It was another busy week of racing.
Alpine Edge (Better Than Ready) was able to add another string to his bow in the G3 BJ McLachlan S. over 1200 metres at Eagle Farm, coming from back in the field and dodging traffic to record an impressive win in 1:11.31 after leading and winning at his first start. He looked well above average at early trials, improving from his first trial to his second and then bringing that to race day.
Alpine Edge has now stamped himself one of the main chances for the big dance on January 16 at the Gold Coast.
The biggest talking point was the disappointing performance of 2YO Magic Millions Classic favourite Shaquero (Shalaa {Ire}).
Chris Waller made the decision to take the Listed Breeders' Plate-winning colt to Queensland early, rather than run in the 1100 metres race in Sydney won by the unfancied Rocket Tiger (Cluster). Shaquero dropped out to finish seventh beaten 7.5l behind Alpine Edge. It will be interesting to see if he can bounce back from that.
At Randwick on the weekend, another favoured Magic Millions Classic 2YO contender Vandoula Lass (Vancouver) had her unbeaten tag removed. She was able to lead comfortably and control from the front but inevitably unable to hold off the Wagga Wagga-trained Rocket Tiger.
Vianello (Teofilo {Ire}) finished 0.5l away third, while last start Listed Phelan Ready second, Cochrane (Spirit Of Boom), put in an uncharacteristic run beaten 7.5l and will now be spelled.
The Warwick Farm meeting on Wednesday unearthed another smart 2-year-old from the Chris Waller yard. Ranch Hand (Fastnet Rock) was nominated for the BJ McLachlan S. on Saturday at Eagle Farm, but the stable took an easier approach by running him Wednesday in what appears to be the right move.
Ranch Hand bolted in by 3.3l beating Golden Gift placegetter Mura Mura (Not A Single Doubt) comfortably. Considering the track was rain affected (Soft 7) the time of 58.44s was quick, and a decision regarding a trip to the Gold Coast will be made later this week.
Ranch Hand | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
On Tuesday, Group 1-placed filly Forbidden Love (All Too Hard) begins her campaign on the way to the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. She resumes in the Gosford Guineas over 1200 metres with James McDonald on board.
Another Legend
Les Bridge was in headlines again on Saturday, but this time it wasn’t all about Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt). Zoustar gelding All Time Legend produced a super performance coming off the speed and exploded away for a 2.5l win in a fast 1:09.82 and fastest last 600 metres of the race (34.02s).
That’s now four wins from his six career starts, and the $300,000 Inglis Easter yearling looks to have a very bright future. He was sold by Woodside Park Stud and, like Classique Legend, purchased by Carmel Size.
All Time Legend | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Ayrton: Saturday's Star Performer
Well didn’t 3-year-old Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) get tongues wagging on Saturday at Caulfield. Whilst he only won a BM70 over 1400 metres, the manner he delivered it in was outstanding.
He was caught wide early working up the hill, eventually found the front and just kept going to win by 4.25l. It was one of the fastest 1400 metres runs seen at Caulfield in nearly 20 years.
Ayrton ran 1:21.96 which is only 0.76s outside Exceed And Excel’s 1400 metres Caulfield track record. Most notably, only three Group 1 horses since Exceed and Excel broke the 1400 metres Caulfield track record in 2003 have run faster than Ayrton (NZ).
They are:
Toorak Toff: 2011 Sir Rupert Clarke – 1:21.95
Streets Of Avalon (Magnus): 2020 Futurity Stakes – 1:21.90
More Joyous (More Than Ready {USA}): 2011 Futurity S. – 1:21.79
Co-trainer Mick Price said Ayrton will head to Queensland in the winter to get his rating up and will bypass the autumn. Being by Iffraaj (GB), a race like the Cox Plate will be on the radar.
Ayrton (NZ)
