Our Black Book: Horses You Must Follow From Randwick 21/12

The replays and sectional times have been reviewed from the weekend’s racing at Randwick. Our analyst has found 4 runners you must follow headlined by one of the better 2yo prospects we’ve seen this season and an import headed down the Cups path.

Pallaton

The Micheal Freedman 2yo really impressed on debut. They chose to take a sit after showing speed at the trials. When he was able to roll off heels at the 300m he reeled in the highly rated Godolpin debutant in a couple of bounds and powered away for a 2.7L victory. His final 200m of 11.61s was a whopping 0.37s faster the the 2nd fastest horse, which did no early work at the rear. He’s one of the best I’ve seen this 2yo season and we can take confidence that he’ll be winning a nice race in the lead to the Slipper.
 
It was interesting to see Berry get off very impressed and added that there were multiple runners bringing high expectations from big stables in the race. For him to account for them all that easily suggests he is high quality and we can take confidence with viewing that race as a strong form reference going forward. 

Dark Glitter

The Van Gestel mare raced keenly after settling midfield and this forced Molly Bourke to start a run 3 wide without cover before the turn. She was entitled to fade late but loomed as the winner at the 200m before Captain Amelia rolled off her heels to pip her by 0.2L.

I will be keen to see her next start with a senior rider on in a race that shapes with strong tempo. The query is that she is now 5 runs into her prep but it’s important to note that she didn’t trial and seemingly used the 900m 1st up run at Newcastle as a trial. From that we can be confident she’s got at least one more good run to come.

Getafix

He has been a bit of a suck horse but it seems like the penny has dropped after a nice win at Caulfield on Cup Day and an unlucky 3rd yesterday. He settled at the rear off an easing tempo but as soon as he was working towards top gear at the 300m he found himself all over heels. When he finally squeezed through a gap at the 50m it was too late and a 0.4L 3rd was the result.

I’m hoping that run doesn’t dint the confidence he had been generating off the Melbourne win and a great return trial. Have to be with in a similar race next start.

Gilded Water

We black booked him after his impressive win in his Aus debut at Kembla on Gong Day and it is safe to say he is in everyone’s blackbook now after making it 2 from 2. The 3L win was better than it reads after settling midfield he started his run at the 600m and was forced to be the widest runner on the turn, which is never ideal at Randwick. It didn’t seem to have too much of an impact on his finish as he hit the front at the 300m and put them away very quickly.

Ciaron Maher has since stated that he would like to prepare him for a Cups campaign where he would do very well at the weights with a current rating of 81. Where he goes in the autumn will be of interest. They may wish to be reserved with him to protect that rating but there is no doubt he will take significant improvement the more time he spends in Aus.