THE WEEKEND WRAP – Deny Knowledge – Ben Clifton

Weekend Wrap

G1 Review

Might And Power Stakes Caulfield Race 7 – won by Deny Knowledge

Date: 14/10/24

Race Overview – They went at a good clip early, an obvious tactic to beat Mr Brightside who has shown vulnerabilities with that race shape particularly at 2000m.

Horse Summary:

• Deny Knowledge – Right horse at the right time with the right jockey with the right tactics. Not one bit of me thinks this is the right horse for the Caulfield Cup, don’t get sucked in by the weight drop.
• Mr Brightside – Obviously would love to own him, but once again showed that he needs things to go his way to win. Strong tempos at this distance range shows him up, despite his tenacity. Can’t win the Cox Plate.
• Atishu – This was the perfect set up on the 7 day back up with J-Mac. Went as well as she can.
• Adelaide River – I really liked the way he travelled into the race and thought he would be in the finish but last bit was just ok. I think there is something there and backing up into a Caulfield Cup and he could run a race at $26+.

Caufield Guineas Caulfield Race 8 – won by Private Life.

Date: 14/10/24

Race Overview – It was a stronger tempo than I thought initially to the eye. Last sectional was no good and no margins. Concerning.

Horse Summary:

• Private Life – Hard to pick holes in its win. Probably had pattern in its favour but had to get the job done. Think this will end up his crowning moment and don’t expect him to become any superstar. It is probably job done now and off to stud.
• Feroce – Probably the best example of the rails being an advantage on the day. The starting price makes me not want to trust him.
• Evaporate – Hard to fault and hard to beat in the Vase if they go that way.
• Broadsiding – I don’t mind (actually quite like) that J-Mac went straight to the rails at the back but I thought he made the wrong move trying to come around them. He was coming off a soft track onto a flint hard track at Caulfield so can understand his below expected performance. Obviously this is in hindsight but I’m not giving up on him. Bring on the Cox Plate, I think he is Aus’ best chance.

Toorak Handicap Caulfield Race 10 – won by Antino.

Date: 14/10/24

Race Overview – Tempo was ok but this race was turned on its head with the ride on Antino. Overall the race has rated well and that is a massive career peak for Antino.

Horse Summary:

• Antino – What more can you say about the ride? Absolute masterclass from a jockey at the top of his game. As for the horse, he has a platform to go and with a good mile race. But how are they going to ride him next start?
• Craig – May be nowhere to hide now he has a G1 placing but he is a really progressive horse. Has got a race like this in him on the right day.
• Alsephina – In the mares races up to her ears.
• Another Wil – Absolutely off the map. Market thinks he’s a top class horse. I thought he would be a Cox Plate horse next year, I don’t know anymore. The more I look at his form, the more confused I am as to what his G1 might be?

Highlight Races from the Weekend

Caulfield Race 3 – won by Aviatress.

Date: 14/10/24

Race Overview – Looked like a mildly impressive win in a mares Group 3 on the day, then you get the sectionals/times and it has completely smashed the clock. Overall time good, last 200m exceptional. Could be a potent form race.

Horse Summary:

• Aviatress – Always shown ability but this is a career peak figure. Intrigued to what it does next.
• A Little Deep – Ran into a mare who looked like Black Caviar. Don’t jump off particularly because of the strong SP.
• Bizot – Eligible for easier races.
• Kundalini – No favours chasing Phar Lap. Don’t drop off.
• Extratwo – Caught wide chasing Schillaci. Don’t drop off.

Maiden Winner/s of the Week:

Date: 10/10/24

Mornington Race 2 – won by Certain Rise.

Why: Out quick and home quick. A common theme in this column.

Horses to follow from the race:

• Certain Rise – City class at a minimum.
• Siesta – 2 runs have been good. Will win one shortly.
  
  

Other Notable Horses/Jockeys:

• Durazzo – Good Tassie horse. Will he come to Vic? He can measure up.
• She’s Bulletproof – 2^nd in good time when first up. Coming winner.
• Tuff Tu Mus – Couldn’t have gone any better when winning his maiden at Doomben.