betMaster Race Recap - January 30, 2021

Race 1 - Odds on favourite Helicopter broke in order and travelled comfortably on the lead before drawing off to win by a pole. Helicopter is improving and can win right back. Commissioner chased in vain and barely held second from longshot Expeditious. Ultimatum lost position after breaking on the lead and made no real impression, finishing a well beaten 4th.

Race 2 - Lightning McQueen was sent in chase of the fleet footed leader Formal Gladiator soon after the start, got on terms just past the 1/8th pole and prevailed under a hand ride. An improved run. Formal Gladiator aggressively led from the start and was just worn down late. Garrincha made usual late headway to pick up 3rd, while odds on choice Lala Diva was never travelling well and finished a well beaten 5th.

Race 3- Red hot favourite Sentient tracked the speed of Roy Rogers, took over the lead under a full out drive entering the stretch, and held stablemate Crimson at bay to win by a length, while never looking in danger of defeat. Crimson ran very well to run Sentient close, and has definitely put his sluggish form behind. Roy Rogers finished further back in 3rd, no match for the top two.

Race 4 - Storm Princess was up close throughout and found enough late to win narrowly. Buckaluck was off a bit slowly, sat off the speed of the duelling frontrunners, came running late and just failed. Polly B was there or thereabouts throughout and finished a close-up 3rd without really threatening. Favoured Stanislaus duelled throughout but had nothing to offer when asked for run. Finished distressed.

Race 5 - As noted in betMaster Raceday Update, Locomotive reported in great shape, and was always travelling like a winner, making all to win comfortably. Danceallnight ran well, chasing the winner throughout. Howling favourite Sir Arjun Babu was never really in contention and finished next to last. Definitely not the soundest.

Race 6 - (Lady Bastipur scratched at the gate) It is Now broke sharply from the rail post and was used early to keep position, settling nicely into 2nd on the turn. She mounted her challenge outside of the leader exiting the turn and drew off to win easily. Beautifully handled by Dick Cardenas. Toughness had traffic trouble early and picked up the pieces late to easily finish 2nd. Qurandero ran evenly throughout to finish a distant 3rd. Favoured Miss AJC had a good rail skimming trip in mid pack but had nothing to offer when it mattered the most.

Race 7 -  Bloodsweatandtears broke in order but dropped to last while the trio of Raw Liquid, Super Amia and Blind Faith duelled early. Bloodsweatandtears turned for home 2nd to last and wide, with seemingly too much to do, but the leaders were staggering and he easily gobbled them up late. Raw Liquid won the battle with Blind Faith but not the war. Nevada walked out of the gate and lost all chance. He got within 3 lengths of the embattled leaders at the 1/8th pole but by that time his tank was empty.

Race 8 - King's Magician was all the rage at odds on. He was unsettled in the gate, off a bit slow, rushed up to duel at a quick tempo inside of Will at War, and found nothing thereafter. The winner Regal and Royal was reserved well off the early pace, asked for run mid turn, and collared the tiring leader Will at War just inside the 1/8th pole to win easily. Will at War found a lot after the early effort to finish a strong 2nd and will be tough against similar next out. Hilly's Vision had the pace to run into but plodded home, finishing a tame 3rd.

Race 9 - Favoured Milkman had a dream trip just off the pace after a sharp start and was always travelling like a winner. Flawless ride. He won easily from Celebration, who tired after sparring with Nuclear Emma early.