A challenging day on the punt but as Pink Floyd's David Gilmour once famously sang I'm expecting to "grab that cash with both hands and make a stash" in the coming weeks.
GET THE VIBE
It was a very nice return from this Jim Taylor-trained filly. Having her first start since an initial two-start autumn campaign that netted an Ascot win on debut, Get the Vibe was a noted drifter from Thursday's opening price of $7 to start $16 with the WA TAB. That lack of support combined with the change of tactics to settle back in the field suggested she would have her work cut out but she caught the eye running on in the best final 600 metres of the day to finish third behind a couple of useful three-year-olds. You'd expect Get the Vibe to strip fitter and that effort suggests a strong 1200 metres won't be beyond her. Let's hope she can pick up a race or two before the top three-year-olds get up to speed ahead of the feature races over spring and summer.
Career record (3:1-0-1)
Race to look for – 3YO 1200m
PINZU
Proving costly with defeats as favourite in both starts since resuming but I can't help but feel he will get the job done next time out. After rattling home to just miss when resuming Pinzu was expected to be hard to hold out over the slightly longer trip on Saturday however after settling back last to the turn was only able to manage a distant midfield finish. On face value that result was disappointing, however delve deeper and you see his sectionals were actually quite decent in the context of this race, and his effort from the 150-metre mark right through the line was strong. He's a winner over a mile and now as a five-year-old that sort of distance range might be more his go these days. Gets another chance if placed accordingly.
Career record (16:5-6-2)
Race to look for – Benchmark 72+ 1600m
ATLANTA BLUE
Made this column in early July and rates another mention after a luckless run on Saturday. Things were looking peachy for backers when high-striking jockey Mitchell Pateman put his uncle's consistent gelding into the box seat from a middle barrier but not much went right from there on in. Atlanta Blue lost some momentum while struggling to secure a clear passage as the field turned for home, finally finding space along the inside at the 150-metre mark to hit the line well for third. Trouble is while all that was unfolding the swoopers were chiming in, with $71 outsider Rotana Beach eventually going on to score in a backmarker-dominated race. Not a bad effort for a horse carrying all of his 59kg and perhaps a rise in class, lighter weight and more luck in running can see Atlanta Blue hit back hard next time out.
Career record (14:3-2-6)
Race to look for – Benchmark 66+ or 72+ 1200-1400m
