Sunday's edition: race analysis

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SANDOWN-HILLSIDE

Race 1 - Listed

Analysis: An impressive performance from the first starter Hanseatic who finished best in a smooth win. He drifted after a fair start to settle among the rear group, three out. Over the crossing he moved wider and starting the run home was widest. Travelling smoothly he improved to be two lengths off them at the 300m, closer at the 200m and then strode to the lead at the 100m where he was punched out to win convincingly by a length and three quarters. Dubai Starwas second over the crossing, co-led at the 400m, second at the 200m and while she could not match the winner, came back well to hold second. River Night finished very well from way back, threading between runners in the last 200m to nab third on the line. Away Game held on for fourth after running greenly.

Race 2 - Listed

Analysis: Azuro was second last with a circuit to run, still second last down the back and then ran up three wide at the 1000m to get closer. From the 600m he camped outside the two leaders and starting the run home ranged up to co-lead, grabbing a narrow lead at the 300m. To the line he gradually asserted his staying prowess and came away for his seventh career win and third over 3200m. Wall Of Fire sat last to the 900m, caught the bunch, wide, starting the run home and kept on solidly the length of the straight but never a winning chance. Neufbosc sat a close fourth at the 800m, pulled out at the 400m to challenge and battled to the line for third from Etah James who finished well but much too late for fourth.

Race 3 – Listed

Analysis: Progressive filly Xilong was an impressive winner here, her fourth win in six starts and her first at stakes level. She was smartly away and soon crossed to the lead. She then travelled comfortably, steadying the early tempo, dashed clear nearing the 200m and then went on to score comfortably. Palurien settled in fourth place on the rails from her inside barrier (1), got through on the inner on straightening, went to second at the 200m and then fought on well to hold that position, beaten just over a length. Excelida settled back in eighth place, switched deep on turning for home and then ran on nicely for third. Oasis Girl began well but was caught three wide, racing in fifth place before improving (deep) at the home turn. She put in a run at the 200m and then fought on well for a good (2.6 lengths) fourth, advancing in class here.

Race 4 – Group 3

Analysis: In a fitting farewell, jockey Stephen Baster went out on a winning note, steering recent Sale Cup (Listed, 1600m) winner Gold Fields to victory, albeit by the barest of margins. Gold Fields settled nicely outside the leader (Music Bay) at a moderate tempo, put pressure on that runner nearing the home turn, got to the front at the 200m and then dug deep to score in a photo. Mr Exclusive raced in second last place in the seven-runner field, switched out on turning for home, moved up quickly to challenge at the 100m and then fought well for (short half head) second. Travimyfriend settled in last place, commenced his bid on straightening (out deep) and kept running on well to finish third, just in front of William Thomas who had been handily placed on the rails but was shuffled back in the straight before coming with a late run to take (1.75 lengths) fourth.

Race 5 – Listed

Analysis: Viridine took his record to six wins from 22 starts in recording his fourth stakes success here. He settled nicely in a good spot, seventh (between runners) and not far off the leaders before easing deeper and into clear running on straightening. He then sprinted quickly, hit the front at the 100m and then went on to score a good win in smart time (56.85). The $41 outsider Mystyko raced in fifth place, took a split at the 200m, challenged at the 100m and then fought well for second. Thermal Current was eased from his outside barrier (11), settled in second last place, commenced a wide move on straightening and then kept running on well for third. Kalashani Lad raced in last place to the home turn and kept finishing on well to take fourth, beaten just over a length with Crystal Dreamer holding on for (2.5 lengths) fifth after being a handy third (on the rails) to the home turn.

Race 6 – Group 3

Analysis: In a keenly contested finish where the first six home finished within a length, in-form mare Teleplay, scored a narrow but very good win, her second Group 3 success within the last fortnight. She had a nice trip in fifth place on the rails, improved (between runners) rounding the home turn, switched back to the inner at the 200m and then fought gamely to score in a photo finish. Home Of The Brave raced outside the leader (Hey Doc), challenged that runner at the 300m and kept fighting gamely for second, beaten a nose. Hey Doc went to the front, steadied the early tempo, held an advantage at the 400m and then fought really well for a close third in a bold first-up run. D’Bai settled in last place in the eight-runner field, eased deeper and into clear running at the 300m and kept making ground in the sprint home to finish (0.7 lengths) fourth in a good effort on his first run since April. Odeon raced in fourth place, one out and one back, moved up at the home turn and then kept battling on well for (0.9 lengths) fifth, just in advance of Ringerdingding who was sixth to the home turn and then fought on nicely for sixth, beaten a length, in a sound first-up run.

Race 7 – Group 2

Analysis: Progressive filly Pretty Brazen is now the winner of three of her last four starts, stepping up from winning a Class 1 (1300m) at Bendigo on September 26 to staging a solid performance in taking out this Group 2 feature. She began well and was eased to settle in fourth place on the rails, tracking a steady tempo, got along the inner at the 400m, got to the front at the 200m and then fought off challengers to win well. Conqueror raced in fifth place, with cover, improved (deep) coming to the home turn, challenged at the 300m and continued to fight gamely for (long neck) second. Heart Of Puissance went to the front, was overtaken at the 300m but rallied well along the inner over the closing stages for third, looking suited to further. Banquo settled in second place, moved up to the leader approaching the home turn, challenged at the 300m and then kept fighting on for (0.8 lengths) fourth. Diasonic, a winner of a maiden (1200m) at Cranbourne on debut last month, advanced in class on her second start since and did well in running-on from seventh to finish (0.9 lengths) fifth in a really promising effort.

Race 8 – Group 2

Analysis: The Irish-bred import Southern France staged a strong staying performance in taking this Group 2 race out in good style on his second run in Australia. He travelled comfortably back in second last place in the 10-runner field. Mark Zahra took him deep (under riding) rounding the home turn and he then responded well, hit the front at the 100m before going on to score decisively. Miss Siska raced back in fourth place before improving to second at the home turn. She got to the front at the 200m and then held on well for second, although having no chance with the winner over the latter stages. Chapada raced in fifth spot, improved (deep) at the home turn and then kept battling on well for third, narrowly missing second in a photo. Gallic Chieftain was back in seventh place and made ground for (2.25 lengths) fourth, Midterm battled on quite well for (3 lengths) fifth after challenging at the home turn, while Humidor was near last to the home turn and made some ground, without threatening, for (3.5 lengths) sixth.

Race 9 – Group 3

Analysis: Improved by one run from a spell, Jamaican Rain scored a narrow but good win, her eighth success and her third at stakes level in 19 starts. She was taken to the front and then travelled along comfortably for Linda Meech at a reasonable tempo and then fought tenaciously when challenged in the straight to score in a three-way photo. Sweet Scandal had a nice trip in fourth place, moved up at the home turn, challenged at the 300m and battled strongly for (short-half-head) second. One More Try raced back in seventh place, on the rails, but was blocked on straightening. She got a late split at the 100m and then finished well for a close-up third, looking unlucky in not gaining a run sooner. Animal Kingdom travelled nicely outside the leader and eventual winner, moved up at the 200m and then fought well for (0.3 lengths) fourth with Noire making good late ground for (1.05 lengths) fifth.

Race 10 – Group 3

Analysis: After not finishing further back than fourth in three runs back, Pacodali broke through with an impressive win here, his eighth victory but his first at stakes level in 34 starts. He began well and then enjoyed a good run, tracking the leader (Setting Sail). He moved up to that runner at the 300m, raced to the front shortly afterwards the then drew away to score by almost two lengths. The Charlie Appleby-trained Setting Sail went to the front on his first Australian run and his first since winning at Epsom in August and travelled well at a reasonable tempo. He got a break rounding the home turn but was overtaken at the 200m and he then held on quite well to take second. Exasperate raced back in sixth place, improved from the 400m and then battled on well to take third, narrowly in advance of Savaheat who ran on from eighth position at the home turn for (4.5 lengths) fourth.

NEWCASTLE

Race 5 – Group 3

Analysis: Godolphin-raced filly Asiago has advanced quickly from her first-up win in a fillies and mares’ maiden (1100m) at Hawkesbury in August to take out this Group 3 race, now with four wins from five runs this preparation. She began well from her wide barrier (10) and settled in second place, tracking the leader (Rule The World). She moved up to that horse nearing the home turn, went to the front at the 150m and then fought back to win well. The Kris Lees-trained filly Game Of Thorns raced in second last place in the 12-runner field, switched deeper and into clear running on straightening. She then finished very well, making up many lengths for a late closing second, beaten a half-neck. Donandkim, a winner of all three starts at country tracks this preparation, settled in fourth place, moved up well halfway down the straight and then fought well for a close-up third. Convinced was back in ninth place coming to the home turn, improved between runners on straightening and kept making ground for (1.6 lengths) fourth while the favourite Rule The World went to the front, led the field until passing the 200m but disappointed from that point in finishing (2.1 lengths) fifth, his first defeat in four starts.

Race 6 – $1m The Hunter (non stakes race)

Analysis: Godolphin’s Savatino, winner of the Tristarc Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) at Caulfield last month, put up a very good effort in taking out this inaugural $1millon event. She showed good pace from her wide barrier (14) and soon crossed to the lead in a positive approach by James McDonald. She settled well, got a break at the 200m and then went on to record a good win, her eighth in 27 starts. Tactical Advantage settled back in 12th place, angled into clear running at the 300m and then made considerable late ground for (1.5 length) second in a smart performance. Bon Amis was smartly away, led early on before settling in third place on the rails. He went to second at the 200m and then kept fighting on well to take third from Fiesta who had been handy all the way and held on well for (2.7 lengths) fourth, Renewal made late ground for (2.8 lengths) fifth while Graff (5.3 lengths) 12th and Le Romain, who weakened to finish last, both disappointed in racing well below their best form. Le Romain was later found to have bled from both nostrils.

ASCOT

Race 5 - Gr.3

Analysis: Fresh up from a long 45 week break was not enough to stop Mississippi Delta from racing away for a clear win here, her ninth and third stakes in 16 career starts. She was slow away to settle second last, one out past the 1200m. Inside the 800m she was last but only six lengths from the lead yet still last turning in. Hugging the fence at the 300m she moved out at the 200m and drove through, quickly catching the leaders to take over at the 100m before going on for an easy length and a quarter win. Platoon was shuffled back to second last at the 600m, went wider into the straight and charged up to challenge but had to watch the winner flash past and had to settle for second. Tamasa was third turning in, challenged at the 250, led at the 150 but was cut down over the last 100m for third. Flow was back and widest turning in and kept on doggedly to nab fourth late.

Race 6 - Listed

Analysis: After ten attempts at stakes level 6YO Taxagano finally got his reward along with his eighth career win in a hardy effort here. Wide early, he dropped in to be midfield yet three deep past the 1200m. Still stuck three wide at the 800m he then moved forward to sit third at the 400m but lost momentum at the top of the straight. With a second wind he grabbed the bit and chased after the leaders, ranged alongside at the 50m and went on for a tough short- head victory. Forceful sat fourth from the 1000m, was handy turning in and got the split at the 300m. He took some time to catch the leader, put his nose in front at the 50m but couldn't rally when passed short of the line. Missile Launch was second from the 600m, took over into the straight and led to the 100m but was cut down to run third from Friar Fox who had nowhere to go at the 300m then weaved between runners to flash into fourth late.

Race 7 - Gr.3

Analysis: Even though wide the entire journey Tuscan Queen was much too good, scoring win three (maiden stakes) at career start four. She was eased soon after the start to drop back among the rear group (yet wide) and remained back, down the side and past the 600m. From the 400m she went wider and turning in was out in the middle of the track yet still third last. With a withering burts she swooped, almost levelled up to the lead at the 100m then raced away for a super win. Sanabreanna sat fourth at the 800m, had a great view turning in, raced up to grab the lead at the 100m but was no match for the winner who flew past. Kay Cee was last at the 600m, as well as into the straight, then rattled home down the outside for a nice third, while Special Choice got going late to run on into fourth.

Race 8 - Gr.3

Analysis: As is her style, Flirtini swamped them in the straight to make it back-to-back Group 3s and five wins from 13 career starts. She was in third last place and three wide when they settled and went five wide turning in. From the 200m, after balancing, she swept up to be handier then went harder from the 100m to the line to win brilliantly. The Celt was a handy fourth at the 600m, led the chase from the 300m and looked the winner at the 100m but was swamped by the winner, finishing a clear second. Profit Street was back and locked away on the fence at the 300m then weaved through along the inner to flash into third short of the line, while Snow Lord came out of the pack to grab fourth on the line.

RICCARTON

Race 5 - Listed

Analysis: A super last-to-first effort here by La Romanee who was slow away to settle second last, and over the crossing was still back but headed wide into the straight entrance. At the top of the straight he was widest but gaining on the leaders, balanced and charged hard to range alongside at the 200m, put a length on them and was in no danger to the line, ahead by three-quarters of a length to register back-to-back wins at start three. A nice run from Showemhowitsdone, who was handy but back of midfield at the crossing, pulled wide starting the run home and tried to go with the winner but was out-finished. Ohio Showgirl sat a handy fourth turning in, switched to fence for a run at the 400m and flashed along the rail (late) for a solid third. Queen OfThe Prom took over the pace at the 400m and kept on quite well for fourth.

Race 7 - Gr.1

Analysis: Loire got away fairly but drifted a few spots to settle third last (one out) upon reaching the end of the back straight. Approaching the 600m she moved out and got into the clear reaching the straight entrance wide but gaining on the leaders. About four lengths off the lead at the 400m she balanced and went up to challenge, ranged alongside at the 150m and took over. Although a shade green she had too much pace and was able to hold them off by a long neck at the post for her second victory and maiden stakes win at start six. A good effort from Jennifer Eccles who was well back (rails) from the 800m, got off the fence near the straight entrance and tracked the winner into the home straight. She didn't see space until the 200m then ran on strongly to the line. Favourite Travelling Light enjoyed a soft lead to the 400m where she tried to slip the field. Clear by two lengths, she was caught at the 150m but then fought on well for third. Bavella threw out her challenge at the 200m and kept on quite well for fourth from Bella Mente who was handy enough in the straight and battled away for fifth.

Race 9 - Gr.3

Analysis: A narrow second seven days ago in the lead up Metropolitan (Listed, 2500m), a race she won last year,Dee And Gee proved the best stayer in a determined effort here to gain her sixth career win and second stakes. She found the desirable one-out and one-back spot with a circuit to run where she remained down the back and on to the 800, moving three wide to challenge. She co-led three wide at the top of the straight, shot to a two-length lead at the 200m then ground on to the line, outstaying them by three-quarters of a length. Kaharau was in behind the leading group at the 800m, moved out five deep at the 400m and finished solidly for second. Gorbachev was a handy fifth turning in, got clear running at the 300m and finished well for third from Diorissimo who battled away gamely to hold fourth.

TAURANGA

Race 7 - Gr.2

Analysis: Supera was wide throughout but showed her class in a big win here, her third at Group level and seventh of her 15-race career. She settled third last but three wide early and remained there to the 800m where she began to gain on the leaders. Rounding into the straight entrance she crept closer and starting the run home was second, chasing the leader who had broken clear. Keeping up a strong run she chased hard, caught the leader at the 100m, then surged clear for an easy win by two-and-a-quarter lengths. The Mitigator took over the lead at the 1200m, held a comfortable length lead past the 600m and slipped further ahead rounding into the home straight. He put pressure on the chasers by two lengths at the 300m and was not caught until the 100m, fighting on well for second. Tiptronic was equal last (rails) at the 600m, got out at the 300m and ran on well to nab third from Consensus who sat second into the straight, went up to challenge the pacemaker at the 200m and fought on well for fourth.

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