A great days racing back on a good racing surface at Eagle Farm. Let’s run the eye over the card and some of the notable runs or excuses.
Race 1:
Not a lot to note here. Cavalry Man was horribly unlucky last time out at Doomben but made amends here. King gave him the sweetest ride, produced him at the right time and he was able to turn the tables on Express Payment. Of the others, Diamond Epic just doesn’t seem to have come back the same horse we seen last prep.
Race 2:
Favourite backers didn’t even get a run for their money. Now Is The Hour led as expected but had issues as stated in the stewards report Rdr reported mount travelled well throughout, however, when asked for an effort prior to straightening, weakened noticeably-added gelding felt fine in its action. A post-race vet exam revealed a slow recovery and mild right nasal discharge. The winner Soothsayer had improved each run off a long break but just one I got wrong here. Verdoux was well supported but just a pass mark here.
Race 3:
Well they all wanted to stay off the inside and Rachel King on Monte Supreme come from second last on the corner and saved all the ground underneath them to win. Always has a good finish and too good off the back of a good ride. Steady Ready was runner up and looked back to some of his best form. Tonkin was equal fave and had plenty in the stewards report- Raced wide. Rdr reported intention to settle further forward, however; after beginning only fairly was obliged to settle further back and raced three wide-added when asked for an effort, mount failed to respond to riding and made respiratory noises upon pulling up. A post-race vet exam revealed upper respiratory noises. Vet cert inclusive of endoscopic results required prior to racing again.
Race 4:
Declan Bates doesn’t get the accolades of a lot of other jocks but gee he rides well on big race days and group races. He is striking at 20% for his last 50 rides and ROI +26.3%. He got Voynichese into a lovely trailing spot and they proved too good at $17. Glenorchy and West Coast both good but no match for the winner. Don’t think this was the strongest Listed race we will see over the carnival.
Race 5:
Many of us had Earn To Burn as a question at 1200m at this level and at EF. Well not only did he run it out they went for home early and made it as tough as they could. Proved too tough. Platinum Pantheon was good last start and this was excellent. Wide most of the way and best horse through the line. Plenty in the stewards report but Sequista was the one who should have finished a little closer and held up a couple of times.
Race 6:
I’m still in the fetal position after making Churchill’s Choice one of the best bets of the day. She was off the bit and last on the corner. Looked no hope but picked up the L200m and only needed one more bound to win. I don’t think I have ever got Surfin’ Bird right. Didn’t think she’d been near her very best but produced a beauty to win here. Thought Hyperbolic was over the odds and she was huge again. Not sure how she was $19 and she is on track to run well again next time out. Declichy Boulevard was more than good enough 2nd up and might be the one you want to follow out of this going forward.
Race 7:
Just think these are a bit of the A graders and didn’t really love the race if I am being honest. Sun God and War Eternal paired off late and put a couple of lengths on them. Both good efforts without getting carried away.
Race 8:
Declan Bates take a bow, what a ride. Produced Fireball Miss at the perfect time and her turn of foot got it done. She had the runs on the board and wins at a good price again for those that stuck solid after the win in the Roses. Panova was excellent in second. She has class and just looks a horse Waller can build into a prep and have 1 or 2 Grand finals and have her spot on for them. Seems to do it each prep.
Race 9:
I had Boomtown Boss as one of the best of the day and I thought he was excellent here in a race not run to suit. Just got shuffled back to 2nd last on the corner in a slower run race and the task was impossible. I loved the effort in the straight and he might not make the Stradbroke but he can win a decent race over the carnival when he gets a tempo to suit. Uncommon James bounced back to his best here. Up on speed and just kept finding to hold them off. Oak Hill saved ground on the inside and loomed to win but missed.
