Saturday's Observations

Superb day of racing with a lot of good contests and many good performances. Bernardini, Lava Man, and Henny Hughes looked very good in thier final tuneups. Bernardini was all class and never broke a sweat but Lava Man was no slouch. He floored his rivals with a superb peice of acceleration around the turn. It looked like he was trying to emulate Aragorn, but he ended up overshadowing the crack miler as he went on to finish more impressively.

Henny Hughes is one of the more talented horses out there and he's all class.

I really felt for Film Maker. She just seemed unable to pick it up at the vital stage. But Honey Ryder has beaten her before, and she's no slouch. Great to see those two hooking up.

Fleet Indian I think will have won over a bunch of doubters with that performance. Rating from off the pace and getting a gut check against the very solid Balletto. She'll go to the BC as a fave with few holes. Balletto on the other hand is turning into to Perfect Drift. She has had her rivals in her sights a few times now but was unable to get by.

English Channel won for fun but I dont think he'll be laughing on BC day. He again looked quite rank and I dont think he has what it takes to win on the big day.

Circular Quay and Great Hunter now present some very interesting options. First of all Great Hunter looked very good and with his solid dirt for he'll go to CD with a huge shot. Circular Quay on the other hand looked as if he was struggling to find his best. Was it the surface or the distance? I think it may have been the surface.

Courtnall really got my attention with his grewat second place finish in the Oak Tree Mile. He was getting to Aragorn and with a better trip he may have actually gotten to him. A nice looking sleeper.

The Shadwell Mile entrants are all being tossed from BC consideration. I didnt like the race at all and I cant see myself using any of those horses on championship day

Most impressive performance: Bernardini
Most disappointing performance: Silent Name
Best under the radar performance: Courtnall