3 minute read

Chris Scholtz reviews racing around Australia on January 28.

THE STARS

MUSIC MAGNATE/BJORN BAKER: Sparkling return by a high class sprinter. More credit for one of Sydney’s most talented trainers.

GAI WATERHOUSE/ADRIAN BOTT: The team deserves acclaim for preparing Scarlet Rain to win first up off a break of 310 days after the filly suffered from respiratory issues last year.

DARREN WEIR: The win by Italian Derby winner Goldstream yet another example of the grip Weir now has on preparing imports.

CLARE LINDOP: Dare say she is riding in the best form of her career. Married life obviously agrees with the queen of Adelaide racing.

MATT DUNN: What a strike rate he has going since he decided to target Sydney racing on a regular basis.

COREY BROWN: Perfect start to his return to Sydney racing. Welcome back.

FRED KERSLEY/DIVINE CALLING: Great first-up win by a horse who had raced previously in Australia and Hong Kong for three different stables. The trainer who made Northerly a champion is still one of Perth’s best.

SIN BIN

JOSH PARR: Copped a caning for his ride on the luckless Menari.

CHRIS WALLER: No other word for it - a black out in Sydney for the top stable.

CRAIG WILLIAMS: Bet he won’t recall his effort on Divine Mr Artie as one of his best rides. Should have won.

RIDE OF THE DAY

Damian Browne: Rides Caloundra better than most. His win on Sir Moments in the Sunshine Coast Cup was a beauty. Hugh Bowman gets an honourable mention for his ride on Madame De Ban. His strength made the difference.

TALKING POINTS

PARIAH: Plenty of hype about this colt after his classy debut win. Is the form up to Blue Diamond/Golden Slipper standard?

TONY GOLLAN: Must hurt this achiever to be closing his Sydney stable after 12 months of very limited success.

GEELONG SUNDAY: Another track farce in Victoria. What’s new?

MONEY TALKS

MADAME DE BAN: Backing Matt Dunn firmers in Sydney is gold.

MUSIC MAGNATE: Big punters who love the shorts didn’t hesitate.

INVINCIBLE GEM: Double figures were taken early – and kept firming!

PORTMAN: Labelled the best of the day at Flemington. Punters took the lead.

BLACKBOOK

SWEET DEAL: Terrific effort from an inexperienced filly. Bright future.

CHANDANA: Nice teaser to start off a new campaign.

DIVINE MR ARTIE: Lost it at the 400m when held up. Replay says it all.

LAND OF PLENTY: Eye catcher of the day. Just wait until he gets to 1400m and further.

BLACK JACK BELLA: Huge run from last for second at Caloundra.