Might be some sort of tool to reflect back upon when doing form in upcoming weeks. Will list here what meetings are included in this thread
Sept 26, Launceston
Sept 19, Hobart
Sept 12, Hobart
Sept 5, Launceston
Aug 29, Hobart
Aug 22, Launcestom
Aug 15, Hobart
LAUNCESTON September 26
Blackbookers
Harbhajan
Run of the Night
Brian Buster Brown, had everything made to order in the run but still smashed them late
Drive of the Night
Erin Hollaway (Murillo Bromac), some very strange runs in this race with a ton of horses not wanting to be near the fence over the last 500 metres despite being under pressure. Erin showed them all up by actually going to the pegs from the running line and didn't go round a single horse to win. Its also noteworthy that she took a needle eye opening after falling in the previous race
Nathan Ford also drove 3 horses perfectly on the night so deserves a mention (Brian Buster Brown, Mister Gallenti, Ulos)
Slaughter of the Night
Gareth Rattray (Anoptimist), I am probably harder on Gareth than a lot of other drivers as he sets the bar high but he made a terrible decision to leave the leader's back spot and get on the back of a bolter in the death who was gone at the time and it clearly cost him the race. Was then held up for nearly the rest of the race only to get out late for a close 3rd. Needless to say, the winner was 3 pegs and took the spot he vacated
A very close 2nd was:
Danny Malone (Ultimate Heir), drove a $52 pop as if it was Gammalite, surprised it only got beaten 42 metres actually after what he did early. Drivers must be aware of the abilities of their horse or shouldn't be driving
Voting for drivers
3. Erin Hollaway
2. Nathan Ford
1. Todd Rattray
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Race 1 - C0-C1, 2200m, mile rate 2.02.2, lead time 43.5 (quick), first half 64.0, last half 59.5
Winner a mile too good
Brian Buster Brown (1st), enjoyed a perfect trip but destroyed them late
The Detonator (2nd), honest run and kept coming in straight
Little Elf (3rd), another honest run, lacks speed but does try
Our Last Knight (4th), enjoyed a great trip and plugged away
Liskens Gift (5th), run was a bit better than it looked as was slaughtered mid race coming round in 29.7 second quarter
Flying Jasper (9th), good gatespeed to lead from 7 but the quick lead time plus copping pressure from the 1200 meant he was gone a long way from home
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Race 2 - C2-C3, 1680m, mile rate 2.04.0, lead time 4.4 (very fast), first half 66.7, last half 58.3
Farcically run mile race which resulted in it being fence dominated
Murphys Rocket (1st), led, walked and staved them off. Wasn't overly impressive but was always going to win
Denvers Boy (2nd), showed good gatespeed and sat outside leader and tried all the way
My Centurion (3rd), very good drive to maximise its placing
Touchwood Bucksta (4th), typical opportunist run and another good drive
Sanreos (5th), every hope but she just hasn't the speed to come wide and win in a dash home
Harbhajan (7th), knocked over at the 500 when looked to be travelling extremely well
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Race 3 - C0-C1, 2200m, mile rate 2.03.2, lead time 45.9 (slower than average), first half 62.5, last half 60.0
Funnily run race and they staggered up the straight
Cancellara (1st), as usual when its a slog up the straight its the horse who has the softest run who gets up and this was the case with him
The Jouster (2nd), probably the best run in the race but even so was entitled to get home given the sectionals
Anoptimist (3rd), very unlucky not to win as held up from the 400 until well into the straight
Scarlett Blaze (4th), every hope and just battled
Barooga Billy (9th), galloped again, hate to think how far he would have won by given that he has run home 57 at previous couple of starts but he isn't a horse you can back currently
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Race 4 - C0-C1, 2200m, mile rate 2.02.5, lead time 43.3 (fast), first half 62.9, last half 61.3
Blowout race for punters with favourite being attacked in front and then a fall put paid to the chances of the next 4 in the betting. As the times suggest, totally ignore the form so won't make individual comments as the only ones to finish were the ones in the right spots
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Race 5 - C4-C6, 2200m, mile rate 2.01.5, lead time 44.6 (average), first half 61.6, last half 59.9
Another strangely run race where they staggered home and finished in a bunch which throws huge doubts over the form
Murillo Bromac (1st), best drive won the race, took the short way home
Resurgence (2nd), another teriffic affort and running even sectionals all race. If he can develop some top end speed to finish off his races he might be a decent horse
Mister Gallenti (3rd), every possible and looked winner on turn, was first up so fitness might have told late
King Of Bling (5th), finished off fairly at first try from behind in a while
Loaded Franco (7th), pretty average again, going 50 metres worse than 2 months ago
Harley Fella (8th), pretty average drive taking off a mile too early and then being shunted 5 and 6 wide. Probably went as well as anything in the race despite where he finished
Miami Rocket (9th), forgive run, pulled very hard and nothing left late
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Race 6 - Claimer, 2200m, mile rate 2.01.7, lead time 42.6 (very fast), first half 64.0, last half 59.8
Strangely run race, super quick lead time then walked the first quarter and broke 30 the final 3 quarters. The best 2 horses fought it out
Ulos (1st), perfect drive and going to win a long way out
Albert Jones (2nd), typical honest run and probably went as well as the winner
Bonny Wee Laddie (3rd), another good run, will win one of these shortly
The Cherokee Chief (4th), has really gone better at past few runs, wouldn't surprise to see him bob up soon
Jefferson (8th), pretty plain performance on face value but claimers can do that from time to time
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Race 7 - FFA, 2200m, mile rate 2.01.6, lead time 46.5 (slow), first half 62.0, last half 57.7
Best horse led and won but some decent runs behind him
Cosmic Under Fire (1st), surprising gatespeed to lead easily then always in control
The Musics Over (2nd), never runs a bad race this bloke and again proved he will be competitive in most races when draws well
Topup (3rd), well driven but he just peaks on his sprint so probably better when drawn to follow the pegs at this level
Majestic Emperor (4th), lot better run than past couple, worked home well in quick last half
Castaspell (5th), pretty good effort, surprised me with how well he went
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Race 5 - 3YO, 1680m, mile rate 2.04.1, lead time 5.2 (average), first half 65.1, last half 59.2
Pretty lacklustre race to watch as best horse led, walked and raced away late
Bettor Draw (1st), once he got a soft lead was always going to win over this trip
Brezhnev Leis (2nd), usual honest run, his lack of speed means he is better suited to longer trips
Odins Dragon Rider (3rd), every possible and pretty plain in the straight
Just Dance Baby (4th), encouraging debut, showed enough to think that will definitely win races
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HOBART, September 19
Blackbookers
Blacktie Affair
Iden Justasmyrk
Denvers Boy
Cosmic Under Fire
Bonny Wee Laddie
Run of the Night
Cosmic Under Fire, super effort from the 40m backmark to work midrace to get around them and then do plenty of work from that point onwards. Don't think it was the best race I have seen Gareth drive either putting the pressure on a long way from home after working from the handicap just to get into the race. Put it this way, the last 3 quarters were 30.5, 28.8 and 29.7 and I'm sure if they were run 30.5, 29.7 and 28.8 then Cosmic would have won clearly
Drive of the Night
Mark Yole (Flying Jasper), did everything bar lift it over the line. Drove aggressively early to trail through from gate 9 then took a very smart option of trailing the leader as would have finished 1x2 if he stayed in the running line (which the majority of Tassie drivers would have) and wouldn't have run a place if he did that. Actually been very impressed with all of his driving lately
Slaughter of the Night
Todd Rattray (Blacktie Affair), wins this award for the 2nd drive straight on this mare. He simply had to use a bit of initiative and get into the race when horses in front were taking him nowhere. Mile races are dominated by horses on the speed so you must endeavour to get into the race early and thought his biggest mistake was not taking off earlier to avoid anything pulling out in front. Sure the horse may be a tad one dimensional but it is a mile race so its not as big an issue to get going early on. Whilst I wasn't overly impressed by Gareth's drive on Cosmic Under Fire either, Todd wins as he gave his horse no chance at all and when you are on the best horse in the race that simply should not happen. I can appreciate that driving sit/sprint types isn't the easiest thing to do but you have to at least give them a chance
Idiot of the Night
ME!!! - last week I had $50 a win Thabela Brioso @ 30/1 and $30 a win Bayfield High @ 40/1 and didn't have a cent on either this week when winning at odds of $21 and $70 respectively. Needless to say I wasn't impressed.
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Race 1 - C1-C3 Mares, 1609m, mile rate 2.00.0, first half 62.1, last half 57.9
First 2 dominated the tempo and the race, few traffic problems out the back and quick last half impacted the chances of a few
Thabela Brioso (1st), good win, sat outside leader and always looked the winner
Lola Bromac (2nd), had her chance, led and just lacked a bit of zip late
Blacktie Affair (3rd), good run again, didn't enjoy much luck and was 1000/1 from the 800 so did well to get as close as she did
Jet Black Flyer (4th), ran home a bit quick for her but still battled on okay
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Race 2 - C1, 2090m, mile rate 2.02.1, lead time 35.6 (bit quicker than average), first half 64.7, last half 58.3
Winner just in a different class to the rest
Iden Justasmyrk (1st), once he led it was game over and threw in a 28.0 closing quarter to race away late
Crash Cart (2nd), another honest run but thought he was entitled to beat the rest a bit easier than he did given the good trip he enjoyed
Cullens Count (3rd), another good honest run, seem to say the same thing every week so his turn must come soon
Livin In Heaven (4th), better run than it looks on paper after having traffic issues
The Bullionaire (5th), not much luck and forced to lead up the 3 wide train which isn't his go so forgive run
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Race 3 - C1, 2090m, mile rate 2.01.8, lead time 35.3 (bit quicker than average), first half 63.3, last half 59.6
Winner did more work than anything and still too good
Murphys Rocket (1st), confident drive and always looked the winner in the run. Will win better races for sure if he draws to lead
Bide Your Time (2nd), another encouraging run at 2nd start after a long spell. Never shirked the task at all when the winner headed him
Flying Jasper (3rd), perfectly driven to receive every hope, is just a battler but tries hard
Most Happy Jasper (4th), another very good run and probably the 2nd best run in race outside the winner. Love to see him draw to lead in a mile race shortly
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Race 4 - C0, 2090m, mile rate 2.01.4, lead time 36.8 (slow), first half 61.3, last half 59.5
Winner heavily backed and killed them
Royal Alchemist (1st), plenty of money to suggest he was going to run well and miles too good for this lot actually, copped a bit of pressure midrace as well which adds further merit to the win
Brian Buster Brown (2nd), enjoyed a perfect trip and was a shade disappointing in my eyes, not in that he couldn't beat the winner but that the others all got pretty close to him. In hindsight I over Rated the form around Biggernbettermax who was beaten at long odds on in race 5
Anoptimist (3rd), honest horse this bloke, lacks a bit of dash but always goes okay when drawn well
King Of Jewels (4th), good run again, not enjoying much luck in races since coming to Tassie
Look Look (5th), ran a lot better than I expected from the draw, will be including in exotics next time for sure
Scarlett Blaze (6th), another who didn't enjoy the greatest of luck, don't sack on this run
Line The Pocket (7th), encouraging debut run, finished level with some decent horses and should derive some benefit
Its A Hoot (8th), was first up and was used a bit early in race and still boxed on okay so fair performance
Melman (9th), wasn't given much hope by the driver attacking for the lead so totally forget he went around
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Race 5 - C2-C3, 2090m, mile rate 2.02.2, lead time 36.7 (slowish), first half 63.8, last half 58.2
First 3 over the line clearly the best runs in race
Batfield High (1st), huge improvement to win, previous run was okay but to come 3 wide the last lap in a 58.2 closing half and win is metres better than any previous performance and will win again if can repeat that
Biggernbettermax (2nd), had his chance, got it easy early and couldn't get home. He did look flat furing the run though and never travelled which was always concerning. Times over the last 1200 were okay as well so he wasn't terrible despite being beaten @ $1.20
Denvers Boy (3rd), probably the best run in the race leading the 3 wide train up in good sectionals. Just never runs a bad race nowadays
Earl Hickey (4th), soft run on pegs but battled on okay
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Race 6 - 3YO, 2090m, mile rate 2.04.8, lead time 37.3 (slow), first half 63.8, last half 61.0
Pretty average sectional times and a bunched finish throw doubts over the strength of the form
Brezhnev Leis (1st), simply too tough, did a bit of work and kicked back strongly
Noelsgirl (2nd), good run in transit and battled on okay. Wasn't ultra impressive but did pull a bit in the run
Smokin Mustard (3rd), another good run at odds, one to follow from a better draw
Odins Dragon Rider (4th), looked unlucky and probably should have won
Cheryl Mary (5th), good gate speed but will never get a better run in front than here (slow lead time then first 3 quarters > 31 show how slow it was)
Dusty Kalena (9th), manners let him down again, certainly has ability but manners are a real issue
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Race 7 - Discretionary, 2579m Stand, mile rate 2.04.4, lead time 78.4 (average), first half 62.4, last half 58.5
Another bunched finish and they staggered the last 200 metres so formlines very debatable
The Musics Over (1st), strange run, couldn't keep up down the back straight but kept coming when the leaders got tired. Just an honest horse who will never be far away
Cosmic Under Fire (2nd), very good run, forced to work all the way as the speed went on as soon as he worked around them at the 1200 and he came from a 40m handicap to get there
Angus Macgregor (3rd), got a great run to save every inch of ground so was a tad flattered
Topup (4th), every possible hope
Ulos (5th), finished close up but entitled to do more than he did late
Majestic Emperor (6th), similar stary to Ulos
Jumpin Jack Jasper (7th), very disappointing after receiving a great run
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Race 8 - C0, 2090m, mile rate 2.04.0, lead time 37.0 (slow), first half 63.9, last half 60.2
Very average reverse order points race, first 3 over line finished 30 metres in front of the rest so wouldn't like to own one of them
Deejay bromac (1st), lacks speed but finally found a race where he could work into it and grinded out the win
Little Elf (2nd), very stiff not to win after being posted 3 deep the first 600 metres. Be lucky to find a race this weak again but definitely the one to follow from the race
Our Last Knight (3rd), enjoyed a great trip and kept whacking away
Koizora (5th), did some work to find the front but didn't find a thing
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Race 9 - Claimer, 2090m Stand, mile rate 2.07.2, lead time 41.7 (slow), first half 64.6, last half 58.9
Slowly run stand over the short trip made the leader almost unbeatable
Waterloo Bay (1st), enjoyed a great trip in front and never going to get beaten
Bonny Wee Laddie (2nd), very good run and only beaten by tempo early. Has to win at this level soon
The Cherokee Chief (3rd), getting better with every run of late, if he could find the front one day mght sneal away with one
Costa Smerelda (4th), finished up leader's back in a dash home which isn't his go as more a grinder so prepared to overlook
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HOBART, September 12
Fairly standard meeting, no standout performances but a couple of decent form reference races
Run of the Night
Resurgence, simply a tough and honest horse who does it at both ends of a race. Have to put my hand up and say I under rated him (which is strange considering he did me some huge favours last campaign). Worked in lead time of 34.6 to find the front then dug deep in straight to cling on and win. I always thought his lack of high speed would hurt in the better class races and it still may but with his gatespeed and toughness he will be competitive in most races he contests
Drive of the Night
Joshua Duggan (Boozy Rouge), it looked a simple sit and steer job but I like to give this award to a driver who makes a decision in a race that helps them win. Hear way too many drivers get credit for great drives when they simply finish up in the right spot. Josh identified that he had to stay in front of one horse early (Saab Quality) so when the horse 3 wide in front of him pulled back into his lap he decided to pull 4 wide around the first turn and thus stayed in front of his main danger as the first one round would have found the front and the result may have been different if he didn't make that move
Also have to make mention of his father's (Ricky Duggan) drives on the night which were perfect on a number of occasions, every horse he drove received every hope. 5 horses in particular (Bide Your Time, Scarlett Blaze, Denvers Boy, Guerrero and Albert Jones) had every possible hope to win given where he positioned them in the run and it was simply a great display from a great driver
Slaughter of the Night
Glad to say that most drives weren't too bad, forced to pick on anything I would nominate Ken Austin (Gunbower Jack) and Brendan Gebel (Mountain Momma) who were both driving $100 pops and preferred to stay in the running line out the back instead of opting for the spot 3 pegs which was there for the taking. It is a great spot to be when an even money favourite is leading and you are on a bolter. As it was, the driver who took the initiative (Roger Brown, Cancellara) finished up running 4th whereas both Mountain Momma and Gunbower Jack were out wide gasping for breath at the 400. These 2 are unlucky to get nominated as see this thing happen every week in Tassie with most drivers having a serious aversion to being on the fence - it is still the shortest way home
Blackbookers (no standouts)
Crash Cart, hoof right on the till
Most Happy Jasper, encouraging at first run for new stable, might bob up at big odds shortly
Scarlett Blaze, every hope last night but beaten by a good one and cleared out from 3rd horse
Noelsgirl, finally put it together and certainly has ability
Smokin Mustard, did a bit of work and kept coming
Dusty Kalena, certainly going to win races when its manners improve
Touchwood Bucksta, really going well and chance in anything he contests
From the Sectional Times
Nothing outstanding but in the 3YO race, there were 3 horses who all went very well at big odds. The horses were Noelsgirl, Smokin Mustard and Dusty Kalena who were all wide in the last lap and they ran home in 28.9 and all 3 found the line strongly and therefore are worth following. Also thought Touchwood Bucksta went sensational later in the night coming from miles off the leader out wide to run 2nd in a 58.8 half
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Race 1 - C1, 2090m, mile rate 2.01.0, lead time 35.6 (bit quicker than average), first half 62.6, last half 59.0
Good class C1 event, speed was even throughout and may be a decent form reference going forward
Biggernbettermax (1st), did more work than anything and still too tough. Is more tradesmanlike than brilliant at the moment but will continue to pregress through the classes provided he draws well
Harbhajan (2nd), pulled very hard once again which told in the straight, that trait has probably cost him winning his past 2 starts now which is a concern. Would imagine they would be very quiet on him early next run
Crash Cart (3rd), very good run again, bit stiff to run into a couple going through the grades but he simply must win a race soon the way he is going. Beat the 4th horse clearly
Most Happy Jasper (5th), cheeky run at odds at first run for new stable, if he draws to lead in a mile race soon might be worth a bet
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Race 2 - C1, 2090m, mile rate 2.06.0, lead time 37.3 (very slow), first half 66.8, last half 58.5
Farcically run race and when the best horses in the race raced handy it was over a long way from home. Totally forget the runs of anything back in the field
Boozy Rouge (1st), well deserved win, got soft lead then walked and sprinted home in 27.9
Saab Quality (2nd), typical honest run, think he has to lead to win at open age level and still out of the draw for another run
Bide Your Time (3rd), very encouraging run at first start for 18 months, had a good run in transit and kept coming in the quick closing fraction
Ultimate Heir (4th), well driven to lead, hand up to right horse and maximise its finishing position
Monicas Notch (5th), not suited by tempo but was working home okay late
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Race 3 - C0, 2090m, mile rate 2.01.4, lead time 35.0 (fast), first half 61.2, last half 61.4
Strangely run race, always question marks around the form when the last half is slower than the first half. Did think the first 2 over line were very impressive though
Iden Justasmyrk (1st), had race run to suit but was a mile off the leader at the 1200 mark so his sectionals would actually be okay. He continues to improve and should get through a couple more classes pretty quickly
Scarlett Blaze (2nd), good run for the 2nd week in a row. Finished a long way in front of the 3rd horse so his hoof is right on the till
Thirtysixtoes (3rd), well driven and plugged home
Melman (4th), honest run, neither overly good or overly bad
Artifice (6th), did way too much work early, was a shocking price though (for 2nd week in a row). She is way better suited over mile trips, against her own sex and driven with cover so was 0/3 on that front yet was sent out as fav????
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Race 4 - 3YO, 2090m, mile rate 2.03.2, lead time 37.3 (very slow), first half 64.0, last half 58.7
Best horse won but merit in the runs of the first 5 over the line
Bettor Draw (1st), simply too classy, also was put into the race this week unlike when first up and sat last the entire race in a slowly run race
Odins Dragon Rider (2nd), had every possible hope given the sectionals but was beaten by a fair horse.
Noelsgirl (3rd), did it right for the first time and was a very good run
Smokin Mustard (4th), went a lot better than past couple being 3 wide without cover from bell in 58.7 half and never shirked the task
Dusty Kalena (5th), continues to have issues with manners but is going to be a handy horse when this racing caper clicks
Iden Noshot (6th), very disappointing, had perfect run in transit and didn't find much late
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Race 5 - C3-C4, 2090m, mile rate 2.00.7, lead time 34.6 (very fast), first half 62.3, last half 59.8
Went very quickly early in this and nothing ran home. Very fence dominated race and first 4 cleared out
Resurgence (1st), good honest horse who can do it at both ends of a race. Has now won 4 on end and this is the quickest he has run home (59.8) so how much further he can go is debatable but won't be far away in anything
Bayfield High (2nd), thought he was home halfway up the straight and had him going for plenty so wasn't happy!! Under rated horse who always runs well when draws okay
Mickey Delahey (3rd), looked to be travelling okay when run came but just plodded home
King Albert (4th), very average, had perfect run in transit and didn't give much despite the slow closing fractions
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Race 6 - C1, 2090m, mile rate 2.02.1, lead time 36.3 (average), first half 62.3, last half 60.0
First 3 over line clearly superior to the rest
Denvers Boy (1st), enjoyed a good run in transit and too strong in straight
Jet Black Flyer (2nd), another good run, probably entitled to win but seems to race best when held up for a late crack at them
Cullens Count (3rd), enjoyed a soft run and battled on well as usual
Chanceabet (8th), disgraceful. Gone at bell and beaten a mile
Doves Patch (9th), galloped again, horse is a fair dinkum fruit loop
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Race 7 - C2, 2090m, mile rate 2.03.7, lead time 37.0 (slow), first half 64.8, last half 58.8
Fav led, set a slow speed and bolted in. 2nd horse went okay and resy very bunched
Still Royal (1st), showed surprising speed to lead and was always going to win
Touchwood Bucksta (2nd), probably went as well as the winner coming wide from last and nothing took him into the race
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Race 8 - Claimer, 2090m, mile rate 2.02.4, lead time 37.4 (very slow), first half 62.8, last half 58.8
First 3 a mile better than the others
Ulos (1st), surprisingly short odds and had to pull out all stops to win. Good win though as both placegetters are going okay and had to give both a start
Albert Jones (2nd), enjoyed a perfect run and just run down. Continues to race well
Jefferson (3rd), clearly his best Tasmanian run, getting close to a win
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LAUNCESTON, September 5
The meeting produced some very strangely run races and a few ordinary performances but there were a couple of horses worth following who should win for sure in the near future
Blackbookers from meeting
Cindys Babe
Brian Buster Brown
Drive of the Night
David Medhurst (Touchwood Bucksta), drew outside the front row in barrier 8 yet never went round a horse prior to the home straight to get up on the line. Given the sectionals in that they finished off in 28.1 he definitely wouldn't have even run a place if he went round them so is an obvious winner this week
Run of the Night
Cindys Babe, usually like to award this to a winner but nothing really stood out and she was simply enormous in defeat, was 3 and 4 wide for the entire first 400m of the race around the first turn then ground her co-favourite into the ground only to be nailed on the line by a horse who had enjoyed an easier run. Both Bonnie Wee Laddie and Albert Jones were stiff in defeat in the Claimer also
Slaughter of the Night
Todd Rattray (Blacktie Affair), strangely enough I awarded the same combo drive of the night last week but it wasn't pretty this week. Think thats the major problem with the drive actually - he tried to drive it pretty! It was okay to drive it that way last week when a $12 chance but as a $1.50 fav this week there should have been nothing left to chance. When on a long odds on pop who is travelling you don't get involved in a jostling match on the turn and finish up locking wheels and costing the horse the race. If he took off 4 wide at the 400 he would have won by 5 metres minimum. Some may say he was unlucky and that may well be the case but he simply shouldn't have been in the situation he was
From the Sectional Times
Harbhajan - lead time of 42.1 is the quickest I have seen since recording them. He actually ran the first 1800m of the race in 2.12.7 which is equivalent to a mile rate of 1.58.6. Wasn't the fault of anybody concerned though as they had to try and use him from barrier 1 and he simply took charge after that. Put it this way, if he didn't get used early and ran his last 1800m in that time he would have won by half the straight
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Race 1 - C0, 1680m, mile rate 2.01.1, lead time 5.4 (average), first half 62.0, last half 59.0
First 2 horses clearly the best runs in race
Mister Gunadoo (1st), perfectly driven to hand up front then got out at the right time and finished off well
Cindys Babe (2nd), super run, did more work than anything and got nailed on the line by a horse with a softer run. Simply has to win soon
Ark Raid (3rd), had her chance after leading, maybe goes better with a sit
Rock The Pocket (4th), got good run through early and plugged into 4th
Top Premier (5th), got a check at top of the straight but still think he should have finished off better given the soft run
Rosarium (6th), encouraging debut run as held ground with every other runner bar the first 2 over the line
Our Last Knight (7th), decent effort from bad gate, might bob up in a race soon
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Race 2 - C1-C3, 2200m, mile rate 2.04.2, lead time 45.8 (slower than average), first half 64.4, last half 59.6
First 3 over the line clearly superior to the rest
Sanreos (1st), did it right for first time in ages and a good tough win
Bajardo River (2nd), proved the cheeky run the week prior was no fluke and ran home well for close 2nd, wish she won as had something on her at the $50s
Blacktie Affair (3rd), should have won clearly bar for locking wheels on turn
Monicas Notch (4th), locked wheels with fav on turn and battled on just fairly after that
Breathing Fire (5th), resumed from long spell and despite being supported was obviously in need of the run as didn't do much after an easy run in the lead
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Race 3 - C0, 2200m, mile rate 2.02.9, lead time 46.3 (slow), first half 63.7, last half 58.0
First 2 dominated the rest of them
Biggernbettermax (1st), proved again he is a very good leader and very hard to get past when he does
Brian Buster Brown (2nd), super run, loomed up to win at the 100 but being first up plus a closing fraction of 28.1 probably told in the end. He would have run sub 28 himself so hoof is right on the till
Look Look (3rd), well driven to place again. Outclassed by first 2 over line but did beat the rest easily
Artifice (4th), struggled in her first go against the boys as only ever raced against own age and sex previously. Still kept coming in straight and despite being beaten 14 metres she gets some credit as the closing qtr made it impossible to make ground from where she was
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Race 4 - Claimer, 2200m Stand, mile rate 2.05.2, lead time 49.2 (average), first half 63.1, last half 58.8
As per a lot of claiming races it was a bunched finish with a metre separating the first 4 over the line. Mid race interference also impacted a couple as well
Waterloo Bay (1st), manners won him the race by pinging to the early lead. I was a tad disappointed in his performance actually as thought he should have won easier given the run. He did run sub 30 the last 3 quarters though so wasn't too bad
Bonnie Wee Laddie (2nd), pretty stiff not to win at first start for new stable after copping interference in the run. Definitely one to follow in this grade
Costa Smerelda (3rd), good honest run, did a bit of work and never shirked the task. If he can draw to lead will be mighty hard to beat at this level
The Cherokee Chief (4th), better run and also kept whacking away in the straight
Albert Jones (5th), probably threw the race away by galloping mid race when in a perfect position to strike and still finished off okay after that
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Race 5 - C1, 1680m, mile rate 2.02.2, lead time 5.2 (quicker than average), first half 64.7, last half 57.7
Both favs did things wrong which changed the complexion of the race big time, best drive won the race
Touchwood Bucksta (1st), was a super run at previous start but I couldn't see him figuring from barrier 8 over the mile trip but the drive was superb saving a ton of ground. Keep in mind they finished off in 28.1 so still plenty of merit in the win
Barooga Billy (2nd), very disappointing, should have been a certainty once he led and the other favourite galloped but he drifted off the fence and threw it away. Continues to be a very frustrating horse
Boozy Rouge (3rd), probably the best run in the race actually coming wide in a quick last half to finish close up. Is very close to another win
Topotheclouds (4th), never runs a bad race this bloke and will crack it for another win soon
Flying Jasper (5th), every possible, had race presented to him and couldn't take advantage
Livin In Heaven (6th), another cheeky run at odds, didn't help when fav ran off track at the 400 but boxed on okay
Saab Quality (8th), broke after the start which put paid to his chances
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Race 6 - C2-C3, 2200m, mile rate 2.00.7, lead time 42.1 (very fast), first half 60.6, last half 62.3
Strangely run race where they got slower the longer it went and as always the form in these races is very suspect
Resurgence (1st), did a bit of work early but enjoyed the gun trip after that, the slogging finish also suited him down to the ground as whacks away all day
Cancellara (2nd), another better run from him, still not at his best but not far off
As You Wish (3rd), enjoyed the solid tempo and kept coming
Harbhajan (4th), total forgive run as took charge of the driver. Was first start back in the draw and got used early from barrier 1 which they had to try and do but is obviously far better suited driven cold
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Race 7 - C4-C6, 2200m, mile rate 2.01.5, lead time 42.8 (very fast), first half 64.5, last half 58.8
Another insanely quick lead time which narrowed the chances early but first 3 over the line all went very well
Topup (1st), enjoyed a gun trip but still put the race away very quickly when asked to sprint, final quarter in 28.2 and he came from off the speed
King Albert (2nd), continues to run good races at big odds. His turn must come soon
The Musics Over (3rd), encouraging return to racing and showed that the fall at previous start hasn't impacted him at all
Wingsofaneagle (6th), showed enormous gatespeed to even keep out King Of Bling initially and I thought he boxed on okay after that. May be one to follow at odds
King Of Bling (8th), spent all his pennies early on but still entitled to fight on a bit better at the end of the race
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Race 8 - 3YO, 2200m, mile rate 2.06.2, lead time 47.4 (very slow), first half 65.8, last half 59.3
Thought the first four all went about as well as each other and it purely came down to the tempo of the race as to who won as it was extremely slow early and therefore leader dominated
Iden Noshot (1st), well driven and once he got the run was always going to be mighty hard to hold off with his speed
Brezhnev Leis (2nd), another honest run, just lacks a bit of speed currently but never gives up
Odins Dragon Rider (3rd), improved run and a win isn't far away
Bettor Draw (4th), early sectionals didn't give him much hope but should have been put into the race much earlier
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HOBART, Sunday August 29
No standout performances apart from some very interesting drives which is the polite way of saying it I think!!
Blackbookers from meeting
Chanceabet
Crash Cart
Sunrise Lady
Ulos
Lola Bromac
Run of The Night
Harley Fella, was 3 wide the trip and still won. The sectional times flattered him a tad as didn't go quickly and make him work but still a top effort
Drive of the Night
Todd Rattray (Blacktie Affair), didn't get sucked into following bolters out 3 wide who would have taken him nowhere and saved a ton of ground going through the middle which might have been the difference between winning and losing in the end
Also thought Natalee Emery's drive on Hamish Sanz was copybook (I might be a tad biased though as had a decent bet on him lol). It might not have looked pretty but she took off at exactly the right time and I couldn't have done it better sitting at home with a remote control but Todd's drive on Blacktie Affair won him the race so he gets the nod
Slaughter of the Night
Paul Williams (Iden Justasmyrk), funny to call something a slaughter when the horse wins by 6 metres but he got himself in a world of trouble due to a couple of poor decisions in the run and was very lucky to get out when he did. Classic case of a drivers mindset thinking he is beatifully placed in the "one/one" but he was behind the bolter of the field who was neither going to pressure the leader nor take him into the race so simply had to pull out when the 3 wide line came. Should have actually drove him aggressively and kept the death to be honest and would have won by 25 metres I reckon
Keith Toulmin on Thabela Brioso came a very close 2nd in this award
Odd Spot
Lead time in race 8 was posted as 32.3!!! If correct its the equivalent of running a 26.5 quarter and with due respect to the horses involved in the race, none of them would go that quickly downhill on rollerskates so is an obvious error in my eyes
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Race 1 - 3YO, 2090m, mile rate 2.01.8, lead time 34.1 (very fast), first half 62.5, last half 61.6
First 4 over the line cleared out from the rest
Daytime Jerry (1st), did a bit of work early but enjoyed a good trip after that and won well
Ark Raid (2nd), funny run, seemed to race in patches but certainly has ability
King Of Jewels (3rd), very fast lead time probably told over the last 200 but still boxed on okay
Scarlett Blaze (4th), much improved run and the fact he beat the rest clearly is a good pointer going forward
Arkabe Jewel (6th), not a bad effort after an early error so best of the rest
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Race 2 - C1-C2, 2090m, mile rate 2.01.8, lead time 35.1 (quicker than average), first half 62.9, last half 59.6
The 2 best horses ran the quinella and first 5 over the line clearly better than the rest
Special Gallenti (1st), good speed to lead and ran even sections and kept going to win. Deserved the win actually after previous 2 runs
Chanceabet (2nd), proved last time was no fluke as best run in the race again, did more work than any other runner and refused to lie down. One to follow
Gurrero (3rd), perfectly driven and whilst it wasn't his best form it was still a big improvement
Prettyboytoby (4th), had his chance and is always going to be running on I think
Crash Cart (5th), outside the first 2 over the line he was the best run in the race. Got a win in him soon
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Race 3 - 2YO, 1609m, mile rate 2.02.4, first half 62.9, last half 59.5
Best horse won the race and the first 2 finished well clear of the remainder
Hamish Sanz (1st), very reminiscent of his brother Mitchell Sanz in racing style, copybook drive and unlucky in some regards that the leader rolled off down the back and gave an inside run to 2nd horse or would have dead set bolted in
Sunrise Lady (2nd), every possible hope but a much improved run and beat the rest clearly. One to follow for sure when back against her own sex
Modern Angel (3rd), very good drive also and whilst no match for the first 2 did hold the rest easily
Gun Filly (4th), another good run after working early, has improved heaps at past couple
Flashy Icon (10th), disgraceful performance, first time she has led though and may improve next time with a sit
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Race 4 - C3-C4, 2090m, mile rate 2.05.6, lead time 38.5 (very slow), first half 64.8, last half 59.8
Winner 3 deep the trip so had plenty on them, sectional times make it hard to take much out of the race though
Harley Fella (1st), 3 wide the journey but they walked which helped but still too good
Mickey Delahey (2nd), led, walked and just went under but never going to get an easier run in front than he did here
New York Fella (3rd), looked a shade unlucky but did enjoy a soft run
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Race 5 - 3YO, 2090m, mile rate 2.02.5, lead time 35.4 (bit quicker than average), first half 64.3, last half 59.6
Winner simply too good and the first 5 over the line clearly superior to the rest
Iden Justasmyrk (1st), very good win, was better than it looked. Got shuffled back and would have been 12 metres off leader and 5 wide at the 400 yet rounded them up easily. He must have run 28.5 himself out wide. Might develop into a pretty handy horse this bloke
Cardinal Dreamer (2nd), did a bit of work to lead but soft run after that, still boxed on well and has a win in him when draws to get a soft lead
Safina Leis (3rd), good drive and an improved performace. Definitely proved that she is purely a sit/sprint mare
Innasbrook (4th), barrier killed his chances from the get go but stuck to task well
Peace Chief (5th), didn't enjoy much luck, barrier 1 didn't suit either as better when can grind home in his races. Forgive run
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Race 6 - C5+ Stand, 2579m, mile rate 2.03.1, lead time 78.8 (average), first half 62.4, last half 57.6
Winner simply in a different class, both placegetters went okay too
Cosmic Under Fire (1st), simply too classy, once he found the front it was a procession and noy many horses will lose a race in Tassie running home 57.6
Jumpin Jack Jasper (2nd), another honest run in a stand, never seems to run a bad one. No match for winner though
Ulos (3rd), much improved run, probably the 2nd best run in the race actually as he was off the pegs and 3 wide in the quick last half. Might surprise at next couple
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Race 7 - C1-C2 Mares, 2090m, mile rate 1.59.7, lead time 34.3 (very fast), first half 60.9, last half 60.3
Went way too quickly here, overall mile rate of 1.59 and didn't break 60 the run home just emphasises the fact. First 2 horses cleared right out
Blacktie Affair (1st), very well driven and also relished the hot speed. Was going to win a long way from home. Has to be driven sit/sprint but is flying at present
Jet Black Flyer (2nd), another good drive and unlucky to run into a mre at the top of her game as beat the rest easily
Lola Bromac (3rd), very good run as did a bit of work in the quick early sectionals then kept coming in the straight. One to follow
Sanreos (4th), going very well this mare and another good tough run, might struggle to win until she gets back into the draw but isn't going to be far away in anything
Julias Song (5th), looked disappointing, never travelled the entire race and then just plugged home despite doing no work
Thabela Brioso (8th), suicidal tactics driving a 50/1 pop forward from gate 7 in super quick lead time then a 60 first half death seating. Did well in hindsight to only be beaten 28 metres so run was actually okay
Ashkalini (12th), started odds on and was gassed in front but capitulated very quickly, all her best form has been over mile trips though so was always going to be a query if she led and copped any pressure here. Be interesting to see how she performs next start but would imagine she would be driven with a sit
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Race 8 - C1-C2, 2090m, mile rate 2.02.3, lead time 32.3 (is a record if correct but doubt irt), first half 64.3, last half 62.2
Went very quickly early also and form is always going to be very suspect when the final quarter of a race is run in 32.2 so make of it what you will
Phantom Jasper (1st), enjoyed a perfect run in transit and kept plugging home
Still Royal (2nd), was the one I wanted to be on in the run and thought he should have won but just got outplugged
Cancellara (3rd), every hope but no match for first 2
Livin In Heaven (5th), fair effort after copping plenty of pressure
Boozy Rouge (6th), no doubt should have won easily as badly held up but remember that despite looking terribly unlucky they did stagger home which probably emphasised things
Safe And Smart (8th), overdid things early
Cullens Count (9th), forget he went around, went forward early then had to go back to last and also had a flat tyre in the run
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Race 9 - C0, 2090m, mile rate 2.04.9, lead time 36.6 (slower than average), first half 66.1, last half 59.5
Pretty average lot and long odds on pop led and walked which compressed the margins at the end
Denvers Boy (1st), didn't look too impressive, appeared to switch off in the run after getting it very easy. Probably went too slowly in hindsight
Look Look (2nd), good drive to trail the fav and kept coming in the straight
Woodland Chapel (3rd), ran home out wide as usual but might get up in one of these races shortly
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LAUNCESTON, Sunday August 22
Strange meeting with hardly anything out wide doing much all night, a lot of horses also got beaten a very long way so a few doubts as a true form reference going forward
Blackbookers from meeting
Denvers Boy
Peace Chief
Harley Fella
Barooga Billy
Binabelle
Flight To Mikinos
Drive of the night
Todd Rattray - Melman, some say its easy to drive leaders but he rated it perfectly going quick enough to not cop pressure and then kicked for home at the perfect time
Best performance
Flight To Mikinos - not many horses run a sub 43 lead time and survive late, he managed to destroy his rivals at the end though
Carve up of the night
Harleken Wized - started at $26 but was one/one on the back of a $2.20 fav who was certain to take it into the race and the driver (Shelley Barnes) decides to take off at the 1200m mark in a 30.1 quarter to get the death seat. Not surprisingly tired to run last. Amazing decision though
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Race 1 - C0, 1680m, mile rate 2.00.4, lead time 5.3 (average), first half 61.2, last half 59.2
Best horse drew to lead in mile race, simple as that
Ashkalini (1st) - Good drive by Todd as well running even quarters with main dangers drawn out the back which made it difficult for them to work into the race. See tons of drivers with the mentality that when they lead the slower they go the better and that is a total crock
Denvers Boy (2nd) - super run, out wide and miles off leader (and winner) at 1200 with last 3 qtrs in 30.4, 30.1 and 29.1. He is certain to win again soon when drawn better
The Detonator (3rd) - much improved run, beat 4th horse by 10 metres which is usually a decent form reference so may go on with it now
Charlie Grattan (4th) - boxed on okay again at big odds, lacks the dash to win but will continue to be around the mark
Cindys Babe (5th) - draw killed its chances as lacks the speed to come wide, still boxed on okay and pay to follow when draws better
The rest all got beaten a very long way
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Race 2 - C1-C3, 2200m, mile rate 2.03.1, lead time 46.0 (slow), first half 62.2, last half 60.1
Winner just too classy, got soft lead (46 lead time is walking) and average sections after that. All 2,3,4,5 placed horses went about the same
Julias Song (1st) - would call the win workmanlike instead of impressive. Only ran home in 60.1 and never broke 30 for any qtr but never looked in doubt so hard to guage what she could have run if pressed
Balencia (2nd) - usual honest race, always struggles to win with lack of high speed but tries her guts out
Alma Grant (3rd) - given the sectionals was entitled to do a tad more but still fair
Sanreos (4th) - pretty similar to Balencia, tries hard but lack of speed means its always difficult when drawn badly
Doves Patch (5th) - did enough to show why she has been supported in previous races
Those 5 finished way ahead of the rest
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Race 3 - 3YO, 1680m, mile rate 2.00.6, lead time 5.1 (quickish), first half 62.0, last half 58.8
First 2 horses clearly the best runs in race, all of 3,4,5,6,7 were fair. Rest pretty average
Cardinal Tucker (1st) - showed surprising gatespeed and once he led was always going to be very hard to run down. Well deserved win and will win more if can show that speed again
Peace Chief (2nd) - super run again, is his own worst enemy currently and will win shortly
Anoptomist (3rd) - well driven and best run inages
Willie Winalot (4th) - hard to make ground from the back in 58.8 half but kept coming, given a better draw can win shortly
Cardinal Dreamer (5th) - very similar to Willie Winalot
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Race 4 - C2-C3, 2200m, mile rate 2.02.4, lead time 44.3 (average), first half 62.7, last half 60.3
Strange race, winner brained them yet sectionals were just fair and a lot of horses got beaten a long way
Harley Fella (1st) - good tough win, did more work than anything and cleared out
Currynroses (2nd) - every hope but no match for winner
Prettyboytoby (3rd) - got buried on the pegs but was entitled to run home a tad better
Hydehurst Boy (last) - prepared to ignore as caused false start then was gone a long way from home to be beaten 75 metres so obviously wasn't there to race
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Race 5 - C1, 2200m, mile rate 2.02.3, lead time 44.0 (better than average), first half 63.0, last half 60.2
Strangely run race, winner got the perfect run. Have doubts about it as a formline race though given the way it was run
Jet Black Flyer (1st) - every possible, got out at top of straight and they staggered home in 30.4 so was a tad flattered. Did however get used a bit early on so was some merit in the win and did win easily on line
Special Gallenti (2nd) - pretty good run given that ran a decent lead time then got no peace from the 1200. One to follow if drawn to lead
Barooga Billy (5th) - handed up death at the 1200 to a $26 pop who was never going to take him into the race. Then resented racing between horses and galloped back to last and flew home again in the straight. Should have bolted in
Saab Quality (6th) - proved he is a front of the field horse as been average nearly every time he has drawn 2nd row
Flying Jasper (7th) - every possible hope and just battled late at first Tassie start
Boozy Rouge (8th) - did a bit wrong but run was just fair
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Race 6 - 2YO, 1680m, mile rate 2.03.4, lead time 5.4 (slowish), first half 65.2, last half 58.2
Slowly run and leader dominated but thought the first 3 went as well as each other
Brezhnev Leis (1st) - first glimpse of form this time in, was strong to the line as well and last 800 was okay
Iden Noshot (2nd) - driven cold and did well to get within 3 metres coming wide in 58.2 half
Hamish Sanz (3rd) - sat leaders back and took ages to wind up so may do better driven aggressively
Guernica (4th) - very good gatespeed to lead but entitled to find more given the soft run
Binabelle (7th) - galloped twice as fav, was actually still bolting at the 300 when galloped for the 2nd time so can certainly win next start despite now being ODM
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Race 7 - C4-C5, 2200m, mile rate 2.01.1, lead time 42.5 (super fast), first half 64.2, last half 58.8
Winner just smashed them (3rd horse beaten 28 metres), 2nd horse good and rest pretty average
Flight To Mikinos (1st) - exceptionally quick lead time then just left them for dead at the 400, he is just about unbeatable when he leads
Murillo Bromac (2nd) - return to form, beat 3rd horse by 15 metres so pay to follow
Topup (3rd) - not going as well as he was a month ago
Loaded Franco (8th) - disgraceful run on paper but too bad to be true, if she was beaten 10m after sitting leaders back I would say she was disappointing but to be beaten 40m means something was obviously amiss
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Race 8 - 3YO, 1680m, mile rate 2.01.8, lead time 5.5 (slow), first half 62.3, last half 59.4
Leader dominated mile race, first four all decent runs and can't say much for the rest
Melman (1st) - good gatespeed to lead, got left alone and well driven to score
Safina Leis (2nd) - every hope, thought she should have won given her run and the sectionals
Sing And Dance (3rd) - continues to overrace when used early and have nothing left late, heaps better when driven cold. Still only beaten 2.8 metres so forgive run
El Jays Modeena (4th) - went as well as the first 3 over the line, might bob up at odds soon
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HOBART, Sunday August 15
Blackbookers from meeting
Denvers Boy
Winewomenandsong
Dusty Kalena
Teejay Fella
King Of Jewels
Chanceabet
Special Gallenti
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Race 1 - C0, 1609m, mile rate 1.59.4, first half 60.3, last half 59.1
Pretty good race, they ran good time and merit in the runs of the first five over the line
Saab Quality (1st) - showed excellent gatespeed to lead, then never looked in doubt. Be very hard to beat in anything if he draws to lead
Ashkalini (2nd) - had every hope and no match for winner, held her ground though so went as well as anything else
Iden Justasmyrk (3rd) - good tough run death seating in sub 2 minutes, lacks high speed but always a chance when can race on the speed
Denvers Boy (4th) - very good run, got shunted 4 wide down the back and never shirked the task. Has another win in him shortly
Innasbrook (5th) - didn't enjoy much luck either being 3 wide without cover the majority of the way and never shirked the task
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Race 2 - 2YO, 2090m, mile rate 2.04.4, lead time 37.4 (slow), first half 64.8, last half 59.3
Winner won like a very good horse, controlled race from death and threw in a 28.1 final split which made it impossible for anything back in the field so a few went better than their finishing positions indicate
Winewomenandsong (1st) - might be a good horse this bloke as treated these with contempt. Driver just sat swinging on him outside the leader until the 400 and then pressed the button and he gapped them quickly
Diamonds Are Magic (2nd) - showed good speed to lead and battled on well but no match for winner
Odins Dragon Rider (3rd) - honest run, had every possible hope and battled on okay
Poker Storm (4th) - better run than it looked on paper coming wide when leaders sizzled home
Brezhnev Leis (5th) - similar to Poker Storm, thought he was hitting the line as well as anything when he wound up late
Dusty Kalena (7th) - does a lot wrong and galloped twice in the run here but did look a good place prospect when broke at the 400 so obviously has some ability and might surprise soon
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Race 3 - C3-C4, 2090m, mile rate 2.01.9, lead time 36.0 (average), first half 63.4, last half 58.9
Bit of a bunch finish with a few held up behind the leaders which makes form somewhat suspect and like most bunch finishes its usually the one with the best run who wins and this happened here
November Twenty (1st) - had a perfect run, sat one/one and didn't have to peel out until top of straight. Was a marked improvement on prior form and might just have been one of those races
Teejay Fella (2nd) - definitely the best run in the race, did all the work and also pulled hard and just got nabbed late
Lugovoi Leis (3rd) - led and had his chance, is markedly better when driven with cover
Flight To Mikinos (4th) - hard to assess his run as never got out. Did look to be plenty of horse there though
Twograndahand (5th) - also never got out and went to the line under a strangehold so hard to assess
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Race 4 - C1, 2090m, mile rate 2.02.8, lead time 37.1 (slow), first half 62.3, last half 60.1
Have huge doubts about the form from here, sectionals were average, the entire 12 runners were only covered by 15 metres on the line and there were countless runners being held up in the straight
Hydehurst Boy (1st) - got a soft lead and really should have won easier given the run, not sure if he was flat out or just bludging in the straight but wasn't overly impressive
Bertils Rocket (2nd) - looked unlucky but got the perfect trip and he simply has to be driven for luck
Liskens Gift (3rd) - typical honest run, he might be a smokey when he can draw to lead
Cullens Count (4th) - gone okay again leading up the 3 wide train and finishing close up
Topotheclouds (7th) - never got out in the straight, ignore the finishing position
Safe And Smart - was held up slightly but looked a bit ordinary in my view
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Race 5 - C2, 2090m, mile rate 2.02.0, lead time 35.6 (fast), first half 63.2, last half 59.7
Another blanket finish and the 3 horses with the best runs fought out the finish. 7.4 metres covered the first 12 over the line which sums it up in a nutshell
New York Fella (1st) - sat leaders back and got inside run to win on the line
Prettyboytoby (2nd) - racing style means he needs things to go his way to win and everything did here, hope he hasn't missed his chance to win one as be lucky to get a run like he did for a while
Still Royal (3rd) - had every chance, sat one/one and hit front at top of straight
Im Le Freak (5th) - decent run as used up to lead from barrier 7 in a quickish lead time and boxed on okay late
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Race 6 - 3YO, 2090m, mile rate 2.05.1, lead time 37.7 (very slow), first half 64.1, last half 60.7
Slowly run and leader dominated with the first 5 over the line clearing out from the rest
Biggernbettermax (1st) - simply too good, drove him like the best horse and waited until the top of the straight before going full bore. Think he does go best in front though
King Of Jewels (2nd) - pretty good run to take ground off the winner in a 28.8 closing quarter
Inchbyinch (3rd) - led, walked and had his chance to win but not good enough
Ark Raid (4th) - got knocked over on first turn and would no doubt have finished closer bar for that, did enjoy a cheap run after that incident though
Daytime Jerry (5th) - clearly the best run of those in the running line and might bob up at odds soon
Willie Winalot (10th) checked and broke on first turn so forget he went around
Cardinal Dreamer (11th) looked to be travelling okay when checked and broke down the back and finished distanced so ignore his run also
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Race 7 - C5+ Stand, 2579m, mile rate 2.01.9, lead time 76.9 (fast), first half 60.8, last half 59.1
Stand start and they ran along all the way over the long trip, excellent mile rate for a long distance stand so form might be okay with some clear margins between them at the end
Gettysburgh Address (1st) - quite impressive, had last crack at them but win was emphatic
Yuschenko Leis (2nd) - typical honest run, was left a bit of a sitting shot but beat the remainder of the field clearly
Cosmic Under Fire (3rd) - didn't enjoy the best of luck but still entitled to finish off better than he did
Majestic Emperor (4th) - didn't do a lot, had very soft runs at previous 2 starts when looked good so maybe the tempo found him out
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Race 8 - 2YO, 1609m, mile rate 2.02.8, first half 63.5, last half 59.8
Leader dominated mile race, best horse led and went slowly which made it impossible for anything back in the pack
Kristins Niadh (1st) - soft lead, easy trip but did bolt in. Well deserved win too after chasing some good ones lately
Stone Skipper (2nd) - death seated but they didn't go quickly so didn't work very hard, clearly beaten by winner but she had a bit on the rest
Flashy Icon (3rd) - well driven and never shirked the task in the straight, is a definite improver
Gun Filly (4th) - pretty good run for a bolter, might bob up somewhere soon from a better draw
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Race 9 - 3YO, 2090m, mile rate 2.04.9, lead time 35.8 (average), first half 66.4, last half 60.0
Pretty thin race, winner won emphatically and 2nd horse thrashed the rest. Plus they came from 2nd last and last at the bell after a 66 first half which sums up the runs of anything else
Artifice (1st) - simply too good for them, times weren't flash but Gareth just bided his time until he decided to go so don't read much into that. Looked far more impressive coming off the speed than when leading at first 2 runs back
Sing And Dance (2nd) - clearly beaten by winner but strange decision by Nathan Ford to come around Artifice at the bell and give her a tow up as virtually went from being some hope of winning to virtually none. Boxed on well though and clearly in front of the 3rd horse
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Race 10 - C1, 2090m, mile rate 2.01.4, lead time 34.6 (very fast), first half 62.5, last half 60.5
Quickly run race, lead time especially fast and the tempo found a few out as they came in like browns cows
Chanceabet (1st) - change of stable has rejuvenated him as best run for ages, plenty of merit in the win also after working round to the death with the speed on and grinding out the win
Special Gallenti (2nd) - good effort also after the very fast lead time, will definitely win a race soon when can get a softer lead
Sweetchillifilly (3rd) - pretty disappointing, did burn early but every hope after that and could stay with the quinella horses late. Is a real trier but ability is limited
Ashinaga (4th) - stuck to his guns well late, got stuck behind some tired ones but run was okay
Red River Gee Gee (5th) - thought he might have done a bit more after the leaders burned early but apart from the first 2 over the line he was clearly the best run and finished panels ahead of anything else
