Races

It Pays To Follow

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

Wednesday August 28 @ Belmont

Race 2 – SAMARA’S JOY

Doesn’t have a placing beside her name after six lifetime starts, but she was again solid to run fifth for the second start in a row. Slow to step and forced to make a run down the centre of the track (the spot where you just didn’t want to be on the afternoon), it appeared the Brad Graham-trained mare was going to play a part before wilting slightly over the concluding stages. That said, she was only beaten five lengths behind Bohemian Diamond. Royal Law and Universal Hotness were also sound in the same event.

Race 7 – CENTRE BOND

Was well supported in the lead-up to the meeting, but was very soft in the minutes before they jumped after becoming agitated and sweating up behind the barrier. Jason Whiting had longshot Mooniemia to his outside midway through the race and upon turning for home, the lightly-raced son of Bondi was forced to wait before he could build momentum. Once he got into the clear, he worked through his gears and just missed in a three-way photo featuring Audrey Grace and True Apostle. There are class one 1200m and 1400m events on Wednesday week that give trainer Graeme Ballantyne options.

Thursday August 29 @ Northam

Race 1 – ALL GRUNT

Looked every bit a proper horse at the trials before venturing to Northam last week for a much-anticipated debut. He didn’t disappoint. Allowed to settle just in behind the speed by Jarrad Noske, he let rip in the straight to win by nearly five lengths. Off what we have seen at the trials, it won’t be any issue when the gelding gets back on top of the ground. It might be stating the bleeding obvious but he is a clear follow.

Race 2 – COSMIC ECLIPSE

Had two trials in the lead-up to her debut fourth at Pinjarra back in April. Prior to her first-up fourth last week, she had only one. It didn’t stop her being solid enough in the market ($3.30), nor did it prevent her from running well. What we do know is that the 1000m of the event was probably too short. She was only winding up over the concluding stages and just missed the bob for third.

Race 4 – L’IL CAPRI 

Made an eye-catching debut in the Avon Valley. The Grant and Alana Williams-trained daughter of Playing God jumped from the widest gate in the field of 12 on debut and was immediately snagged to the tail of the field. A slackening speed at the 800m mark forced William Pike to take hold, which led to her over-racing. She showed her talent in the home straight when picking up to post the fastest final 600m split of the race.

Saturday August 31 @ Belmont

Race 7 – STARATING

Progressed from a Pinjarra maiden to the WATC Derby last campaign and while she failed to flatter in the classic, she was able to collect valuable black type along the way in the Ascot 1000 Guineas and Natasha Stakes. The booking of William Pike on the weekend for her first-up assignment caught the eye, as did the manner in which the now four-year-old savaged the line once she was hooked into clear air in the straight. Look for her in a 1400m race or beyond next start.

Race 8 – OTHERONESON

Has always been high class. Though we might never see the absolute best of the now six-year-old, that doesn’t mean he won’t win his fair share of races. He was a horse spoken about in Railway Stakes calculations before a 784-day injury lay-off after the 2022 Belmont Guineas. The Demerit gelding is now under the care of Luke Fernie, who has him going well this preparation. Saturday was his second run this campaign and a slow speed caused him to get keen. He saw daylight at the top of the straight and looked the winner before being caught late by in-form mare Desert Nymph. It wouldn’t be a shock if he was contesting better races at Ascot later this year.




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