After the weekend of racing we assess the horses you need to forgive, forget and to follow.
Forgive
Streets Of Avalon – Shane Nichols
8th of 10 in the 1400 metre Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (Caulfield)
The two-time Group 1 winner jumped the $3.70 favourite in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes over the weekend and was in his favoured role up front before finding nothing in the straight. Soon after the race it was revealed by Racing Victoria stewards he was lame in the near fore which was a contributing factor to his below par performance. He is in some doubt for the Memsie in 11 days but if the vets give him the all clear he’d be a winning chance.
The Inferno – Cliff Brown
6th of 10 in the 1200 metre Listed Roller Stakes (Caulfield)
Heading into the race there were a lot of unknowns on how The Inferno would measure up to Australian racing and after Saturday there are still questions to be answered. Cliff Brown openly said the former Singapore galloper would need the hit-out but to the eye he looked a little plain. The stewards report noted he pulled up with slow recovery and in his first start in Australia we are willing to forgive him and see him next time out.
Forget
Mamaragan – John Thompson
6th of 7 in the 1200 metre Benchmark 88 Handicap (Kembla Grange)
Still only the one career win to date and a win doesn’t look close anytime soon the way he is going. Back to Benchmark 88 grade on Saturday he looked a great chance on paper and after given every conceivable chance by Nash Rawiller he couldn’t fight out the finish dropping out to finish 5 lengths off the winner. Will be interesting to see what they do with this gelding heading into the Spring.
Follow
Najmaty – Peter & Paul Snowden
4th of 14 in the 1100 metre Group 3 Quezette Stakes (Caulfield)
She looks like a talented filly who is still piecing it all together. Stuck behind a wall of horses coming to the bend there was no way she was winning but to see her finish off the way she did was exciting and one to follow heading into the Spring. She heads back up to Sydney now and could run in races such as the princess series for three-year-old fillies.
