THE WEEKEND WRAP – Jolie Star – Ben Clifton

Weekend Wrap

Spring is in the air.

Star Performer of the week

Randwick Race 7 – won by Joliestar.

Date: 24/08/24

Race Overview – Only moderate early tempo but late sectionals were amazing. This is potent.

• Joliestar – Although she is already a G1 winner it looks like her time has arrived. Potentially in the best 3 horses in Australia after that.
• Our Kobison – was a reminder that maybe he is a length below the top level although has run into a superstar.

G1 Review

Winx Stakes Randwick Race 8 – won by Via Sistina.

Date: 24/08/24

Race Overview – Was a real sprint home off a slow tempo. Probably a good way for middle-distance horses to start their campaign.

• Via Sistina – Nice return and great late sectionals. Probably the best middle-distance horse in Australia when the races are run at a normal tempo, different story when Pride Of Jenni is in the race.
• Zougotcha – This was chance to beat horses of this calibre. Needs to pick off the weaker mares Group 1’s going forward.
• Fangirl – lost a couple of lengths when trying to build in the race. Probably cost it the win.

Highlight Races from the Weekend

Belmont Race 2

Date: 24/08/24

Race Overview – Went out hard and kept going.

Horses to follow:

• Bravo Centurion – Keeps rating well and handles every class rise with ease. Good horse.
• Snippy Which – First up in this. Can bounce second up.

Moonee Valley Race 2 – Won by Daggers

Date: 24/08/24

Race Overview – Crazy how slow they have gone for the first 600m. Great late sectionals.

Horses to Follow:

• Daggers – Probably had some favours with the lack of speed in the race and was in the lead. Regardless, he is a good horse and can see him getting 1400m-1600m. Camp worries me.
• Stoli Bolli – Tempo didn’t suit but kept trying.
• Polyglot – Shinn has barely put a foot wrong the last few months but why he didn’t lead on this horse is mind-boggling. It was there for the taking and, after looking at the sectionals after the race, the decision seems even crazier. Disappointing but I think he’s a good horse.

Maiden Winner/s of the Week:

Date: 20/8/24

Ballarat Synthetic Race 2– won by Fluent.

Why: Good overall time, good late sectionals, margin.. everything you can ask for in a maiden.

Horses to follow from the race:

• Fluent – Good horse.

Other Notable Horses/Jockeys:

• Jye McNeil – Just had to get Lincoln Rocks home and sums up his riding. There are some jockeys that win races because they are on the right horse, and there are some that are the reason horses win. He is definitely the former, and not a jockey I look to back.
• Boom Torque – Dominant win at Doomben on Saturday. Can win more this campaign.