It Pays To Follow

Posted on May 16, 2023May 16, 2023 | Posted by Digby Beacham

WHO BE WHATEE

Wednesday, May 10 @ Northam

Impossible to be critical of this fellow. Was trapped three-deep on top of the speed from barrier four and only lost by less than half a length to an odds-on favourite. Is improving into his preparation and with even luck next start, surely goes close.

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PENNY’S AFIELD

Wednesday, May 10 @ Northam

The two trials of this capable mare leading into the first-up run were modest. However, it looked like she had a bit to give had she been taken to the outside of the field entering the straight. Unfortunately, that didn’t occur and she had to settle for seventh position, albeit just two lengths adrift of the winner She’s A Sweet Deal.

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PACIFIC BOXER

Thursday, May 11 @ York

In all due respect to the majority of horses who race at York, it’s hard to be confident about how they will measure up closer to town. There are always exceptions though and you can argue that in Pacific Boxer, we have one such exception. He has won his past two on the bounce and last week’s victory came under 62.5kg when he had to wait for a gap to appear in the straight. Is better than York grade.

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KING’S SICARIO

Saturday, May 13 @ Belmont

This three-year-old has been up a while, but he’s still a live hope at his next start if last weekend is any guide. Worked home nicely to finish fourth (he ran the fastest last 600m of the race) behind the smart Rusty Dreams after settling rearward. Just needs a pattern and a bit of give in the track to produce his best.

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COBBANCO

Saturday, May 13 @ Belmont

Off what we witnessed last weekend, it’s not a stretch to say he ran headlong into a smartie in First Encounter. That said, he was still brave riding the speed at his first attempt over a mile under a big weight. At this stage of his career, 1400m could well be his sweet spot.

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HINT OF MINT

Saturday, May 13 @ Belmont

You could have made a case for several other runners in this race going forward, so apologies to their connections. The trials of Hint Of Mint entering the weekend suggested she was in good order. She stepped out first-up without the blinkers she wore when catching the eye on the Monday at trials, yet still worked to the line professionally. The six-year-old mare has got another win in her.

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THE VELVET QUEEN

Saturday, May 13 @ Belmont

A horse who continues to improve each preparation. That much was evident after what she produced last campaign and then what she delivered first-up in the Group 3 Belmont Sprint. Found the initial tempo too hot, but attacked the line strongly once she balanced up. Is going to be hard to topple in the Hyperion next start.

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SPEED DREAM

Saturday, May 13 @ Belmont

Much like Hint Of Mint’s race earlier in the day, there were a fistful of other eye-catchers. But Speed Dream flashed late to grab second behind Snowdome, running past the likes of Rokanori and The Spruiker. Is still a class 3 steed yet has a rating of 79, making him hard to place.