Almanac Racing: DatoTanChinNam Day

There can be very few good reasons for any keen racing fan not to be at Money Valley this Saturday. Unfortunately, in their greed and excitement, administrators have scheduled a 9 race programme – too many for bookies, punters, caterers, drinkers, tipsters…- but I’d recommend at the very least getting down there in time to take a walk around the stalls and then watch the legs of the Quaddy, which begin with the McEwen Stakes (R6, Gr3, 1000m) at 3pmEST. This is a fascinating race. Tony Rickards (aka Con Marasco) has labeled Hay List (No3) a “sprinting superstar” and the widely travelled Perth horse will want to be very good as there is class and pace to burn here. I’d be concerned about the breakneck speed and risk it and the fav, Reward for Effort (No1), preferring to back Catapulted (No2) and save on the swooping roughie Rostova (No7).

The DatoTanChinNam (R7, Gr2,1600m) has only eight acceptors, but all will play a role in this Spring’s drama. Perhaps surprisingly, Moody has put horse of the year Typhoon Tracy in to this rather than up against other Mares. Either he thinks Ghostmilk (R8, No5) is a monty, +/or he has seen a soft lead and a win here in what looks a jog/sprint. The jury is out on her Caulfield run, but she has great second-up and Valley form. Whobegotyou (No2), it should be added, is a true track king and will be using this as a platform for a Cox Plate bid. His run last start was terrific. Shoot Out’s effort last start was also outstanding. He might get a good cart but I’m waiting to see how he handles the bowl. Great race. The rest are all good horses, especially at handicaps, but the lack of true pace will not help their chances.

The mares compete in a very even Stocks Stakes (R8, Gr2, WFA, 1600m) where, as I’ve mentioned, the Moody/Nolen juggernaut has pointed to Ghostmilk continuing her push through the ranks. She is good and it is a quality field but I cannot let Faint Perfume go around at good odds in a race like this without my shekels…she is a star.

The last leg is, as always, tough. Philda (No4) was backed for plenty last start to beat Ghostmilk. Though unsuccessful, that looks fantastic mail for this. Nevertheless, I’ll be backing Magical Pearl (No9) at tasty odds to send me smiling in to the ‘G.

Punters should also take note of interstate racing, especially Rosehill’s interesting card, with a Gr2 Sprint featuring More Joyous and Rothesay, as well as tough campaigners Black Piranha and Sniper’s Bullet…all Group 1 horses. I’m sold on Gai’s super mare(No4). Excellent support races there too.

Even Adelaide has some races of interest, especially R6. Watch this as there are some good horses who will have ambitious programmes. Alcopop is 2nd up, but with 60kgs. I cannot grasp the plans and hopes for this horse, such a marvel last Spring. It was his 2nd up win then, in the Balak Cup (bloody Haddle McDaddle last week!) that propelled him towards Cup folklore. RightFong is “going good” and must have bright prospects, but perhaps there’s not enough pace on here to make him any value. Sound Journey has scratched MV for this and Silent Sophia is certainly capable. If it is a bog, include Riceman.

This is a very good meeting but be wary of track conditions as Adelaide has been soaked and Morphettville gets little respite. An interesting Adelaide nom is Testapal in the last…he is also an Emerg for R5 at MV in which he’d be good odds and, despite the gate, my selection. Cameron must want to run him somewhere, presumably because he is ready.

I’ll be at my post looking to put your money in to my Turfbet bag…at the best odds of course!

Any comments, as always, appreciated.

Comments

  1. Umm umm, excuse me Mr Riordan. Im the bloke that gave you the dud mail two weks ago but Im back anyway

    “Sound Journey will be racing in the Tokyo City Cup in Adelaide this week. I accepted for Melbourne but he drew too wide there. He will travel to Adelaide tonight and I don’t mind saying this looks a pretty good race for him. He has a good gate and a good rider but he has the steadier of 59 kg. For this reason I could only suggest he would be an excellent each way chance”

    Ill skulk away now and forever hold my tongue should it not get amongst the places
    cheers
    TR

  2. As I mention above, this is a good race but he obviously feels that the horse is ready for a win. Not carrying my money will also be a plus!

  3. We should have got on Faint Perfume…they bet $8. Heaps for her at $6. Pushing for favouritism and getting too short for me. Obviously going well so worth taking in doubles before a slashing trial tomorrow?

  4. Here’s one for you Elvis. R1, Condahussler, still in Guineas (and Cox Plate I think), heavily backed last start and got home late. Up to 1500m today, Eurell’s team in form and big odds!

  5. Again the “horses for courses” rule stood up. Clearly Whobe and Typhoon were the go there and ran 1-2.
    I thought Tracey looked out of her depth when Whobe strode up next to her – not sure where they will go with her now. Might be better to keep her to what she does best – dominating from the front but can’t see her being a factor in the Cox Plate.

  6. Stick with Faint Perfume and Shoot Out when they get back to Flemington.

  7. And what about that sprinter?!! I laid the 2 favs in that race and would have paid out on the winner at the school. Back it in everything.

  8. Agree Budge.

    I can’t see Typhoon Tracy figuring in a Cox Plate. It’s not beating the main players now.

    It should be set for the Empire Rose Stakes on Derby Day.

    The jury is out on Shootout. Pilot issues?

    What is this Sebring Sprint crap? Isn’t it the Theo Marks Quality?

  9. Sebring Sprint is hilarious.
    What is the Empire Rose please?
    Somehow I resisted looking at the cultural reflection of Dato taking over from Feehan.

  10. And, how do you rate More Joyous? Singoi and Gai will add plenty to the Carnival.

  11. The Empire Rose Stakes is the registered name for the Myer Classic (Gr1 Standard WFA Fillies and Mares) on Derby Day.

    I rate More Joyous very highly. The Epsom should give some guide as to whether it’ll get 2040 metres.

    Gai reckons it’s better than Sunline. Decent spruik.

  12. Shoot Out was a victim of circumstances and was in the wrong part of the track- not sure that all the MV form will hold. Don’t dismiss those who got stuck in the quicksand near the fence.

    Never heard of the Empire Rose Stakes. Is that what the big money fillies & mares race will revert to if they can’t find a sponsor? And why name a mile race after Empire Rose anyway?? What’s the significance there??

    More Joyous is pretty good but won’t know what hit her when the pressure come on in the WFA races down here. Might finish up with Tracey in the “Empire Rose”.

    Elvis – those WA sprinters have kicked on since the days of you spruiking Asian Beau!

  13. I’m a big fan of More Joyous.
    Totally sold on Hay List, but will still want to see him down the straight at HQ.
    Whobe and SoYouThink is already a mouth-watering Cox Plate prospect.

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