Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Marhoona (Snitzel) won a fast G1 Golden Slipper Stakes, but should the G1 Sires Produce Stakes market be dominated by the juveniles from this race?
Before we answer that, let’s bask in the brilliance of Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun). This filly lit the track-up on Saturday clocking 1.09:24s for the 1200 metres in the Listed Darby Munro Stakes. Her winning time was more than 4l above standard, but what we saw here was speed at both ends.
When a horse resumes from a setback, trikes a fast-run race where they’re put on pace, and still runs their last 600 metres well above standard, you know you’re dealing with the real thing. The G2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint on Day 2 of The Championships looks the perfect target for her to extend her unbeaten run to five. Surely a victory there would beg the question; could Autumn Glow be our G1 Everest winner in 2025?
Does the Slipper form show the right path to the Sires?
Back to the Slipper, and they clocked 1.09:84s (0.60s slower than the Darby Munro). The lead speed set by Bellazaine (Zousain) was more than 6l above standard, and the overall time was almost 4l inside standard. But, the concern for me is whether this is the form-line you want to follow into the G1 Sires' Produce Stakes?
Marhoona goes for a spell, Tempted (Street Boss {USA}) surely has been to the well enough times this prep, and to a lesser extent you could argue Rivellino (Too Darn Hot {GB}), is in the same boat, given he’s had four runs in his first prep.
So that leaves Wodeton (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who was terrific finishing runner-up, but is he a genuine 1400 metres horse? He went through the first 600 metres about 1l below standard, the right tactic to employ as it allows him to produce his big finish. But a hold-up/dash style of horse isn’t usually the recipe for Sires success, provided the tempo is genuine.
Given the Victorian, Vinrock (I Am Invincible), is a free rolling juvenile with more stamina reserves, I doubt he’ll let it be a sit and sprint.
Via Sistina shows her class on the clock
To the eye, Via Sistina’s (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) win looked fair, but when you study her sectionals and the shape of the race, it’s a more impressive victory. Full Count Felicia (USA) (War Front) led going 5l below standard through the first 1200 metres. That allowed Lindermann (Lonhro), who had a head start on Via Sistina, to ping to the front and make the mare work.
It’s hard to put a space on your rivals in slowly run races, yet Via Sistina had 1.5l to spare on the line over an in-form Lindermann, a tough on-pace galloper having his second run at the trip this prep and on the seven-day back-up.
Via’s last 200 metres was in a slick 11.56s, the same as Private Harry (Harry Angel {Ire}), who won the G1 The Galaxy. But her 400 metres to 200 metres split was 10.92s; only Autumn Glow and Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), went quicker from the winner’s list. She is right on the track for the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in three weeks’ time.
Derby beckons Aeliana
Broadsiding (Too Darn Hot {GB}) got away with the G1 Rosehill Guineas, but it's hard to argue that Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio) shouldn’t have won. The Godolphin colt’s winning time was 5l below standard, and surely he’s a risk if they push on to the G1 Australian Derby.
Whereas Aeliana looks a real Derby prospect, with her last 200 metres 2l above standard and ranking 10th for the day. None of these can beat her at Randwick, and the Derby looks an easier target than the G1 Australian Oaks, given Treasurethe Moment (Alabama Express) is headed that way.
Staying prospects shine in Epona and Manion Cups
The G3 Epona Stakes was a strong race with Mare Of Mt Buller (Dundeel {NZ}) going around 3l above standard for the 1900 metres. She might lack the class to win a Group 1 in Sydney this autumn, but a little freshen-up and then a crack at the G2 Hollindale Stakes could tell us if she’s G1 Doomben Cup worthy.
One mare that is worthy of a Group 1 in Sydney this autumn is Alalcance (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}). Again we saw her produce flat sectionals when winning the G3 Manion Cup over 2400 metres in standard time. That means we think she will get even further, and the G1 Sydney Cup over 3200 metres looks right up her alley.
Schwarz leads all the way as The Valley shows wear
Down at Moonee Valley, we saw Schwarz (Zoustar) win the G1 William Reid Stakes by leading all the way. The track looked tired, with 8 of the 10 winners in lanes 1 or 2. The Valley cops a pounding over the summer months, with racing almost every Friday night. It's unfair to expect it to produce a fair surface at the end of the season when it's in desperate need of a break. But it’s a timely reminder that each racing jurisdiction needs a variety of courses, to ensure no single track ends up like this.
But they allowed Schwarz to set a slow tempo, going more than 2l below standard through the first 600 metres, thus enabling him to kick around the corner. His winning time was 2l below standard, and this won’t go down as one of the best editions of the William Reid.
Be forgiving of anything that got back at The Valley, especially Pivot City (Not A Single Doubt), who chased home Elouyou (So You Think {NZ}) in a race where they smashed standard time. Both are worth following.
