
Triple Missile (Race 4)
Bombed the start by 4 lengths and lost by 2. Fair to say it wins or goes very close with a clean jump. Excellent return and Triple Missile is in for a good prep.
Osipenko (Race 8)
Clearly the horse to follow out of the Guineas to my eye. Cracking effort given he was only second up here. Had to go right back from the wide draw and was home strongly into third. If he draws a gate he can settle much closer in the Spring Champion Stakes and be mighty hard to beat.
Law Of Indices (Race 9)
There was a lot of talk about I Wish I Win getting too far back in the Toorak. He was even further back (last) and over racing. Has stormed home here into second. Also liked his effort prior in the Sir Rupert Clarke. The Group 2 Crystal Mile on Cox Plate day could be a perfect race for him.
Pakenham Synthetic – Monday 3 October 2022
Draft Day (Race 9)
Took an eternity to wind up but really savaged the line well to get up and win. Should only get better stepping up in trip next start and is one to keep an eye on.
Flemington – Saturday 1 October 2022
Do It La (Race 3)
Had no favours after being forced to race outside lead. Stuck on pretty well and they ran good time here. She can be winning something a touch easier next start.
Pride Of Jenni (Race 4)
Pride Of Jenni likes to lead in her races and it was virtually all over for her when she bombed the start. Thought her run was still full of merit and I was a bit surprised how strong she was late. There’s a 1600m Mares race on Cox Plate day which I think they might head towards now. If she can jump cleanly and race on speed there she will be hard to beat.
Sandown – Sunday 25 September 2022
Cap De Joie (Race 1)
Resumed off short break. Back last on the turn and rocketed home in fastest closing splits of the entire meeting. Will be extremely hard to beat in a similar contest next start. Stakes class mare in time?
He’s The Real Deel (Race 2)
Stuck on well here after leading at second run back from a spell. Is ready to win now third up.
Our Playboy (Race 8)
Ran well first up at Flemington. Not much went right in the run here second up in what promises to be a good form race. Liked the way he finished off. Can be very hard to beat in a slightly easier contest next time out.
I Wish I Win (Race 9)
Well and truly lived up to the hype. Badly held up against a good horse in Ayrton and was still able to power over the top of him late. Looks to have the Group 1 Toorak at his mercy.
Moonee Valley – Friday 23 September 2022
Paperboy (Race 3)
Resumed in second prep for gun trainer Gavin Bedggood. Nothing in his favour here – first up, pattern against, 1200m. Ran home really nicely into fourth. Will be very interested in him up in trip on a bigger track next start.
Moe – Thursday 22 September 2022
Sharper (Race 10)
Has really hit form lately showing a strong all the way win last start. The form around Draft Day reads very well and it wouldn’t surprise me to see Sharper back in Saturday grade soon.
Flemington – Saturday 10 September 2022
English Riviera (Race 3)
English Riveria was heavily backed in the Cap D’Antibes after bolting in on the synthetic first up. She quickened nicely before weakening to run fourth. Think the significant head wind may have been the reason for this. Would be forgiving of the last part of her race and think we can be looking to back her next start in a race over 1000/1100m preferably back around a bend.
Pinstriped (Race 4)
Drew the widest marble which meant they had to snag right back to near last to get some cover on him. Ran home very strongly into second. Cracking first up effort. Lightweight chance in next months Toorak?
Foxy Frida (Race 7)
Quality mare trained by Andrew Noblet. Resumed on Saturday in the Let’s Elope over 1400m. Couldn’t quicken at a key stage but wasn’t beaten far and was very strong late. She won’t be out of it over 1600m next start but I think a race like the Matriarch on the last day of the Flemington carnival has her name written all over it.
Yearning (Race 7)
Well identified by Bryce on our podcast as a horse who could run well at big odds. Went terrific here first up, getting back and flashing home into third. In for a good prep.
Moe – Tuesday 6 September 2022
Calico Jack (Race 1)
Moonee Valley – Saturday 3 September 2022
Meridius (Race 3)
Charged late to just miss Shalaman who had a picnic out in front. Has a stack of upside and will be better suited on a bigger track next start. Liked his late closing splits.
Boogie Dancer (Race 6)
Freshened. Back to 1200m. Couldn’t quicken at a crucial time but my goodness her last 100m was good. She can settle closer in the run at 1400m next time and be really hard to beat.
Uncle Bryn (Race 8)
Ran well in the PB Lawrence first up where he was completely unsuited. Wrong set up again on Saturday having to make a looping run against a key rival who lead on his ear. Has done a good job to get into a clear second. Could be a moral next start.
Unanimous (Race 9)
Flew home against the bias. His lack of early speed means he always needs some luck in running but he has a very powerful finish. That’s his third good run of the prep and another who will be suited getting onto a more spacious track next start. Is ready to win now.
Caulfield – Saturday 27 August 2022
Corona Lad (Race 3)
Resumed in second preparation. Camped behind the speed and had no luck at a crucial stage. Raced in traffic all the way up home straight. Solid return. Likely be over the odds next start especially given its connections.
El Rocko (Race 3)
Is airborne this horse. Held up as the other fancied chances gathered momentum. Charged to the line to run second once in clear air. Fastest last 200m split of the meeting. Will be very hard to beat if they find him a race in same class on a wet track next start.
I Wish I Win (Race 4)
Outstanding first up win for Peter Moody. Backed as if unbeatable and dually won like a $1.50 chance. Has Toorak Handicap written all over her?
Fortunate Kiss (Race 6)
Resumed in the Group 3 1100m event for the four year olds and up. Not suited at this distance/ in this class against the boys but finished off well enough down the outside. Would be very interested if they go back to benchmark grade with her next start.
Kissonallforcheeks (Race 7)
Now under the care of gun trainer Nick Ryan. Did a very solid job here first up at 1200m. Can be very hard to beat in the right race second up at 1400m.
Memsie Stakes
One of the highest rating Memsie’s we have seen in recent years.
I’m Thunderstruck (Race 8 – Memsie Stakes)
I’m Thunderstruck is the obvious horse to follow out of the race. Big flashing light steaming down the outside with the race shape against it. That’s an extremely good first up effort in a high rating Memsie. Hard to beat in the Group 1 Makybe Diva.
Duais (Race 8 – Memsie Stakes)
Loved the first up run of Duais. She is on a Caulfield Cup path so they rode her ice cold out the back. Had to circle wide on the bend and was very good through and beyond the line. On track for the Caulfield Cup.
Sheraz (Race 9)
Arrived on Australian shores 12 months ago with big wraps – was heavily backed in a Bart Cummings first up and didn’t fire. Ran second in the Sydney Cup in the Autumn then spelled. Resumed at 1700m on Saturday and was probably unlucky not to win. Clearly in front 50m past post. Looks like we might see the best of him this prep.
Daqiansweet Junior (Race 9)
Liked the way he had been jumping out leading in and like that Jamie Kah has stuck with him. Also liked the way he hit the line here first up. Will probably need one more run but keep an eye on him heading towards a race like the Bart Cummings over 2500m at Flemington. Goes even better on the dry tracks too.
Moonee Valley – Saturday 20 August 2022
Shot Of Irish (Race 3)
The former Tasmanian Shot Of Irish is now with the Patrick Payne stable. He did most of his racing on the speed with his previous connections however as often is the case with the Payne runners they opted to ride him cold here first up. And the race shape simply didn’t suit. They went slow early then cranked it up through the middle stages making it near on impossible for the backmarkers to get into the race. Once Shot Of Irish was finally able to get balanced over the concluding stages he worked home really nicely passing three or four of them – while peeling off the fastest closing splits of the race. Furthermore, he was rock solid at $5.50 in the market which is always an encouraging sign first up. He looks rejuvenated and in for a good campaign.
Smokin’ Romans (Race 7)
Liked the run of Smokin’ Romans in race seven on the program. They went back on him first up at the mile and again opted to take a sit with him here second up at 2040m. He chased his rock hard fit and inform stable mate Mankayan strongly home into second place. He is a proven winner and now that he has a decent fitness base behind him look for him to be put into the race next start. Is ready to win.
Donald – Tuesday 16 August 2022
Jet Jitsu (Race 2)
Strong return for the new stable and a horse that has shown glimpses of ability but being cluttered has often brought it unstuck. Was suited to a wide draw and should improve out in trip as the prep goes on. Stick with it.
Miss Daniel (Race 6)
Probably not suited by the conditions today but still had the class to overcome that. Looks to have come back well and should only get better on drier tracks. Going well for the new stable and enjoying the change of scenery, worth sticking with it.
Caulfield – Saturday 13 August 2022
Attractable (Race 4)
Settled further forward here second up and travelled into the race like the winner only to be run down by the South Australian I Am Bene who looks every bit a stakes class horse. They ran a long here so fitness may have told late. Should improve again off this and be hard to beat in a similar race third up.
Millane (Race 5)
Peter Moody trained colt who is being aimed at the Caulfield Guineas. Jumped as well as anything in the race here fresh but they opted to go back on him in what can only be described as a glorified barrier trial. The race was in no way run to suit with leader Alpha One crawling out in front. Loved the way he still ran home strongly into third in very strong closing splits relative to the rest of the day. He is going to be a force to be reckoned with once they get him out to 1400m and beyond.
Elephant (Race 8)
Only had one jump out leading into his first up assignment and thus they decided to ride him cold. He was left flat footed when the sprint went on and then appeared to shy at something as they turned for home which knocked him temporarily off stride. Liked the way he kept finding and I thought he was good through the line under minimal riding from Daniel Moor. With fitness under his belt he can potentially settle much closer in the run at his next start. A live each way chance in next weeks Memsie.
Unanimous (Race 9)
Five year old gelding who has always shown good ability and I think he might be finally starting to put it all together. Has hit the line well at both starts this campaign. Looks ready to put himself in the finish at his next start.
Flemington – Saturday 6 August 2022
Veranskova (Race 3)
We were keen on Veranskova chances on Saturday and thanks to a clever ride from Mark Zahra she was allowed to produce a performance far superior to the rest of her rivals. We think she is a real talent this horse and is well and truly capable of winning again up in class next start.
Protection Money (Race 4)
Protection Money was second up from a long spell on Saturday. After an encouraging first up run she backed it up with another good performance working home very nicely into fourth place. Can be a great winning chance in the right race third up.
Fire (Race 9)
Talented Hawkes galloper who got very soft very late in betting. Perhaps he paraded poorly or the bigger syndicates had another reason to be against? Not sure. Regardless he still ran a terrific second with a good margin to the third horse. The stable has a massive wrap on this horse and I expect him to be hard to beat in what ever he runs in next start.
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