Crio’s Racing: The Memsie

Regardless of its rating, the Memsie is always a good race and the banner event on an important gateway to Spring. It is amongst a cluster of promoted Group races for the 2013/14 season- confirmation of the power of the influential breeders more than any recognition of improved quality. Black type sells well in the Sales Catalogue. NZ Bloodstock has even come on board as sponsors for this week. It may ultimately, of course, become counter productive with a glut of overrated qualifications and the propensity of owners to chase “type” and then avoid the racetrack. That means the good ‘uns don’t hang around for long. Look at the great 3yo retirements from last year – Pierro and All Too Hard were absolutely top drawer and are now at stud where they will make more fortunes for their fortunate owners.
We’re left with trying to look for the next stars on the horizon. As tipped, a few pushed their causes last week. Gregers won as she wished and looks a genuine Thousand Guineas filly. Commanding Jewel ran as stable talk and betting indicated- a dramatic drifter clearly in need of the run but still one to watch. And Cauthen was outstanding. Again he botched the start and then ran around in the straight but he is, as they say, a serious racehorse with a massive upside… Caulfield Guineas and then a choice of the Vase or maybe a shot at the real deal on Cox Plate Day.
Another with those same ambitions, Prince Harada (3), steps out in a white hot edition of the H.D.F.McNeil Stakes (MR4, G3, 3yo, 1200m). Invariably a hot pot returns in this race but this year’s assemblage is mouth watering. The Tony Vasil stable holds their undefeated colt in the same regard as his celebrated sire, Haradasun. Yet this scamper might be too cut-throat first-up against sprinters of the premier calibre. Cracking Blue Diamond form is amongst the opposition. The high class runner-up Fast’n’Rocking (2, B.Prebble) surely deserves a maiden win whilst the unbeaten Diamond heroine, Miracles of Life (1) returns to continue Lauren Stojakovic’s fairytale. This fascinating race runs very “deep”… Gai/Nash are in town with their Guineas prospect, Divine Calling (4). Moody’s aspirants, Thermal Current (5) and Il Cavallo (6) are both highly regarded, focused on spring riches and have significant gear changes. The bottom three (7,8,9) are all returning after wins from their only start and, being from big stables, expected to be more than making up the numbers. This is a terrific race. I was totally convinced by Cauthen last week and believe the Prince Harada hype – but I’m tipping Miracles of Life to win under these condition. The race of the day.
The principal race, obviously, is the Memsie Stakes (MR8, G1, WFA, 1400m). Regrettably the MRC has decided to have all of its features as the last on the card. My logic, as always, is personal. The crowd hangs around. They jockey to be paid after the last. They all leave at the same time. Car park exits and railway platforms are jammed. Drunks ruin it for the rest. Other than that, no worries! At least, at present, there are just the 8 races…. I will boringly reiterate this point throughout the Carnival.
The 2013 Memsie Stakes has many highly credentialed runners but, I believe, few qualified to triumph on Saturday. The 2013 winner, Sincero, has had a setback and, unfortunately, didn’t accept. King Mufhasa, a logical leader and G1 stalwart, has already scratched today (Wednesday) and is on G1 duty in NZ (Hastings, R8, 1400m). There’s a knock on the remainder. This race is not their target, not their distance or not their class. Atlantic Jewel (14), half right, stands above them all. Her condition is her only danger. The next in the market, It’s A Dundeel (9) is an enormous talent but I have reservations – his left handed form is unconvincing and the distance, gate and track are all negatives. Prepared to risk. So we are left with horses like Happy Trails – I’d love to own a share but, honestly, Atlantic Jewel appears in a different class. Let’s hope so. And remember to watch the beaten brigade – most of these will challenge for higher honours in future months.
If you are taking a Caulfield Quaddy, I’d certainly go one out Atlantic Jewel in the closer and hope to spot some value earlier in what might be a skinny multi :-
MR5- (1400m, Hcp)- Strawberry Boy (4) is very promising and the P.G.Moody stable really stood up last time here. 14 might be the chance at double figures.
MR6- (1100m, SWP, G3)- Great to see former brilliant juvenile Samaready back at the scene of her emphatic Diamond triumph 18 months ago. On sheer talent she must go in on top and I’m just hoping she stays sound for this prep. 7 and 11 would be my others at odds.
MR7- (1700m, Hcp, Listed)- plenty of these have convictions. The imports have panels on the locals, especially at this second tier. Pakal (6) was too good here last time and Moody’s “Arc” horse, Kesampour (5) is probably just as good. The wide gates seem to suit the Euros so do not be discouraged. Perhaps 4 and 10 of the “Aussies”.
MR8- (1400m, WFA, G1)- 14.
There are points of interest all day at The Heath for anyone looking to make a Spring profit.
Tune in early.
The heat of the Sprint Series (MR2, 1000m, Mares) is highly competitive. Vain Queen (6) and Angel’s Beach (9) rightly dominate the market but this might be a good form race, especially for some of those Mares races at MV Nights.
Some dodgy draws have thrown open Race 3 (MR3, Mares, Hcp, 1400m) and Lady Melksham is one which has scratched early from the carpark. Rose Pattern (7) and Angelic Lass (13 – D.Yendall for Oges!) are worth considering at fair odds.
For punters looking beyond Victoria, the Sydney fields are also on the improve. I’m even less qualified to offer advice for Rosehill but they are definitely worth a perusal – and for those who lucked in on the Sydney mail on Harmonic last start, it fronts up in a tougher race but again at good odds (SR5, No11).
If you prefer more rural racing, can I suggest Betoota for its Cup on Saturday – but you’ll need a plane to get there in time. Fortunately it does have an Airstrip….and a racecourse – but nothing else. Population ZERO, Betoota’s last resident, a Polish immigrant who owned the pub, passed away in 2004. It is, therefore, a ghost town on the fringe of the rabbit proof fence but it has plenty of horses running in this lead-up event to next week’s Birdsville extravaganza, 170kms further west.
Another for the bucket list but, to be honest, I’m pleased to be heading down Dandy Road on Saturday morning to savour the extra ingredients sure to be added to what is shaping as a Spring to relish.

Comments

  1. cowshedend says

    Great review Crio,really like Pelicano,huge run in the Aurie, ‘s and with The Cleaner there to supply the pace,looks a very suitable race,McEvoy always places them well.
    The Memsie is a beauty, but you would reckon Atlantic Jewel should get em,even with the visitors draw

  2. Early as usual- so Im waiting for the tips other than Crios as the last 2 weeks have been a wipeout (at least you will save your dough Jock being o/s)
    News from the beach is scant with David Jolly only having one runner Sat but gearing up for the Balak Cup meeting next week (he should have some strong chances) but as we leave for “child-minding” duties in Melbourne next week I will try and find out his chances before I go
    Miracles of Life puts us on the map here- an exciting horse and as ever I will be taken note of Duric and Yendalls chances
    A contact in Cambridge (UK) keeps me informed (with info from Newmarket) so I look to the Cups early market- more to come
    Glen- better fields at Berrigan the Morphetville – are you going?
    Lastly Elvis- where did you go to ? Perhaps that was why Budge was so quiet
    Crio- if you read the book “A Year on the Punt” maybe youd think twice about Birdsville

  3. Oges,
    I haven’;t gone yet ( a couple of weeks) but the longer I stay here the more expensive it is becoming.

    It’s a great meeting at Caulfield and I’m at a bloody wedding on Saturday, thank god for phone apps. I cheered winners home before while at weddings so I hope this is no exception.

    At first glance I thought that Folding Gear looked well over the odds in the second last. 2nd up last time only got done a couple of lengths by Jet Away and he loves Caulfield so with the pace that looks to be on , he may be a good hope at odds.
    Atlantic Jewel was a great horse but is well under for a horse with 16 months off. I think Happy Trails is very hard to beat as many others will need the run and don’;t be surprised if My Quest for Peace runs a race, first up 7th in the 10,000 in Qld give sit some mad hope. I noticed that Kav has Za Moulin Rouge in the McNeil, probably not her race but will win a good one, was very impressive at its only run so look out for the fillies races around a mile.

    I just looked up the fields for Betoota and I noticed that Joe Blow is running in the cup. I think that was a Gerry Harvey horse in Sydney that looked like it was going to make it at one point. They all eventually find their mark.

  4. As do we all mate.
    Good punting.

  5. Crio

    Thanks for the oil.

    I was fortunate to be at Randwick on Sydney Cup Day to see Fiorente clatter home first up over 1400 in the All Aged behind All Too Hard. If they go hard early, don’t be surprised if he rolls over the top of them.

  6. Featured in the Stewards’ Report that day too MOC. Good spotting. He might be very good which, if the Jewel is off, will be good enough. The 2 in front of him would be right in this. Pity Mufhasa is not runnin to ensure a gallop – I suppose Ajeeb will run along?

  7. Having tipped a placegetter last week, I’m clearly at the apex of my form!!

    Love Miracles Of Life (the horse and the back story) but reckon she is badly weighted first up in this. If it was 1000m or 1100m maybe not so worried but reckon she might be paddling at the end having to give weight to some smart boys. I’m 2 for 2 so far in my lay of the days so keep note (unfortunately they both won which clearly isn’t the general plan….)

    Looking through the Honour Roll of Memsie winners highlighted several of my favourites as previous winners (King Delamere (ok that was Elvis’s), Rubiton, Redelva, La Zagaletta, Sunline) along with some other handy ones like So You Think, Weekend Hussler, Miss Finland, El Segundo, Makybe Diva, Magical Miss and Naturalism. Bit slow on the uptake to make it a Group 1. Only horse this year who deserves to be ranked with these is Atlantic Jewel who I expect to prove far too classy for these.

    Best roughie identified so far – Race 2 No3 Umgeton. Underrated type who goes well fresh.

  8. Heavy track at Morphettville but surely on the improve with sunny, windy 23 forecast?
    The second is an interesting race. The winner probably steps up to Melbourne class. Australia Day trialled behind Miracles of Life. Kushadasi was good last start. Moody and Price have reps. Worth a look.
    R7 also quite good. I was keen on Gossip Girl at Money Valley last week and she disappointed despite being heavily backed. Psychic Mick looks the one.
    And I want to have a cheer in R5, the Happy 100th Stan Coyle Handicap, for Liveforthemoment (5), an apt motto for a centurion.

  9. Crio,

    Thanks mate, yeah back on The Rock. Wish I was still sippin on Bourbon laced coffee driving through roads laced with world the famous stud farms of Lexington. I took leave from my life there and it was fantastic. Anyway, back on the broken bike.. Scanned Melb and Sydney and the one that took my eye was Proverb, R’Hill Race 5. Reckon this might be his year. Goes well fresh, raced in very good company and has form at the track. $15 looks overs.

    King Delamere. Oh the good old days.

  10. Why King Delamere?

  11. Crio,

    A. That period was the best of my life, on and off course, and B. I actually picked one out early and he turned out to be a pretty smart galloper.

  12. Budge,

    Spot on Miracles of Life 59.5 Kg and 6/4, keep laying it. This was LBR’s bread and butter.
    Don’t get too carried away with the second at Morphettville, there’s no stars there but agree it’s interesting. The rest of the card is crap so unless Oges comes up with a tip from the beach leave them alone. Surprised at the heavy although hasn’t been good drying weather yet and the local dog park is still a bog.

    I’m getting keener on Veewap, hasn’t been suited at last 2 runs and good at track/distance in a race with a lot of queries he has plenty on his side from a good gate so may not be in the last 4 in the run, if he can be mid field without being bustled should be a real chance at 20’s.

  13. Crio,

    I’ve done a quick investigation re King Delemere after Elvis saying it was the best period of his life off/on course.
    I looked at the Allez Bien photo ( 21/3/1981 thrashing Burnt Look on Elvis’ first day in Adelaide) and matched that up with King Delemere whose foaling date was in 1980. So I’m relieved to find out that Elvis’ best period was during a time when he knew us.
    Interesting to note that King Delemere was by Balmerino out of a Battle Wagon mare who in turn was out of a Summertime mare, so surprising on that he was able to win over 1400 but I guess a wet track helped. I also note that he stood at stud for 2 years before he packed it in ( died in this case) which is a more solid effort than some of us…..

  14. I well remember going down to the pub (Highway Inn I reckon) at lunchtime with Elvis to watch King Delamere win the Norman Robinson after Elvis had declared it. Of course, Elvis then declared it every start thereafter. No Peer all over again!

  15. By the way Jock, Miracles has 56.5 not 59.5 kgs but still badly in against the males.

  16. Budge

    I’ve a more than a few but http://www.sportingbet.com.au/#Racing/5191396 looks like 59.5 to me but then I take your tip and look at a few other publications and they say 56.5…I’ll just have another red, it won’t win anyway

  17. Jock,

    Yes mate, the best days of my life were spent with you blokes, when Best Bets was the source of an impromptu quiz night at The Broadway, when you could smoke in an aeroplane and you could drive blind. Well done with the Delamere pedigree too.

    Budge. Thanks for recognising that I actually recognised one ,and to a lesser degree, that I declared it from that point on. Been doing it ever since.

    Then again, there is Yosei.

  18. David Downer says

    Morning punners,

    Super day ahead. Weather turning it on. Quality back on the turf.

    Hard to remember a better entrée to the Spring – it is still “Winter” after all.

    Perhaps still more of a “look and learn” day with a few of the genuine chances first-up after very long lay offs.

    Obviously most are on the way elsewhere in the Memsie, but one who may be primed for today is Ajeeb. He’s way down in the ratings on these, but it couldn’t map any better for him. He went too quick out in front in the Liston and was a sitting duck in the finish. If he jumps well and behaves himself, dictating with no one likely to niggle him, he may be able to catch a break at the 400. At least a place bet for mine, The class will be charging late of course – if A.Jewel is on her game, and she should sit handy, it’s a no contest.

    Happy Trails worth a nibble too. Was close up in this last year after pushing forward, you’d think he’s a stronger horse now, and he might be wound up more for the shorter distances this campaign relative to some of the others.

    Good punting…

  19. David Downer says

    Elvis,

    Yosei and I have what can only be termed a “toxic relationship”

  20. You blokes stay up too late for old guys like me (especially after a few reds) so I have to catch up on news on Saturday am
    Good to see you back DD
    Jock- save your cash for Jollys Balak Cup Day runners

  21. Any relationship with Yoshei that still exists has to be toxic.
    Having said that she is well weighted today. If they stick to that class of race (or mares) around 1400-1600m surely she can get a win over the spring……

  22. Now that my original roughie has been scratched, I’ll suggest Underestimation in R5. A terrific race with lots of queries around runners here aiming for longer distances. Drawn 4 with C Williams up, I expect him to get a charmed run and be in the firing line at the end. Currently quoted $26.

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