After the weekend of Group 1 racing we assess the horses you need to forgive, forget and to follow heading into a huge Autumn carnival.
Forgive
Dawn Passage – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
12th of 13 in the 1500 metre Group 1 George Ryder Stakes
After running less than a length behind Colette in the Golden Eagle last year, the four-year-old hasn’t shown up this preparation. On the weekend he pulled up with slow recovery so it’s a clear forgive run. Bott suggested earlier this week that Dawn Passage could potentially back up into the Doncaster Prelude this weekend which arguably is D-Day for the galloper this preparation.
Colette – James Cummings
5th of 9 in the 2000 metre Group 1 Ranvet Stakes
After her big first up win and her narrow loss second up against Verry Elleegant, the Godolphin mare has been a bit plain in her past two. However, on the weekend she had excuses being posted deep early on in the race. She also pulled up lame post-race so must be forgiven for that performance. Similar to Dawn Passage, D-Day is looming for Colette this preparation and where does she go now? The Sydney Cup or The Queen Elizabeth… or does she even back up into the Tancred Stakes on Saturday?
Forget
Kolding – Chris Waller
10th of 13 in the 1500 metre Group 1 George Ryder Stakes
He featured in the Follow Files after his eye-catching first-up run but has slowly dropped off in his three runs since. He just looks a rung below Group 1 level at the moment and it’s time to forget him this preparation. He has nominations in both the Doncaster Mile and the Queen Elizabeth and it’s hard seeing him win either with his current form.
Follow
Realm of Flowers – Anthony & Sam Freedman
2nd of 12 in the 2400 metre Group 3 Manion Cup
Flashed home behind Favourite Moon to put in an almighty Sydney Cup trial. If she can get in on the light weight she will prove hard to beat in the Group 1 over the testing 3200 metres. If she doesn’t get to a Sydney Cup this preparation she looks like a great local Cups chance in the Spring if she continues on her upward trajectory. One to follow!
Captivant – Peter & Paul Snowden
5th of 15 in the 1200 metre Group 1 Golden Slipper
Probably the underrated run of the Golden Slipper. Much was talked about Anamoe and Ingratiating, don’t get me wrong they were both huge runs but Captivant looked a horse that is searching for 1400 metres. With Stay Inside and Artorius both heading to the paddock the Sires Produce looks a winnable race with Anamoe his biggest rival. Captivant is currently rated a $9 chance on TopSport for the Sires Produce run on Day 1 of the Championships.
