THE WEEKEND WRAP – Jokers Grin – Ben Clifton

Weekend Wrap

Some horses to follow from this column delivered over the weekend.

Star Performer of the week

Belmont Race 1 – won by Jokers Grin.

Date: 20/07/24

Race Overview – What I love about this race is the late sectionals and the style of the winner, Jokers Grin. Last 400m in 22.04 is low flying.

• Jokers Grin – I don’t want to put a ceiling on this horse. If he became a Group 1 horse I wouldn’t be surprised. If it runs 1200m it opens up a lot of options.

Highlight Races from the Weekend

Eagle Farm Race 1 – won by Battlefield.

Date: 20/07/24

Race Overview – Only fair tempo early but they motored home late. Overall time was there as well as sharp late sectionals.

• Battlefield – Was a horse to follow a couple of weeks ago and is a new horses since changing camps. Got more levels in it.
• Spirit Queen – one of the few horses who made ground.
• Daytona – Punters entitled to be disappointed in him from Saturday, but I want to follow as he has the SP from a good rating race.

Flemington Race 2 – won by Le Zebra

Date: 20/07/24

Race Overview – Went out quick but ran home well too.

• Le Zebra – Never thought this horse had a performance like this in him. Hard not to be impressed by that and I’m intrigued by his next step.
• My Roca Fella – It has something this horse. Might be next prep for it.
• Captain Electric – Well backed all week and not everything went right. Has wins in him.

Maiden Winner/s of the Week:

My favourite segment.

Date: 18/07/24

Pakenham Synthetic Race 2 – won by Waiting For Time.

Why: Overall time is quick and late sections great. Will be a good form race.

Horses to follow from the race:

• Waiting For Time –
• Silver Hammer – Just keeps running in high rating maidens. Punters will drop off, please don’t!
• Suppose I Do – Another horse that punters are probably sick of.. don’t jump off.

Other Notable Horses/Jockeys:

• Brad Rawiller – 6 winners from his last 11 rides. Happy to back in the country.
• I Am Velvet – Returned a much better horse. Very impressive.
• Blue Stratum – Another who was first up in second preparation. Nice enough horse.