The chatter regarding the lack of speed in Horrifying’s win overshadowed the merit in the stayer’s win in the Flemington Cup 1849 (2800 metres).
Bottom line it still was a win of great merit by a stayer who could be a player in the spring in races such as the Geelong Cup.
He showed his continuing maturity by not over-racing in the front and settling for star jockey Craig Williams.
As a three-year-old the son of Shocking, showed great promise for the Kavanagh stable but didn’t come up last spring.
He’s now won two of his past three starts and finished third at Flemington over 2600 metres in between the wins.
Skyphios, who charged home to win the Byerley Handicap (1800 metres) and the son of Fiorente booked himself a start in the Victoria Derby where he could be a prominent player.
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HORSES TO FOLLOW
FREEDOM ESCAPE
Horsham trainer Paul Preusker should find a city race soon with this three-year-old gelding. He settled last in the Ken Cox Handicap (1700 metres) but finished strongly down the outside, running the 13th fastest last 200 metres to finish second to Thalassophile.
THROUGH IRISH EYES
Had no chance of running Horrifying down due to the race being a sprint home but he still rattled off the eighth fastest last 200 metres for the day recording 11.89 seconds at the finish of a 2800 metres race.
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VERANSKOVA
Just failed to grab the smart Squid Game in the 1000 metres race after giving him a start. She rocketed home down the outside running the fastest last 800 metres for the meeting of 43.48 seconds. In for a good campaign.
HIGH EMOCEAN/INTERPRETATION
Great return from the five-year-old mare suggesting she’s in for her best campaign. The Maher/Eustace trained mare flew home for a first-up third behind Hezashocka over 2000 metres. She’s capable of winning a nice race in the next two months. In the same race her stablemate Interpretation’s best work was over the last 200 metres and he too will be suited by a longer trip.
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