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Monday Blackbook the lightly-raced youngsters out of Geelong on Saturday says Stephen Brassel

Blackbook time following Saturday’s inaugural Coastal Classic meeting at Geelong and we may have seen some future big race winners and some we definitely need to follow through the summer and autumn.

Stephen Brassel
3 min read
January 8, 2024 - 8:54AM
Carbonados wins the SCAADA Group 3YO Handicap at Geelong. Picture: Reg Ryan–Racing Photos via Getty Images
Carbonados wins the SCAADA Group 3YO Handicap at Geelong. Picture: Reg Ryan–Racing Photos via Getty Images

Saturday’s inaugural Coastal Classic meeting at Geelong may have unearthed some future big race winners, and some we definitely need to include in our Monday Blackbook.

FIVE TO FOLLOW

STAY FOCUSED (Race 2)

Had trialled up well for his debut and impressive beating the Waterhouse/Bott-trained Trunk, that stable win nearly every 2YO race they contest so it was no small feat to beat the second favourite. Intentions were to lead but he ended up leaders back and wanting to overrace but when he saw clear air in the straight he was strong through the line. He’s qualified for the Blue Diamond now and not surprising is high up in the markets.

CEERSEVEN (Race 3)

Everybody is blackbooking this bloke off the back of his first-up run and it’s not surprising. The track was playing to the leaders and Ceerseven has come from last, struck trouble before charging through the line over the 1400m to grab third with those upfront dominating. The four-year-old is lightly raced with only seven starts and look for him over a touch more ground next time.

CARBONADOS (Race 5)

Certainly one of the obvious follows from the day but it’s all about backing winners and this bloke looks bomb proof – but how far can he go? Only time will tell obviously but he was impressive enough although we need to temper it with the fact he ‘only’ beat Spicy Margs who is limited. The Australian Guineas is being suggested and he may well measure up but one step at a time. Nice horse though.

SOAR BEYOND (Race 5)

Out of the same race at Carbonados and caught the eye, getting home nicely for third. He was having his first run back from a spell and he went out after finishing strongly to win at Kyneton. By Savabeel out of a High Chaparral mare he’s going to be much better over more ground than 1100m and I wouldn’t be afraid to back him at much longer odds when the Australian Guineas markets are framed.

BELLINGER (Race 6)

Tried to do the impossible and come from last after drawing the outside barrier. Jockey Luke Currie had no choice than to go back to last and pray for luck but that wasn’t happening. He stuck to the rails and only shifted out mid-straight to go around one horse making good ground down the running only to find a dead end near the finish. Only beaten a length by the progressive Rey Magnerio – he’s no star, but his turn will come soon.

CRUNCH TIME

FRETTA (Race 1)

On face value she was disappointing despite only being beaten a length into second placing. Sure to improve off the run but still the next run will tell us more.

SPERANZOSO (Race 4)

Led at a controlled tempo and that was the place to be in the staying contest but he was only ‘just’ down the straight. Has he reached his level?

BERMADEZ (Race 8)

Starting to get a bit of ‘Tom Melbourne’ about him with second placings his three starts thus preparation. Still he was good enough behind Holymanz to say he could top the podium soon.

PLEASE FORGIVE

CERSEVEN (Race 3)

Restrained at start, held up between the 500m and the 250m, made contact with another runner. Stewards questioned tactics and riding from the 400m. Lots to say regarding ‘back me next time’.

BOLDINHO (Race 7)

Coming off four wins in his previous five starts Boldinho was backed into favouritism but finished fifth. However, he can forgiven after racing on a hot speed throughout and the other leader finished nine lengths behind him.

FRENCHMANS BAY (Race 10)

Finished second but probably should have finished closer. He was three wide with no cover until the 800m before working to the lead then he ran about in the straight.

STEWARDS SAY

JOCKEYS

Jye McNeil copped a couple of severe reprimands, one for caress riding and another for consecutive whip strikes while Damian Lane was in the crosshairs for careless riding before escaping with a reprimand. Mitch Aitken was fined $400 for being overweight on Prairie Flower in the Black Pearl.

TRAPEZE WARRIOR (Race 5)

Heavily backed favourite but could finish only fourth however he was found to be lame in the off hind leg.

KEANE ENUFF (Race 6)

Finished second last but expect improvement next time after a decent mention in the stewards for getting held up from the 250m to the finish.

SISTERHOOD (Race 10)

Was poor finishing at the tail in the last race but there may have been excuses as a post-race scope detected a throat condition which may have affected the mares racing performance.

Originally published as Monday Blackbook the lightly-raced youngsters out of Geelong on Saturday says Stephen Brassel

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/horse-racing/vic-racing/monday-blackbook-the-lightlyraced-youngsters-out-of-geelong-on-saturday-says-stephen-brassel/news-story/687aa4f6116d8385ca58f502c26302eb