Brad Bishop has two blackbookers from racing this week.
Wednesday - Sandown – Rock Them Jewels
Even before the first race at Sandown on Wednesday some of the contestants were being spoken up as potential key spring players and the performances of the first two home, Godtfred Kirk and Autumn Mystery, gave their connections hope that they are at least worthy of being set for some of the better 3YO races at 1600m and beyond.
The run of third placegetter Rock Them Jools should also not be underestimated. He would have been forgiven if he dropped out late after racing three-wide no cover the trip, but did a super job to box and finish third, beaten less than one length. Being a 4YO, the Fastnet Rock gelding won't be heading to the Guineas, but he'll be the testing material in a 1600m maiden next time out.
Thursday: Bendigo – She Moves Too
There are no stronger country maidens in Victoria at this time of year than those at Bendigo and there was much anticipation around the first race at the Nursery Of Champions on Thursday with some handy types resuming.
One of those, Point Barrow, won nicely but it was hard not to be taken with the runner up. She Moves Too couldn't keep up early, at which point her $61 SP seemed accurate, but moved into it rounding the home turn and surged hard late to only go down by a head. It was a rapid improvement on what she'd shown at the jumpouts and, given she's trained by Chris Waller, she'll be even better next time out.
