Mad Monday: The Valley in review

For the Time Poor:

This table provides a race-by-race snapshot of how each event at The Valley on Saturday was run and won. Using sectional time data benchmarked against historical standards, it delivers an easy-to-digest breakdown of early speed, late speed, and an overall race rating - giving you a clear picture of tempo and performance at a glance.

Track Summary:

• Typical rail 5m: no disadvantage to be on speed/nearer inside, especially as the day wore on.
• Every winner bar Jennivamoose (R2) raced in the first four at both the 800m and 400m.
• Horses making wide runs around the home bend should be 'bonused'.
• Times didn't support the upgrade to a Good 4; no race went close to the 'Good' track standard time.

Moment of the Day – Baraqiel’s Soap Opera

Baraqiel’s return to racing has been nothing short of dramatic. Scratched first-up at Caulfield after RV vets weren’t satisfied with his action, the Corstens-Larkin team worked overtime to get him cleared. On Saturday, he nearly didn’t run again after being vetted behind the gates - but this time the story ended in triumph.

Baraqiel overcame all the drama to land the Carlyon Stakes, sending his big group of owners into raptures in one of the most emotional wins of the day.

Steer of the Day - Lachie Neindorf on Pudding (Race 6)

Pudding had been buried back at recent starts, but Neindorf made a decisive move to be positive early, landing in the perfect spot. From there, the gelding had every possible hope and ran a brave second. A textbook “10/10” steer: he didn’t win, but he maximised the horse’s chance.

Tactics Questioned – Dragoon (R6)

Dragoon led all the way fresh in slick time, but connections rode for cover on Saturday despite the lack of obvious speed. He may not have won regardless, but when you’ve got natural pace, the front is usually the easiest place to win from. A tactical own-goal.

The Flashing Light:

• Race 4 – Bur Dubai: Screaming to win. Excellent late splits second-up; third-up over 2000–2500m he looks ready to strike.
• Race 5 – Estremo: Sydney 3YO form looks strong this spring. Terrific late here and can turn the tables on rivals soon.
• Race 8 - Globe: The tempo was hot here so Globe's effort first-up to stick on and run a narrow second against race-fit horses was super.
• Race 9 - Robrick: The backmarkers were given no hope the way the races was run. Robrick ran up backsides over the final furlong and should've finished much closer. Jump-out well prior; clearly come back in good order and can run well second up.

They Left It In The Bag:

• Race 5 – Regal Award: Never handled The Valley, raced like a drunk sailor around the bend. Forgive and back on a bigger track.
• Race 7 – Oak Hill: Well-backed but head in the air down the side, never settled off a farcical tempo. The winner too good, but this was an ugly watch.

What the....?!

Thomas Stockdale pulled off daylight robbery aboard track specialist Red Hot Nicc in the last. The gelding pinched three lengths on the field coming down the side, despite only carving out moderate early sectionals. Chasers like De Bergerac rattled home - in fact he produced the best last 400m and 200m splits of the meeting - but by then the race was done and dusted. The bird had flown before they’d even straightened.

Bravo, Tom.

Social Media Sin Bin:

Plenty of online criticism was directed at Jamie Mott for his ride on Godtfred Kirk, which was harsh in the extreme. The gelding was always going to settle midfield, and when the one split appeared, Crossbow laid in and closed it instantly. Sometimes there is simply no run.

If you were among those piling on Motty, take a good hard look at yourself.