And a merry Christmas to you too BettyBoop and Paddy! Glad you had a win.

The addition of blinkers for Bold Mirage did make a difference – went to the line more truly. Have doubt about him getting the 3200m – now doubting just a little less.

Thought the runs of the first 4 (Bold Mirage, Tumeric, Alibi Bay & Super Moss) yesterday were all good pointers for the Cup.

Also liked the runs of Exit Lane, Dananmatt & Our Annabel. Zero Point was an OK run, Honor Lap was most disappointing, although was found to be in season on arriving at the course.

Have done a bit of a review of the Cup field and to be honest this looks a year that one of the eastern states contenders could take the Cup back home with them. But this really depends on who comes over & how they settle in.

Happy to give a bit of a summary on the local brigade over the next week, if anyone is interested. I’ll kick off today, starting from the bottom.

Let me know if you want me to keep working through the list.

WHO’S HUSSAR – 7YO who has raced mainly on the Kalgoorlie and Esperance circuits. Two recent runs over 2400m have produced a 3len 5th after leading early & an inglorious last after straining a tendon to the near fore. Looks outclassed and most unlikely to make the final field.

WATERS RISING – 7YO who earlier raced in SA. Best rating is over 1800m back in November 2000. Best distance range has been 1800m-2400m. Current preparation rating around 1.75len below best. Only a rough chance.

UNO JACK – 7YO who surprised all and sundry with a win over 2400m mid-week at Ascot 2 starts back, at 2nd run back after a 6 month’s spell. Ran on well that day, and registered his best rating. Most recent run well beaten (some 8lens) over 2400m to Higgins Gold, after being ridden nearer the lead. Only a rough chance.

TUART’S PRIDE – 6YO who’s best rating is over 2200m in January 2002.
Best distance range 1800m-2400m. Current preparation rating around 2.5len below best. Last start fought on for a 3len 4th to Higgins Gold after being ridden near the lead. Does best when allowed to settle back in the field, and kept for a late run. On best, slightly better than a rough hope.

THUNDER HAWK – 5YO former eastern states galloper who has had only a handful of starts in WA. Best rating in WA is over 1800m (earlier this month). Last start disappointing 8th over 2400m, beaten some 5len behind Higgins Gold, after showing some early dash. Looks outclassed over this distance, on what we have seen.

THORNY ROSE – Last start winner (class 2) over 2200m at Bunbury. Maiden winner over 1500m at Pinjarra last month. Looks outclassed and most unlikely to make the final field.

SUPER MOSS – 8YO, who ran a bottler of a race yesterday to finish 4th in the CB COX Stakes (2400m) after leading for most of the race. Drops 7kgs on that run. Best rating is over 2400m back in July 2000. Yesterday’s run was not far off his best and certainly his best run this preparation. Big doubt over the 3200m (well beaten 5len in the 2001 Cup)but if he can get a big enough break, who knows. Better than a rough hope.


SOUTHLAND HIGH – Maiden who has been racing mainly at Northam. Best run 2.75len 3rd over 2200m (class 3) at Northam back in August. Looks totally outclassed.

REBATE – 6YO who’s best rating is over 1600m in November 1999. Best distance range is 1600m-1800m. Has run some good races over the 1800m when ridden near the lead, Gone no further than 2200m , beaten about 3len on each occasion. Looks outclassed over this distance.

POZIERE – 4YO who’s best rating is over 1800m (last month). Followed that run beaten 2.5len over 2200m when battled on. Last start beaten 7len to Higgins Gold (2400m) weakening over the final stages. Looks outclassed over this distance.



_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:



[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-30 14:06 ]