THE WEEKEND WRAP – Via Sistina – Ben Clifton

Weekend Wrap

G1 Review

Turnbull Stakes Flemington Race 8 – won by Via Sistina.

Date: 07/10/24

Race Overview – Decent early tempo with Duke De Sessa and Eliyass taking up the early speed. Late sections were ok, not great, but they were entitled to get tired in the testing conditions.

Horse to Follow:

• Via Sistina – It was good to see her back in form. I wasn’t sold on her after her last start failure and think she will be vulnerable on a Pride of Jenni-style tempo. Can win the Cox Plate but I would rather be on Broadsiding or Ceowulf.
• Buckaroo – Couldn’t have done much more. Flying at present and looks really well placed in the Caulfield Cup. One of only a couple of chances in my opinion.
• Eliyass – Love what the market did with this horse. He rated through the roof last start and the winner of the Metropolitan and Epsom came through that race. Think he is top drawer and, along with Buckaroo, the one to beat in the Caulfield Cup.

Flight Stakes Randwick Race 6 – won by Lady Shenandoah.

Date: 07/10/24

Race Overview – Moderate tempo but OK for such a small field. They got home really strongly and the winner is the real deal.

Horses To Follow:

• Lady Shenandoah – Obviously benefitted from the scratching of Autumn Glow, but I think she is a legitimate G1 horse. Love the way she travelled and exploded.
• Harlem Queen – Had rated really well in 2 runs back from a break. Probably getting to this level a bit earlier than expected but ran well.
• Snow In May – Not as big a fan of this horse as the market. Hate the last 100m of the race and happy to be against going forward.

Metropolitan Randwick Race 8 – won by Land Legend

Date: 07/10/24

Race Overview – Really solid tempo for this trip and seemed to advantage the horses lower in the weights.

Horses To Follow:

• Land Legend – Really appreciated getting out to this distance range and was coming out of the Kingston Town Stakes which is becoming one of the formlines of the Spring. Good strong stayer, but will find the Caulfield Cup a step up against Buckaroo and Eliyass.
• Zardozi – Another appreciating getting to this trip and was coming out of the same formline as the winner. Not sure she can win a Caulfield Cup but will run well.
• Unusual Legacy – somehow ran 3^rd after being caught wide and looking gone. He has something about him but can’t help but think this was his chance to win a G1.

Epsom Handicap Race 9 – won by Ceolwulf

Date: 07/10/24

Race Overview – On figures the race hasn’t rated as well as I would’ve hoped but I am trusting my eye with the winner.

Horses To Follow:

• Ceolwulf – I love this horse. Market completely smashed him out of that Kingston Town form race. His acceleration was electric and he wouldn’t be out of place in a Cox Plate. Top Class horse who is only going to improve.
• Tom Kitten – Ran into a good horse. Never runs badly and his time will come.
• Royal Patronage – Faced the breeze and kept finding. Genuine G1 horse.

Highlight Races from the Weekend

Randwick Race 10 – won by Ostraka.

Date: 07/10/24

Race Overview – Overall time nothing amazing but the late sectionals are really good. There is some good horses in this race.

Horses to follow:

• Ostraka – Ridden a little warmer then he probably likes but was ridden to suit the race. Good horse who can go up in class. Love him down in the weights next start where he can show his turn of foot.
• Moravia – Think he is finding his level and would prefer to follow other horses out of this race.
• Port Lockroy – Good return. In for a good prep.
• Briasa – smashed by the market and caught wide the whole way. Do not drop off.

Maiden Winner/s of the Week:

Date: 30/9/24

Moe Race 1 – won by Electric Tommy.

Why: Out quick and home quick. Should be a good form race.

Horses to follow from the race:

• Electric Tommy – On debut and did things wrong. City class.
• Mr Marigold – Limited but will win a maiden.
• Bossy Star – No luck. Look out if he gets a jockey.
• Voile – Keeps running in strong maidens. Will win one soon.
• Villa Royale – No luck. Coming winner.
  
  

Other Notable Horses/Jockeys:

• Redford – Nice horse working through the grades in Qld.
• Countyourblessings – Airborne and is stakes class.
• Keeneland – Has something about him. Can he get to a Derby?