Always worthwhile to have a look back and to try and correct obvious mistakes in the future .... Handicapper also to have a say in some of these 'stars' going forward
R1: As I suspected, the 2,5 kg the filly received was enough - Vibe SA sure to start in the red next time; Azzie horse compounded - either the going or the blinkers - so not to be written off
R2: Good win by Pretty Ballerina - KZN visitor put up a vastly improved performance (swing of many lengths with Almond Sea - who at this stage seems best over 1000)
R3: The only real upset of the day; Fire Attack turned around more than 5 lengths (plus a 2kg swing at the weights) with Pistol Pete - who as his stable mate in the 2nd, found nothing in the closing stages - possibly also showing that he is best over 1000 - and a stark reminder that there is a big difference (especially with juveniles) between 1000 on a fast track and an extra 160m on a sticky track
R4: Sandringham Summit proved me wrong in that the 1400 is well within his grasp and beat them fair and square (I know David personally through Elvis and he certainly deserves a 'big' horse); I think David mentioned that this was a prep run for the KZN season - but not sure if the July is on the cards ? Only real disappointment was At My Command who may be better on good going - while Texas Red ran below form but Savannah Storm ran to his rating over his favorite track and trip - what next for Mujbar ?
R5: The Oaks - Francis Ethel improved further over this trip and I have heard mention on air that the July is a possibility - but think we need to be reminded that this was a Group 2 for 3-yr old fillies over ground - will be interesting what the Handicapper makes of this race - for me the proof of the pudding will be in the next start of Explosive Bond
R6: What more can be said of Gimme A Nother - clearly very good, but again a reminder (before we think she is a world-beater) that she beat a capable (but best over 1400) Humdinger receiving the WFA allowance .... and she showed some signs of being temperamental - so will be interesting if she will be competing internationally - or just retire to stud ?
R7: Computaform Sprint; excellent run by Golden Sickel from an inside draw - Thunderstruck keeping his form very well while Rulership was not disgraced; Dyce sadly has now run 2 disappointing races in a row, so may be heading for retirement - or at least a long break (he did have a break between Jan and Sep '23)
R8: Derby - a confusing race for me to rate due to the fact that Taxhaven seemed to have improved by more than 20 points (he beat the much vaunted Marauding Horde by half-a-length) - so I think fair to say (even if Mondial is taken to have run to his rating) that for rating purposes I will ignore this race
R9: Royal Victory showed that his last win was no fluke and even though Muzi admitted afterwards that he was too far back he showed guts and determination to get up close home from a gallant Winchester Mansion - imo both ran to their ratings; I just don't know if the short Greyville straight would be more to Winchester Mansion's advantage; ito the July I think that there are a few horses that would currently be weighted 'better' - so a lot of water to flow under that particular bridge; Puerto Manzano does seem to have his issues - would be interesting to see if all 3 take their place in the Colorado King Stakes on 27 April
R10: A real test of stamina where Rule Book and Positive Attitude both showed that staying is their game - weights contributed a lot the outcome (especially as Matsunyane did not have his best ride on Crimson King) - the first five only carried 50 kg
The following user(s) said Thank You: Dave Scott, Felix
