R1 – YANGARI & THE STIFMEISTER
Keen to follow two runners out of the first race – Yangari and The Stifmesiter.
There was an interesting sub-plot in this race with the winner Mishani Enchanted ridden by Jimmy Orman and The Stifmeister piloted by Michael Rodd. The pair essentially swapped mounts, with Rodd jumping off the winner to ride debutante The Stifmeister (who trialled with Orman aboard). While it didn’t prove a winning move on Saturday, I’m confident Rodd will be repaid for his faith in The Stifmiester as he looks a talented type.
Yangari is a big, loping type and crying for a step up in distance. 1400m at Eagle Farm will be to his liking. Both runs this time in have been excellent, hitting the line hard from back in the field. Would love to see him head up to the wide expanses of the Sunshine Coast for a 1400m maiden – I’ve got no doubt he would be winning.
R4 – GOLLY HUTT
On a day where it seemed you needed to build momentum on the turn, Golly Hutt was a little flat-footed when the winner and runner-up were setting down to fight out the finish.
Once balanced up, he powered home for third. It’s no surprise to see him back in town and racing competitive as he’s a 4yo who has always had some ability. He’s now ran well at both runs this time in, and the lack of market support suggests he’s only going to get better as the prep continues.
Can’t wait to see him out to 1400m.
R8 – BETTER GET SET
Run of the day. The wide gate did this filly absolutely no favours, stuck on a limb three and four wide before having the audacity to dash home out wide and finish better than anything in the race.
She clearly should’ve won. Despite the wide draw she was heavily backed, suggesting there is some real confidence in the way she’s returned this prep.
A win (or two) isn’t far away for her.