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Monday Racebook: Brad Waters’ horses to follow, forgive from Geelong on Saturday

Form analyst Brad Waters says Saturday’s Coastal Classic meeting at Geelong was a solid off-season card that can produce a few runners to follow in the coming weeks.

Brad Waters
4 min read
January 6, 2025 - 6:00AM
Danxia (circled) was excellent behind Sweethearted at Geelong on Saturday. Picture: Reg Ryan / Racing Photos
Danxia (circled) was excellent behind Sweethearted at Geelong on Saturday. Picture: Reg Ryan / Racing Photos

Saturday’s Coastal Classic meeting at Geelong was a solid off-season card that can produce a few runners to follow in the coming weeks.

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FIVE TO FOLLOW

GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS (1.5-length 2nd of 10, Race 1)
Stepped up from a maiden win at Colac to a Benchmark 70 race in Saturday grade but did a terrific job. She was caught wide for the first half of the race before working forward to lead at the 1000. Her rider upped the tempo at the 700m and the Andrew Bobbin-trained mare tried her heart out in the straight, only going down late to the Ciaron Maher-trained Goldenstatewarrior. There’s another win in her soon.

HOLA AMIGOS (1.6-length 3rd of 8, Race 3)
The consistent performer made a strong start to his summer campaign with his third at Geelong. He tracked the winner Capricorn Star most of the way but was held up behind him on the home turn. Jockey Jason Maskiell had trouble getting Hola Amigos fully clear until the last 150m from where the gelding ran on well late. Note, he’s unbeaten second-up.

LETHAL THOUGHTS (1.9-length 5th of 10, Race 6)
Resumed resumed for the Ciaron Maher stable at Geelong on Saturday, showing with the way he finished off that he was in for another consistent preparation. The gelding was beaten a touch for speed early and raced at the rear but chased well from the home turn, knuckling down to make ground late. He should improve off that.

VAGRANT (3.3-length 9th of 10, Race 9)
The mare stepped out for her second run this time in after winning a Horsham trial before heading to Geelong. Vagrant had little luck when caught three and four-wide throughout the race but worked home well under 59kg to finish 3-¼ lengths from the winner, Romantic Choice. She is a 1400m winner and trainer Mitch Freedman can find a suitable race for her soon.

DANXIA (1.8-length 4th of 10, Race 10)
Had only won a Geelong maiden before resuming in a strong race on Saturday. The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr-trained gelding settled midfield and looked a chance halfway down the straight before peaking on his run late. He’ll improve sharply for that run and there’s a win or two coming for him soon.

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PLEASE FORGIVE

SAMURAI (7.6-length 6th of 8, Race 2)
Started as the $3.10 favourite but had no luck in the early stages, being posted three-wide without cover to the home turn while the leaders – including eventual winner Maisy – controlled proceedings up front. Samurai had to tire in the straight and duly did so but his previous form showed he’s worth another chance back at provincial level.

LOFTY THOUGHTS (3.3-length 3rd of 9, Race 4)
Big, strong youngster that was well-backed on debut but didn’t have much luck when held up on the home turn but got a bit lost when asked to quicken in the last 150m. However, the two-year-old will improve significantly with the race experience and can atone in his next couple of starts.

SHE’S BULLETPROOF (0.3-length 2nd of 10, Race 9)
The Charlotte Littlefield-trained mare went down narrowly in the Black Pearl Stakes but punters shouldn’t be disheartened with her effort. She was drawn on the inside side and tried to get through on the inside of the winner, which was inferior ground. She’s worth another chance next time out.

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TRACK TALK

“I’ve always sort of chipped in my part every Thursday morning for gallops and I’ve been sticking my neck in there for a good while now, so it’s great to be a part of Ciaron’s team and be getting winners for him.” — Jockey THOMAS STOCKDALE is relishing riding for the Ciaron Maher stable.

“Motty’s done a good job to get to the weight and he’s a good mate of mine, and it’s just good to be able to keep the association going.” — Trainer CLAYTON DOUGLAS was thrilled his mate Jamie Mott was able to ride in-form sprinter Title Fighter to his win at Geelong.

“She’s got a bit of attitude this horse. Once she got beside it and in front of it, she sort of pinned her ears back in, turned her head in towards her.” — Jockey BEAU MERTENS said Hearcomesthestar showed her mean streak in her narrow win at Geelong.

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STEWARDS SAY

ECO WARRIOR (15.3-length 9th of 10, Race 1): Pulled up lame in the near foreleg.

BRAWL (20.8-length 10th of 10, Race 1): Lost both hind plates.

LAFARGUE (Late scratching, Race 5): Danny O’Brien stable to provide stewards with video evidence of successful loading in barriers and must complete a jumpout and a trial before being allowed to race again.

ROBRICK (4.2-length 6th of 10, Race 6): Stood flat footed at the start and lost five lengths. Must trial before being able to race again.

Jockey JAMIE MOTT suspended for seven meetings for careless riding on Lofty Thoughts in the Geelong Diamond.

Jockey DANIEL MOOR suspended for 10 meetings for careless riding on Regor in the Geelong Diamond.

CLEO CAT (1.5-length 6th of 10, Race 9): Suffered from heat illness.

Jockey JARROD FRY fined $3000 for overuse of the whip on Black Pearl Stakes winner Romantic Choice.

Jockey SAFFRON OSBORNE suspended for 10 meetings after she was found guilty of careless riding on Pharari in the Black Pearl Stakes.

Originally published as Monday Racebook: Brad Waters’ horses to follow, forgive from Geelong on Saturday

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