Crio’s racing

Monday’s reports of trials in Sydney by Spring hopefuls including More Joyous and Rain Affair whetted the appetite for good horses and racing. The curve seemed upwards – that afternoon, Commanding Jewel (sister of the champ..) swept to her maiden win and declared for a Classics campaign…..on Tuesday the much-loved Hissing Sid continued the feel-good theme with a huge margin in winning a ‘Bool Hurdle and announcing a May date with destiny.
It can certainly be an exciting time. Samaready and All Too Hard are acceptors this Saturday.
But, as is so often the case in Racing, promise can be illusory. Hopes are raised and shattered.
By week’s end we have confirmation of our greatest drawcards, Black Caviar and Atlantic Jewel, missing Spring and now an announcement of an inquiry in to the race fixing allegations that are sweeping the Industry!
It can all be a bit deflating.
The reality is that we have the old Liston Stakes meeting at Caulfield, a card which nowadays highlights the dearth of quality WFA horses and stayers in Australia.
The races of most interest around the country will be the 3yo contests: At Rosehill the San Domenico Stakes (G3, SR3, 1100m)pits All Too Hard against Driefontein and Snitzerland whilst back at The Heath the Diamond star Samaready is up against crack swimmer Elite Elle in the Quezette (Listed, MR4, 1100m).
At first glance our Quaddy looks pretty tough.
Definitely put Duric’s mount in the first leg – 2,4,5.
Make a call in the Liston. I have a knock on all of them. Go 6 one out or scan for a roughie. A really wet track gets me looking to breeding – try those by Mossman (8- Second Effort 20/1) and Clangalang (9- Prince Obama 33/1).
Lady Melksham (14) looks like being top notch so she goes in for R7, maybe adding 16/1 pair Booklet (8) and Hi Belle (2).
I have to put Forty Thirty (6) on top in the last despite not being a first-up winner. Certainly E/W. Add whatever else you like and throw a sneaky sliver of Grand Britannia (11) in to those desperate trifectas (whilst betting responsibly of course!).
Despite the setbacks this week I am still optimistic for a fascinating Spring and the good ‘uns do start to return from hereon.
One of the best, Americain, steps out in France on Sunday to begin what we all hope is another glorious campaign.
Let’s hope so. We need good horses and good news.
And good tips…I’ll keep an eye on this post and then be on the rails Saturday.
Good luck!

Comments

  1. Cookie I guess this proves even the battler can compete against the big boys and money
    Crio -young SA trainer Daniel Clarken has his unbeaten Psychic Mick in Race 3 at Caufield. He is quoted as saying he has no idea how it will go on a wet track but he has to give him a go against the best
    Glad you have Duric in your selections – his strike rate speaks for itself
    Hope you have plenty of warm clothes for tomorrow- weather foul here in SA

  2. Whose son is Daniel Clarken?

  3. Not sure Crio but will try and find out
    Incidentally Pschic Mick was purchased at the Adelaide sales when the owner had a dream to buy lot 118 the night before and followed this through

  4. Mick Clarken used to potter around our stand at the Trots 30 yrs ago….sounds like his crop!

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