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!
kv joef
Roar Guru
Hey Tristan .... so it's a goodbye roar from us ... well done mate ... from the Magnificent 8 ... hear is your kissMeOnTheA song, decided by us all ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qjpOLj7WSY ... you did great fior the game ... Muswellbrook kid. :) . Go build a bridge or something ... Concerning our matrix stuff, we'll probably post Monday or Tues ... Phil, you are doing ok, just a bit of fun to come ,,, but in the future season, we definitely bags being the crack in the Hoover dam ... not treating lightly your understanding of this and that ... but we've decided ... just for fun ... we are coming for the corporates ... we like a laugh ... and we are nearly dead so why not ...
Adam Page
Roar Guru
I am not sure if we will see Press Statement again Razzar. He is a Guineas winning colt. But I agree, needs to be ridden with more confidence. Yes I agree, the Champagne looked ordinary outside Yankee Rose and that's how it eventuated, but I will watch Jaws Of Steel closely. He was the horse with upside in that race. He has Derby written all over him. Just wouldn't be a Sydney Carnival without Gai winning a major and she (English) has been one of the better gallopers throughout the Sydney Autumn. I suspect the breeding barn will be calling for her after the Winter prep because it does seem a tough ask for a filly to have two preps back-to-back in quick succession.
Razzar
Guest
I think Chris Waller needs .to instruct Bowman, to ride Press Statement like he's the best horse in the race, and take it to the lead. Being in front in slowly run races is often a huge advantage. So, more proactive rides in future are required, to stop him being an also-ran. Agree Jaws of Steels unlucky, but in saying that, they look a moderate bunch. Yes Guardini looks to have potential. And English proved if the tempo is moderate, you can still steal a race at a distance that's not so suitable. She won that All Aged between the 400 & 250 with a great turn of foot.
Mike from tari
Guest
Don't you like the SEQ Winter Carnival???????