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
Fifty Stars – Tom Dabernig & Ben Hayes
10th of 17 in the 2000 metre Group 1 Australian Cup
Sent out as favourite in the Australian Cup on Saturday after winning the race 12 months ago. On paper he was the one to beat but the query was always going to be barrier three, which ultimately brought him unstuck. Turning for home Jockey John Allen had no other option but to ride for luck in amongst horses which made for an ugly watch. He is an emergency for the All-Star Mile this weekend but watch for him in Sydney. If he can get a clear run outside of horses, he should prove hard to beat.
Pretty Woman – Matthew Dale
11th of 12 in the 1200 metre Group 2 Reisling Stakes
The previously undefeated two-year-old filly was luckless in the fillies race and never had a crack at them. The only positive to come out of the race for connections was the Canberra form standing up with Glistening turning the tables on their past clash to win the Reisling. Pretty Woman is out of Slipper calculations now but the Group 2 Percy Sykes on Day 1 of the Championships looks a nice race for her.
Forget
Standout – Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou
17th of 17 in the 1200 metre Group 1 Newmarket Handicap
Only has beaten a couple of runners home in his past two starts but it got worse on Saturday finishing back in last. It’s always worrying when a jockey says “He’s not trying”, which are the exact words that came out of Michael Walkers mouth after riding Standout. He might’ve had enough and be set for a stallion career or else he may have to lose his two best mates, before we can see his best again.
Mamaragan – John Thompson
6th of 6 in the 1100 metre Fireball Stakes
Some criticised the ride from Bowman (including a questioning from stewards) but if you look at the sectionals the colt had every chance. He has been out of the winners’ stall for a year now and it’s hard to see him turning that around anytime soon in this grade.
Follow
King’s Legacy – Peter & Paul Snowden
5th of 13 in the 1600 metre Group 1 Randwick Guineas
After a disappointing Spring, is the two time Group 1 winner back to his best? His run on Saturday certainly suggested that and with a bit of luck he might’ve been in the finish. Mo’ounga looks the obvious one to follow out of the race but don’t discount this colt. One to follow heading into the pointy end of the Autumn Carnival.
Masked Crusader – Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes
3rd of 9 in the 1300 metre Group 1 Canterbury Stakes
Proved that he belongs at Group 1 level storming past Bivouac to finish in 3rd after blundering the start. If he can work on his race smarts he is a Group 1 winner in waiting. Will be interesting to see where he heads to next but wherever he goes he will be highly competitive. Follow!
