I’ve felt a bit sorry for Moonee Valley’s Fridays “under lights” this season with wretched weather blighting their chances of getting a sporting foothold. This is the last non-footy weekend, so it is to be hoped that the Alister Clark Stakes (3yr.olds, Gr2, 2040m) meeting gets a good crowd and the interest can then be maintained for Black Caviar’s 25/03 William Reid Stakes finale to the “Summer Nights” series.
A couple of drawcards – Moshe then Golden Archer – will start very short in the first two, stifling betting but hopefully exciting patrons who want to see horses with great dash and potential. Thereon, the fields are relatively large and challenging.
The feature race (R6) is tough. I was disappointed in Kim Divine (6) last start but he is not the first Sydneysider to flop first-up at the Heath only to find the right leg at the “Valleybowl”. Folding Gear (1), however, beat him comfortably and is in peak form. Include Almindoro (2), a track winner.
A “true” rail is not always the case so be either there or tuned to TVN to watch a pattern unfold. I’ll be restocking the Turfbet bag in the main ring.
Caulfield’s Saturday meeting is a reminder that the caravan has left town and that Australia’s punters will turn their formguides to Rosehill where the good horses are mustered. Unfortunately, despite the time-honoured programme and exceptional prizemoney, the fields are disappointingly thin. But I’ll be watching for sure…seeing if Sepoy (R2, No1) handles the turn in his Slipper hitout…looking for Satin Shoes (R3, No1) to confirm her status as his femme fatale…watching the ridiculous sight of More Joyous (R4, No5) “competing” for a Gr2 in a 5 horse field of $5m. stakes-earners where Rangirangdoo (1) and Love Conquers All (2) appear to be on Doncaster looseners…wondering how an authority can afford a $400k Gr1 (Ranvet, R5, 2000m) that’s not a Quaddy leg…and eventually trying to dissect the Coolmore Classic (R7, Gr1, F&M, 1500m), which is nowadays an Autumn highlight, whilst wondering why Gai’s ducked it with her champ. It’s a perplexing, frustrating schedule. I’m already looking at the 8 and 13 to fill a multi get-out in the last! But watch the races or replays, as Sydney’s Carnival form will start to take shape.
And share any insights or opinions, as my accounts also need to get back in to shape.
Caulfield Race 7 Number 6 Crio!
Just playing trivial formguide.
Aloha and Turnitup have resurrected the day.
Reasonably even.
Flynnie,
Interesting conundrum re Moshe. Allegedly “squeezing”…needs gelding but worth a penny or two.
Sounds as though it has a touch of the Ra Suns.