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Racebook: Gilbert Gardiner’s blackbookers and forgive file from Mornington

Herald Sun racing writer Gilbert Gardiner runs his eye over Saturday’s Mornington meeting finding five horses to follow and forgive from the card.

Gilbert GardinerGilbert Gardiner
@gilbertgardiner
2 min read
April 21, 2025 - 10:20AM
War Machine (closest) goes down narrowly to The Instructor in the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington on Saturday. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images
War Machine (closest) goes down narrowly to The Instructor in the Hareeba Stakes at Mornington on Saturday. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Herald Sun racing writer Gilbert Gardiner runs his eye over Saturday’s Mornington meeting finding five horses to follow and forgive from the card.

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FIVE TO FOLLOW

WAR MACHINE (2nd, Race 9)

Nice return and nothing but upside for the emerging sprinter. A touch unlucky in the run, three back the rail and forced to work off heels around the home turn. Pinned the ears back and let down strongly under jockey Declan Bates to charge at the leader and winner THE INSTRUCTOR only to miss by the bare margin.

SUANCES (unplaced, Race 2)

Went back to last from the wide draw and traffic in the straight only compounded matters. Travelled decent to the turn, appeared to be a lapful of horse under jockey Ben Melham, but pocketed behind and between horses. Picked up again once clear inside the last 100m.

RESET THE JAZZ (2nd Race 3)

Almost pinched the race at only second start in 16 months but the race fit VERDAD proved too good late. Reset The Jazz showed above average ability early in his career and could recapture that form quickly.

MARY ELIZA (unplaced, Race 7)

Back in the ruck and held up at the top of the straight. No luck whatsoever first-up in a muddling run race. Only first-up on Saturday so should take fitness benefit out of the experience. Good effort from STORM SEASON (2nd) also, jumped well and travelled on speed contrary to recent performances. Under pressure approaching the home bend but stuck to the task in a blanket finish.

THAMES (2nd, Race 6)

Finished strongly once clear inside the last 150m but leader and winner BRIDAL WALTZ off and gone in track record time with a weight advantage on Thames to boot. Placed in her past four starts now, including three seconds in a row, and must be considered wherever she heads to next.

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FORGIVE

BERKSHIRE BREEZE (4th, Race 8)

Big track horse not entirely suited around the tight-turning Mornington circuit. Gave the speed a start and worked into contention but unable to build momentum sharply enough in the straight. Flemington is his go.

SNEAKY SUNRISE (4th, Race 7)

Wide without cover and at her top a long way from home. Crabbed around the tight home turn a bit but once balanced up again regathered momentum to build to the line nicely again.

PROMISES KEPT (unplaced, Race 4)

End of prep? Faded out of contention quickly in the 3200m Adelaide Cup the start prior and more of the same at Mornington in a solidly-run 2000m event. Promises Kept, runner-up in the Hobart and Launceston cups earlier in the year.

PRANCING SPIRIT (2nd, Race 10)

Held up slightly approaching the home bend and while he got out in time to challenge the winner NAMESAKE was able to build through gears with momentum and pinch a margin. Prancing Spirit rallied again late to get within a long head. Hard fit and should be winning again soon.

Originally published as Racebook: Gilbert Gardiner’s blackbookers and forgive file from Mornington

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/horse-racing/vic-racing/gilbert-gardiners-blackbookers-and-forgive-file-from-mornington/news-story/d918dc98d4fd96a5f6709824c031c43c