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Tommy Berry rode the star colt Anamoe to tactical perfection in the early stages and gave the two-time group one winner every chance to win the Petaluma Hobartville Stakes (1400m).

Although Berry noted that he may have hit the front too early in the final stages, the three-year-old colt was tough to win when challenged late.

Punter’s Intelligence data recorded he ran sustained strong closing sectionals with his final 200m of the race in 11.44. His sectionals suggest he will only improve with natural fitness benefits and extra distance.

The race was run at a very slow tempo compared to the other 1400m events, with a leisurely 49.55 for the first 800m. When relating the Chandon Handicap (1400m), it went out approximately 5.5-6 lengths faster & the XXXX Handicap (1400m) 2-2.5 lengths.

Placegetters Hilal and Converge's runs both have merit after having factors against them. Hilal has come back improved this preparation and proved his first-up sectionals were no fluke. He recorded the fastest last 600m of the race in 33.84 whilst racing in the inferior ground. The step-up in the distance range of 1500m-1600m will be appreciated where he produces his peak rating figures.

Converge settled worse than mid-field on Saturday after drawing a wide gate. He was not suited after getting too far back and covering the most ground in the race, being 1410.4m. The key sectional was the 400m-200m split, where he ran 10.92, which was the race's fastest. The Group One JJ Atkins winner looks ready to peak in coming runs.

Maurice’s Medad is ticking over well for longer trips after running 11.58 for his final 200m and Kiss Sum’s last 200 was 11.64. Keep an eye on them when they step back in grade.

We can bring strong comparisons with the three 1100m events to get a read on the Silver Slipper (1100m) and the two-year-olds' progression.

Firstly, the return of Mazu was impressive, and the gelding operation may be the making of his future racing career. He chased a fast-tempo and was dominant on the line, winning. The race rated the highest overall relative to the meeting when comparing time, class and additional factors historically with decisive margins throughout.

The overall raw time was approximately 4 lengths faster than the Schweppes Handicap (1100m) and 5.5 lengths superior to the Silver Slipper (1100m).

Mazu is one to follow this prep, and the run of Zapateo, who beat the rest easily, should not be disregarded and looks in for a strong preparation.

Should there be some concern about the form of the Silver Slipper moving forward on times even after allowing for their age and conditions? Still, the winner Best Of Bordeaux deserves all honours when ridden up to lead at a fast pace and then racing in the inferior ground after wanting to follow the rail in the final stages.

Magic was on debut and ran the fastest last 600m in 34.19 and, although well beaten, Shalatin looms as the improver where he ran 22.42 between the 600m-200m before fitness told over the final furlong.

Other sectional performers who deserve quick mention at the meeting were Never Talk and No Compromise.

Never Talk was not suited in a farcically run race and sprinted home in the clear fastest last 600m of the meeting in 33.08. Wet tracks are the key to her.

No Compromise was another runner who was a victim of circumstances and ran on strongly after having an interrupted passage. He ran his final 200m in 11.25 and looks ready to win now over further distance.

Fastest Last 600m: Never Talk 33.08.

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