Chris Scholtz reviews racing around Australia on November 18.

THE STARS

ROBERT HICKMOTT: A fine way to end his long tenure with Lloyd Williams with a quinella result – fittingly in the Zipping Classic.

KERRIN McEVOY: Took the honours at Sandown with a winning treble, putting the seal on a terrific Melbourne carnival for the Sydney star.

Long Time Ago grabs Mrs Gardenia in the shadows of the post for a @KPMcEvoy treble @LadbrokesPark. pic.twitter.com/Aj1fpj9gv7

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 18, 2017

KEVIN FORRESTER: A real veteran of the jockey ranks rode like a man possessed to land a a rare Group win on the tough sprinter Jungle Edge.

RACHEL KING: Adds a double at Rosehill to extend her lead in the Sydney apprentices premiership. Continues to impress with her skilful rides for the Waterhouse stable.

Easy as you like for the favourite! @RachelK11 & The @GaiWaterhouse1 team combine for a double as Cabezea De Vaca makes it five on end! pic.twitter.com/5zwatUwwcO

— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 18, 2017

JAMIE KAH: Adelaide’s best female rider was poetry in motion on Dollar For Dollar at Sandown, landing her biggest win to date.

ZOE WHITE: Landed her first metropolitan win in Brisbane before Doomben was rained out. Her vrecord in north Queensland shows she is a talent.

TALKING POINTS

LIVING WITH LLOYD 1: We all know Lloyd Williams pulls the strings at Macedon Lodge and has the final say in the training of his horses but don’t underestimate the part Robert Hickmott has played in the success of the stable over some 16 years. He will always be recognised as the trainer of two Melbourne Cup winners – a big feather in anybody’s cap as he starts up his own stable.

LIVING WITH LLOYD 2: Racing authorities have always turned a reluctant blind eye to the machinations of Macedon Lodge, giving Lloyd Williams almost free reign to run the show as a pseudo trainer. However maybe Lloyd will draw a friendly reminder that he does not hold a training licence following his weekend comments about the set-up that should ruffle some feathers:-

"You’re talking to the head trainer here," Williams said. "There's always a lot of controversy who trains the horses. The blueprint emanates right here - I'm chairman and chief executive. I decide how the horses will work and how we will feed them and all those sorts of things and I have people up there who execute it. That is what happens."

His new head trainer Liam Howley has been an assistant to Hickmott at Macedon Lodge for six years so will be under no illusions about his new role.

"Today, the wonder of Sandown!"

The Taj Mahal dominates his rivals to win the Group 2 #ZippingClassic. What a way to finish with Team Williams for Robert Hickmott.

: Racing Photos pic.twitter.com/iMzHFGeN2I

— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 18, 2017

QUOTE OF THE DAY

• "Because it's him, it's number one. I just love this horse. I love how much heart he has. He's got a heart to win a Group One." – the delight of Jamie Kah after her fourth successive win on Dollar For Dollar at Sandown.

"He's just a champion." @jamieleekah07 and Dollar for Dollar are taking Melbourne by storm. pic.twitter.com/Dn8RXI3FAi

— Racing.com (@Racing) November 18, 2017

THEY SAID IT

• "I love riding here. I actually miss riding here, so it's always pleasing to come back here. It's a nice big track which allows you to be patient.” – Kerrin McEvoy and his love for Sandown after Saturday’s treble.

• ‘’He’s a very big horse and he’s just taken some time to grow into himself. He moves like a machine at home and he’s going to develop into a really nice horse.” – Aaron Purcell’s predictions for Guineas winner Villermont.

• “He's a beautiful looking specimen and he's got good wheels too." – Luke Nolen’s view of Villermont.

• "We're parting on very, very good terms. Rob's a great man and he's going with our absolute blessing." – Nick Williams farewells Robert Hickmott after the Zipping Classic.

• "It's probably the ultimate aim - a nice, strong mile race at home would be ideal.” Adrian Bott on Villiers plans for Cabeza De Varca.

Adrian Bott telling @LizzieJelfs the Villiers could be on the cards for the ultra impressive Cabeza De Vaca who has now won five in a row! pic.twitter.com/9NN4aSfDKL

— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 18, 2017

• “He helps me out a lot this horse, he's beautiful to ride. He just gets to the front easy, he's got a really nice cruising gear and he can click in really well from that." – Rachel King’s view of Cabeza De Varca.

• "It is a wonderful thrill. It has taken me a while to get here but it is what I always dream of - riding winners in the city.” – Apprentice Zoe White after riding her first Doomben winner.

• "He's a very fast horse but he's also an absolute gentleman. A lot of sprinters can be wound up but he has a beautiful temperament and does exactly what is asked of him." – Charles Duckworth on the Chris Waller-trained winner Best Guess.

• "You don't get many chances at a $2 million race so we will aim at the Guineas." – Goulburn trainer Kurt Goldmnan and his Magic Millions Guineas plans for Rosehill winner Equal Balance.

• "I've had him since he was a baby, he just needed to grow up mentally.” – Lauri Wray on Lord Kingsley, her first city winner as a trainer.

BOUQUETS AND BRICKBATS

DAMIEN OLIVER: Bet every Payroll punter in Australia was glad it was Ollie on board in the last 50 metres. It was a vintage ride.

TYE ANGLAND: Riding with renewed confidence and maturity.

THE TAJ MAHAL: Great type. Has the look of an import who could dominate staying races in the autumn.

Quayclean Zipping Classic(Gr2)
Sandown-Hillside
1st The Taj Mahal(IRE) by Galileo
2nd Almandin(GER)
3rd Big Duke (IRE) pic.twitter.com/TYgpJTnjvK

— Mstf GRGC (@Hcum3) November 18, 2017

WILLIAM PIKE: I suppose when you ride so many hot favourites you can’t be perfect all the time. Mikimoto’s loss spoiled another good day at Ascot for the leading Perth jock.

THE SACK FILE

AWOKE: Has struggled to regain her early form.

NEW TIPPERARY: Rarely runs up to market expectations.

ILLUSTRIOUS LAD: Has issues.

LUCKY HUSSLER: Has gone backwards since his gifted Moonee Valley win.

BLACKBOOK

OOHOOD: Impressive debut running fast closing sectionals.

SHAGRA: One to watch for in easier company.

PEACEFUL STATE: Made the grade in the Guineas. Bright future.

HELIOSPHERE: Will take plenty of improvement from strong return.

IMPERIAL AVIATOR: Excellent prospect for summer staying races.

KINSHACHI: Recent efforts have her ready to peak.