FLEMINGTON RE -RATES RACES 5 -8"NOTABLES"Race 5 GOATHLAND & CHARLEVOIX had this race between them on Ratings, but it was GOATHLAND who had the perfect run (box seat) and along the rails in the straight (best going) to career away. CHARLEVOIX on the other hand was back and commenced a run between the 800-400 ( see sectionals above). It wasn't just that, but the fact CHARLEVOIX was out wide in the straight as well which was vastly inferior ground to the rail. CHARLEVOIX had a 1400 and a 2300m run under it, the 2300m ( behind SHIKARPOUR ) seen to be advantageous possibly. As it panned out, it wasn't, but the winner had a perfect run and CHARLEVOIX a tougher run indeed. GOATHLAND had come to Australia with solid 2400-2800m form. It had 56 weeks between runs and was thrown into a 1st up Australian Debut fun at Flemington (1800m) on Oaks Day where it wasn't at all fit,( naturally) and was dropped out and took no part, nor was it really given any chance. The improvement at Pakenham (2000m) 4 weeks later both in terms of form and fitness was VAST and also expected even though it started $41. GOATHLAND had the 1 x 1 position in run that day, and ran 2nd to GALLIC CHIEFTAN ( Weir / Williams). GALLIC CHIEFTAN was 3rd up t with 2 lead up runs at 1500-1800m. GOATHLAND went from there to this Flemington race at 2500 ( but without a 2400-2500m run under it). That therefore made this performance even better. Our determination is GOATHLAND whilst having a perfect run and in the best ground has more to come. It has early speed to position and therefore is capable of always being in fortunate in run positions. It has also learnt to relax better now. With a 2500 now under it, GOATHLAND will Rate even better next time and has gears too. Its the one to follow up on therefore!
Race 6 Craig Williams does his homework. He was on the best horse possibly as well, not to say that others are not far away in terms of figures on our system though. No surprise at all that the first 5 across the line came from barriers 9.11.8.13.10. It was imperative that you be on the grandstand side! KHAHI It was a good win, albeit aided by the best going for sure. Williams had no issue exposing KHAKI to the breeze at the 450 after having cover until then. It was a matter of maintaining cover OR getting to the fast section first and Williams was happy with the latter. Good thinking. OAK DOOR came out of the barriers shifting right and causing inconvenience to KHAKI which actually worked out well for KHAKI who was then back a bit further, but with great cover. OAK DOOR stayed in the middle of the track and it too had cover, but, that part was certainly not as fast. OAK DOOR was presented at the right time and did a good job really. RIDGEWAY was too far back and needing fitness. It was exposed but was out wide in the better going and finished of really well to suggest plenty of improvement to come and will be likely to pick up a race over further in the next 4 weeks given the right race shape etc. Our determination is to follow up with RIDGEWAY who was resuming and needing the run for sure. It will only improve now. KHAKI can also be expected to continue to rate well, given it was able to do something that 94% can't ..... win a Maiden, then win again at it's following start. In KHAKI'S case it also did that with 4 weeks between runs! KHAKI could end up at the Gold Coast shortly, maybe. It has the capacity to race forward on a turning circuit.
Race 7 SNOOPY has this great ability to race on speed and get along without riding it at all and can then sprint of that with a gear change and acceleration. That is a winning formula that owners and trainers would "die for ". MASTER OF ARTS was resuming at an unsuitable trip of course and did a great job. It is likely to head towards the Adelaide Cup on 13th March. Whilst the run was good, it will now commence to be trained to get to 2000 then 2500 so it is likely be a bit dour in the interim. Wait for it to get to 2000 and then start to give it "due attention". CADILLAC MOUNTAIN ran well sectionally and falls into the same boat as MASTER OF ARTS. It doesn't possess the same ability but when it gets to 2000 it can be looked at again, but that is many weeks away yet. SNOOPY is a ripper and has a terrific racing patter that will see it continue on an upward spiral and its the one to follow up on moving forward although how much longer it will race on this preparation is questionable as its been racing since August 13th but with a 6 week break 16th September - 25th October. We don't believe Hawkes will go to a 1600m race as 1400 is its outer limit possibly, but we will see. Dwayne Dunn had his 4th win on SNOOPY and his riding style fits remarkably well with this horse .. but not with many other leaders where he has the propensity to go too slow. SNOOPY is an owner / punters dream style of a horse!
Race 8 LORD LUMBERJACK the ex German / French raced stayer was having it's first run in Australia and at 1600m. Whilst the form from this race may be moderate overall going forward, it was good when you take into consideration the fitness level. AURUM SPIRIT & DODGING BULLETS were rock hard fit so the advantage going forward lies with LORD LUMBERJACK. A harder run 1600 would have been better perhaps. Our determination is one horse only here! Keep LORD LUMBERJACK firmly in your crosshair. Wait for 2000m and further fitness and in the right race it will make you some Christmas or New Year's money.
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