Adam
22 October 2024
THE EVEREST
To say BELLA NIPOTINA (105.4) was a deserved winner of the now Group 1 Everest is an understatement. She came through the weaker lead in (The Premiere), and that, coupled with the barrier, likely left most punters (myself included) willing to take the risk on her.
As stated in the preview, she is bomb proof from a performance perspective, and you will be hard pressed to find a blemish in the book on ratings. Her worst margin in the last 365 days is 2.3L to Imperatriz in the William Reid earlier this year.
Whether under instruction or initiative, the ride by Williams was the reason she won. On paper, it didn't appear a high pressure race, and the decision to ride forward was genius. She is G1 performed at 1400m, proven early speed, coming in rock hard fit, the risk to reward scenario was well in favour.
Despite being kept deep, her distance strength, fitness, and the even tempo all played to her advantage. A remarkable horse, having contested and performed all over the country this year, and now a four time Group 1 WFA winner.
GIGA KICK (105.2) was seemingly racing below his best leading into the big race, however the prep profile was something you could warm to off a long spell. Two slowly run races, recording an overall figure to his Danehill run before winning this race in 2022. I am not brave enough to say he wins had he not dipped over the concluding stages, however it would have made for a very close photo.
JOLIESTAR (102.2) recorded the biggest 'Sustained Acceleration' rating in the race, and in blasphemous style, commenting on the ride of Sydney's leading jock, the ride from McDonald was poor, costing her a placing - and maybe even the win - but we will never know. Her performance figure (103) has her finishing 3rd, and had there been just a little bit of urgency early, following Storm Boy through prior to Stefi Magnetica crossing, she likely holds a very good spot in run.
KING CHARLES III STAKES
A little bit of drama post race, with PRIDE OF JENNI owner, Tony Ottobre going to the stewards, querying the tactics of Hyeronimous on Major Beel. Reviewed, thrown out, and rightfully so. There was no improper riding and there is enough pointed logic in the early tactics employed, and whilst maybe didn't come off for the stable, it certainly didn't hinder the chances of PRIDE OF JENNI. (107.6)
If anything, I believe she has had an off day. She did show her customary early speed, however it was the slow down through the middle that tells me she wasn't at her top. Her prior wins at the mile, she has busted them completely to the 800m and fallen in or maintained a very high cruise through the early and mid stages, and boxed on ok.
CEOLWULF (109.2) has now stamped himself as a Tier 1 Group 1 horse, having won the Epsom (HCP) leading in, now holding WFA glory through the KING CHARLES III. His progress through the prep said he could measure up, and now putting a string of Group ratings together (KINGSTON TOWN: 104.4, EPSOM: 107.2, KING CHARLES III: 109.2), he is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with going forward.
All ratings and figures are derived from in house Racing Intel ©️ database, built on premiere racing software "Rapro", using verified times supplied by Daily Sectionals.