A great day’s racing at Doomben on Saturday and full credit to the track staff, who somehow produced a near-perfect surface despite the stack of racing and rain the venue had endured in the fortnight prior.
We ended up with a Good 4 by the latter part of the card and, importantly for punters, it played fair. Horses could win on speed, off speed, near the inside and wider out if they were good enough. That’s all you can ask for on a feature day.
There were strong performances across the meeting, but just as importantly there were a number of horses that looked set to win more races over the winter carnival.
To check out futures markets for upcoming Group 1 features head to the TAB website here.
BLACKBOOKERS
CAVALRY MAN (Race 1 – 4th)
What a horrible watch if you were on the grey. He looked the winner at the 300m but simply had nowhere to go at a crucial stage. By the time Jordan Childs finally got clear air, the race was over. He savaged the line late and should have won. One to follow hard wherever he heads next.
I AM DIRTY (Race 3 – 1st)
When Bjorn Baker brings them north during carnival time, punters should always pay attention. This filly had already won impressively at her previous start, but she went to another level here. She enjoyed a lovely run in transit before showing a sharp turn of foot to put the race away quickly. Looks a filly with more upside still to come.
SOFT LOVE (Race 5 – 2nd)
The blinkers went on back in March and they’ve completely turned this mare around. She was detached near the tail turning for home and looked gone at the top of the straight, but once balanced up she absolutely attacked the line. It was the run of a horse in terrific form and she looks capable of winning a nice race during the Brisbane winter.
CHISPA (Race 7 – 2nd)
Arguably the run of the day. The winner saved all the ground nearer the inside while Chispa was forced to work into the race out wider and give away a tactical advantage. Despite that, she still charged late and looked every bit a filly right on target for bigger races like a Queensland Oaks (currently $6 at TAB) or Derby-style staying test. She has enormous upside.
SWORD OF LEGACY (Race 7 – 3rd)
She may have looked a little one-paced in Victoria, but she’s clearly thriving since joining the Matt Dunn stable. After a dominant maiden win at her previous start, this was a massive jump in grade into Listed company and she more than measured up. The way she hit the line suggests there are plenty more wins in store during the carnival.
FORGIVE
BOOMTOWN BOSS (Race 6 – Unplaced)
There was genuine interest around this horse with the blinkers going on and the run was better than it looks on paper. He struck traffic at a key stage in the straight before Tommy Berry eased down over the final 200m once his winning chance was gone. It looked very much like a fitness run and there’s a strong chance punters get a far better price next start. Worth another chance.
