Brad Waters' top three to follow from Flemington July 22

Brad Waters - Monday July 24

A strong wind had an effect on the races around a turn but there were some good efforts to follow out of Saturday's Flemington meeting.

Advertisement
Hell Or Highwater is nearing a win after a solid Flemington effort on Saturday. Photo: Darryl Sherer

HELL OR HIGHWATER

She's a strong-going mare that has taken time to hit peak fitness but showed she was just about ready to win with her effort at Flemington. She rolled forward and did the work bullocking into the wind down the back straight but she didn't quite settle for apprentice Jake Bayliss. She quickened fairly well early in the straight but the early work told in the last 100m as she weakened to finish third, beaten 2 ¾ lengths, but gave the winner 4kg and runner-up 5.5kg in a sound effort. She's just about ready to roll forward and give them something to chase in more favourable circumstances.

Career record (20:5-3-2).

Race to look for – Mares' races over 1400 to 1600m.

ST VADUZ

It's unlikely St Vaduz would have beaten the winner Anchor Bid in the two-year-old race over 1800m but the colt did an excellent job when stepping up sharply in trip third-up. He wasn't far away over unsuitable shorter distances at his first two runs but should have at least placed when heading to town and jumping 500m in trip. The son of Manhattan Rain improved well from the home turn to get within striking distance at the top of the straight before it went pear-shaped from there. Stewards noted St Vaduz was unable to get clear running from the 500m to the 250m before rider Beau Mertens had to ease St Vaduz again when a run closed again in front him. The most pleasing part was the way St Vaduz picked himself up and hit the line well late to almost pinch third. He'll only get better with racing so follow him on his staying path.

Career record (3:0-0-1).

Race to look for – 2YO or 3YO handicap at 1600m-plus.

LOVANI

This filly has really struck peak form in her last few runs and she should be able to notch another win or two in the next month after her fighting Flemington win. She was the only leader to win a race around a turn at the meeting because of the strong wind and she took all the honours on Saturday despite only scoring by a half-length. Jockey Luke Currie said she wasn't the easiest ride because she was so keen to stride in the early and middle stages but Lovani's fighting qualities enabled her to overcome a marked betting drift ($4.80 - $8) to score her second straight win. She's likely to find more favourable conditions next time out wherever she races and she can win again.

Career record (11:4-1-1).

Race to look for – 3YO race or restricted mares' race over 1400 – 1600m.

See a run you especially liked at Flemington? Let our audience know via the comments section.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at the Warwick Farm trials with some of the big banger older stars in action and some exciting rising three year-olds that include a filly that has potential superstar written all over her.
Hello Youmzain Filly Chasing Another Stakes Win
The Lisa Latta-trained pair of Platinum Diamond and Brutiful Lass will bid to end their juvenile season in perfect fashion at Otaki on Saturday when they tackle the Listed Phils Electrical & Gipsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m).
Sires With Winners - Friday July 25
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Expensive North Pacific Salutes at Geelong
The highest priced yearling for first season sire North Pacific, promising two year-old filly Angel Ladder opened her account with a tenacious win at Geelong on Friday.
Lookalike Star Turn Colt Franks Hot Form Race
When Angel Ladder won the first race at Geelong coming out of the VRC Next Gen Series Sprinters Final won by Jimmy Recard, you would think punters would have looked closely at Redders in the following event coming out of the same race, but he slipped under their guard.
Amelia’s Jewel Family Produces Wootton Bassett 2YO SW
Wootton Bassett (GB) added yet another new two year old stakes-winner to his tally overnight in Ireland with the Group III Silver Flash Stakes (7 ½ f) at Leopardstown going to a filly that is closely related to Aussie Group I winner Amelia’s Jewel.
Breeding To Win – Crystal Ball – New Season 3YOs to Follow
Who are we highlighting this week? - Analysis of the G1 winning 3YO’s for this season has made us realise how many horses on this list took giant strides from two to three, so we are looking into the crystal ball to find some juveniles we believe could end next season as G1 performers if not G1 winners.
Spring Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at Warwick Farm on Friday morning with a couple of heats for Group and Listed winners that included Lady Shenandaoh, Ceolwulf, plus Cups contender Sir Delius (GB).
Inglis Digital Now Online - G1 Winner Velocious the Star
The G1-winning Champion 2YO Velocious (Written Tycoon) has been joined by a host of outstanding racing and breeding prospects in a tantalising Inglis Digital July (Late) Online Sale catalogue.
Kiwi stayer Mark Twain on Comeback Trail
One-time Melbourne Cup fancy Mark Twain will make his first public appearance for more than 12 months when the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained gelding has an exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Saturday.