The media gush for Black Caviar is further proof that a great racehorse, moreso than a jumping castle or a hat competition, is the best possible product for promoting our “game”. The VRC is now crossing its fingers for good weather and hopefully a bumper crowd for the “Super Saturday” meeting.
Moody’s mighty mare has been set a big challenge – 58kgs on a likely spongy track – but it has been well earned and punters look likely to lap up the 1/3 posted. Maybe Star Witness as the blowout.
Black Caviar’s Newmarket mission perhaps overshadows Flemington’s premier Autumn raceday, with time-honoured events littering the racebook – including the Sires’ Produce Stakes (R3, Gr2), Blamey Stakes (R4, Gr2), Kewney Stakes (R5, Gr2), obviously the Newmarket (R6, Gr1), but also the Australian Cup (R7, Gr1) and a couple of lotteries to round out the Quaddy.
Hours will have to be found to properly do the form but here are some observations – comments are welcomed.
-I might open my wallet for R2 and back Moody’s Panipique (No3) at about $8.
-The Blamey field (R4) will go around without me. “Whobe” does look way too good but I’ll not back him at odds-on, at least away from the Valley. Spacecraft (8) is the value.
– The Australian Cup (R7) again highlights our dearth of quality WFA stayers. Punters are wary of Heart of Dreams (3) as fav over 2000m. Shocking (1), a nob at Flemington and on soft ground, is a 3200m Handicap winner yet looks the one to beat! Bart’s Precedence is the mail and will carry my money.
There are plenty of other enjoyable race meetings over this long weekend – check with Country Racing Victoria’s website for details.
I’m heading over to Morphettville to call the odds for Terry Lillis at Monday’s outstanding Adelaide Cup meeting. Pressed for early selections, I’ll recommend Mick Kent’s Absolutely (R5, No7) all-up Stirling Grove (R9, No1) in the Yallambee Classic.
If you are in Melbourne on Monday, avoid Moonee Valley….it is an awful meeting with few facilities open, poor fields and no atmosphere – we went last year! Much better to get to a PUBtab or watch TVN – or, if you can get to Morphettville, come up and cadge top odds.
Good Luck!
Cheers Crio,
I can see myself falling into Precedence. Crafty Bart.
Anybody going tomorrow?
Budge is for sure. I might pop down mid afternoon.
I forgot to mention that the Newmarket Hcp is my favourite race.
This year’s renewal, like the Alinghi and Fastnet Rock year, is atypical of past editions with its small field and stifled betting market. It’s usually 7’s the field.
I love the usual capacity field that would typically contain an ecletic mix of gun sprinters, first-up milers (usually trained by Bart), talented three-year-olds and dead-set straight-six specialists.
I love how the big field would split into 2 divisions. The stand side and the flat side. A caller’s nightmare. Two races in one.
Most of the greats have won it. Ajax in 1938. Bernborough in 1946. Century in 1972.
Malua and Wakeful have triumphed.
Malua won the Melbourne Cup and Newmarket in the same year. Later he won a Grand National Hurdle.
I wish that Black Caviar was up against 23 rivals.
As Molly would say, do yourself a favour and get to Flemington tomorrow.
Watch the way Black Caviar glides over the turf, particularly going up to the barrier before the start.
It’s an effortless motion.
Unfortunately I’m a scratching Flynny, tis the last weekend with paint brush in hand, will have to settle for a quick dash to the RSL a couple of doors down for B.Caviar’s amazing picket fence addition.
Promises to be a ripper day – apocalyptic storms post the Newmarket unlikely this year
Peter Flynn,
I totally agree with your Newmarket sentiments. It was a great race in “the day”. 24 runners, 2 divisions where class and genius prevailed. Hardcore sprinters versus first up milers. Can’t remember what cause necessitated me giving my right arm, but I would gladly donate the remaining left one to sense that excitement again.
CB,
We are obviously doomed as I agree with your selections re races 2,4 & 7 above. Particularly keen on Shocking back at Flemington and out to a distance. Linton is the danger- blinkers on first time!
Remiss of me not to spruike the Randwick Guineas meeting – at Warwick Farm! Good races and likely excellent formlines for the Sydney Carnival.
G. Boss wanted to ride Absolutelyawesome in last week’s Australian Guineas but managed to get on the winner when it didn’t get a run. I see he has forsaken rides at Flemington tomorrow to follow it up to Sydney for their Guineas. Might be a reasonable pointer!
Yep. could be right. Pity…shiteful name and annoying hoop – but its about finding winners.
BTW, lawns or Members tomorrow?
Fired up for a big one tomorrow Crio. Have been suffering a similar affliction to Dave Downer but brushes and sander away for me now and punting wallet dusted off for a big day out tomorrow.
Robbie Griffiths two in the diamond both copped interference at the top of the straight Spectrolite is in the opener and Grand Brittania in the Sires, am on board them on the earlies.
I’ll be including Snapparazzi at the 300s for 3rd and 4th in a Newmarket 1st Four and Beaded – all class and down 5kgs for braining them last start – in the runner’s up stall.
Am a G Eurell fan and backed Pinker Pinker last start, a bit worried about the inside marble but she’s pretty good.
The Australian Cup’s the toughie for me – keen on the Flemington specialists Shocking and my boy Moudre, but am concerned they’ll be running on for the minor money at the mile and a quarter.
Flynnie I note your mention of Linton – I’ve another in that category, blinkers first time, and that’s Ginga Dude, I think a strong case can be made for him. Form shows he doesn’t necessarily need it soft.
Crio if you have any ideas of a first 4 in the last lemme know – the tote birthday carry on means they’ve stumped up a half million in the pool and could be a decent go.
I’ll be having a couple out on the lawn, give me a call 0422 002 368 if you’re there
cheers and good punting
Freeza
I’ll put this stubbie down Freeza…you’re making sense!
Will call if I get down there.
I’m even worried abt Alcopop – was a fair effort to run them down in the Kilmore Cup over the mile, and he did run second behind SYT in the Yalumba last spring – could he be back to his best?
The other one for the Newmarket 1st Four is Response – never got out in the Oakleigh Plate. Really I shouldn’t have a bet and just watch the Black girl do her thing. I was laid up a bit crook around the time of the Lightning and got goosebumps listening to the call in bed – that was until G Miles called Warm Love hanging on for third and wrecking my tri!
cheers
Freeza
Can Lee Freeman find that “youngest person” from the Diva’s last (staged) win?…Black Caviar is magnificent.
Great tipping Crio. 3 for 3. Also refer #6 above. Exacta Shocking – Linton paid $65.10.
Sadly I am depositing borrowed money in to your account!
Happily I am watching replays…Black Caviar and then Shocking. Fantastic.
WANTED
Almanacker to help perform as a pantomine horse.
Vet check and barrier certificate required.
Required to run a place in the William Reid Stakes on March 25.
Guaranteed a decent earner.
Applications close on Tuesday March 22.