Emerald Queen returned too her best form and absolutely blew them away the closing stages down the outer after settling in the rear. The mare had been a tad disappointing of late but ridden colder today she showed just how good she is to score by two lengths. The winning time of 1:36.07 was not very good for this Listed event line up and the eyesore track presented was the culprit. Over-watered and chipping badly after a few races it is a very bad look when fields are being steered well away from the inside for vast chunks of races. Tracks do not seem as durable anymore and have been made weak by over-watering plus get no natural compaction (500kg plus horses do it for free) with rail movements another scourge. The winner of a Ratings 65 (one grade above maidens) clocked 1:35.46 in the race following or four lengths superior and that is telling in itself. Captain Todd stuck on for second after racing second or third throughout and My Chino ran on after cutting the corner then working outwards. Sucre the deep South visitor fought on for fourth after settling handy while Dickens, a middle distance type, boxed on for fifth. Miss Three Stars was an unusual ride for a favourite and her sixth beaten six lengths did see her at least plug on late when looking flat early the run home. El Chico was blocked not once but twice the run home when steered up a middle path so forgive. The rest were poor and the track conditions did play a role in so many flops but when you consider they were manmade in the main then guidelines are now needed if not cast iron rules. Emerald Queen was winning her seventh race from twenty-five starts and more are to come for sure. She is certainly the real deal when ridden cold and saved for one surge the run home.