With the Melbourne and Sydney Autumn Carnivals in full swing, Flemington and Randwick hosted strong meetings that featured multiple Group and Listed contests last Saturday. From the two featured meetings on the Eastern Seaboard, we have found three runners that are worth putting in your blackbook to follow in their upcoming starts after catching the eye.
Randwick
Rail position: +4m entire circuit
Race 6: Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) | Time: 1:08.57
- Horse to follow: Commemorative (3rd)
James Cummings chose to kick off Commemorative’s autumn campaign in the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Randwick, where the four-year-old mare ran on strongly without threatening the winner over 1200m. The daughter of I Am Invincible jumped slowly from barrier one, and Adam Hyeronimus chose to settle at the rear of the field on the fence behind a hot tempo. Turning for home, Hyeronimus steered his mount towards the inside rail to take a run up the inside of her rivals, and even though she was slightly held up at the 100m mark, Commemorative burst through a gap late and savaged the line.
When to bet: Considering Commemorative was fresh and had to chase a fast tempo, it is expected that Cummings will give her a longer break before her next start. The Group 3 Wenona Girl Quality (1200m) on March 8 at Randwick comes up in three weeks, and that should suit this girl perfectly.
Flemington
Rail position: True entire circuit
Race 6: Listed Elms Handicap (1400m) | Time: 1:25.20
- Horse to follow: Aztec Ruler (2nd)
William Pike returned to the saddle on the Western Australian galloper Aztec Ruler when he piloted him to a second-place finish in the Elms Handicap (1400m). After Buffalo River ran the race along at a strong tempo, Pike got moving from the back of the field and pushed the Stefan Vahala-trained gelding to the middle of the track in the home straight. Rise At Dawn had already built an unassailable lead by the 200m mark, but Aztec Ruler sprinted sharply to take ground off the winner and finish 1.25 lengths back as the runner-up.
When to bet: There are limited options for Aztec Ruler in Melbourne over the next few weeks, but the Listed Bunbury Stakes (1400m) on March 8 looks like a nice race for him to target. If Vahala chooses to take him back to Western Australia, he can end his long preparation with a deserving win.
Race 9: Listed Desirable Stakes (1400m) | Time: 1:25.68
- Horse to follow: Sneaky Sunrise (3rd)
One of the more unlucky runners at Flemington was Sneaky Sunrise for the Ben, Will & JD Hayes stable, who ran up behind the leaders to finish third in the Listed Desirable Stakes (1400m). Daniel Stackhouse rode the daughter of The Autumn Sun and chose to stay in behind runners to get cover for as long as possible; however, they ran up behind Cilicap and Husk before being tightened for room in the concluding stages of the race.
When to bet: The Group 3 Kewney Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 8 looks like the ideal race for Sneaky Sunrise to contest in her next start. If the stable chooses to stay at Listed level, the Morphettville Guineas (1600m) on March 10 could be another target.
Top horse racing sites for blackbook features
Horse racing tips
