THE WEEKEND WRAP – Everest and Caulfield Cup – Ben Clifton

Weekend Wrap

G1 Review

Caulfield Cup Caulfield Race 9 – won by Duke De Sessa.

Date: 21/10/24

Race Overview – Strong enough tempo. They got rolling early which found out a lot of horses. Massive margin to 3^rd.

Horse Summary:

• Duke De Sessa – Great ride and training effort. Highly doubt he was the best horse in the race but ran a career peak. Will have to go to WFA from now and will need to find a length.
• Buckaroo – No doubt that he should have won. He is Australia’s best chance in the Cup to beat the Internationals. Massive run.
• Land Legend – Ran 3^rd but beaten out of sight. Can’t beat Buckaroo in the Melbourne Cup.

The Everest Randwick Race 7 – won by Bella Nipotina.

Date: 21/10/24

Race Overview – Very slow early tempo for this class of horse. Made it hard for the horses back in the field to have an impact.

Horse Summary:

• Bella Nipotina – As good as she is, she has capitalised on a shallow pool of top sprinters. She just does the same rating every race where as the other horses fluctuate.
• Giga Kick – Great to see him show signs of life. Thought he was the winner but Bella was probably in better ground.
• Growing Empire – Every chance and can win the Coolmore.
• Joliestar – Just couldn’t put herself in the race early enough. Could argue she should’ve won.
• I Wish I Win – What is up with him? Might be worth trying him at the 1400m-1600m range again. Would open up some doors for him.

Highlight Races from the Weekend

Caulfield Race 5 – won by Niance.

Date: 21/10/24

Race Overview – Out quick and home quick. Race has gone massive. Will be potent.

Horse Summary:

• Niance – We knew that but the market reminded us. G1 horse.
• Pondalowie – Couldn’t have gone any better but unfortunately ran into a top liner. Follow.
• Expressiveness – Showed a return to form. Have to follow as the race has rated so well.

Maiden Winner/s of the Week:

Date: 17/10/24

Hawkesbury Race 3 – won by Powers Of Opal.

Why: Last 600m of this race was phenomenal. Happy to follow the whole race despite the margin some of these horses have been beaten by.

Horses to follow from the race:

• Powers Of Opal – $4 favourite for the Oaks now. Probably a touch short but deserves to be favourite. 2^nd favourite (Too Darn Discreet) is no good.
• The Rest – follow the rest of the horses in the race.
  
  

Other Notable Horses/Jockeys:

Ceolwulf – His ascent to the best horse in Australia is nearly complete.

Sportsbet Classic won by Kingofwallstreet – Race has gone complete junk. Going into the race I thought the Derby winner would come out of this but not now. Maybe Broadsiding will run in the Derby? It would win.

Too Darn Discreet – Can’t win the Oaks.