The first-850m of this race was run fast which was telling on those on pace late in the race. From that point of view, Corre Rapido (leaders back) was very good running second but given that the overall race didn’t rate well at all I’m not sure how reliable the form out of it will be. (Note: Lucky Storm & Triumphal Win returned with “blood in the trachea”, while The Invincible was found to be “lame” in the front right leg).

Clearly the worst race on the card in terms of how it rated. They went out in about standard time and came home very slowly with about 3.5 lengths covering 10 of the 12 runners. It is hard to see this form holding up. 

An unusual race where there were some strange rides. I am not sure what the riders on Starlit Knight and Radiant Bunny were thinking. Raidiant Bunny can make the SID file given the tactics weren’t great and he was quite gallant in a race that rated okay. 

The first two sectionals were run quite solidly here but ultimately the leader was too strong. Nice Kick closed well again, but that seems to be the norm with him. Hearts Keeper was badly held-up and more than a touch unlucky and should have finished a lot closer and he makes the SID file. Note: Sam’s Love was found to be lame the next day. 

This was another 1,200m contest where the leader won and highlighting that the inside of this track was quite possibly advantaged through out the card. That’s the path Joyful Contender took and on his fourth career start on this surface, this was clearly his best peformance. He makes the SID file, but he will need to strike similar opposition.

The key sectional of this race was the third one which was quickly run. Given the first two past the post were back markers, there was a fair amount of merit in the run of Goldfield. Sky Melody clipped heels and was badly hampered at a key stage and had clear excuses. Rule Thee, another backmarker, handled the surface and might be one to keep safe again. 

Arguably the performance of the season on the AWT was this one by Gunnison. Sustained speed throughout and it was a dominant win by a horse who clearly likes this surface. It makes you wonder how Gunnison was beaten the start before! Mission Tycoon (SID) makes the file given he was first up on a strong speed and chasing three and four wide without cover. It was a very good run in defeat and he might be suited by a return to the turf. 

This was another high-rating race and it was won impressively by Raging Blitzkrieg. This win suggested he can pik up a race over this course and distance in a higher grade with a light weight. His recent form suggests he is in career-best form.