Gear Changes: Headwater – Winkers First Time, Danuki – Winkers Off & Blinkers on & Tongue Tie on, Brockhoff – Tongue Tie Again
1. Headwater: Very poor run first up at Rosehill last start. Well beaten in the Golden Slipper but did stick on all things considered for 5th. Would have preferred a much better run coming into this run today but obviously a horse with ability.
2. Ready for Victory: A fair thing licked last start at Caulfield first up when ran to form which suggests he is a very good type. Only win last prep was very very good at course down the straight. D Oliver onboard.
3. Black Vanquish: Very good win 2nd up last prep at Flemington down the straight over this distance and proved to be a force to fear going forward. Still won ending prep at Caulfield even having been galloped on… obviously classy but has to prove just how good he is to beat all these.
4. Last Bullet: Won two in a row and continues to do everything right after returning with a fair win first up in a small field. Obviously needs to find best to beat these and i’m thinking this is just a few lengths beyond him.
5. Well Sprung: Surprise winner last start at Moonee Valley at big odds from out the front when rail was certainly suiting them. Much harder here but looks handy enough.
6. Kinglike: Well bred type who impressed last prep. Like to see the first run back to see if he is the real deal, has been supported.
7. Danuki: Every chance last start but just beaten by a better horse on the day. Hard to have here.
8. Raphael’s Cat: Has been firm in the markets which is certainly a surprise to me. Her first prep was only fair and then first up yep she ran okay time and won from out the front but didn’t beat much at all. Need to show more here.
9. Brockhoff: Maiden win first up with ease as favourite as expected. Have to find much more to place today… has the stable to do it though and the yard think enough of him to duel nominate for Guineas and Cox Plate.
10. Puritan: Have to say it was a very good win first up against what really is the trend of the track at Pakenham… one to watch outside the box.
11. Boston Light: Did alot wrong first up. Was well backed that day as well. Hard to have.
12. Reemah: Got the easy kill first up at Geelong… obviously has quality 0.2L 2nd in the Blue Diamond.
Comments: I have to admit i feel this is a fair nightmare of a race. Ready for Victory does get the tick, but with not a load of confidence considering how much potential there is in this race with horses like Black Vanquish, Puritan and Reemah to name just a few.
Confidence 60%
Strategy: Ready for Victory to win.
