2012 Newmarket Handicap day race reviews

The Melbourne Festival of Racing hits its peak on Saturday at Flemington. Nine blacktype races, two group ones and world class horses will be racing for their share in more then $3.2 Million in prizemoney.

There is no Black Caviar, but the $1 Million Lexus Newmarket Handicap (1200m) promises to be a beauty with Hay List, Foxwedge, Lone Rock and Buffering all set to do battle again after chasing the mighty mare in the Lightning Stakes (1000m). But there are several key challengers, with the likes of Bel Sprinter, boom Sydney galloper Rain Affair, Woorim, Beaded and Facile Tigre in search of Group One glory down the straight.
Another meeting at Flemington, and once again we left with wonderful memories thanks to some world class racing. The talking point of the afternoon was the Newmarket. Hay List and his attempt to shoulder 58.5kg to victory, trainer Joe Pride saying that Rain Affair would just win, Foxwedge appearing weighted to win, Lone Rock looked to be the best rough hope…but in the end, it was class and courage that got Hay List home in a thrilling finish. He is the second best sprinter in the world and if wasn’t for Black Caviar, he’d be regarded as one of the all time greats, which I think he is.

The Australian Cup had some gloss taken off it thanks to the scratching of Lucas Cranach on Thursday night, but it still proved to be a cracking race with Manighar and Southern Speed going head and head over the final 300m. The 2011 Caulfield Cup winner looked set to win, but the import kept kicking and kicking before holding on in a desperately close photo finish. Americain, who was first up, got home beautifully for third. The track was a bit firm for him, so if the wet weather remains in Sydney, he’ll dominate.

Race One: TBV Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes 1200m

FORGIVE:
Coins got held up at a vital stage and should have finished closer. Nice filly who’ll appreciate 1400m, perhaps even a mile.

FORGET:
Mrs Gray appeared to travel well in the run, but when asked for the effort, she was very flat. Won’t be getting my money soon.

FOLLOW:
Snizterland is a very good filly on the up. She toyed with these and deserves to be near the top of the betting for the Golden Slipper.

Race Two: MSS Security Stakes 1100m

FORGIVE:
Very heavily backed, Halle Rocks was expected to win, but she didn’t ping at all. Vet check reported slower recovery rate.

FORGET:
Metonymy. Another cat who has raced very poorly for a long time.

FOLLOW:
Gee you feel for connections of Unpretentious. No luck at all again. Bursting to win a race and he will very soon.

Race Three: Henry Bucks Sires Produce Stakes 1400m

FORGIVE:
The beaten brigade because they were beaten by a very classy youngster. No Black Caviar, but gee he has got some of her ability.

FORGET:
Rusambo had a soft run on the fence, but didn’t fire a shot in the straight. Very disappointing.

FOLLOW:
Timely Truce keeps getting to the line well. He might be a Guineas horse in the Spring.

Race Four: Blamey Stakes 1600m

FORGIVE:
Speediness had no hope from where he sat in the race. To finish as close as he did was outstanding.

FORGET:
Ranger needs to go back to Perth because he can’t contest the good races here.

FOLLOW:
Niwot, Centennial Park and Snow Cover were all solid in defeat, with each hitting the line well enough to suggest they’ll be in the mix at their next start.

Race Five: TAB Sportsbet Kewney Stakes 1400m

FORGIVE:
Shopaholic…to me, she raced like a very tired horse and needs a spell. She’ll come back stronger and better in the Spring. Soft Sand had no luck as well.

FORGET:
Emmalene was there to win, but didn’t finish off as well as she can. Forget her for now.

FOLLOW:
Total Attraction will be winning whatever her main goal is. Fabulous return from her.

Race Six: Lexus Newmarket Handicap 1200m

FORGIVE:
22 horses in a straight race…where do you begin?

FORGET:
Lone Rock. She went for a few hundred metres and then she decided to throw in the towel. An ugly performance.

FOLLOW:
Hay List will certainly give Black Caviar a race in England after that win yesterday. Only champions could have pulled that off. Woorim was fantastic, the straight track didn’t suit and Phelan Ready…wow! Another 100m and he wins.

Race Seven: Dubai Australian Cup 2000m

FORGIVE:
They all had their chance.

FORGET:
Illo pulled way too hard in front and had to stop. He needs to get that out of his system if he is to win big races.

FOLLOW:
Give Americain a dead/slow track, and he’ll dominate WFA racing in Australia. Lovely return.

Race Eight: Schweppervescence Trophy 1600m

FORGIVE:
Hi Belle missed the start and had no chance after that. Forgive and forget.

FORGET:
Cute Emily in this class. Just can’t match it with them.

FOLLOW:
Marveen just peaked on her late. Look out for her at 1400m while Vintedge loomed up to be in the finish, but weight and fitness told the tale.

Race Nine: Super Saturday Stakes 1400m

FORGIVE:
Yosei was left flat-footed when the sprint went on, but she got home well for fifth. Don’t rule her out of group one contention.

FORGET:
It was his Australian debut, but Zabasco was as ugly as sin.

FOLLOW:
Smokin’ Joey is putting it together now and could possibly snare a nice group race if placed right by Anthony Freedman.

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