It was an unusually quiet day for the Racenet tipsters with Brad Waters finding the team's sole winner at Caulfield.
Resuming Group I Goodwood Handicap winner Vega Magic was found on top by Waters in Saturday's Listed Regal Roller (1200m).
The Hayes' and Dabernig-trained gelding was lumped with 60.5kg, however this proved of little importance.
Vega Magic ($2.70 fav) sprinted quickly under the big impost to set up a winning break from Darren Weir's Japanese import Brave Smash ($3.40) which closed strongly from back in the field with 54kg.
The pair left a big gap back to the third placed Santa Ana Lane, both clearly having a class edge on their rivals.
Vega Magic has been mentioned as a possible candidate to fill The Star's slot in the $10m The Everest (1200m) and only strengthened his claims with Saturday's impressive performance where he made it three wins on end.
Considering the narrow margin back to Brave Smash, and the margin of five to six lengths that the Japanese Group III winner spotted Vega Magic at the top of the straight, it would be no surprise to see the Darren Weir-trained galloper seriously considered by slot-holders to also line up in the $10m weight-for-age contest.
Despite only having the one winner, Laurie Sainsbury's each-way selection Life Less Ordinary ($10) is also worthy of a mention after an eye-catching second in the Broccolini Benchmark 90 Handicap (1400m) at Randwick.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding resumed in the event and charged home to only be beaten a quarter-of-a-length by stablemate Comin' Through.
Considering he finished runner-up behind Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's Stampede in the Listed Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) the start prior and is a winner up to 3200m, the six-year-old looks in for a good preparation.
HORSES TO FOLLOW
Ace High – This David Payne-trained colt was held up at a key stage in the Group III Up And Coming Stakes at Randwick. The son of High Chaparral only got out late and picked up again to finish fifth, beaten 2-3/4 lengths by Dracarys. Had the colt been able to build momentum into the race I'm confident he would have finished a lot closer. One to watch.
Brave Smash – Excellent first-up performance by this Darren Weir-trained Japanese import, closing strongly behind Group I winner Vega Magic. The money was there to suggest he would run well, and they were spot on. This could be one serious sprinter.
FORGIVE FILE
Arrestar – It was a horror watch for favourite backers in the Highway Handicap this week. The Matthew Dunn-trained three-year-old travelled sweetly but found nothing but backsides for the majority of the straight. When out late he closed well and it'd be no surprise to see him back in the winners stall next start.
Euro Angel – This Hawkes'-trained runner had very little luck finding clear galloping room in Saturday's Toy Show Quality. The daughter of Rip Van Winkle launched late when finding a gap to just miss Sweet Redemption and looks in for a good preparation based on that performance.
Petrossian – Petrossian settled towards the rear of the field and was caught wide, over-racing on a moderate tempo. His race was over soon after it began. He's been in great form of late and it may pay to stick with him.
SIN BIN
Vassal – Beaten a combined 22-lengths his past three starts and despite placing on Saturday, I'll be betting around him. Blinkers were applied on the weekend and that saw some improvement but not enough for me to want to back him. His last win came last February and since then he hasn't looked likely.
