On The Watch
Brutal’s impressive late season debut victory was also stunning on the watch
After being a bit slow to move, Brutal had the pace to recover quickly from barrier three and soon made his way through under Dwayne Dunn to lead. The colt then travelled really comfortably, dashed clear shortly after turning for home and went on to win easily by a big margin from the Lindsay Park-trained... Read More
More from On The Watch
Everest slot-holders remain cautious despite Nature Strip’s fast mid-race sectionals
Nature Strip is a rising young star and his win was smart at Flemington on Saturday but concerns were raised about the level of his ratings, and his racing manners after seemingly going more keenly than usual. But Nature Strip did win, and win comfortably, by a length and a half in taking out his... Read More
Tony Nicconi runs fast early sectionals in impressive debut victory
After suffering shin soreness earlier in the season, Tony Nicconi had his first race start in the Keno Let’s Play Two-Year-Old Handicap (1200m) and after beginning well from his outside barrier (10), he was forced to work in the early stages before racing outside the leader at a strong tempo. Luke Nolen dashed Tony Nicconi... Read More
Nature Strip has sound claims for The Everest? – ratings say ‘no’ while sectional times say ‘yes’
Having his first start for leading trainer Darren Weir, Nature Strip showed tremendous pace and talent to lead throughout for an impressive four and a half length win, albeit in a three-year-old handicap (1100m). Subsequently rated 118+ by Timeform, Nature Strip has a long way to reach the rating level of the inaugural The Everest... Read More
Is Toulouse set to follow established path of David Payne-trained three-year-old stayers?
That seems a big call with Toulouse only breaking through for his first win in four starts at Rosehill on Saturday, but On The Watch feels he has demonstrated sufficient quality to suggest that he has sound prospects of reaching a much higher level in the new season, especially over longer distances. Having his first... Read More
Santa Ana Lane shows his quality in coming off strong pace to win Stradbroke Handicap
Racing midfield on the rails, Santa Ana Lane tracked a quick tempo on the heavy 8 track set by the free-running leader Perast (Snitzel) which resulted in fast mid-race 600 metre sectional (from the 1000m) of 34.74. Ben Melham skilfully steered Santa Ana Lane along the inner rounding the home turn, before drawing away over... Read More