PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK

Tokyo Tycoon

He proved he was top-class once again on Saturday. He settled a lot closer in the run than anticipated and showed how versatile he is. A dominant show on Saturday saw him race away to win by 2 1/2 lengths and it appears we are yet to see his best. He is the only horse to finish a 2YO prep unbeaten, the winner of the 2YO Karaka Million and a Group 1 winner and looks to be an exciting three-year-old Guineas type.

RIDE OF THE WEEK

Craig Grylls – Ruby’s Landed

Things didn’t exactly go to plan for Craig Grylls in this event. As the barriers opened RUBY’S LANDED stepped out of the gates slowly and ended up at the rear. A cool ride from Craig Grylls saw him relax the mare out the back until entering the straight. He saved ground and hugged the fence until the 300m, where he presented her to the outside of runners, and she finished too strongly. She was always going to be hard to beat in this, but Craig keeping a cool head in the run, meant she was able to overcome the slow start to score a top win.

HORSES TO FOLLOW

Race 8 Taupo, 8 March

Invincibeel

She settled in a perfect spot leaving the straight for the first time, but down the back straight as the back markers began to swoop around the field, Opie Bosson was shuffled back and by the corner, they had been pushed back to equal last. The pair were then unable to obtain a clear run until well inside the final 200m and Invincibeel flashed home for a brave second. She is getting to a stage in her prep where we see her at staying distances, which are preferred and she has above Rating 65 ability.

Race 1 Riccarton, 9 March

Ladyswey

While she appeared to have every chance in the run, LADYSWEY is one to follow from this race. She was very brave in chasing home the short-priced favourite KIKIMORA who came into the race with black-type form behind the likes of LEGARTO, ONE KISS & DISS IS DRAMATIC. I think we will be seeing her salute for a maiden win very quickly.

Race 1 Trentham, 11 March

Times Up

He got back in a small field with a raging hot favourite and found the line very nicely. The winner, SANS DOUTE, appears to have plenty of ability and I was really taken by the way TIMES UP flattened out and started to take ground off her in the final 200m. Clocking lighting fast sectionals for his final 400m and 200m, suggesting he can continue the upward trend he has been on in his short career.