Well that was certainly not the afternoon of racing one wanted to start the season, that said, it is only meeting 1 of 88! It’s a marathon not a sprint!

My initial thoughts before sectional reviews (and writing Sweet In Defeat):

The best Noble Steed went from a great bet before, to being in trouble very shortly after the start when he missed the kick, was hunted three wide and appeared to work hard to sit outside of the leader in sectionals that seemed too quick. He faded the last 200m as maybe he was entitled too, with Villa Fionn pulling up like he had a vet issue (*update, no abnormalities found, will have to trial to the satisfaction of Stewards before being allowed to race again).

Sports Master was given a perfect ride before the straight by Zac Purton, but was not able to quicken like Le Panache. The latter opened at $10 with corporates before closing at $5.15 the tote, so some traders who use my prices to shop early would have no doubt snapped up some “sweet overs” there.

Natural Flare work a touch too hard early in the race, but stuck on okay. Multimax was taken on through out and didn’t have much left. Without analysing the race in context of the whole card, I anticipate both are worth staying with in a race where the lead positions are less keenly contested.

Jumbo Luck, was another horse that I expected would get an easier run than he did. That said, he never traveled like the winner and was fair overall, but like many on the card will improve with the run.

The first Happy Valley meeting is on Wednesday and again my analysis will be free to view! Also check in before then for my “Sweet In Defeat” horses to follow news.

Cheers