It would be a major mistake to rate yesterday's Avondale races as a typical midweek race meeting.
Some of the most progressive form of the season will come from yesterday's winners.
Among them were Cavallucci: A Sanders-trained youngster who backed up his barrier trial form with a gutsy win in the juvenile and will clearly go on with it. The runner-up Maui Miss is another to follow.
Lizzie L'Amour: Zabeel filly on debut for the Baker/Forsman stable.
"She's got a bright future," winning rider Matt Cameron told the owners.
"She is weak and rangy yet and will be good when she strengthens," says Andrew Forsman.
Lustrous: Rogerson-trained filly that looks to have a touch of class. Led, trailed, sat outside the leader and fought hard. "She will be a better filly in the autumn," said Debbie Rogerson. Runner up Tavago sat three wide and kept coming later for a similarly impressive second.
Dukedom: Short-priced favourite for the run of the day. Rider Lee Magorrian was sidelined with potential kidney stone problems and replacement Brendon Hutton was told: "Go forward from the wide barrier."
Dukedom got stuck three wide outside the leaders and looked to be no hope on the home bend, but worked away in the closing strides.
Young Steven Cole did a magnificent job. The son of long-time horseman David Cole has a real future in the business.
Shontee: Fastnet Rock filly who had the beautiful trip and burst through late. That won't be the end.
You Are Amazing: Thanks to a nice ride by Michael Coleman, got home nicely through them. "That was career win number 901 ... do you think I can can get to 1000 this season?" said Mickey Coleman. Probably not mate, but keep riding like that and it will happen eventually.
Highland Park: Under the radar type worth following. Sticks on well.
