After the weekend of Group 1 racing we assess the horses you need to forgive, forget and to follow.
Forgive
Fituese – John Thompson
5th of 8 in the 1100 metre Listed Kia Ora Stud Ortensia Stakes (Rosehill)
After jumping from the outside barrier the four-year-old mare was caught three-wide the trip and it told in the final 200 metres fading out to finish at the rear of the field. The ever consistent and reliable mare came into the race as a $2.80 favourite but nothing went right for her from start to finish. A clear forgive and she can certainly bounce back next start wherever she goes.
Behemoth – David Jolly
7th of 11 in the 1200 metre Group 1 Goodwood (Morphettville)
Didn’t produce his best over the weekend in the Group 1 sprint and just couldn’t quicken upon straightening. He has had a great campaign running 3rd in the $5 million All-Star-Mile but was just a length or two behind in both the Group 1’s he contested this Autumn. Perhaps the Goodwood was an after thought that didn’t quite come off, but forgive him for it as the big boy will be back bigger and better in the spring.
Forget
Trekking – James Cummings
5th of 11 in the 1200 metre Group 1 Doomben 10,000
Dangerous to be sacking Trekking ahead of the Group 1 Stradbroke but he just looks one or two lengths off his best this preparation. First-up in the Group 2 TAB Victory Stakes he looked the winner but peaked on his run failing to run a drum. Second-up in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 over the weekend he loomed into it again but couldn’t run in the first four again. If he gets back on a dry track it certainly will help, however prepared to risk him this preparation.
Follow
Wild Planet – Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes
2nd of 11 in the 1200 metre Group 1 Doomben 10,000
Flashed home to finish less than half a length behind Eduardo and is the one to be with, heading into next month’s Group 1 1400m Stradbroke Handicap. He won the Group 3 Moonga Stakes over the same distance last preparation as well as the Group 2 1300m Theo Marks. The 1400 metres will be right up his alley and is a live hope in an open affair away from the current favourite Ayrton.
