Almanac Racing: Soggy Sydney

Congratulations to Rosehill for managing to host last weekend’s Slipper Day despite the appalling conditions. The track raced relatively truly and safely and those who made the trek were rewarded by Winx’s astonishing win in the George Ryder (“she’s just a wet tracker!”).

 

Alas, the venue’s faced with another week of anxiety monitoring the weather with a Heavy10 already posted (Wednesday) and more rain forecast. Those who profess to know such info are confident that the western suburbs’ venue holds water far better than the “showpiece Royal” Randwick – but, by any standards, this month’s been a doozy in Soggy Sydney.

 

It’s the old Tancred Day and the feature (nowadays the BMW; SR6, 2400m, WFA, G1) has attracted a pretty strong field – as you’d hope with a $1.5m booty. Four genuine chances – 1,6,7,8 and the 9 is always overs. Fascinating. On an absolute bog, the toppy seems, as the trainer has described, “a duck”.

 

There’s Group racing throughout most of the card but I’ll await the trackman’s call before delving further.

 

Melbourne’s sporting landscape gets avalanched by footy from this weekend so you’d be hard pressed to know that Moonee Valley hosts a Group One race on a Friday night promising good racing and rich rewards (much like the F1 GP which, unless you lived in that ‘burb, you’d not know was on!). The William Reid Stakes (MR7, 1200m, WFA, G1) is time-honoured but almost invisible. A fascinating race. I’ve declared myself a Star Turn fan but I can’t afford to butter up again. Will cheer with my hands in my pockets. Throw the 4 in exotics.

 

I Am A Star leads the betting in the other main race, the Sunline (MR6, 1600m, F+M, WFA). Need to know if the 2 decides to run here or at Rosehill before making a commitment. Fascinated to see Patrick Holmes getting a ride in a G2 (No9).

 

The Melbourne metro meeting on Saturday is down at Mornington. It’s a terrific track. It is, as they say, tempo related! Like at MV, there’s a good run down the side and then a scamper for home. If they dawdle, B.Gath would sit up and win! If the pressure goes on at the 3 furlongs you can get over them. Good fields and the MRC have really promoted this Cup as a pathway to the Caulfield Cup. Charlie Appleby’s training performance last Spring was extraordinary and his entry here, The Gold Trail, has the form to win (MR7, No3). Skinny in early quotes. Would rather E/W 2 @12/1.

 

The forecast is good for the bayside on Saturday so hopefully there’ll be a few customers at one of my favourite tracks.

 

Any tips welcomed. Good luck!

 

Comments

  1. Good to see the Melbourne form hold up very well at Rosehill last Saturday.

    Took an early price I am a Star pre-acceptances when Silent Sedition was equal fav, so hoping she can get the weekend off to a flyer.

    At Rosehill – keen on Astronomos, and think Dixie Blossoms will bounce back.

    Will also have an eye on the latest WA sprinting star, Three Votes. He tackles 1200m for the first time.

    Sunday sees the focus move to Dubai –
    In the Dubai Sheema Classic Highland Reel will again face defeating champion Postponed.
    Arrogate, the highest rater horse in the world will start long odds-on fav in the Dubai World cup.
    No Aussie trained starters in the two sprint races, but a couple of HK trained/Aus-NZ breed runners feature.

  2. Alexandra Cup today. We’ll head up there.

    Glen!

  3. I’m keen in Sydney despite the conditions.
    Race 8 Rocket Commander is an EW spec, loves the wet and 1500 suits better and generally is very consistent.
    Race 7 Harlow Gold has won on the slow and stays better than these, Foxplay looks the one to beat but last 200 may test it.
    Race 6 Jameka, Humidor shouldn’t be able to beta it this week, given the work Jameka had to do last time, clearly Tavago is the danger
    Mornington, I’ll try a running double in races 6 & 7, Reldas into Boom Time, Because Reldas races so well at the Valley I’m assuming the track will suit and there looks to be a few who will have to work on the speed, I like Boom Time because it will get all the favours and he seems to keep improving.
    Adelaide races will keep improving over the next 6 weeks, today looks a good program.
    Race 5 Lord Topper will probably lead and should win other main chances get too far back. Race 7 Super Fun will win if it has any luck that is good, past 2 has had only bad luck.
    Last race is on the outer track and I’m very keen on Silvera, well suited and on the way up and looking to get to the derby here.
    Long season coming up for the bluebaggers as I expect the Richmond form to follow it’s usual pattern

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