This race was run well outside of the class standard and this was the lowest rating race of the day. Whistle Up missed the start but posted some decent closing fractions for the grade and there might be a race for him but considering he has had two starts in six months, his well-being would have to be a concern.

The first three sectionals were solidly run and consequently it set things up nicely for the backmarkers. As a whole the race didn’t rate that well but given the race shape there was a fair amount of merit in the run of Jin Jin King (SID). He never had any peace on the lead and battled very well at his first attempt on this surface. He remains in the grade and can win soon.

This race rated about on standard for the class. Bella Baby ran the sixth-best final-400m (22.75) at the meeting and this was arguably his best performance to date, but he did it on the best part of the track. Without the false rail, it reverted back to a grandstand rail’s bias. From that perspective, both Meridian Genius and Iron King ran quite well. 

The pace went on here from the 800m to the 400m and overall the race rated quite well for the grade. Yichun Blitz hit the line well enough (11.64 final-200m seventh-best at meeting) and two of his three career runs have shown some promise, but I would like to see him have the ability to settle a little closer. 

This race didn’t rate that well and Ka Ying Brilliance led from start to finish under a relatively steady tempo. Hurricane Hunter just didn’t get the speed to suit but was gallant in defeat and he should go one better soon, however, there’s not a great deal to note from the race moving forward. 

The pace was solid through the first two sections and it gradually deteriorated, but still set up nicely for the winner, Good Fit. Alcazar had a nice run through the race and boxed-on quite well and given the pace through the first half, it was a decent return. King Of Mongolia copped a check and did well to hit the frame. (Note: Radiant Bunny, a bet for Hutchi’s Honkers was lame the next day)

A steady tempo was set for the grade and they dashed for home, upgrading the run of Tornado Twist and also highlighting good efforts from Better Choice and Lone Eagle. The form should stack up well enough out of this event even though approximately three-lengths covered nine of the 12 runners.

The first two sections were run quite fast and then progressviely slower thereafter. Given the race shape and tempo, Viva Council (SID) was very good. He was “leader’s back” on a solid pace and battled well-enough over the mile for the first time this preparation. He might be best followed on this surface. 

Pretty even sections were run throughout this event and there were clear excuses for Dynamic Eagle and Warm The Voice who were severely checked in the early stages of the race. Dynamic Eagle was then held-up and he might be one to keep safe going forward. Happy Sebring is anything but straight forward, but once again he closed stylishly and if he can sort his racing manners, he can win more… that’s a big ‘if’ though! Overall, the race rated quite well and I expect the form to hold up well. 

A reasonably quick first couple of sections here, followed by a steadying around the bend before a dash home in a race that rated the best on the day overall. There were no excuses for Enrichment but he might be looking for further. Good Standing was dominant and is seemingly at his best now. I’m not sure what the thought process was on Mongolian King (SID)? He was given far too much to do and rallied strongly from an impossible position. There could be a race in him soon.