Racing: Weekend reflections with a view to Ellerslie

COULD HAVE A FUTURE

Goldminer. Ran the fastest last 600m of the day in 33.72. Looked no hope at the 150m, but decided it just wasn't going to be beaten. Could be a good race in her.

TELECOM DERBY

Jimmy Choux. He has to lose the Derby at Ellerslie on March 5, not win it.

FEEL SORRY FOR

Matt Cameron. He simply couldn't get Leica Scotch in from three wide after drawing in the grandstand at the 2000m. Leica Scotch almost needed one after going clear at the 300m and fighting bravely. It was no disgrace in being run down and forced back to second. His turn has to come.

YEP

Duckworth Lewis. It might not have been the best 2-year-old field of the season, but the switch-up this bloke showed at the 200m is something only good horses have.

STAY WITH

Gorse. Slow then had to come from last early in the programme when that was tough. Never shirked and did well to just about get there.

Leica Scotch: For all of the above reasons. Just needs a draw.

Cool Storm: Keeps getting beaten, but not a gunna yet. It took a big effort from Goldminer to head her off.

Viking Ace: Could be useful when he works it all out. Has no idea what he's there for at the moment.

La Montoya: Fought hard and won't be long in maidens.

Miss Sharapova: Better right-handed.

TOO HOT

If you thought it was hot at Te Rapa on Saturday - and it was - be thankful you weren't at Rosehill. It was 41 degrees.

HATS OFF

To the Auckland Racing Club board. This time five years ago, we had only the Sydney autumn carnival to look forward to at this time of year and now the hype around the $2.2 million Telecom Derby and $1 million Stella Artois Auckland Cup is enormous particularly with Australian visitors. Notice how the critics of splitting the Christmas carnival into two carnivals have been silent lately.