William Reid Stakes Day Review

Wednesday, 27 March 2024 by Gavin Haynes

Is the Kiwi star going as well as in the Spring

The first piece of Black type was R2  the Listed Valley Pearl for the 2yo's and for those that played the strong debut numbers of Growing Empire held up, we had $2.20 and he was too strong winning at $4.40 but 88/84 was a big step down from his 96/97 over 1100m on debut.. Nothing else here raises the eyebrows.

The next piece of Black type was R5, The G2 Sunline for the Fillies & Mares. The winner Eternal Flame has gone to a whole new level this campaign following her G3 win  last start where she rated 100/103 with 101/104. Runner Up Rumbled Again  was 6 lengths off her at previous start when she bounced to the moon off 98/108 which was behind Magnaspin who franked it with a win in the first. Top pick Campionessa coming off a 9 furlong G2 win ran 3rd rating 95/100 when not truly suited dropping back to the mile. Roll On High ran 4th rating 93/97 and should be ready to peak next time out getting onto a bigger track.

R6 was the G3 Alexandra and Fav Mollykickers never looked likely and was very disappointing with 76/87. The winner Vibrant Sun we rated $10.30 and she was $13 to $10 with 99/107 a huge step up and she has gone to a new level this time in. Runner Up Grinzinger Belle surprised after winning for us first up but neg splitting she struggled at next start when just a bit of 2nd up syndrome. 97/101 was good and they had 4 lengths on 3rd.

R7 was the G2 Alister Clark for the 3yo's and the winner was hard to find in Kiwi Antrim Coast but I will be the first to admit she did get under my guard as she was off a G1 Oaks 2nd behind star Orchestral where she rated 95/99 I just didnt think that 400m drop back in trip was in her favour. 100/96 was good and I assume she now heads to Sydney.. Our 1 x 3 play was another Kiwi in Quintessa and she ran 2nd with 100/100 and was the run of the race. Sandgroper Zipaway returned to best with 96/98. 4th placed Verdad was the only runner worth talking about with a sound 94/94.

R8 was the G1 William Reid and star mare Impreitriz made it 19 from 26 and 10 at the highest level but again a little disappointing on the clock by her high standards with 104/106 after 105/107 first up. I agree with Brad Davidson she isnt going as well as she was in the Spring. She will need to find that best if she is to win the TJ Smith. Runner Up Johnny Rocker  was 100/1 to 60/1 and ran a career best 103/106 and the fact he got within a head of the winner confirms my fears that the winner isnt at very best.

R9 was the G3 Fillies Classic and my advice was to stay out and that proved sage advice with the winner Gumdrops light in my market 92/88 was hardly groundbreaking. Runner Up Moesha was 87/84 again didnt raise the eyebrows.

We head to Flemington next Saturday for Australia Cup day and another cracking days racing