A few of these horses are set to debut or resume in coming days – worth keeping an eye out for them in previews.
Summary
| Venue | Heat | Horse |
|---|---|---|
| Ararat – Mon Sep 8 | Heat 2 | Calypso King |
| Ararat – Mon Sep 8 | Heat 6 | Miss Sovereignty |
| Ararat – Mon Sep 8 | Heat 7 | Grammy’s Sunshine |
| Ararat – Mon Sep 8 | Heat 8 | Queen Christine |
| Pakenham – Tue Sep 9 | Heat 4 | Lim’s Bighorn |
| Pakenham – Tue Sep 9 | Heat 6 | Southern Slammer |
Ararat – Monday September 8
Heat 2 – Calypso King (1st)
He was set on a middle-distance path last prep, but he looks every bit a sprinter. Straight on the bunny and never caught, winning by a big space and running time. He was asked to do a bit, but looked sharp. Scratched from a wide draw at Hamilton on Monday – clearly waiting for a better gate. Nommed later this week.
Heat 6 – Miss Sovereignty (only at big odds)
Context is everything here – she’ll need to find a modest maiden. First jump-out this prep and she won it nicely. A 4YO mare yet to debut, but she’s taken time and can pinch a race or two when she finally gets going.
Heat 7 – Grammy’s Sunshine (1st)
Has promised the world at the trials and delivered an atlas on raceday. McEvoy runners often trial flashier than they race, but I still think she’s worth tracking. Showed versatility – tucked in behind them at Horsham last start and hit the line well, then went forward here and ran time. Maybe not the star she once looked, but a maiden win this prep looks likely.
Heat 8 – Queen Christine (1st)
A very nice filly from Symon Wilde. She’s put in a string of impressive jump-outs and again won her heat easily. Yet to debut but nominated later this week – even holds an entry for the Thousand Guineas, which tells you the stable has an opinion. Hard to beat wherever she debuts. Nommed Friday at Ballarat.
Pakenham – Tuesday September 9
Heat 4 – Lim’s Bighorn (1st)
Showed glimpses in his first Aussie prep and looks to have come on since a short break. Has trialled twice this prep and improved each time. Led comfortably here, put a margin on them, and clocked good time.
Heat 6 – Southern Slammer (1st)
Plenty of ability. Only raced once last campaign at Geelong when Blake Shinn said he didn’t feel comfortable in his action. Back this time and flying – both jump-outs excellent. Stackhouse gave him a little squeeze late and he put them away, running good time. Definite talent. Nommed Friday at Ballarat.
