March 05, 2007
Stixs results
Stix has been in good form with his tips and is showing a profit on his selections.
Posted by Barney at 07:03 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
December 31, 2005
A tale of two jockeys...
Just thought I'd drop a quick message before I head out for NYE.
Firstly, let us look at N. Callow on California Dane. Noel knew he had the best horse, so took a trail one out behind the leader, was never in any trouble, and won easily.
Danny Beasley, on Fashions Afield, put her in a pocket behind the leaders, which on the tight Doomben circuit is always a lottery. Beasley went for a run between two horses, the door shut, and she ran fifth.
If you are on a good thing - ride them like it. That is what Noel did. Beasley should have a look at the tape. I'm not talking through my kick either, as I didn't back Fashions Afield today.
As it is, Fashions price for the MM 3YO hasn't exactly blown, but I'm still confident about her for her main mission.
Results today mixed. California Dane won, Transferral missed a place (came up a lot shorter than I anticipated as well), and Leonurus second.
Happy new year and good punting.
Posted by Tim at 06:44 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
August 12, 2005
Fields for Saturday
The fields for this Saturday's feature races have been announced.
Moonee Valley
6-3.16 SEPPELT WINES MCEWEN TROPHY 1000 M
Of $151000 Of $150000 and $1000 trophy. 1st $97500 and trophy of $1000, 2nd $30000, 3rd $13500, 4th $6000, 5th $3000. Starter Subsidy: $200 for non-prize earning runners. Standard Weight for Age. (GROUP 3). No allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 13+3 EM
No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 BOMBER BILL Robert Smerdon S W Arnold 3 57.5 (107)
2 TITANIC JACK Tom Hughes D Brereton 1 57.5 (107)
3 HOLDING Bill Mitchell N Callow 4 57.5 (98)
4 STRIKELINE Brian Mayfield-Smith P Mertens 7 55 (102)
5 EDGETON Brendon Hearps S Baster 2 55 (103)
6 OUR QUIVIRA (NZ) Peter G Moody L Nolen 8 55 (102)
7 TARN PRINCESS Robbie Griffiths B Shinn (a) 6 55 (101)
8 TRULY WICKED Brian Mayfield-Smith D Nikolic 5 55 (93)
5-2.36 CLUB LIFESTYLE STAKES 1000 M
Of $100500 Of $100000 and $500 trophy. 1st $65000 and trophy of $500, 2nd $20000, 3rd $9000, 4th $4000, 5th $2000. Starter Subsidy: $200 for non-prize earning runners. For Three-Years-Old Colts and Geldings. Set Weights plus Penalties. (LISTED). This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses. No allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 13+3 EM
No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 UNDOUBTEDLY Mark Kavanagh D Dunn 1 58.5 (96)
2 DANGER LOOMS John McArdle N Ryan 2 57.5 (93)
3 PERFECTLY READY Mick Price Steven King 3 57.5 (91)
4 SEIDNAZAR Peter G Moody L Nolen 6 56.5 (93)
5 FEROCITY Danny O'Brien S W Arnold 7 56.5 (87)
6 DANERICH Robbie Laing N Callow 8 55 (74)
7 LANGARZA Colin Little D Gauci 4 55 (77)
8 SAIN VESUVIO David Hayes C Williams 5 55 (68)
4-1.56 WILLIAM CROCKETT STAKES 1000 M
Of $100500 Of $100000 and $500 trophy. 1st $65000 and trophy of $500, 2nd $20000, 3rd $9000, 4th $4000, 5th $2000. Starter Subsidy: $200 for non-prize earning runners. For Three-Years-Old Fillies. Set Weights plus Penalties. (LISTED). This race carries a SUPER VOBIS Nominators Bonus of $10,000 for qualified horses. No allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 13+3 EM
No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen RTG
1 FREESTYLE Phillip Stokes D Dunn 6 57.5 (93)
2 DINKUM STAR Don Magick N Rawiller 5 56.5 (91)
3 JADESCENT (NZ) Lee Hope B Shinn (a) 4 56.5 (82)
4 LANGNESS David Hayes Steven King 7 56.5 (88)
5 TESTA REALE Tony Vasil N Ryan 3 55 (79)
6 TRUE DOUBT Robert Smerdon L Currie 2 55 (74)
7 MOON FEVER Mick Price D Nikolic 1 55 (67)
Rosehill
6-2.55 BANKSTOWN SPORTS CLUB PREMIERE STAKES 1200 M
Of $140000 Of $140000. 1st $91000, 2nd $28000, 3rd $12600, 4th $5600, 5th $2800. Starter Subsidy: $200 for non-prize earning runners. For Three-Years-Old and Upwards. Standard Weight for Age. (GROUP 2). No allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16+4 EM
No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen
1 DANCE HERO Gai Waterhouse L Beasley 3 57.5
2 SPARK OF LIFE Allan Denham S Katsidis 6 57.5
3 SNIPPETSON Guy Walter G Boss 4 57.5
4 IKE'S DREAM John Hawkes D Beadman 5 55
5 SHANIA DANE John Hawkes R M Quinn 1 55
6 CARRY ON CUTIE Graeme Rogerson Ms L Cropp 2 48
Full previews of these races Friday night.
In other racing news:
* John Hawkes has announced the closure of his Adelaide stable. Hawkes started out in Adelaide back in the early 1970's.
* To celebrate the opening of their fixed odds market for the Melbourne Cup on Saturday, for this weekend Makybe Diva and Vinnie Roe will be offered at odds of $21. May be worth having a long range saver on the Diva.
* The bitter war between TVN and Sky has continued, with Sky obtaining a Supreme Court injunction preventing TVN from being broadcast on Austar.
* This Saturday will mark the return of the famous Hayes name to the track, as Lindsay Park horses will from now on carry the name of Head Trainer David Hayes.
* Brian Blackmore today retired from race calling after 50 years behind the binoculars.
* Multiple Group One winner Lonhro has his first foal on the ground. The filly is out of 2000 VRC Oaks winner Lovelorn. Naturally, Lonhro has served the best of the Ingham's mares to try and get early momentum for his stud career.
Posted by Tim at 12:23 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
August 08, 2005
Racing news and views
I didn't exactly cover myself in glory on Saturday...
Regal Roller has proved himself to be a genuine top line galloper with a strong win over the gallant Super Elegant on Saturday. Three wide all the way, the Roller knuckled down over the last 100 to win by a neck, in defiance of his poor first up record.
Media was excellent in winning the San Domenico - no doubt she will be a force to be reckoned with in the 'Princess Series' for 3YO filles. Mnemosyne, my tip, ran on to the back of Stratum in the straight which cost her severely - she flashed home though, and will be a force to be reckoned with in the Princess Series as well. I thought the well backed favourite Snitzel was underwhelming.
Nominations for Saturday's big races came out today. Can't you taste the Spring feeling in the air?
Moonee Valley, Saturday
Mitchell McKenzie Stakes, $100,000 - Listed SWP. 3YO Colts and Geldings. 1000m.
1 DANGER LOOMS John McArdle
2 FEROCITY Danny O'Brien
3 LANGARZA Colin Little
4 PERFECTLY READY Mick Price
5 SAIN VESUVIO David Hayes
6 SEIDNAZAR Peter G Moody
7 UNDOUBTEDLY Mark Kavanagh
Undoubtedly won the Blue Diamond, Danger Looms the VRC Sires Produce, Perfectly Ready was 3rd in the Blue Diamond (and was the quickest winner at today's Cranbourne trials), and Ferocity the Adelaide Magic Millions 2YO race.
William Crockett Stakes, $100,000 - Listed SWP. 3YO Fillies. 1000m.
1 ACCELERATION Ricky Maund
2 DINKUM STAR Don Magick
3 FREESTYLE Phillip Stokes
4 INSEPARABLE Robbie Laing
5 JADESCENT (NZ) Lee Hope
6 JESTAWINNA John Symons
7 JUNCTURE Graeme Rogerson
8 LANGNESS David Hayes
9 LEVELLER Graeme Rogerson
10 LUMINARY Graeme Rogerson
11 MEGADEAL Danny O'Brien
12 MOON FEVER Mick Price
13 ON THE LOOSE John Symons
14 PERSONAL ENSIGN Mick Price
15 TESTA REALE Tony Vasil
16 TRUE DOUBT Robert Smerdon
Freestyle has won four from five in fine fashion, including one at Group 2 level, Langness 'won' the aborted Blue Diamond preview (and was brilliant in doing so) but has since suffered from unexplained poor performance syndrome (I wish I was joking, it actually exists) except for a Listed race win in Adelaide (which is more or less the equivalent of a Moe maiden), Leveller is a talented Group winning filly owned by the canny Lloyd Williams, Personal Ensign is a Rubiton filly who has won twice in Saturday company, and Testa Reale was fifth in the Blue Diamond.
So as you can see, even with some attrition, it is sure to be an interesting race.
McEwen Trophy, $151,000 - Group III. 3YO & up WFA. 1000m.
1 BOMBER BILL Robert Smerdon
2 EDGETON Brendon Hearps
3 HOLDING Bill Mitchell
4 OUR QUIVIRA (NZ) Peter G Moody
5 PERLIN (NZ) Graeme Rogerson
6 RENEWABLE (NZ) Graeme Rogerson
7 STRATEGEE GEE David Brideoake
8 STRIKELINE Brian Mayfield-Smith
9 TARN PRINCESS Robbie Griffiths
10 TITANIC JACK Tom Hughes
11 TRULY WICKED Brian Mayfield-Smith
Bomber Bill looks almost a good thing so long as the track is dry (I know it is Monday, but listen to my reasoning). Edgeton, Holding, Our Quivara, Strategee Gee and Tarn Princess are way outclassed, Perlin and Renewable will find the 1000m too short. Strikeline, Truly Wicked and Titanic Jack are the three others, but Titanic Jack hasn't been at his best for 18 months. Strikeline is a live chance. Truly Wicked is another good chance - but I would fancy old Bomber to beat them both.
Rosehill, Saturday
Premiere Stakes, $140,000 - Group 2. 3YO & up WFA. 1200m.
1 CARRY ON CUTIE Graeme Rogerson
2 COURT'S IN SESSION Guy Walter
3 DANCE HERO Gai Waterhouse
4 IKE'S DREAM John Hawkes
5 SHANIA DANE John Hawkes
6 SNIPPETSON Guy Walter
7 SPARK OF LIFE Allan Denham
Only a small field but the quality is outstanding - five of the seven are Group 1 winners. Dance Hero won the 2YO triple crown (Golden Slipper, AJC Sires Produce, Champagne Stakes) and was a brilliant last start winner of the Missile, Carry On Cutie won the G1 Champagne Stakes, Ike's Dream won the G1 Coolmore Classic last Autumn, Shania Dane has won at Group 2 and 3 level, Spark of Life, who has won 9/15 career starts, including the G1 AJC Galaxy and Manikato Stakes, Court's In Session is the bold front runner who won the George Ryder and ran a courageous third in the Doncaster - he won over 1200m last preparation beating Our Egyptian Raine and Grand Armee, so who knows what he could do here?
So as you can see, not a bad field.
Last week nominations for the big Spring races came out:
Caulfield Guineas: http://www.ozracing.net.au/cgi-bin/rsb/public/format_wgt_rating.cgi/0810CAUL.DGN?State=V
Thousand Guineas: http://www.ozracing.net.au/cgi-bin/rsb/public/format_wgt_rating.cgi/1210CAUL.DGN?State=V
Caulfield Cup: http://www.ozracing.net.au/cgi-bin/rsb/public/format_wgt_rating.cgi/1510CAUL.DGN?State=V
Cox Plate: http://www.ozracing.net.au/cgi-bin/rsb/public/format_wgt_rating.cgi/2210M_V_.DGN?State=V
VRC Derby: http://www.ozracing.net.au/cgi-bin/rsb/public/format_wgt_rating.cgi/2910FLEM.DGN?State=V
Melbourne Cup: http://www.ozracing.net.au/cgi-bin/rsb/public/format_wgt_rating.cgi/0111FLEM.DGN?State=V
VRC Oaks: http://www.ozracing.net.au/cgi-bin/rsb/public/format_wgt_rating.cgi/0311FLEM.DGN?State=V
Nothing earth shattering there, but always interesting to have a look.
A new feature I hope to add to this column, which I plan to make twice weekely, is the Captain Callow section - in this we will follow the fortunes of Australia's #2 jockey - the magnificent Noel Callow.
Last Saturday the Captain had 5 rides:
Race 1: Automaton. 2nd paying $2.80.
Race 2: Pinezerio. 1st paying $6.00 and $2.10.
Race 5: Little Dozer. Unplaced (the thing is a cat though)
Race 6: Le Zagaletta. 3rd, but NTD.
Race 7: Schumpeter. Unplaced (makes Little Dozer look like a Ferrari - the start before he was beaten 16 lengths at Cranbourne)
So overall, 5 rides, for 1 win, 1 second, and 1 third. Return on $1 each way on all mounts - $10.90 - 9% profit! Find me a banker who can get you that return!
Until next time, best of luck punters!
Tim.
Posted by Tim at 11:55 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
June 29, 2005
Racing Tv farce
Outside my domain of trots but is everybody else as peeved as me re whats happening on the racing or lack of televising scene.
Living on the sunshine coast about an hour from Brisbane have Austar not Foxtel and CANT get the Vic racing at all hence i now dont bet on what i cant see.Most of the pubs and clubs up here dont have the new channel including Caloundra rsl which is probably the biggest one on the coast.
The only time i bet on Vic racing or nsw city racing is when i go to the track or into Maroochydore on a saturday.Not a huge punter but would turn over $200 on a Saturday and about the same during the week now only bet on a Saturday so the clubs are not getting that percentage anymore out of that cash multiply me by thousands and it is no wonder the holds are down and stake money will be next to follow.Anyone else feel like me peeved off.
Posted by Barney at 08:54 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink
June 28, 2005
Racing News and Views 28/6
The middle of winter is generally a pretty desolate period for punters - but as always, there is something of interest happening all around Australia.
Just last Saturday, I was at Moonee Valley to see a quite remarkable feat, as Dandy Kid notched up his 14th win at Moonee Valley. Now, this does not put the Kid in the same league as Moonee Valley heroes such as Manikato and Kingston Town - but it should be acknowledged all the same. The horse has now won 18 starts and about $770,000 in prizemoney. Robbie Griffiths has done a marvellous job with this horse and should be commended.
Saturday's meeting was also successful for the MVRC, getting a crowd of 4,000 people to an ordinary Saturday winter meeting. Experiencing the newly renovated MVRC members facilities for the first time, I was very impressed with what I saw. The 'Octagonal room' is a very nice facility, with a number of big screens to watch interstate races, and good proximity to bookmakers and the parade ring, meaning that one does not, as at Flemington, have to be constantly sprinting between places.
The vast majority of winners seemed to sit right outside the leader, as runners had difficulty making ground on the tight Valley circuit, except the 70-1 shot who got up in the sixth!
Sadly, I only found the one winner, but a pleasant day was had by all.
In other news, Elvstroem has bowed out of racing after a gallant fourth on Sunday night in France. He was only a head behind the winner of last year's Prix D'Arc de Triomphe.
In recent years, starting with Better Loosen Up's 1990 Japan Cup win, Australian horses have shown that they can mix it with the world's best, which is great for the Australian industry.
Lindsey Smith, trainer of Plastered has announced the VRC and WA Derby winner will attempt to become the only horse after Rising Fast to win the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup in the same year. Previously only a Cups campaign was planned for the gelding.
Speaking of those three races, here are some early markets from Michael Eskander:
MELBOURNE CUP
$9 Plastered
$11 Westerner
$13 Distinction, Dizelle
$15 Demerger
$21 Accumulate, Makybe Diva
$26 Count Ricardo, First Charter, Kitten's Joy, Mahtoum, Orpington, Perlin, Uprize, Vanquished, Vouvray, Xcellent
CAULFIELD CUP
$10 Plastered
$13 Dizelle
$15 Perlin
$17 Hollow Bullet
$21 Sir Dex
$26 Activation, Binding, Count Ricardo, She's Justa Tad, Storm Alert, Uprize, Vouvray, Xcellent
$34 First Charter, Lyrical Bid, Makybe Diva, Mr Celebrity, Mummify, Natural Blitz, Platinum Scissors, Portland Singa, Stella Grande, Vanquished, Winning Belle
COX PLATE
$6 Makybe Diva
$7 Grand Armee, Starcraft
$9 Greys Inn
$11 Valixir
$13 Mummify, Razkalla
$15 Private Steer
$17 Phoenix Reach
$21 Binding, Fields of Omagh, Lotteria, Plastered
$26 Dizelle, Fashions Afield, Perlin, Shamekha, Snitzel, Stratum, Winning Belle
I don't really go in for punting at this long a range myself, but I think having something on Count Ricardo and She's Justa Tad at $26 for the Cups could be a worthwhile investment.
Tip for tomorrow:
Sandown
4/3 Lord of Lauriston - Down in class and back to favoured 1000m distance after fading away over 1200m at Flemington. Loves the track and gets in well after the claim.
Best of luck punters as always.
Posted by Tim at 08:42 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
May 25, 2005
Racing News
A few very handy horses have been retired just recently.
Regimental Gal (a daughter of top sprinter General Nediym) won the 2004 Lightning Stakes and Australia Stakes, both Group One. Overall she had 17 starts for seven wins and $1.61 million in prizemoney. She will be sold at the Magic Millions broodmare sale next month.
Star of Florida was never quite able to crack it at Group One level, mainly due to the fact that there were no G1 races at that distance apart from down the Flemington straight. As good a horse over the kilometre as you will see, he broke the 1000m track record at Warwick Farm, and the 1010m and 1110m track records at Doomben, not to mention being the world record holder for 800m, which he set at Dalby. Both of his victories at Group 2 level came at the Challenge Stakes at Warwick Farm. He is set for a nice retirement in the dressage and show jumping circuit.
Special Harmony utterly dominated the three year old fillies in the 2003/04 season, bolting in both the Thousand Guineas and VRC Derby, and racking five Group wins in early 2004, before striking rain affected ground in the AJC Derby where she came sixth (and good on connections for having the courage to take on the boys). Unfortunately she was never able to recapture the form of that year subsequently, although she put in a fine run to come fourth in this years Newmarket. She already has a date with Encosta De Lago lined up.
In other news, the MRC will change the distance of the Futurity Stakes from 1400m to 1600m to become part of the Asian Mile Challenge - a good move, seeing as there is little need for Caulfield to have two 1400m WFA races in Autumn. Hopefully it will attract some top class foreign runners down here, but I'm not holding my breath.
Posted by Tim at 09:31 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
March 22, 2005
Fields for Saturday
The barrier draw for the Doncaster Handicap, AJC Derby, and AJC Sires Produce was done today, and the final fields for both races are below:
1 DONCASTER HANDICAP 1600 M (Monday)
Of $1900000 and $10360 trophy. First $1235000 and $10360 trophy, second $380000, third $171000, fourth $76000, fifth $38000. FOR Three-Years-Old and Upwards (GR1). WEIGHTS RAISED 2.5kg. No allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 20+4 EM
----------------------------------------------------------------------
No Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen
1 Desert War Gai Waterhouse Danny Beasley 11 56.5
2 Court's in Session Guy Walter Glen Boss 12 55.5
3 Toulouse Lautrec John Hawkes 4 55.5
4 Modem Lee Freedman Damien Oliver 15 55
5 Natural Blitz Doug Harrison 7 55
6 This Manshood Tim Martin Zac Purton 1 55
7 Patezza Guy Walter Danny Nikolic 18 54.5 1.5
8 Ike's Dream John Hawkes 10 54
9 Osca Warrior Gwenda Markwell Scott Seamer 17 54
10 Sky Cuddle Peter G Moody 14 54
11 Winning Belle(NZ) Gai Waterhouse Nicholas Ryan (a) 9 54
12 Charnwood Green Chris Wood 8 53.5 1
13 Nips Clarry Conners James Innes 13 53.5
14 Al Maher Gai Waterhouse Larry Cassidy 6 53
15 Danni Martine Guy Walter Shane Dye 5 53 2
16 Utzon Les Bridge Jim Cassidy 2 52.5
17 Tui Song(NZ) Graeme Rogerson 3 51
18 Johan's Toy Guy Walter Jay Ford 16 49.5
Desert War $6.50
Court's In Session $6.50
Ike's Dream $7.50
Winning Belle $7.50
Al Maher $9.00
Danni Martine $9.00
Patezza $15.00
Sky Cuddle $15.00
Toulouse Lautrec $17.00
Modem $17.00
Utzon $17.00
Tui Song $17.00
Johan's Toy $34.00
This Manshood $51.00
Charnwood Green $51.00
Osca Warrior $67.00
Nips $67.00 $17.50
Natural Blitz $101.00
(NSW TAB)
5-2.35 AJC SIRES PRODUCE STAKES 1400 M (Saturday)
Of $422460 Of $420000 and $2460 trophies. First $273000 and trophies of $1860 to owner $300 to trainer $300 to jockey, second $84000, third $37800, fourth $16800, fifth $8400. For Two-Years-Old. Set Weights. (GROUP 1). No allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 16+4 EM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen
1 STRATUM Paul Perry L Beasley 6 56.5
2 DOMESDAY John Hawkes 8 56.5
3 THE RHINE John Hawkes 12 56.5
4 POWER OF DESTINY Kevin Moses J Cassidy 7 56.5
5 PENDRAGON (NZ) Bart Cummings G Boss 1 56.5
6 JOHNNY Kris Lees L Cassidy 2 56.5
7 EL DE LAGO Bart Cummings D Nikolic 4 56.5
8 FASHIONS AFIELD Gai Waterhouse D Beasley 11 54.5
9 MNEMOSYNE John Hawkes 3 54.5
10 OPPORTUNITY (NZ) Tony Vasil D Oliver 5 54.5
11 ANOTHER TIME Gratz Vella D Dunn 10 54.5
12 FLORA DANICA Kris Lees D McLellan 9 54.5
2.8 STRATUM
4.5 FASHIONS AFIELD
6.5 MNEMOSYNE
7.5 OPPORTUNITY
8 POWER OF DESTINY
12 DOMESDAY
17 PENDRAGON
21 THE RHINE
41 JOHNNY
41 EL DE LAGO
51 ANOTHER TIME
51 FLORA DANICA
(TAB Sportsbet)
6-3.15 AJC AUSTRALIAN DERBY 2400 M (Saturday)
Of $1937860 Of $1925000 and $12860 trophies. First $1251250 and trophies of $11860 to owner $500 to trainer $500 to jockey, second $385000, third $173250, fourth $77000, fifth $38500. For Three-Years-Old. Set Weights. (GROUP 1). No allowances for apprentices. Field Limit: 18+4 EM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. Horse Trainer Jockey Barr Wgt Pen
1 OUTBACK PRINCE Anthony Cummings D Dunn 8 56.5
2 EREMEIN Allan Denham C Brown 3 56.5
3 JYMCAREW Bob Thomsen G Boss 11 56.5
4 XCELLENT (NZ) Michael Moroney M T Coleman 10 56.5
5 STELLA GRANDE Lee Freedman D Beadman 4 56.5
6 WESTERN BEAU Marc Conners D Nikolic 12 56.5
7 SVENSKA (NZ) Graeme Rogerson D Beasley 1 56.5
8 KING JOHNY (NZ) Raymond Connors L Beasley 5 56.5
9 TAISHO Greg Kennedy L Cassidy 6 56.5
10 SLY DOG Rod Byrnes C Rixon 7 56.5
11 RAILINGS John Hawkes 9 56.5
12 HIGH CEE (NZ) Bart Cummings D Oliver 2 56.5
2.4 XCELLENT
5.5 EREMEIN
6.5 STELLA GRANDE
7.5 OUTBACK PRINCE
9.5 KING JOHNY
15 HIGH CEE
17 JYMCAREW
23 WESTERN BEAU
51 RAILINGS
51 SLY DOG
51 SVENSKA
51 TAISHO
(TAB Sportsbet)
Posted by Tim at 03:26 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
March 18, 2005
Saturday Racing
An absolutely huge weekend of racing coming up, with the Golden Slipper and BMW in Sydney being the obvious highlights, not to mention the three other Group 1's up there. In Melbourne, the Blamey Stakes, and VRC Sires Produce Stakes are two very interesting races as well.
Flemington:
Race 1, no.2: Refute
The Greame Rogerson trained, Lloyd Williams owned horse should be too strong for this lot. 2000m is not a worry as he has always seemed suited to a longer distance.
Race 2, no.2: Conrod Straight
Last start beaten just a neck by the highly promising Snippetson - excellent form line for this.
Race 3, no.9: Uprize
Gets 4 Kg for being beaten less than a length by Lyrical Bid last start, and should be able to turn the tables here.
Race 5, no.4: Under The Floor
Won in fine style last start and one would suspect he will reproduce here. Only beaten at first start by highly rated filly Opportunity.
Race 6, no.15: Barely A Moment
Hasn't had a lot of luck this preparation, but is quite a smart colt. Gets in here with only 50 Kg, and you would expect him to make a big showing from barrier one.
Race 7, no.1: Bondy
Tough, dour stayer who will keep going all day and into the best part of tomorrow. 3200m is his distance and he should have the goods here. Not much else of note here, except that Robbie Laing has given Pantani an unorthodox preparation, trialling him on several occasions, but not racing him, with the belief that racing over shorter distances is a waste with a horse like him. In any case, it will be interesting to see how he goes.
Race 8, no.2: Kylikwong
Second last start over 1400m, and will get better with the extra 200m. Class horse only beaten by the smallest of margins in the VRC Oaks by Hollow Bullet last year.
Rosehill
Race 1, no.6: Radetzky March
Impressive type who drops 3 Kg from last start second behind Kablammo. Should hold out an ordinary bunch here.
Race 3, no.1: Renewable
Best of these easily, some of whom I am convinced are entered to get their owners a ticket into the members on Slipper day. Will start very short.
Race 4, no.1: Hollow Bullet
VRC Oaks winner gets a longer distance and back to 3YO fillies class here. Form lines behind the main danger Lotteria are very questionable.
Race 5, no.1: Grand Armee
Australia's best horse. Up to 2400m, which is the query, but he has the class to handle it. Makybe Diva is obviously the main danger, although Cheval de Troy is one who should be watched.
Race 6, no.2: Desert War
I think that Regal Roller and Court's In Session are the best two horses here, but there will be so much pace at the front (Osca Warrior as well, if he goes in this one) that they will wear each other down.
Race 7, no.12: Mnemosyne
Darren Beadman had the option to ride about half the field (not quite, but at least four) so he clearly rates this filly as the best of that lot. Has been very consistent, and with some luck is as good a chance as any in a wide open race.
Race 8, no.2: Ike's Dream
Okay, Alinghi is clearly the outstanding horse in the field, but with the increase in trip to 1500m, adjusting to Sydney way of going, and wide draw, she is vulnerable, and you will almost certainly not get what I would consider a fair price ($3.30). Ike's Dream is a very nice mare who is back to around her ideal distance, and has Dazzling Darren aboard.
Best of luck punters,
TJH.
Posted by Tim at 05:03 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
March 14, 2005
G'day all
I'm Tim, the new Gallops writer and tipster for Insiderail.com. Some of you may know me from the Punting Forum Tipping Comp, which I run. Anyway, the point of my column is that I will be posting news and opinions about thoroughbred racing two or three times per week, and racing tips when I have something worth betting on, so hopefully it will be interesting and informative for all of you.
Cheers,
Tim.
Posted by Tim at 10:31 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink