Crio’s Racing: 21 – the key to the city

I went to lots of 21st parties in my “Adelaide days” – in fact, I turned 21 there before heading to brighter lights and different challenges overseas.
But it was all pretty low key.
With considerably more fanfare, Black Caviar bestrides Morphettville on Saturday for her 21st – The time honoured Goodwood Handicap – as Royal Ascot beckons beyond.
The SAJC has another ripper support card (4 Listed and 3 x G3) for the capacity crowd that will flock down Anzac Highway to serenade the unbeaten star. Let’s hope they adopt the traditional strategy for a 21st and get there early and don’t leave until it’s all over! Omen punters might take note to include mounts ridden by cult jock Jason “Stubby” Holder, in keeping with the party theme – and his propensity to get a roughie in to the exotics. I’m getting nostalgic looking at the races.
There’s even the old Port Adelaide Cup (AR3), once an annual Cheltenham fixture, now rebadged over 2500m for an even batch of Country Cup types. Hurdy Gurdy Man (4) was really good at Warrnambool and, assuming he’s pulled up better than most attendees, looks the one to beat.
The Laelia Stakes (AR5, 3yo F, 1600m) opens the Quaddy. P. Morgan looks back in form and hence I’m tipping Lucky Penny (2). Maybe 4 and 6 also.
The R.A. Lee Stakes (AR6, G3, 1600m) is wide open. Liked Testa My Patience (2) on first glance, but reckoning there are reasons to put a few in here. Certainly don’t neglect 6 and 8 at big odds and 7 must have claims. A really good trifecta race.
The Goodwood’s always been a good race and, despite being a benefit, it deserves to have the mighty mare on its honour roll. (AR7, G1, 1200m, 4.50AEST).
We finish the party trying to nail a filly or mare (another intended strategy at 21sts) but it will be tough to be on a winner (like old times!). I’m starting to reckon Sistine Angel’s a tease and will be unders. I much prefer 2, 9 and 14.
Punters should certainly not neglect to look at Doomben, where the best race of the day is assembled for the BTC Cup (BR7, G1, 1200m), won by the Black Cav last year and now with great depth as trainers dodge Moody’s champ. Buffering (3) deserves favouritism but this is a genuine G1. Varenna Miss (12) was unlucky last time but that might be her lot. Watch for the Pumper on the bottom weight (15) and Facile Tigre (10) fresh. Many hopes.
I’ll be on the bag on the Rails at Caulfield for anyone venturing to The Heath and I’ll be monitoring this site for tips until then.
Good luck!

Comments

  1. Skip of Skipton says

    I used to always nail a mare when the rest were hoping to nail a filly. I’ve only had a quick scan of the Adelaide meeting but it looks a good punting card. Ex-pat Kavanagh has sent a big team over, which is good to see. Can Hilton improve (get more hysterical) on last time?

    What the hell is the Sportingbet SA Filies Classic 2500m (G3)?

  2. Is it the old Australasian Oaks?

  3. Adelaides where its all happening thanks to Black Caviar. You are getting nostalgic in your old age remembering all the races that used to be.
    Watch for OLearys horse to run a place against the champ (or so my mate at Goolwa who stables his horses says)

  4. Skip of Skipton says

    G’day Budge, Don’t they have the 2000m (G1) Australasian Oaks anymore? It’s some crappy re-run of the SA Oaks?

    Adelaide is where it is at, David, CAN YOU DIG IT?

  5. Skip – just did a bit of googling and find that “Invest” won the Australasian Oaks a few weeks ago. Obviously a highlight of the turf calendar. This new race replaces the SA Oaks – why, no idea!

  6. Past 3 winners since Oaks replaced by Fillies Classic:
    2011 – Precious Lorriane
    2010 – Danaupair Starlet
    2009 – Zapurple

    ‘Nuff said!

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