Monday Rewind: State-by-state expert analysis on who to circle and who to bin

OUR experts look back at their metropolitan meetings in their respective backyards on Saturday and give us their assessment of the best and worst performers.

James Orman times Cruising Speed’s run to perfection to get the better of their rivals at Doomben on Saturday. Picture: Mark Cranitch

OUR experts look back at their metropolitan meetings in their respective backyards on Saturday and give us their assessment of the best and worst performers.

Nathan Exelby (The Courier Mail)

Doomben

BLITZED

Cruising Speed had a potentially tricky draw at Doomben, but James Orman managed to put the filly into a lovely trailing spot and had her poised at the right time.

BACK

Even though beaten at Doomben, Oberland proved conclusively he’s a genuine Saturday horse and he should go through his grades now.

Man Of His Word kept getting dragged back from the bad gate at Doomben and hit the line as expected. Looks a horse likely to be suited by the bigger spaces of Eagle Farm and will easily measure up to older horses now.

Lovely Australian debut by Singing at Canterbury. Connections had warned he was short on race fitness and that cost him late.

SACK

Bourbon Road found a nice enough spot at Doomben but was in trouble on the turn and went backwards. Looks like he needs easier now.

Money was there to say Burleigh Road take running down, but gave ground. Admittedly, it was a pressure race at Doomben, but others around her did better.

Bold Sniper came to Australia with some imposing formlines but has been mostly disappointing. Weak effort at Flemington when more was expected.

James Orman after his peach ride on Cruising Speed. Picture: Mark Cranitch

THIS WEEK

Tuesday: Beaudesert, Warren, Wyong, Pakenham.

Wednesday: Eagle Farm, Canterbury, Sandown, Balaklava, Belmont, Darwin.

Thursday: Townsville, Gosford, Ballarat, Northam.

Friday: Ipswich, Port Macquarie, Canberra, Geelong, Carnarvon.

Saturday: Doomben, Rosehill, Caulfield, Morphettville, Belmont, Toowoomba, Townsville, Coonabarabran, Newcastle, Devonport, Darwin.

Sunday: Sunshine Coast, Gundagai, Quirindi, Pakenham, Wodonga, Gawler, Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland.

THE TALKING POINT

The fate of ‘Ride Guide.’ What started as a goodwill venture to educate punters and add money to the coffers of the National Jockeys’ Trust has turned into a nightmare, with all corners of the industry weighing in on its merits and pitfalls. There’s no doubt the idea, in the right format and promoted through the right channels, has genuine merit. Where it ends up is now the subject of no doubt heated discussions.

Business as usual: Craig Williams walks the track at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images

THE QUOTE

“I will do anything to ride next Saturday.”

— Craig Williams after changing his plea to guilty, enabling him to receive a six-day suspension and hence ride at this week’s season finale, where he looks likely to wrap up the Melbourne Premiership.

Ben Scadden (The Advertiser)

Morphettville

BLITZED

It was another terrific win by Cavaloce at Morphettville on Saturday, her second from only two starts for new trainer Will Clarken. Jockey Jamie Kah found the best going near the outside rail and Cavaloce did the rest, storming home to win impressively. She’s likely to have at least one more run before tackling the $100,000 Balaklava Cup at the end of August.

BLUNDERED

Pomp gave Hong Kong apprentice Kei Chiong an inglorious start to her four-week riding stint in Adelaide. Chiong sent Pomp forward to find the lead from his outside gate but that effort took his toll and he faded into last in the seven-horse field.

Season to remember: Jamie Kah has been in superb form this year. Picture: Atkins Photography

HOT

Jamie Kah was the jockey of the day, claiming a winning treble. She’s had a great season and has now ridden 106 winners for the 2015-16 period, surpassing her previous best of 104 in 2012-13.

NOT

Trainer Richard Jolly looked to have a strong team for Saturday’s Morphettville meeting — but it turned out to be a frustrating day for the leading horseman, with his best results two second placings (Optimize and Our Exchange) and a third (Go The Journey).

HORSES TO FOLLOW

It was an extraordinary win by Miss Joolia, who was a conspicuous last at the top of the home straight but stormed home when Emily Finnegan got her to the outside. Keep following her.

Alabama Missile only ran fifth of seven in the main sprint race on Saturday but she was doing her best work late to be beaten just a length. She’s good enough to win a similar race when conditions suit.

Michael Manley (Herald Sun)

Flemington

BLITZED

The amazing crop of apprentices led on Saturday by Ben Thompson. Brandon Stockdale, Ben Allen and Michael Dee all showcased their talents with wins.

Craig Williams again was in great form with a double.

BLUNDERED

Voodoo Lad again. Fired up before the race and although in contention throughout never looked like he was likely to win.

HOT

Jason Benbow took advantage of a rare chance in town and reminded trainers of his ability getting Astro Castro up to win the last race at $101. It was his first city winner for the season.

Michael Dee continues his impressive form in the saddle as he pilots Royal Rapture to victory. Picture: Getty Images

NOT

Daniela Rosa — Given a perfect ride by Jake Bayliss and looked to have the race won but didn’t finish race off. Bayliss said she didn’t run the 1800m out and was better off at 1600m.

HORSES TO FOLLOW

Single Note — Building to a city win. Sat wide and looked a winning chance before tiring in the last little bit when beaten less than a length behind Stylemaker. That was her first run this time over 1400m and will be better for that.

Lord Durante — Another sound run from this reliable galloper. Surely adds another win to his tally shortly.

Originally published as Monday Rewind: State-by-state expert analysis on who to circle and who to bin