Welcome to The Great Game Wrap. Sheza Alibi put on a show in the Makybe Diva, Bjorn Baker landed feature races in Sydney and Melbourne, and Shockletz booked her ticket to the Melbourne Cup.
Here's everything that mattered from another big Saturday in the great game.
Satono Glow flashes her talent
Satono Glow produced a brilliant turn of foot to win the Cap D'Antibes Stakes (1100m) first-up. Over Excited was excellent at just her second start and is one to follow.
For Satono Glow, the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes is now firmly on the radar.
Paradoxium stamps his Coolmore credentials
Paradoxium showed why he was one of last season's elite two-year-olds with a dominant all-the-way win in the Poseidon Stakes (1100m).
Mbube, Big Sky and Bugsy were all excellent behind him and go straight into the black book. The Coolmore Stud Stakes is the big target for Paradoxium, with the Danehill Stakes likely next.
Shockletz books her Melbourne Cup ticket
Shockletz earned a guaranteed spot in the Melbourne Cup with a dominant win in the Archer Stakes (2500m).
The daughter of Melbourne Cup winner Shocking relished the strong tempo and powered away late. Ciaron Maher has no concerns about 3200m and believes keeping her fresh is the key.
She's in the Cup — now the dream begins.
Losesomewinmore ends the streak
Hot favourite Oliveanotherday was chasing six straight in the Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) but never looked completely comfortable down the Flemington straight.
Losesomewinmore took full advantage, sneaking through under Craig Williams for a big win. The straight six is clearly his go and the Gilgai Stakes looks the logical next target.
Sheza Alibi? More like Sheza Freak
Sheza Alibi treated a field packed with Group 1 winners with contempt in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m).
Even Peter Moody couldn't hide his smile as she exploded away down the Flemington straight. Moody even floated the possibility of a Cox Plate before dropping back to 1500m for the Golden Eagle.
Autumn Boy was outstanding in second and looks cherry-ripe for the Epsom.
Savvy Hallie turns it around
Savvy Hallie and Gangsta Granny bounced back from disappointing first-up runs to quinella the Sheraco Stakes (1200m).
Savvy Hallie controlled the race under a brilliant front-running ride from Nash Rawiller, while hot favourite Lazzura had her chance but couldn't quicken when it mattered.
Warwoven makes it a huge day for Baker
What an afternoon for Bjorn Baker, with his headline colts winning feature races in both Sydney and Melbourne.
Warwoven took out the Run To The Rose (1200m) and confirmed he's a major player in this three-year-old crop. St Gotthard was green but strong late, and both look right in the Golden Rose in two weeks.
Skyhook keeps knocking
The ultra-consistent Skyhook found his race in the Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) and was simply too strong late.
He's knocking on the door of the elite level and remains a black-book horse. Don't be surprised if he pops up in a big spring race at double-figure odds.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
Betting should be fun, not a way to make money. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit, and for free, confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
