What a way to kick off 2012 Group One racing in Sydney! The 2011 Cox Plate champion vs Chris Waller vs Patinack Farm in the Chipping Norton with Chris Waller getting the bikkies thanks to Shoot Out, who was given a wonderful ride by Hugh Bowman. The stablemate Danleigh did well for second with Trusting hugging the inside and grinding home for third.

Streama was heavily supported to win the Surround and after a few anxious moments, she got the job done and is on target for the Doncaster while in the Liverpool City Cup, Ofcourseican finally put all that good form in to success when she spanked her rivals thanks to a patient ride from Kathy O’Hara.

Race One: Schweppes Plate 1200m

FORGIVE:
Pure Hustle didn’t jump brilliantly, was forced back and never looked likely. Forgive and forget he went around.

FORGET:
Emperor Of Rome should go to 400m barrier trials at Yeppoon, because it cannot run a strong sprint distance.

FOLLOW:
I don’t think anyone would begrudge Allan Denham and the win of Ichihara. Great to see him have a nice up and comer on his hands.

Race Two: Panucci Transport Handicap 2200m

FORGIVE:
Frozen Rope was deep with no cover, got hampered…can’t sack it.

FORGET:
Sandberg and Diamond Jim= redbook. Never, ever back again.

FOLLOW:
Marden produced an eye-catching run. He was only third up off a spell, so there should still be improvement. He’ll be winning shortly

Race Three: Alconex Fire Handicap 1100m

FORGIVE:
Title missed the kick, got checked, had 62.5kg and could never get in to the race. Look for improvement second up.

FORGET:
La Remlap…she runs well, but doesn’t win. Poster girl for bookies.

FOLLOW:
Two slashing runs from a spell tells me that Potions is going to win some blacktype this campaign.

Race Four: Patinack Farm Surround Stakes 1400m

FORGIVE:
The beaten brigade because they bumped in to a world class filly.

FORGET:
Kneeling hasn’t done a great deal this preparation and must drop in class.

FOLLOW:
Streama is going to be a serious force in any race she contests. Sure, the win wasn’t pretty, but on the line she was getting away from Sea Siren.

Race Five: Calcoup Knitwear Handicap 1600m

FORGIVE:
Viking Legend was wide with no cover, but he hasn’t done much for a long time.

FORGET:
Hardbreak Hotel led and gave in very quickly. Spelling paddock for this galloper.

FOLLOW:
Brayroan was most unlucky. With more luck, he wins. Bursting to win a race and he should very soon.

Race Six: Chipping Norton Stakes 1600m

FORGIVE:
A forgive run for Pinker Pinker…just. Took off at the 800m, was forced deep and sort of paddled late. She had excuses, but she would need to improve out of sight if she is to beat Americain.

FORGET:
It was a wet track, small field, but Sacred Choice did absolutely nothing. Give her one or two more runs to improve, otherwise she should be retired.

FOLLOW:
Shoot Out was superb, as was Danleigh. Trusting is on track for his targets, while Rangirangdoo was unlucky and should have finished much closer. Herculian Prince led and fought on well. He has come back in nice order.

Race Seven: Liverpool City Cup 1300m

FORGIVE:
They all had their chance.

FORGET:
Neeson was poor and Do Ra Mi is a cat.

FOLLOW:
It was a wet track and first up yet All Silent ran very well. Can he finally show his old form?

Race Eight: Sharp Wiggle Stakes 1400m

FORGIVE:
The beaten horses because fair dinkum, Jim Cassidy should be charged with murder because he went that slowly in front.

FORGET:
Can’t say anything here because the speed of the race was a farce.

FOLLOW:
Secret Admirer had no chance yet still ran well. She is on track for the Doncaster still, despite being beaten about six lengths.