THE WEEKEND WRAP: Queensland Derby

Group 1 Racing.

Eagle Farm 7 – Kingsford Smith Cup won by I Wish I Win

Tempo: Moderate tempo.

Race Overview: The went quite slow in this race which suited the horses with the best turn of foot. The cream rose to the top here and there was a good margin to 3^rd with good late sectionals. I have this race rating about average for the class.

I Wish I Win ($3.90) – Terrific ride here as the market was a bit soft on this horse due to the fact there was a chance it could get stuck in the quick sand on the inside. Obviously a good horse and the benchmark for sprinters in this country at the moment.

Bella Nipotina ($8) – As game as ever. Probably didn’t have enough time in the best part of the track in the straight. Flying.

In Secret ($8.50) – Went ok but never a winning chance. Will be a chance in whatever she runs in but think they are struggling to place her as an older mare.

Think About It ($3.9) – Normally a big rap for the Joe Pride stable but they have made a mess of this campaign. Having said that, the horse has a ceiling much lower than what the market is suggesting at the moment.

Last Word: As good as we have around at the moment in the sprinting ranks without this being their absolute peak performances.

Eagle Farm Race 8 – Queensland Derby won by Warmonger.

Tempo: Leader took off mid-race to put some speed into it.

Race Overview: Absolute demolition job. Hard to make a case for anything else in the field.

Warmonger ($10) – This horse had shown bits and pieces of ability but had shown no indication of what he was about to do. Covered ground but that was probably an advantage on this track. I have the race rating OK but not great. I think the track had fallen to pieces by then and I don’t think this is the second-coming of Might And Power as we had seen enough of him to know that he isn’t.

Autumn Angel ($2.35) – Have to trust the Starting Price here. Forget she went around.

Last Word – Good luck trying to price Warmonger first up next campaign.

Maiden Winner of the Week:

Date: 29/5/24

Canterbury Race 2 – won by Tehina.

Why: Strong early tempo and they came home well to run good overall time.

Horses to follow from the race:

• Tehina – Barrier 1 is an advantage at Canterbury but won well.
• Madrina – Went hard and held on well. Good SP and will win races.
• Avior – Really like this as one to follow. Really hard to make ground at Canterbury and looks like she will need 1400m +. Follow.

Other Notable Horses:

• Hajra – Had won her maiden in really good time before this race. Flew again. Real turn of foot horse so can go up in grade and win again.
• Final Siren – Resumed with impressive win in good time.
• Too Dardy – 2^nd to Final Siren. This race will be a dynamite formline.