Ahoy Roarers! The Sydney Autumn Carnival wrapped up on Saturday with the Group 1 double header at Randwick, starting off with the Champagne Stakes (1600m).
That race lost the star attraction Yankee Rose due to injury and it was left to the James Cummings-trained Prized Icon to pick up the scraps and score what I think was a lucky win.
He toughed it out best over the concluding stages to beat home Chimboraa, who was ridden a treat by Bowman, with Divine Prophet working home strongly from last to run third. They were all solid, but for mine the clear unlucky runner was Jaws Of Steel, who was about to burst through a gap but got cut out and copped a bad check, losing all momentum and winning claims.
I’ll be keen to see him in the Spring, whether it be in the Guineas or the Derby.
English was a touch suspect at 1400m, but a peach steer from Sam Clipperton got the filly home in the All Aged Stakes (1400m). Clipperton had his main threat in the run, Black Heart Bart, tucked away in a pocket and that proved the winning move. Black Heart Bart stormed home to run a narrow second and no doubt had he got out earlier, the result would have been different.
Kermadec loomed to win the race, but just floundered late for third ahead of Rebel Dane, who improved sharply. Forgive Press Statement given he was three and four wide no cover for the trip. Also forgive Malaguerra. I think if Blake Shinn had his time again, he would have held the lead with Malaguerra and not hand up.
Looking towards Brisbane, I think the clear horse to follow was Guardini. He was super in winning the JRA Plate (2000m), sitting three and four wide no cover for the entire trip yet drew clear and spanked them despite wanting to lay in. He has been specifically set for the Winter Carnival and there is just enormous upside with him.
Three horses to follow from Randwick.
1. Artlee
2. Guardini
3. Pajaro
That sees me out for the Carnival. Keep Roaring lads and I’ll be back next season to look at a mouth watering Spring!
All the best!
Have you ever tried your skills in a Racing daily fantasy competition? Put your best picks to the test for one day and see if you can scoop the pot with Draftstars. Looking for great odds on racing and sport? PlayUp is your best bet. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Without a Fight completed the rare Caulfield Cup-Melbourne Cup double on Tuesday as star jockey Mark Zahra went back-to-back in the big one after…
The race that stops the nation is upon us again. Every horse in the Melbourne Cup has reasons they can win, and reasons they…
Those who want to have a really big collect on Australia’s greatest race, without risking too much, have to look at the exotic bets.
While most of the attention is on Ciaron Maher and David Eustace's Gold Trip, there's no reason why stablemate Future History cannot upstage him.
Champion jockey Damien Oliver is quietly confident his Melbourne Cup mount Alenquer will be passed fit to give him a farewell ride in the…
Melbourne Cup day is here again, and it’s never anything less than exciting. The Cup itself will of course be full of drama and…
