Races

It Pays To Follow

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

Wednesday, October 16 @ Ascot

Race  2 – WAR MATTERS

In four starts prior to last week, WAR MATTERS had not finished better than sixth. However, his most recent effort … seventh behind the exciting OLYMPIC PARK … suggested trainer Darren McAuliffe was working with an animal that had at least a maiden in him. And that holds true after he roared into second behind DIAMOND DANCER over 1500m. He was never a chance of reeling in the winner, but did respond to the urgings of Jarrad Noske to find the line strongly at the big quote of $51.

Race 6 – SWIM THROUGH 

It has been more than a year since SWIM THROUGH tasted success. Trainer Ashley Maley and connections should be confident that another win is imminent. Though all five of his victories have come over the 1000m, SWIM THROUGH was always going to be up against it last week in a race containing speedster PIN DEEP coupled with his outside barrier. And while PIN DEEP went under at a short quote, Chris Parnham had no option but to take his medicine early. As a result, the task proved beyond him, despite producing a race-fastest last 600m of 33.21sec to fill third.

Race 7 – BORDER FORCE

Just watch the replay. Not much more needs to be said. Desperately unlucky … again!

Race 8 – RON’S FINALFLUTTER

This lightly-raced filly has a future. She took care of her maiden against three-year-olds first-up down at Bunbury before taking on the older horses in a deep C3 during the week. The presence of GOD’S GATE and high draw meant RON’S FINALFLUTTER was always going to settle rearward, but her ability to take ground in the straight was first rate in a race that will be an excellent form reference. AHYEAHRIGHTO clocked a slick 1:09:88 in winning, overhauling GOD’S GATE in the concluding stages. Trainer Dan Morton has options with RON’S FINALFLUTTER. Expect him to explore all of them.

Saturday, October 19 @ Ascot

Race 2 – IN GOOD ORDER

Back at the races off a freshen, IN GOOD ORDER settled a long way off the second last horse over the mile and worked through his gears beautifully once he balanced up to place third behind CLASSIC ROGUE and EXCELTRAIN, who controlled the proceedings out in front courtesy of a well-judged Steven Parnham steer. Whilst those who were with him on the weekend would be disappointed, it was further evidence that all is in readiness for his path towards a Perth Cup.

Race 5 – MALKAR PINDARI

It is extremely heartening to see a horse resuming over a distance short of their best and running out of their skin. That is exactly what transpired with MALKAR PINDARI, who scorched turf late over the 1000m to finish second to the progressive CRIPPALENKO. We’ve seen her launch in her races, but over trips further than the five furlongs. Off that, the five-year-old looks like she is going to be a player in the fillies and mares’ series during the Pinnacles.

Race 9 – ANTIQUE MISS

Saturday’s assignment may have been too short for ANTIQUE MISS as she embarks on a Perth Cup tilt. But we do know staying types fresh over 1400m can be effective and off what we had seen from the Domesday mare at the trials, a first-up success wasn’t beyond the realms. In simple terms, it was a complete and utter forgive run … she didn’t see daylight at any stage in the straight until the race was all over.




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