Not a bad day out with a few winners and a $2500 quaddie for a $24 outlay. Obviously helped we didn’t get rain through the day, that’s been the hardest thing the last month or so. The inside was not the place to be and a few runs can be forgiven if they were on that part of the track.
Race 1:
There was a bit going on here. I was a little surprised how short in the market WOLF MOON was. Did drift a little late but got the perfect run and was able to get the cash for fav backers to kick the day off. CAFFREY was having first run for the new stable and Byrne zigged when he should have zagged and got a big bump on the corner which cost him the race. It should have won and will be suited up here in Qld. THE LIONESS was also very good back on the inside where it was hard to make ground. She is going well/
Follow: CAFFREY and THE LIONESS in something similar.
Race 2:
RENOUF is a unique type. They really shouldn’t race anywhere but big tracks. The get back pattern just costs her and she’s nowhere near as good on tight tracks. Able to circle and hold the fav in a pocket on the corner here. Kicked for home and was in a different race to the others.
Race 3:
Not a race I want to take much out of. No knock on the winner DRIVE A DEEL though, did it both ends and might even get a further trip in the future.
Race 4:
Pretty similar to a lot of the recent 3yr old races. BLACKJACK BOOM run right up to the recent trials. Hadn’t been many trialling better in qld and he was brave to hold off LEGAL ESPRIT late. Both horses were very good and LEGAL ESPRIT is as tough as they come, it’s just a winner and will be winning races again this prep. Has an incredible overall record. RUBIQUITOUS was disappointing here.
Race 5:
WEONA SMARTONE was a stupid price up in grade and ran poorly. NIEDORP has never been one of mine but she fought this out and was able to hold off JE SUIS BELLE who flashed late. They were both very good. Pass mark for STARTANTES, they rode her a little more aggressive to stay in contact and it might have just took away from her finish. She will be better for it. JULE’S SPIRIT is flying at present and just needs to find something easier.
Race 6:
I was surprised all week at the price of SHAMROCK LU and he even drifted a little late to $13. Got back in the run but this track and trip are suitable and Byrne was able to get to the outside and sprint better than them. ZINGALONG did what ZINGALONG does, looked home for all money and just a bit soft the last 50m. ONE SHY RUBY just a pass mark, expected a little more. Who the hell was backing SWEET MARGOT MAY at $2.80?? I have no idea how it started fav and that short. Come off a LOW CL1 at Ballina into a Saturday CL3.
Race 7:
Little battle for the front and they they all wanted to walk down the back and slowed the tempo. Instead of being dictated to KWT decided to commit to a move and really asked PROFIT to go before the corner. It was a brilliant move and that move won the race. Lloyd on SMART METEOR tried to grab the back of PROFIT but just couldn’t sprint as well off a longer prep. Two good rides from the apprentices and they pulled the pants down of the others.
Race 8:
Always looked a race lacking tempo and the tactics on SCALLOPINI were excellent. As i mentioned in the preview they have to come out semi aggressive and land in the first half of the field. They were able to cross easy enough and sit outside the leader. From there he was always going to be the horse they had to beat. OSCAR ZULU ran well but Steph probably needed to stick inside horses on the corner. Tough decision at the time but may have won if she stayed there and may have got up inside the winner. In saying that maybe where she come was better ground? Good run all the same. THE HARROVIAN was a big drifter and being back on the inside wasn’t a good spot all day. EAST ASIA was a pass mark, can be placed in something easier and win soon.
Race 9:
MASS DESTRUCTION was placed incredibly well by Gollan. Had the 1400m fitness and back to 1200m on the big track was ideal. Better turn of foot than these and one of the better runs of the day. Good ride by Orman and a painless watch really.
