THE WEEKEND WRAP: Doomben Cup

The Weekend Wrap by Ben Clifton

GROUP 1 RACING:

Doomben Race 9 – Doomben Cup

Tempo: Moderate tempo

Race Overview: They didn’t go hard early in this race and it was hard for horses back in the field to get into the race. Race has rated ok but this is a very even bunch.

Bois D’Argent ($26) – Absolute birthday in this race. They didn’t go hard and he kept fighting. Might be the last race he wins.

Fawkner Park ($13) – The main horse to take out of this race. Last 100m was fantastic. Can win the Q22.

Kovalica ($3.5) – Always hard to win making an early run around them at Doomben but he has been awfully disappointing. Happy to sack now.

Last Word: G1 in name only.

DOOMBEN:

Doomben Race 8 – The Roses

Tempo: Solid early tempo.

Race Overview: They went out strongly but also came home well. Form should hold up going in the Oaks.

Scarlet Oak ($3.60) – Really solid in the market and hard not to be impressed. I’m not buying into J-Mac’s concerns about the distance of the Oaks. The one to beat.

Last Word: This is the Oaks formline.

RACE 4:

Race to Follow: Race 4 won by Clean Energy.

Why: Went out quick and came home well. Massive margin to 3^rd.

Horses to Follow from the race:

• Clean Energy – Huge effort sitting outside the lead on a strong tempo. Good horse.
• Lady Shenandoah – margin to 3^rd. This is a good filly and should eat up 1400m +.
• Happy to follow the whole race but the first 2 home are the pick of them.

MAIDEN WINNER OF THE WEEK:

Date: 22/5/24

Warwick Farm Race 1 – won by Private Life.

Why: Moderate early tempo but last 600m was very strong.

Horses to follow from the race:

• Private Life – There was market support for this horse and love his last 400m. Looks a horse that will get to 1400m+.
• Shalaa Gold – Both starts have been encouraging. Run down by a nice horse and will get his chance.
• Apex – Margin to 4^th after this horse. Good debut and will win races.

Other Notable Horses:

Oughton – bit obscure but won like a decent horse at Warwick. Don’t sleep on him when he goes to a mid-week city race in Brisbane.

Silent Alert – Won a maiden at Stawell in quick time.