Eagle Farm took centre stage last Saturday, with six Group races featured on the card. Meanwhile, Caulfield held a strong support program, and five races ran at Rosehill before the meeting was abandoned due to heavy rain. We have picked out three runners from those meetings that are worth following.
Rosehill
Rail position: +3m entire circuit
Race 2: 2YO Handicap (1300m) | Time: 1:18.04
- Horse to follow: Mr Artemisia (3rd)
Mr Artemisia maintained his 100% place record when running third over 1300m at Rosehill with a blistering finish down the middle of the track. The son of The Autumn Sun finished 2.8 lengths off the winner, Emirate, who is expected to feature in the Group 1 J.J. Atkins in two weeks. Mr Artemisia appears to be getting closer to a win after three solid performances to kick off his career.
When to bet: Waller has nominated Mr Artemisia for the J.J. Atkins; however, he would run into the smart Broadsiding. If the stable can find a race over 1600m against his own age group, we will be backing this colt with confidence.
Eagle Farm
Rail position: True entire circuit
Race 1: Benchmark 85 Handicap (1600m) | Time: 1:37.12
- Horse to follow: Poison Chalice (3rd)
After a strong performance from Poison Chalice at Listed level first-up, Paul Preusker sent him to Eagle Farm last Saturday to race clockwise for the first time. However, due to the slow tempo at the front of the field and Michael Dee settling this gelding at the rear, he couldn’t pick up the leaders late. This son of Savabeel got into his work late and finished off with his customary turn of foot, but he was beaten by just over half a length.
When to bet: As Poison Chalice was only second-up and jumping from 1200m to 1600m, it appears he was one run short of his peak. If Preusker can find another race at a similar level over 1600m again, this guy will prove very hard to beat.
Caulfield
Rail position: +9m entire circuit
Race 7: Benchmark 100 Handicap (1600m) | Time: 1:37.04
- Horse to follow: Munhamek (5th)
Munhamek has been circling a win at Benchmark 100 level in recent weeks, but this was not to be his day. Jamie Mott gave this son of Dark Angel a peach of a ride; however, when he asked his mount for an effort in the final 300m, he was locked away and couldn’t get into clear air to let down. With a clear run, you can easily make an argument to say that Munhamek would have won the race.
When to bet: With limited options over the next few weeks, Nick Ryan could enter Munhamek into a 1600m race at either Sandown or Flemington. If he does, it will be the eight-year-old gelding’s best chance yet to break his run of outs.
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