Hi all,

Was an enjoyable days racing yesterday apart from the betting. Its good to see all the good ones in the flesh .

Race 1 - Solid win from Grecolo, lived up to his run behind La Montagna. Has always had good ability and its nice to see him get one of these bigger 3yo races. Thought Funlove was a massive run. Missed the start so was effectively out of it from then, but really got to the line well late and will be winning one soon. Nova Star obviously got to the line well but shes not one of mine. Might be able to get away with an easier 3yo races sometime soon.

Race 2 - They went insane out in front here so most of these were in struggle town a long way out. Sphenophyta was a top run coming from the tail, nice stayer in the making for mine. Not much else to report (maybe Benedetti, for sticking on near the speed for the duration). The winner of that race should not be exempt from the Straddy...its a joke.

Race 3 - Well, winners keep winning. Countess Bathory, another strong performance. I thought she was a risk in the big field at EF but they just couldn't go near her. Geelong Magestique was a nice run too, getting home along the rails at big odds. Again, not much else to note....only that the winner was dominant and the others really had their chance. Villa Bled got home well again, but she will do that 99 times out of 100 and drive you mad in the process.

Race 4 - What can you say. Ice Chariot was just far too good. Gave them a start and ran straight past them. Prend was disappointing and i seem to have overestimated her . Not much else to note here, Master Denis, i would think, you be better off being ridden from just off them pace. Derby doesn't look overly strong this year, though, in my view.

Race 5 - Danleigh was very impressive here. Just flew home. Gold Edition put up a strong performance to just go down. I didn't think she'd get a strong 1400m, but she ran very well. Pure Energy, as predicted a while back, needs a rest. Eye Eye Silver was a really good effort for a C1 horse, getting home from the tail too. One to watch in slightly easier races over ground. Ghetto Blaster didn't flatten out in the straight and might need a spell - we've seen the last of him i think, going to HK if plans havent changed.

Race 6 - Allow was very good. A few got home at the end like Vietnam, Stars In Flight, Pavlova and Sunday Adieu (good effort) but Allow was holding them on the line. Given the recent performances from QLD Oaks winners i'm reluctant to say that she'll go on, but suffice it to say it was a nice effort. Pavlova was deep during the race, which makes her effort look pretty good though. Good luck to those who got the nice 1st 4 dividend .

Race 7 - Messiaen seems to be one of those horses who just seems to get under the guard of most people. His last run behind Hard To Catch at the Gold Coast was very good and certainly would indicate he was better than a 20-1 shot. Not sure hes a Straddy horse, but he deserves his shot after winning in that sort of style yesterday. Natural Blitz was a very nice return and there is a race for him soon if the weather stays OK.

Race 8 - Art Success is a huuuge chance in the cup after that effort. It will top him off perfectly and he drops 6 or 7 kilos or something for the race...he is the only one i'd like to be on. While Mahtoum was a good result, Art Success meets him better at the weights and i'd say will relish the 3200m. Gorgeous George was a bold attempt to lead all the way and nearly came off (i wish it had ) and from what the trainer said he will benefit greatly from the run.

All in all, a good days racing. The Straddy meetings next week will be great too. Altho the field doesn't look quite as strong as in recent years, itll still be a great sight.

Sven