BAGOT HANDICAP
Results
Great edition of the Bagot, and 2800m at Flemington can see MURAMASA (1) find his best. He has this frustrating habit of hitting a flat spot when winding up before coming again late which was the case again in the Pakenham Cup last time. Out to 2800m here on the big track suits and he meets GOLDMAN (2) 2kg better from last start. GOLDMAN was very brave there when leading throughout, back to something like his best which saw him a one-time Melbourne Cup favourite. No issue with 2800m for him, he'll give an almighty sight. GRAND PIERRO (5) headed Goldman at Pakenham but couldn't quite put him away. He struggles to win but is racing very well. Interesting watch on INTERPRETATION (3) who we haven't seen since running 15th in the Melbourne Cup. He's arguably the best horse in the race at his best but this might be a tune up for a NZ tilt. NEWFOUNDLAND (7) is racing well, next best.
Visit TAB.COM.AUGreat edition of the Bagot, and 2800m at Flemington can see MURAMASA (1) find his best. He has this frustrating habit of hitting a flat spot when winding up before coming again late which was the case again in the Pakenham Cup last time. Out to 2800m here on the big track suits and he meets GOLDMAN (2) 2kg better from last start. GOLDMAN was very brave there when leading throughout, back to something like his best which saw him a one-time Melbourne Cup favourite. No issue with 2800m for him, he'll give an almighty sight. GRAND PIERRO (5) headed Goldman at Pakenham but couldn't quite put him away. He struggles to win but is racing very well. Interesting watch on INTERPRETATION (3) who we haven't seen since running 15th in the Melbourne Cup. He's arguably the best horse in the race at his best but this might be a tune up for a NZ tilt. NEWFOUNDLAND (7) is racing well, next best.
Useful gelding. Last start 3rd of 10 at Pakenham in the LR Pakenham Cup on December 21 over 2500m, 0.7 len behind Goldman carrying 58.5kg at $3.30. Before that 9th of 16 at Ballarat in the LR Brat Cup on December 7 over 2000m, 4 len behind Berkeley Square with 58.5kg at $10. Looks very well suited to the track and trip, can atone.
Most recently won by a neck at Pakenham LR Pakenham Cup December 21 over 2500m defeating Grand Pierro with 56kg at $8.50. The run before that 7th of 13 at Rosehill in the LR Atc Cup on November 30 over 2000m, slow going 7 len behind Floating with 57kg at $21. Very tough last time, will take a power of catching.
Useful gelding. Comes off a 57 day let-up. At the latest run 15th of 23 at this track in the G1 Melb Cup on November 5 over 3200m, 7 len behind Knight's Choice with 50kg at $21. The start before that 2nd of 13 at Geelong in the G3 Geel Cup on October 23 over 2400m, 2.25 len behind Onesmoothoperator with 54kg at $21. Interesting placement but his best would just about win this.
Second-up. First-up after two months 9th of 11 at Randwick in the LR Christmas Cup on December 14 over 2400m, 7 len behind Kadavar carrying 53kg at $16. Previously second-up 2nd of 12 at Eagle Farm in the LR Qld Cup on October 12 over 2400m, 3 len behind Nikau Spur with 60kg at $9. Need to see again.
Racing well. At the latest run made ground from midfield; 2nd of 10 at Pakenham in the LR Pakenham Cup on December 21 over 2500m, neck behind Goldman carrying 54kg at $19. The race before that made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 14 at Caulfield Bm84 on November 30 over 2400m, on a slow track; 1.2 len behind Kadavar with 59.5kg at $26. Very good last time, strong each way hope.
At the latest run second last of 11 at Randwick in the LR Christmas Cup on December 14 over 2400m, 16 len behind Kadavar with 53kg at $61. The start before that 7th of 11 at Newcastle in the LR Beauford on November 16 over 2300m, 3 len behind Nikau Spur carrying 53kg at $19. Would have to improve.
Form hard to fault. Comes off a 57 day let-up. Last start 2nd of 16 at this track Bm96 on November 5 over 2800m, 0.5 len behind Garachico carrying 53kg at $5.50. Before that favourite; won by a long-neck at Warwick Farm Bm72 October 16 over 2400m in soft going defeating Tajanis carrying 60.5kg at $2.50. Racing well, wouldn't shock.
Returns from a 31-day let-up. Last start 5th of 14 at Warrnambool Jericho Cup on December 1 over 4600m, on rain affected going; 27 len behind Farag with 70kg at $4. The race before that scored a big 6 len win at Moonee Valley Bm78 Hwgt November 15 over 3800m defeating Reddivo carrying 68.5kg at $6.50. Not keen on her chances.
Last start favourite; came from midfield and won by 1.5 len at Cranbourne Bm64 December 20 over 2580m defeating Heir To The Throne carrying 62kg at $2.60. The race before that favourite; won by a neck at Ballarat Bm64 November 14 over 2600m defeating Tewkesbury with 60kg at $6. Hard to have in this tough line-up.
Most recently 2nd of 9 at Moonee Valley Bm74 on December 6 over 2500m, 1.0 len behind Roaring Engine with 55kg at $7. The run before that ran on strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 9 at Moonee Valley F&M Bm70 on November 22 over 2040m, 2.25 len behind Piplup carrying 58kg at $7. Racing well but this looks too tough.