Last Saturday, Group 1 racing kicked off in Victoria with the Memsie Stakes headlining a massive program at Caulfield, while Rosehill held feature races throughout the day. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have found three horses that produced impressive runs early in their spring preparations.
Caulfield
Rail position: +3m entire circuit
Race 8: Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) | Time: 1:44.97
- Horse to follow: Que Tempesta (5th)
Ben, Will & JD Hayes kicked off the spring preparation of Que Tempesta in the Heatherlie Stakes, which was his first Aussie run since coming over from Italy. Mark Zahra rode the son of Territories and allowed him to settle midfield throughout the 1700m journey. Although the five-year-old gelding was slightly held up at the top of the straight, he flew home to record the fastest last 200m section of the race.
When to bet: Although Que Tempesta was held up and didn’t seem to handle the final corner well, his fresh run was a great trial for the Caulfield Cup. The Group 3 MRC Foundation Cup at Caulfield on September 21 looks like the ideal race for him next.
Rosehill
Rail position: +2m entire circuit
Race 6: Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) | Time: 1:02.98
- Horse to follow: Tropicus (3rd)
Tropicus returned from a four-month spell for his second career start in the San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill, and he ran on nicely to finish third. Even though he was first-up, his last 200m was very strong. Tommy Berry allowed the colt to find his feet at the back of the field before getting out into clear air to fly home down the middle of the track.
When to bet: It is expected that Anthony & Sam Freedman will take this guy to The Run To The Rose over 1200m next start and compete in the top three-year-old races throughout the spring.
Race 7: Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) | Time: 1:15.79
- Horse to follow: Iron Hawk (4th)
Following a strong debut victory, Iron Hawk from the Gary Portelli stable has run into the very smart Autumn Glow in his next two starts, with his most recent fourth-place finish being the best of the two. The three-year-old colt settled near the back of the field over 1300m and had to make two runs in the final 400m in order to find space. Once he got going again, Iron Hawk let down with a withering burst and nearly nabbed third place.
When to bet: It is clear this guy is crying out for further than 1300m, and if Portelli takes him to the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Rosehill on September 14, he will get every chance to win again.
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