The Group 2 Villiers Stakes was the feature race of the day at Royal Randwick with plenty to talk about. There was also feature racing at Doomben for horses heading to the rich Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast in January.
We have analysed every meeting from across the country to see just what we could take away from the weekend of racing.
1 – Zoustyle Best Ever?
The unbeaten Zoustar gelding received high praises after he won his fifth race from as many starts. Trainer Tony Gollan declared that Zoustyle could be the most special horse he has ever trained as he won his first black type race beating some nice three year old’s. Jockey Brad Stewart has partnered Zoustyle in all five of his race starts and explained that, on potential, he is the most exciting horse he has ever ridden. Zoustyle won the Gold Edition Plate in slick time, only 0.35 seconds outside of Takeover Target’s track record. He is not Magic Millions eligible but may be back in two weeks in the Vo Rogue Plate.
2 – Mark Zahra Refreshed And At His Best
Mark Zahra recently returned from a little hiatus and we thought he might have still been in holiday mode at the 350m in the sixth race at HQ aboard Declares War. The three year old colt by Declaration Of War seemingly had nowhere to go and had to check over plenty of heels before bursting through when Zahra found a gap. It was an impressive win and a very patient ride by Zahra who ended with a treble for the day. Declares War was moved into $17 in Magic Millions 3 Year Old Guineas betting however Darren Weir sounded keen to get him out to the 2000m and beyond.
3 – From Rockhampton To The Gold Coast
After a dominant win in her racing debut at Rockhampton by over five lengths, Better Reflection was sent south by trainer John Wigginton to be tested against the better two year olds. It’s safe to say she passed the test after the Better Than Ready filly stormed over the top of her rivals to score in the Calaway Gal Stakes. She worked through the line really well and was moved onto the forth line of betting for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic after the win.
4 – Sky Is The Limit
Despite winning his last four races, there were doubts on Sky Boy making the big jump in grade in the Group 2 Villiers Stakes at Royal Randwick. There is no doubting his ability now after he won his first black type race in outstanding fashion. What made the win even more impressive was that he was dropping sharply in distance and the mile is not his ideal trip. We know now that he can mix it with the better horses over the 1600m and he has been $51 into $21 to win the 2019 Doncaster Handicap.
5 – A Half Hour To Remember
Australian Bloodstock must have though all their Christmas’s had come at once after winning back to back races at Randwick. They had every right to head into the day confident with the progressive gelding Our Century who had been racing consistently however they were pleasantly surprised to see Star Reflection win the third race at a huge $60! Star Reflection was bought for a mere $5,000 by the lads at Australian Bloodstock and has now won owners $279,871 (not including winnings from Saturday)! Approximately half an hour later, they were again cheering as Our Century relished the step up to 2400m to top off a great day for the team.