Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Beiwacht (Exceed and Excel)'s win in the G1 Golden Rose still stands as the highest-rated performance of his generation - by a clear two lengths. Replicate that figure and he probably wins the Coolmore. Probably.
Because what Tentyris did in Saturday’s Listed Gothic Stakes at Caulfield was something else entirely. It wasn’t just eye-catching; it was measurable brilliance.
There’s a line I often use when a horse charges home late to win: “Style, no substance.” It means the horse looked dazzling, but the clock says otherwise. Not this time. Tentyris didn’t just look good; he was good. He stopped the clock five lengths inside standard for 1200 metres, with his final 400 metres nearly seven lengths faster than par.
Tentyris winning the Listed Gothic Stakes | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
He rated a 92 on our scale - only two points shy of Beiwacht’s 94 in the Golden Rose. But here’s the kicker: Tentyris was held up early and still trailed standard time by over three lengths at the 600. Adjust for that, and his figure arguably deserves a two-length upgrade.
On pure numbers, there’s daylight between these two colts and the rest of their crop. Around a bend, Beiwacht’s gate speed gives him the edge. Down the Flemington straight, the script could flip entirely.
Unless he cops a horror draw, I’ll be backing Tentyris on Derby Day in the Coolmore.
Idle Flyer soars into Empire Rose
Speaking of Derby Day at Flemington on November 1, the run of the day up north at Randwick was Idle Flyer (Dundeel {NZ}) for Matty Smith. This mare has gone to another level this prep. Actually, make that another four levels. She can win the G1 Empire Rose.
Her effort to sit three wide without cover in a fast-run G3 Angst Stakes was nothing short of herculean. She still beat standard time by five lengths - and with even a half-decent run, she wins by more.
This is a genuine Group 1 mare in the making. The only caveat is that she’s deep into her preparation and coming off a tough run: a combination that usually makes punters wary about buttering up next start.
But she’s built differently. Despite the wide trip, she still clocked the third-fastest last 1200 metres of the entire meeting, a figure that speaks to both her class and her constitution.
Panova delivers late burst in Reginald Allen
The fastest final 1200 metres of the day belonged to 3-year-old filly Panova (Trapeze Artist), who came from last in a high-pressure G3 Reginald Allen. Chris Waller has made this race his own, he won it last year with Aeliana (Castelvecchio), a few years earlier with Fangirl (Sebring), and nearly did it again in between with Joliestar (Zoustar).
Panova was forced to travel widest of all, out in lane nine - the furthest any winner ventured all day. It was largely a “through the middle” track, with lanes three to nine producing every single winner.
No idea what Waller will do but my guess is the Carbine Club on…. you guessed it, Derby day.
Everest run exposes Ka Ying Rising’s limit
Now that we’re at Randwick, I’ll finish here and switch back to Caulfield.
The G1 Everest was run fairly - no bias, no tricks.
But there’s no doubt Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) wasn’t at his best. He went three lengths below standard through the first half and his final 200 metres was slower than Idle Flyer, who won a mares’ G3 over a mile. On the clock, it was a race that made it near-impossible for certain runners to win.
Ethan Brown gave Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) every chance by putting him into the race early, a smart move on a day where you couldn’t be too far off them. Contrast that with Angel Capital (Harry Angel {Ire}): he went six lengths below standard in the early stages, then rattled home to clock the fastest final 200 metres of the entire meeting. Brilliant on the clock, but tactically, he was never in it.
You can’t pin this on Ben Melham - the horse pulls if you try to fire him up early. But if Chris Waller can get this hot-headed colt to relax, Angel Capital has the potential to be one of the best in the country. And let’s be honest, we’re not exactly spoilt for top-shelf talent right now. It’s a solid crop, sure, but they’re taking turns winning the majors.
Usually, race shape decides these things, and in this case, it simply didn’t suit Angel Capital. Straight racing at Flemington, though, is tailor-made for his kind. Even with a soft tempo, he can sit within four lengths of the lead, and, more importantly, dictate when to go.
Angel Capital | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Some of the best straight-track horses have been backmarkers. I always loved All Silent (Belong To Me {USA}) - the kind that could switch off, wait, and then unleash when the moment was right.
Clear Thinking wins, Ole Dancer holds form
Great to see the daughter of Sweet Idea (Snitzel), Clear Thinking (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), take out The Kosciuszko. She had to produce the best last 1000 metres of the day to win it too. The rating she produced suggests she could mix it at Group 2 level against her own sex.
Back down to Melbourne and Ole Dancer (Ole Kirk) was given a peach by Blake Shinn to beat Apocalyptic (Extreme Choice) in the G1 Thousand Guineas. They’ve gone ok, but I won’t be looking at this race thinking the same things as when last season’s 3-year-old fillies were running.
Stretan Angel flashes late, River Of Stars impresses
Stretan Angel (Harry Angel {Ire}) can be costly for punters but her last 400 metres in 22.36 was the quickest of the day when taking out the Listed Alinghi Stakes.
Finally, the Caulfield Cup - won by Half Yours (St Jean {Ire}) - rated above average for overall time, but it’s hard to picture the winner going on to claim the Melbourne Cup.
All the chatter since has been about the French raider Presage Nocturne (Ire) Wootton Bassett (GB) and his so-called “Cup trial.” It was a good run, no doubt, but context matters. He had the back of Half Yours all the way into the race, so it’s no surprise he clocked the fastest final 200 metres. You could easily argue he was entitled to it.
Valiant King (GB) (Roaring Lion {USA}) was equally as good.
But for mine River Of Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars) was the best run of the race. She was the only horse in the Top 7 at the finish that was in the Top 9 at the 400 metres.
