Races

It Pays To Follow

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

BE OPTIMISTIC

Thursday, January 26 @ Belmont

The four-year-old mare caught the eye when an unfortunate fourth in a 1000m trial behind Phanta earlier this month. Her first-up run when third to Thorogood and Henry The Aviator last week was full of merit. Despite being obliged to cover ground, she was strong late and only beaten a length. A stakes-winning daughter of Blackfriars, she’s in for a solid campaign.

ODINAKA

Saturday, January 28 @ Ascot

The Steve Wolfe-trained two-year-old was well found in the market after an encouraging trial, but all he found on the weekend were the backsides of his opposition. Odinaka didn’t help himself when slow to step in a modestly-run race. It would be harsh to sack him off that.

MY BELLA MAE

Saturday, January 28 @ Ascot

It’s not hard to identify a horse who returns to the track from a let-up and wins for the fourth time from five starts as an odds-on pop pulling away. However, a deeper dive into My Bella Mae’s figures confirm she is an elite three-year-old filly capable of measuring up if connections opt for a Melbourne campaign. A bona fide star.

DIAMOND SCENE

Sunday, January 29 @ Pinjarra

The cerise and white operation has been very subdued of late so the win of Diamond Scene would have been pleasing. An out-and-out staying prospect, he followed up his debut fifth over 1600m with a 1500m maiden win against the older horses. He looked noticeably sharper yesterday and was able to hold a position after drawing well.

PLANET CASH

Sunday, January 29 @ Pinjarra

Firstly, I’m taking nothing away from All The King’s Men and Feels Playful following their 1-2 finish in the Greenfields Lodge Breeders’ Classic (1400m) yesterday. They were terrific. But it was impossible to miss the performance of Planet Cash in only his fourth start. There was nowhere for Lucy Warwick to go in the straight until just about every other horse had established full momentum and passed her. Once Planet Cash saw daylight, he stomped home to run fourth, only two lengths off the winner. A black-booker if you’ve ever seen one.




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