War Affair – really talented sort
The hotly anticipated first leg of the 4yo series, the $300 000 Gr2 Stewards Cup (1400m), turned out to be a real test for our reigning horse of the year, War Affair. He raced 3/4 lengths wide for the entire race and when asked to quicken made heavy weather of hitting the front, writes Gareth Pepper.
I suppose it was an admirable victory if you take into account War Affair did things the hard way. His stablemate Happy Money led for most of the way and put in a brilliant run to finish 2nd, but it was Knight Wager from the Clements yard that caught the eye.
He ran a game 3rd after settling near the rear of the field. The lightly raced gelding is one to mark down in the black book as I feel he will only get better with racing and distance too.
Rodd Fires
Michael Rodd – in hot form
With our champion jockey Manoel Nunes out for a month serving a suspension for retuning to scale underweight, Australian rider Michael Rodd stepped up to the plate this weekend.
He won on all four of his rides on Friday night and continued his good form by winning on his first ride on Sunday.
His total for the weekend reads 8 rides, 5 winners, a 2nd, two 3rds and a 5th.
Many pundits are of the opinion that if he could ride at the minimum weights he would give Nunes a run for his money but the likeable rider is still making his presence felt and is currently 2nd on the log.
Who knows, perhaps he could bag a few more winners and maybe we could be in for a thrilling finish to the season?
I hope so, as competition is always good.
Binglar Mosaka
Binglar Mosaka – sad news
On Monday I received the terrible news that my Tellytrack colleague Binglar Mosaka had passed away.
After fighting diabetes for the last few years, he has unfortunately lost the battle. I will always be grateful to Binglar for helping me become a better presenter.
We didn’t always see eye to eye and had many arguments. But we did spend many night shifts together at the studio and although he was hard on me, I will always appreciate that he made me want to be better. He also always advised me on ways to improve and always had me laughing.
I extend my deepest condolences to his family. He will be sadly missed. Hit them hard up there Bings.
Till next time.
