Steve takes an extended look at the four International races at Sha Tin tomorrow.
Talismanic (Medaglia d’Oro) and Highland Reel (Galileo) are clearly the top two internationally rated runners in the Vase (Gr 1, 2400m) and while I certainly don’t think the international handicappers are infallible, I think they’ve got these two right. I prefer Talismanic, for the maestro Andre Fabre, given that he did beat Highland Reel on... Read More
Jonker (AUS)
2 c Spirit Of Boom – Hearts And Arrows by Kempinsky O: Mr D J Crich, Mr G J Mcpherson, Mr D C Crane, Mr T R Maddern T: David Atkins B: Wicklow Lodge S: Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Book 2 V: Fig Tree Thoroughbreds P: Doug Crich $45,000 W: Max Lees Classic,... Read More
Queenslander Monsieur Gustave capable of being effective in stronger southern states stakes races
The progressive Sunshine Coast-trained Monsieur Gustave (Al Maher) has not raced outside of Queensland in 17 starts but his effort in winning Saturday’s George Moore Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at Doomben suggests he is well capable of being competitive in stronger Sydney or Melbourne stakes grades. Trained by Darryl Hansen and ridden by non-claiming apprentice... Read More
Viddora notches first Group One in style
Five-year-old mare Viddora (I Am Invincible) had enjoyed little luck in her past appearances in Group One tests but everything fell into place last Saturday as she recorded a stylish win in the WATC Winterbottom Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) at Perth’s Ascot track. Twice a runner–up in Group One contests, Viddora settled back in the... Read More
Steve reports from Hong Kong ahead of Sunday’s Longines sponsored International races.
It’s hard to believe it’s 17 years since the mighty New Zealand–bred mare Sunline won the Hong Kong Mile. It was the first time I’d set foot on Sha Tin racecourse. And Australia didn’t miss out either with Falvelon winning the Hong Kong Sprint. Good heavens, Aushorse and NZTM would’ve been falling over themselves. Nothing’s... Read More
It’s been quite a week for jockeys on a hot streak as Steve reports
The riding achievements of Jamie Kah and Robbie Fradd, this week, deserve greater fanfare than they’ve been accorded. I’m sure they would have had their ‘bags’ come in Sydney or Melbourne. Kah, of course, combined with trainer Ryan Balfour in a career-best five winners at Morphettville last Saturday while Fradd booted home six winners (including... Read More