THE WEEKEND WRAP – Maotai – Ben Clifton

Weekend Wrap

Feels like the calm before storm with the good horses set to be returning in the next few weeks.

Star Performer of the week

Flemington Race 4 – won by Maotai

Date: 03/08/24

Race Overview – A real struggle to identify a race of the week so I picked the best rating race for the class at Flemington. They went out moderately but powered home.

• Maotai – Has always shown group ability this horse and was first up for Moody/Coleman. Happy to follow.
• Shove Over – Great return over unsuitable trip. Wonder if he will ever put a senior jockey on this horse again?
• Midtown Boss – Was plain. Is better than that and has the SP from this run but very hard to back off that.

Highlight Races from the Weekend

Flemington Race 2 – won by Horrifying.

Date: 03/08/24

Race Overview – Not highlighting because it rated well but rather there are stories to come out of it. They went slow in front and came home just ok.

Horses to follow:

• Horrifying – Flying so they have to press on.
• Berkshire Breeze – Couldn’t have been more impressive at past 2 starts sitting midfield on hot tempos. On this occasion, he took up the lead at a leisurely tempo and failed. Do not jump off him.

Belmont Race 7 – won By Sentimental Belle

Date: 03/08/24

Race Overview – Went out quick but was still able to run home well. Margin to 3^rd is the giveaway that this has gone well.

• Sentimental Belle – Had never put a rating together until this race. Flying and can be followed if Pike sticks.
• Silver Eye – Have to follow, just have to. Will win next start.

Maiden Winner/s of the Week:

My favourite segment.

Date: 1/8/24

Hawkesbury Race 1 – won by Dawn Service

Why: Ran amazing overall time. They went out quick but they kept going.

Horses to follow from the race:

• Dawn Service – Serious horse. Blinkers First Time here and and dominated the race. Up in distance next start and will take some beating.
• Imposing Pier – Both runs have been good. Coming winner.

Other Notable Horses/Jockeys:

• Holymanz – Has come back in fine form.
• Spring Lee – Tragedy beaten
• Margot’s Bullseye – Victim of one of the great hook jobs at Lismore on Monday. Greg Ryan would be proud.