INFATHUATED sat second in the run and stalked Fathnoxious for the majority of the race. He chased her down comfortably and won like the good thing that betting markets suggested he was.
WAYSIDE ran on well again and is progressing in the right direction this preparation.
TERROR FORCE mis-strode on turning and was eased down by Jerry Noske.
Race 2 - 1:54PM SEACORP HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
THE WINNER
STORM DANCER started equal favourite at $2.60 and blitzed a handy field of three-year-olds. The speed was solid which allowed him to get home hard. Jockey Shaun O’Donnell thought the son of Musket could have won by further.
THE GOOD
Despite carrying the top weight of 59kg, WRINKLY stuck on well again for second after leading. A tough and honest galloper he is.
THE BAD
BOLD SUCCESS looked to have every possible chance to run down Wrinkly but only battled up the straight before coming again in the final 100m for third.
FASTEST LAST 600M
STORM DANCER – 35.12
Race 3 - 2:35PM MUMM CHAMPAGNE HANDICAP (1000 METRES)
THE WINNER
Cover in running was the key to AMERICAN STAR registering his first win in Western Australia. He produced a withering burst late to get a much deserved win.
THE GOOD
MIGHTY BLONDE, the 1000m specialist, ran another very good race for second. The blinkers were removed from WOOLIBAR and that allowed him to settle and finish off strongly. He ran a nice third under Randy Tan.
THE BAD
RHI’S ROCKET looked disappointing to the eye but Lindsey Smith’s gallopers don’t usually fire first up as a rule. Stick with him.
FASTEST LAST 600M
BRACKETS – 34.1
Race 4 - 3:10PM PERTH STAKES (1100 METRES)
THE WINNER
The well-bred WACKED OUT led from start to finish and stamped himself as a live Karrakatta Plate contender.
THE GOOD
RIASC and REYKJAVIK finished off hard for second and third after enjoying cold runs in the race. Out to 1200m in the Karrakatta will suit.
THE BAD
KEEPER KEEN was disappointing to the eye after going down by 2.75 lengths. Keeping in mind he gave his rivals weight once again, do not drop off heading towards the Karrakatta.
FASTEST LAST 600M
RIASC – 34.43
Race 5 - 3:45PM NATASHA STAKES (2200 METRES)
THE WINNER
ROYAL STAR stamped herself as the best staying three-year-old after leading all of the way to win. Out of the same dam as Perth Cup winner Star Exhibit, she will take a power of beating in the WA Oaks and WATC Derby.
THE GOOD
VAIN STRYKER, VERY TEMPTING and JUST LIKE FIRE all ran on well to fill second, third and fourth respectively. They all look to be suited over the extended staying trips but it is difficult to see them beating the winner.
THE BAD
FONTAINEBLEAU pulled in the run behind Royal Star and did not have any dash left at the end of the 2200m race.
FASTEST LAST 600M
VERY TEMPTING – 35.17
Race 6 - 4:25PM PENFOLDS HANDICAP (1400 METRES)
THE WINNER
Simply put, GALAXY STAR got a nice run from barrier eight and destroyed her rivals. The daughter of Redoute’s Choice was caught wide before the home turn but then got a nice bit of cover from Dusha Zachistki when rounding the bend. Bright future.
THE GOOD
PUSHIN’ SHAPES finished off well from the second half of the field to finish second. DUSHA ZACHISTKI got out and rolling before the turn, which he needs to do, and stuck on well for third. MAIN INSTIGATOR was honest as always in fourth.
THE BAD
HELMS GATE will require a senior rider moving forward.
FASTEST LAST 600M
GALAXY STAR – 34.95
Race 7 - 5:00PM GIMCRACK STAKES (1100 METRES)
THE WINNER
A peach of a ride from William Pike got KISS BANG LOVE home in the Gimcrack. The filly by Demerit broke her maiden status in emphatic style after settling just better than midfield, three-wide and with cover. When Pike pushed the button, she went whoosh and held off the challenge of race favourite Seannie.
THE GOOD
SEANNIE was brilliant for third after being snagged back to last from the wide draw. That is the ideal run leading into a Karrakatta Plate over 1200m. LUCY MAE toughed out a strong second. She makes her own luck and should be kept in mind when piecing together the Karrakatta puzzle. ROCK OR BUST has Sires’ Produce Stakes written all over her.
THE BAD
Most punters would think that SEANNIE was a poor performer after Aaron Mitchell dragged the $1.50 shot back to last but keep in mind that this is not the main target for her this preparation.
FASTEST LAST 600M
SEANNIE – 34.55
Race 8 - 5:35PM GET THE TABTOUCH HANDICAP (2200 METRES)
THE WINNER
The class galloper of the field got the money in the last to deny Pike winning the quadrella legs. SHINTA MANI was taken back to the rear of the field and sprinted home strongly. Randy Tan followed Pike and Royal Supreme everywhere in the last 600m which proved to be the winning move.
THE GOOD
COULEUR BIZARRE sat outside of the speed and fought on well for third after being a good thing beaten last start. WAR KSAR was game again for fourth. Watch for him at his next start.
THE BAD
CULVERIN may be a mare that doesn’t appreciate racing in restricted room. If she draws out next start, follow her in.
FASTEST LAST 600M
SHINTA MANI – 35.06