Moments after Pierro won the Breeders Plate, trainer Gai Waterhouse declared that the colt would win the Golden Slipper. It is well known that Gai does make some very bold statements. But this one, according to some, was the most outlandish one yet. Fast forward to Saturday afternoon, and the first lady of racing had the last laugh when Pierro, aided by another Nash Rawiller special, got the better of Snitzerland to take out the $3.5 Million Aami Golden Slipper (1200m).

In the other main race, Manighar stamped himself as the premier WFA stayer in Australia with a dominant display in the $2.25 Million The Bmw (2400m). But the win was overshadowed by the runner up, Americain, and the effort from rider Gerald Mosse. Make no mistake, Mosse is a world class rider…But I hope he never rides in Australia ever again because what he produced on Americain was absolutely disgraceful.

The best mare in Sydney, More Joyous, appears to have a stranglehold on the Doncaster Mile after she toyed with her rivals in the Queen Of The Turf (1500m). All she needs is a good barrier and a firm surface to just about claim the best mile race in Australia.

Metal Bender proved his super first up performance was no fluke when he again rattled home from the rear to win a thrilling edition of the George Ryder Stakes (1500m). In a desperately close finish, less than half a length separated the first six across the line.

Earlier in the day, Mosheen showed her class with another major in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) over Streama. Those two will more than likely do battle again in the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m).

Race One: The Schweppervescence 1400m

FORGIVE:
Red Hot Chillies didn’t have a great deal of luck in getting clear galloping space. Nice horse on the up. Honorius was good as well after covering ground.

FORGET:
Can’t say anything here yet because they are inexperienced.

FOLLOW:
I think Patinack Farm have a future Derby contender in Strength. He was excellent, as were the first two. They can each be followed with confidence.

Race Two: Sebring Stakes 1100m

FORGIVE:
PInwheel didn’t get a clear crack and should have nearly challenged the winner. He has come back in good order.

FORGET:
Riva De Lago was an alarming drifter in betting and it showed out on the track. He was terrible. Drop in grade for him now.

FOLLOW:
Zaratone could just well be a sneaky chance in the Galaxy. He is superb when left alone in front. He won’t get that in the Galaxy, but he is flying at the moment and deserves a crack at Group One glory.

Race Three: Vinery Stud Stakes 2000m

FORGIVE:
They had their chance. Mosheen is just a special horse.

FORGET:
Nothing here.

FOLLOW:
Thy was good coming from well back. Mosheen and Streama have been up for a while. If there could be a knockout horse in the Oaks, this one might be it.

Race Four: Myer Tulloch Stakes Stakes 2000m

FORGIVE:
Strawberry Boy almost fell at the first turn after getting checked. Very good horse on the rise and he did a remarkable job to finish as close he did.

FORGET:
I thought Valerio was much better, but she stopped very quickly after having a rather easy sit outside the leader and winner.

FOLLOW:
Doubtfilly wasn’t just here to make up the numbers. She ran a super race and is a horse to follow.

Race Five: The Bmw 2400m

FORGIVE:
Americain was given a terrible ride by Mosse. Should have won.

FORGET:
Scarlett Lady injured herself in the run and best we wait until the Spring for her.

FOLLOW:
Niwot and Drunken Sailor are ticking along beautifully for the Sydney Cup. That might be the quinella.

Race Six: Inglis Queen Of The Turf Stakes 1500m

FORGIVE:
The beaten brigade because they bumped in to a superstar.

FORGET:
Ofcourseican isn’t a WFA horse. Simple as that. Back to handicaps for her.

FOLLOW:
If More Joyous gets a decent barrier as well as a dry surface, she will just about win the Doncaster. She is back to her brilliant best.

Race Seven: Aami Golden Slipper 1200m

FORGIVE:
Drieftontein missed the kick, was held up for most of the straight yet still flashed at them late. Future Group One winner.

FORGET:
Can’t say anything here because they all look above average.

FOLLOW:
Doubtfilly wasn’t just here to make up the numbers…again. Definite filly to follow in the Spring. Shelford will get better with experience and Cavalry Rose was enormous in defeat again.

Race Eight: Daily Telegraph George Ryder Stakes 1500m

FORGIVE:
Niagara was caught deep with no cover. Can’t get away with that against the best of the best.

FORGET:
Woorim has now put two shocking runs in succession. Wait until he heads back home.

FOLLOW:
Wonderful ride from Rodd on Metal Bender. That horse is flying, as are the first six that ran over the line. But the one I’d follow is Happy Zero. He was making up ground late.

Race Nine: Cellarbrations H.K.J.C. Stakes 2000m

FORGIVE:
They all had their chance.

FORGET:
Maules Creek had the dream run, but didn’t fire in the straight. Perhaps the spelling paddock for him now.

FOLLOW:
Western Symbol is a good, progressive type on the rise. Could be one to follow during the Carnival in Brisbane.