3 minute read
Top Seven
1-NOTORIOUS ONE
He's not pretty to watch, but what he lacks in racing manners is more than compensated by a fair amount of class and talent. It was heart in mouth action again for Notorious One when La Farola sprinted past him, but in a couple of bounds he was able to reel in the Michael Lane-trained mare and draw away for another impressive win, his third from his past four starts and seventh overall. It's scary to think what could happen if he can piece it all together on race day. The six-year-old is in line to tackle Listed company for the first time in the Farnley Stakes (1400m) on September 11.
2-WILCHINO
Tough performance from the Maschino mare who was good enough to overcame 60kg and a wide run to cut down Come Magic and bring up a winning hat trick. According to trainer Dan Morton she is above average and her winter campaign is a stepping stone for better races. It's hard to fathom what happened at Pinjarra when first up after she ran last, but she has cast aside that horror show very quickly since.
3-BRETT POPE
Porphyrio couldn't get near them at her first three runs this campaign and was close to retirement, but Pope wanted one more crack with the mare and his move to remove the blinkers and change her routine at home paid off in brilliant style. Aided by a top Steven Parnham ride, the six-year-old flashed home from last position to live to fight another day.
4-WILLIAM PIKE
The champion rider booted home his first city treble of the season when guiding Devoted Star, Sugar Cain and True Attraction, never going around a horse on the latter and getting him across the line in a cliff-hanger over Montelena and Chris Parnham in the Amelia Park-Blue Spec Stakes (1600m).
5-GRANT & ALANA WILLIAMS
After a relatively quiet start to the new season Team Williams are back with a bang with five wins from their last seven runners. Following a Pinjarra double on Thursday they followed up with Devoted Star and Sugar Cain.
6-DAN MORTON
He's A Sizzler had been knocking on the door after three placings and got the job done in style, letting down strongly against quality opposition. The three-year-old gelding gave Morton the first leg of a double following Wilchino's efforts.
7-LONSDALE LADY
The Maschino mare is a real head scratcher and a cause of concern for Kieran McDonagh. Last week she took off on jockey Shaun O'Donnell during her preliminary and had to be scratched and yesterday (Sunday) gave Lucy Warwick nightmares during the Amelia Park-Blue Spec Stakes as favourite, taking no competitive part in the race after pulling hard and laying outwards.
