Looking for a change of fortune

by Chris Riordan

I keep running in to punters lauding over last week’s riches. No good for me. I’m still backing Bookies’ chances and we got belted.

It was an awful day all round at Caulfield. Punters just kept getting it right and the occasion was tarnished by horrible, drunken, unpleasant behaviour. A classic Connex “apology” just topped it off getting home.

Bookmakers are on their knees, hoping to survive the Valley and then mount a significant counter-attack at Flemington.

Its a bit of a mixed card this Saturday, with an allegedly below par Cox Plate, Vase, Crystal Mile and Cup, but the sprint is outstanding and you can be assured the day will provide some great theatre and memories.

The Mile (R4) appears to lack depth. Rangirangdoo’s trackwork quandary on Tuesday is worrying and I’m risking him. I’m a fan of Magical Pearl but don’t think it is any value. Raffaello is the one who should win, but I’ll probably end up (fruitlessly) having a little speck at Bolle.

The Vase (R5), though lacking the wonderful Elvstroem/Kempinsky clash or last year’s Whobe hype, is an interesting little race, as we search for dangers to Shamoline Warrior in next week’s Derby. Plenty of real chances. At the moment I’m all for Viking Legend, but I’ll not talk anyone out of an alternative selection.

The Sprint (R6) is the best race of the day. Lucky Secret is flying and Tony Vasil could barely hold him at Tuesday’s brekky gallops. Light Fantastic should have trimmed up from his last run and could be the one presenting at the furlong. Again, though, I can’t discount most of the rest.

In an ordinary Cup (R7), its impossible to ignore the credentials of the topweight, Ista Kareem, at this course and, significantly, stewards list excuses which add merit to his last run. Hissing Sid, though, must be due his consolation here, where there is no Alcopop with which to contend. Britomart might be the bolter for trifecta dreamers.

I’m starting to believe the Cox Plate (R8) is for hardened horses. Cheering for Heart of Dreams but won’t lose if El Segundo salutes again.

Another great mares race finishes the day and Freezer’s imploring all of us to take the FIELD in our Quaddies. Though wise words, I’ll need to pluck a get-out and I’ll be cheering for Estee whose Spring has mirrored mine.. good form, desperately unlucky, deserving of a change of fortune!

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