3 minute read

Chris Scholtz reviews racing on September 29 and 30 at Randwick and Caulfield.

THE STARS

ANTHONY FREEDMAN: He’s in a very good place for The Everest – a lot better than some other contenders - after his pair Santa Ana Lane and Shoals produced excellent trials in the Premiere Stakes. His handling of both sprinters over the last 12 months has been superb.

DARREN WEIR: Four winners at Mornington on Saturday was only the entrée to another huge day at Caulfield on Sunday where he won five races, taking him past 100 wins for the season after just two months. That puts him on pace to train 600 winners this season- amazing!

LIAM HOWEY: Good to see he has the Lloyd Williams team firing as we head towards the pointy end of the spring. The Taj Mahal and Homesman made it a notable 24 hours for the stable.

HARTNELL: Winning the Epsom in course record time under the topweight of 57kg must rate as the most notable of his four G1 wins in Australia. James Cummings couldn’t hide his pride in the big horse.

HIGHLIGHTS

RANDWICK RECORDS: They smashed the clock all day at Randwick with course and race records thanks to a big wind blowing them home over the last 400m. The record books should read “wind assisted’.

OOHOOD: Gets her Group One! She’s no longer a bridesmaid, and now she’s going to take on the colts in the Caulfield Guineas.

ACE HIGH: Back to his Derby form – and no Winx! Tough and genuine when he gets a good track.

CIARAN MAHER: Smart planning with Dubious. What an asset he would be if he moves to Sydney.

CATCH ME: Classy win by a talented filly.

ROBERT HEATHCOTE/BRAD STEWART: Took the training and riding honours at Doomben with trebles.

PRIORITISE: Completed the rare feat of four city wins in succession.

LOWLIGHTS

GRUNT: Another shocker on his home track. Can he bounce back at Flemington?

MISS FABULASS: Might seem harsh but she was too keen racing closer to the pace than anticipated.

REDZEL: Must be a question mark on his Everest claims.

INVINCIBLE STAR: Struggled. Real Everest concerns.

PRIZED ICON: Set a task under his big weight. Not one of Damien Oliver’s best rides.

RIDES OF THE DAY

Hard to split the Group One efforts of Tim Clark on Oohood in the Flight Stakes, Hugh Bowman on Hartnell in the Epsom and Corey Brown on Patrick Erin in the Metropolitan. High pressure performances.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

CIARAN MAHER: "You'll' definitely see more of me in Sydney. I might leave Dave (Eustace) in Melbourne, that is the plan. We are looking to settle and grow in Sydney."

THEY SAID IT….!

ANTHONY FREEDMAN (Santa Ana Lane/Shoals): “They are easy horses to travel and both have done a bit of that. Now it's just a question of keeping them up to the mark over the next two weeks.”

BEN MELHAM (Santa Ana Lane): "I knew he was on target. He's been on target all preparation."

JAMES CUMMINGS (Hartnell): “I really can’t believe it but you have belief in your horse and he’s a super horse. It's a huge moment and I'm privileged to have a horse of his calibre under my care."

HUGH BOWMAN (Hartnell): "I am very proud to represent Sheikh Mohammed in the Godolphin colours. It's my first Group One win in them and it really does mean a great deal."

CHRIS WALLER (Patrick Erin): “He's a horse we're proud of. I think two miles is really going to suit him so I think we'll be having a good look at the first Tuesday in November and working back from that.”

CHRIS WALLLER (Metropolitan win came after photo finish defeats in the Epsom and Flight Stakes): "It feels a lot better now than it did 40 minutes ago.”

COREY BROWN (Patrick Erin): “I already have a Melbourne Cup ride but I would love to partner this horse all the way to the Cup, he is a lovely horse.”

TONY McEVOY (Oohood): “I feel a bit numb. It's a great relief, thank god she just put her nose out for us.”

KERRIN McEVOY (Catch Me): “She has got a very nice amount of ability. She is above average that is for sure and she is only going to get better.”

DAVID HAYES (Mickey Blue Eyes): "Mickey would have been a bit unlucky to lose. He really charged and stuck his head out, he’s a quality horse."

REGAN BAYLISS (Mickey Blue Eyes): "He really pinned his ears back and had the will to win. He's a lovely clean-winded animal and has got a bright future."

MICHAEL WALKER (Dubious): “He was strong to the line, he was well educated. Only a little horse but he has a big horse’s action.”

BEN MELHAM (Homesman): “Riding nice horses and having good support from stables like this makes life easier.”

BARRY LOCKWOOD (Fiery Heights): “The summer carnival is coming up so why take on the really big names when there is plenty of money here in the summer."

ROBBIE LAING (Midoriyama): “She's an improving mare that's had a few issues with shin soreness and knees but is sound as a bell at the moment and going places."

BLACKBOOKERS

AMERCEMENT: Needs time. She’ll make a good filly.

NAKEETA JANE: Measured up to the rise in class. Best to come.

SHILLELAGH: Excellent Epsom effort. Ready for Melbourne.

TEZLAH: Big improver as distances increase.

TOSEN BASIL: Showed his class. Follow with confidence.