The Racing Weekend In Review 13/2

Nature Strip was back to his deadly best down the Flemington straight under the steer of red hot Jamie Kah. Whilst Stay Inside staked his claim in the Golden Slipper race with a devastating win at Randwick.

Flemington

The story of the day at headquarters was once again Jamie Kah after her winning treble which included the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes. Teaming up with Nature Strip for the first time Kah was able to get him to settle mid race before guiding him to victory ahead of the fast finishing September Run. The Lightning Stakes brings up her fourth Group 1 victory and arguably her greatest to date. 

“I’ve been very lucky to get Group 1’s so far but to get on a horse like him and for Chris Waller, it’s just… I couldn’t imagine it and to get the job done is amazing,” said Kah post race. 

The run of the race was Waller’s other runner in September Run after the 3-year-old filly got back to near last before rocketing home to finish behind her stable mate. The Newmarket Handicap looks her race in three weeks with Nature Strip and Swats That most likely to head elsewhere. 

Meanwhile pre-race favourite Bivouac will not be staying in Melbourne and will head back to Sydney after his performance yesterday. Trainer James Cummings gave the run a pass mark and expects him to improve stepping up to 1200 metres. Whilst jockey Glen Boss also thought the Godolphin sprinter performed okay first up.     

“That’s his first run so he’ll improve. He’s a big colt now, a big heavy bugger so he’s going to take a lot out of that,” said Boss. 

Earlier in the day, almost one year since his Blue Diamond win Tagaloa was able to get back into the winning stalls with a tough win in the Group 3 CS Hayes. Jumping from barrier 1 the 3-year-old was able to get an economical run behind the leader before pinning the ears back and running away from Aysar and Mo’unga back in third. 

Tagaloa heads to the Australian Guineas in two weeks along with most of his rivals yesterday and will meet them at set weights which only enhances his chances of adding a second Group 1 to his name. 

Also heading to the Australian Guineas is Zou Dancer who on Saturday won the Group 3 Vanity by a devastating 4.75 lengths. Not only was the winning margin impressive but the quality she left in her wake including last year’s Oaks winner Personal. 

Randwick

The Group 1 racing hasn’t quite kicked off in Sydney yet but a flurry of Group 1 bound stars were on the track including the return of Caulfield Cup winner Verry Elleegant. The Chris Waller trained mare finished off nicely into 3rd in a pleasing return. It was the return of Colette who raised the most eyebrows taking out the Group 2 Apollo Stakes. The Golden Eagle winner started $12.00 but thrived in the wet conditions beating home Kolding by 2 lengths. 

Colette looks destined for big things this preparation with trainer James Cummings hinting at a possible Sydney Cup campaign or even a Queen Elizabeth tilt.

“I was thinking of aiming her at the Sydney Cup but I don’t know if we will go that way now,’’ Cummings said. 

“She has just been going so well and she well and truly has the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the radar. When you get that race on the radar, it’s hard to get off!”

The standout performer of the day was Stay Inside who destroyed his rivals by 4 lengths in the Pierro Plate. The Richard & Michael Freedman trained colt came into the race as a dominant favourite and never looked like losing as they turned for home. The 2-year-old gave jockey James McDonald a great feel and just makes McDonald’s choice tougher on who he sticks with heading towards the Golden Slipper next month. 

“I just love his attitude. He takes everything in his stride, the ultimate professional. He’ll get to a Slipper whether it is wet or dry and be very hard to beat,” said McDonald. 

“I just want to have another ride on him again.” 

Stay Inside shortened into an $8.50 chance behind Enthaar ($5) and current favourite Profiteer ($4.60) on TopSport. 

Another impressive winner on the day was Masked Crusader who repaid punters who stuck with him after his forgetful Spring campaign. There was a slight concern at the 400 metre mark where he was left a little flat footed but soon powered home under Tommy Berry taking out the Southern Cross Stakes by 2 lengths. 

Looking ahead to next week…

Back to Caulfield with a trio of Group 1’s including the Blue Diamond, Futurity Stakes and the Oakleigh Plate. Whilst there is a trio of Group 2’s at Rosehill including the Hobartville Stakes, Silver Slipper Stakes and the Millie Fox Stakes. 

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