The Melbourne Review Dec 5

3 months ago

This was Pakenham at its best - fair and even racing even with a little downgrade late in the day.

THE BEST WINS

RACE 8 - THE ASTROLOGIST

The winning margin wasn't huge but this was a really strong effort at 1400m for the first time this prep from a horse that has raced so consistently right the way through. I loved the way he fought when challenged and although Wild Vixen - a Stakes winner herself - came at him hard she never really looked like racing past the winner. More than happy to follow the horse next start but wary that his next appearance might be the end before the taper begins towards a break. 

HORSES TO FOLLOW

1. VERANSKOVA (Race 1)

I remarked in the preview that this filly had jumped out well enough to just go and win any maiden that Cindy Alderson wanted to set her for, ultimately this BM70 was a little reach too far but you just watch her go and smack up maiden rivals at her next start most likely before Christmas.

2. ROYAL ORDER (Race 4)

I've had half an eye on this horse this prep and I'm in two minds about him - his first two runs were really good, then he put in a couple of ordinary runs, then this effort showed he might be back on track...placed well in the right company to BM84 level with some weight relief I reckon he can win at 2000m in his next two starts, and we'll get a price too.

3. TAVIDANCE (Race 5)

This was an old fashioned arse kicking from a horse third-up and with some room to improve this prep. I'd assume that the stable will now target the Listed Lord Stakes at Caulfield on Boxing Day over 1700m and he might be one of the bets of that Christmas period if he lines up there.

4. OVER EXPOSURE (Race 6)

There was no money for this bloke on race day which told us that he was not ready to win but he still ran a really nice race considering his best form is at 1600m. He might not win second up but third and fourth run in out to a mile hard and fit, I'd be very interested in seeing where he turns up.

THE MARKET SAID...

That my tiop pick ZACHAZ (1st in Race 3) was well over the odds at his opening quote of $6.50 and the market was right - he was backed from that price down to a $3.80 SP favourite and did not let us or his other supporters down. This horse has further room to improve out to BM84 grade at least and is one to follow this summer.