After the weekend of Group 1 racing we assess the horses you need to forgive, forget and to follow heading into a huge Autumn carnival.
Forgive
Probabeel – Jamie Richards
12th of 15 in the 1600 metre All-Star Mile
You could put half of the All-Star Mile field in the forgive file but Probabeel was the most notable disappointment after starting favourite with the scratching of Arcadia Queen. She never looked comfortable in the run and turning for home her wheels were spinning and weakened out of it to finish 12th. The Coolmore Legacy is where she heads to next and if the rain stays away she will be very hard to beat in the fillies and mares classic.
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Forbidden Love – Richard and Michael Freedman
12th of 18 in the 1500 metre Group 1 Coolmore Classic
The dominant last start Group 1 winner couldn’t get a crack at them this time, in what was an ugly watch for favourite backers. Jockey Nash Rawiller kept running into dead ends and eventually found an out, albeit when the race was over. The Richard & Michael Freedman trained mare has a nomination for the Coolmore Legacy and also the Doncaster Mile where she has an enticing weight of 49kg. Certainly one to keep an eye on next start wherever she heads.
Forget
Buffalo River – Mike Moroney
4th of 10 in the 1500 metre Group 2 Ajax Stakes
Very consistent horse but just continues to be a length of two off them which is becoming quite costly for punters. His last victory was back in early May last year, admittedly he has contested some tough races but he was in the market on Saturday and had every chance from the front. The five-year-old gelding has started $2.70, $4.80, $7.50, $4.00, $4.80, $2.70 and $5.50 since his last win… time to forget him.
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Mister Sea Wolf – Chris Waller
8th of 10 in the 1500 metre Group 2 Ajax Stakes
Usually a strong first up performer but the nine-year-old is certainly not getting younger and may have needed the run. He probably heads to another Doncaster but it’s hard to see the old boy turning around his form against some up and comers especially those with the lightweights.
Follow
Rock – Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes
3rd of 10 in the 1500 metre Group 2 Ajax Stakes
It was a great return from Rock after getting a fair way back to finish in 3rd on a day where it was difficult to come from behind. If he can avoid those wet tracks he looks in for a fruitful campaign. Don’t forget he came within a length of picking up his first Group 1 in the Cantala Stakes last Spring so a race like the Doncaster Mile looks right up his alley.
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Shraaoh – Chris Waller
5th of 8 in the 2000 metre Group 3 Sky High Stakes
Looks to have come back well and looks back to his Sydney Cup winning best. He did finish 5th but was only 1.4 lengths off the winner. In what looks to be a weak Sydney Cup, if he brings his best form he certainly can go there and win it for the second time in three years. Follow!
