The Melbourne Review Dec 19

2 months ago

There was a bit of a breeze that pushed them into the turn and got behind them off that corner but I didn't see it as being of any real significance on the day.

THE BEST WIN

RACE 7 - DEFIANT DANCER

I cheekily left this bloke out of the ad-hc quaddie on Melbourne Radio on Friday morning, not with any real conviction, more to stoke the audience, and it seems I'll get some smart arse text messages after the massacre that he turned in on Saturday. Defiant Dancer has long hinted at above average talent - after a 5-length win in Adelaide as a 3YO he finished midfield to Alligator Blood in the 2019 Guineas Prelude and was $31-$21 - but his last prep left a bit to be desired. What I liked here was how he pushed a big rival literally out of the way to make his run and then exploded clear when asked and importantly the time was good. Roll on The Standish Hcp.

HORSES TO FOLLOW

1. ZION (Race 2)

This bloke immediately catches he eye as a rich chestnut with bold white markings but he's got his share of talent to boot and won't be far off another win. He looked awfully lost when the sprint went on here, like he didn't quite know how to quicken in a straight line, he was smacking the line but half doing it on an angle - a lot of merit to this run and he is well worth following.

2. AUSSIE NUGGET (Race 4)

This fellow is ready to win third-up out to 1800m-2000m and there was a lot to like about how he hit the line despite being held up back inside horses. I thought long and hard about his chances in this race when writing up the preview but thought that ultimately he would need the outing again to bring him on and that proved to be the right call, I won't be second guessing him next start though.

3. RE EDIT (Race 6)

This mare wants 2000m now, plain and simple. She was the best horse in this field but was beaten by a rival with a better turn of foot, that's as straight as I can shoot it. I'm with her again next time when she gets to 1800m-2000m and I'd be happy to try her against the boys in the right sort of race.

4. SWORD OF MERCY (Race 9)

SOM brought some pretty compelling form lines to this race and after a tough day I was glad that we ended on a winning note - but I doubt that this will be the last time this lightly raced mare wins this prep. She really put this field away when asked and we started to see that killer punch from her last prep - look for more from her as she creeps up the handicap this campaign.

THE MARKET SAID...

That it didn't quite know what to expect from LONG ARM (1st R4) but kept the horse safe enough and gave respect to a strong winning record - I doubt we will see $9 about this bloke again this prep. I thought that 1600m would be too short for this horse especially off what read as a moderate tempo on paper but the leaders got going early and set this race up for a strong closer; Long Arm will only improve out to 2000m next time.