GEORGE WATSON HANDICAP
Results
COTTON TREE (11) ran well fresh at Geelong over 1726m, no match for a smart winner but sticking on well for second. He meets that horse again here but should have taken plenty of fitness improvement and Shinn sticks with him. THE WESTERN FRONT (9) went straight past Cotton Tree at Geelong, edging him for favouritism which was justified. He's very progressive and should love Flemington although he will likely be back close to last again. ET TU BRUTE (8) took a few runs to hit his straps but won well at Bendigo over 1600m last time out, and will appreciate even more ground this time around. He should measure up strongly. CYCLONE HARMONY (4) is racing well and an each way hope but lacks the upside of a few. BLUSHING TYCOON (5) won well enough fresh and could figure.
Visit TAB.COM.AUCOTTON TREE (11) ran well fresh at Geelong over 1726m, no match for a smart winner but sticking on well for second. He meets that horse again here but should have taken plenty of fitness improvement and Shinn sticks with him. THE WESTERN FRONT (9) went straight past Cotton Tree at Geelong, edging him for favouritism which was justified. He's very progressive and should love Flemington although he will likely be back close to last again. ET TU BRUTE (8) took a few runs to hit his straps but won well at Bendigo over 1600m last time out, and will appreciate even more ground this time around. He should measure up strongly. CYCLONE HARMONY (4) is racing well and an each way hope but lacks the upside of a few. BLUSHING TYCOON (5) won well enough fresh and could figure.
Most recently rolled along in front before being edged out 3rd of 9 at Caulfield Heath Bm70 on December 14 over 1800m, 2.75 len behind Bon Mistress with 60kg at $41. Before that raced on the pace before fading second last of 13 at Cranbourne Bm84 on November 23 over 2025m, 13 len behind Savoir Faire carrying 57kg at $41. Better last time, in the mix.
Useful gelding. Last start 9th of 11 at Pakenham Bm78 on December 21 over 2000m, 6 len behind Deakin carrying 59kg at $61. The run before that second last of 10 at Moonee Valley Bm70 on November 22 over 1600m, 5.5 len behind Van Roy with 60.5kg at $6.50. Not going well enough.
Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming made some head-way from midfield; 3rd of 10 at Wodonga Bm70 on November 29 over 1300m, 1.1 len behind Boltsaver with 61.5kg at $7. Last start ran last of 10 at Caulfield Heath Bm70 on December 14 over 1600m, 9 len behind Dragoon carrying 61.5kg at $8.50. Can improve.
Useful type. At the latest run ran on strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 9 at Caulfield Heath Bm70 on December 14 over 1800m, 2.75 len behind Bon Mistress with 57.5kg at $8. Before that ran on from midfield and won by a neck at Caulfield Heath Bm64 December 4 over 1800m defeating Purveyor with 58.5kg at $3.80. Disappointing last time but is right in the mix.
Second run back. First-up after four months won by 0.8 len at Cranbourne 0 - 64 December 13 over 1400m defeating The Marg Factor with 60kg at $7.50. Previously second-up won by 1.5 len at Ballarat Bm64 March 24 over 1600m defeating Albanian I Am with 60.5kg at $9. Fitter and can win again.
At the latest run won by a long-neck at Geelong Bm64 December 13 over 1760m defeating Everything Counts with 60kg at $15. Before that ran last of 10 at Ballarat Bm64 on November 14 over 2600m, 18 len behind Just Berrilliant with 61kg at $11. Back in form but this no easier.
Last start 2nd of 9 at Caulfield Heath Bm70 on December 14 over 1800m, 2.75 len behind Bon Mistress carrying 58.5kg at $7.50. The start before that 4th of 10 at Caulfield Heath Bm64 on December 4 over 1800m, 0.8 len behind Cyclone Harmony with 61.5kg at $6. Has ability but finds a difficult assignment here.
Form hard to fault. At the latest run favourite; won by 1.5 len at Bendigo 0 - 64 December 15 over 1600m defeating Cortain with 59kg at $1.90. The run before that 4th of 12 at Caulfield Heath Bm64 on November 20 over 1500m, 3.5 len behind Dragoon with 59kg at $5.50. Can go on with the job.
Chasing a hat-trick. Most recently favourite; was well back until straightening; raced back then made ground from the turn; won by 2.5 len at Geelong 0 - 64 December 5 over 1726m defeating Cotton Tree carrying 59kg at $2. The start before that favourite; was well back until straightening; raced back then made ground from the turn; won by 3 len at Geelong Mdn-Sw November 17 over 1535m defeating Everythingisautumn with 59.5kg at $2.80. Tough draw but will be very hard to hold out.
Dual acceptor. Resuming after a break of 11 months. Finished off last preparation second in a small field at Mornington Bm64 January 21 over 2460m, 2.75 len behind Piercing Sky carrying 60.5kg at $6. Previously first up; eighth of 10 at Moonee Valley Bm64 December 1 2023 over 2040m, soft track; 10 len behind Kailash carrying 62.5kg at $15. Wait and see how he returns.
Second run back. First-up after six months 2nd of 8 at Geelong 0 - 64 on December 5 over 1726m, 2.5 len behind The Western Front carrying 60kg at $2.10. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 2.25 len at Warrnambool 3yo Mdn-Sw May 1 over 1700m in soft going defeating Boga Legend with 58kg at $4. Fitter now and a strong winning chance.
Most recently 5th of 9 at Caulfield Heath Bm70 on December 14 over 1800m, 4.5 len behind Bon Mistress carrying 54.5kg at $11. Before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by 1.0 len at Caulfield Heath Mdn-Sw November 28 over 1500m on a rain affected track defeating Dark Simba carrying 57.5kg at $4. Others preferred.
Most recently 5th of 11 at Caulfield Heath Bm64 on December 18 over 1800m, 2.75 len behind Kings Valley with 59.5kg at $16. The run before that 4th of 9 at Moonee Valley Bm70 on November 29 over 2040m, 5 len behind Actaeon with 57kg at $6. Prefer to see him back in form.
Racing second-up today. Last start 2nd of 11 at Werribee Bm64 on December 8 over 1400m, 2 len behind Keep Your Cool carrying 59kg at $26. At only start last preparation second last of 12 at Bendigo Bm64 on October 6 over 1300m, 7 len behind Sacramental carrying 59kg at $11. Good return but is unlikely to threaten.