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Almanac Racing: Doomben Races and Swan Hill Carnival

A Thursday night’s scanning of the formguide looks highly unlikely this week – GF rematches in AFL & NRL + a Socceroos qualifier mean the FOX yellow button will be getting a workout – so tonight’s the only chance for a quick preview of the racing landscape.

 

It has, as usual, been a busy time and many great moments tend to get overlooked. Racing is so 24/7 that it is impossible to stay abreast of all of the wonderful and scurrilous tales.

 

Last weekend was the big Epsom Carnival and the Derby winner, at ridiculous odds, had an Australian connection to a story that’s worth reading…

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/racing/2017/06/03/padraig-beggy-seals-redemption-one-fell-swoop-not-soul-epsom/

 

Another old fav, Bryce Stanaway, stirred the pot here in Vic…

 

https://www.punters.com.au/news/Stanaway-in-the-clear-over-pig-comment_159776/

 

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Looking ahead, it’s Straddy Saturday. What a strange lead in it has been to what’s traditionally Queensland’s best race of the year. The calendar was re-jigged and then Eagle Farm rebutted so it may be a little anti-climactic when the G1 field lines up (BR8, 1350m, H’cp) at Doomben for the prestigious, and these days princely, prize. The weather forecast is cautiously good – unless you’ve backed a mudlark like Jungle Edge – with the fine weather predicted to just outlast another deluge on Sunday. Doomben’s a tighter track so on-pacers are generally preferred and Clearly Innocent, highly fancied pre-post, has drawn the 20 marble so will be out-the-gate in more ways than one. Mackintosh from the pole has been the spruik but I’m having a flutter on Gold Symphony first-up at 25/1 – love the local hoop and the Snowden polish.

 

Their gilt-edged Quaddy kicks off with the G1 J.J.Atkins (BR6, 2yo, 1600m, SW) in which boom filly Melody Belle will be about even money.

 

An interesting Derby follows (BR7, 3yo, 2200m, SW, G1). Ruthven will be box seating so appears the safest option at about $6.

 

The last is the Cup, nowadays a 2200m, G2 Quality Handicap. Get-out options are the 9 @16/1 and/or the 6 @33/1.

 

Around the grounds you can try another bog track at Randwick or a typical mid-winter Flemington card (where I’ll be nestled in the Forum).

 

There’ll be a few stalwarts missing at HQ on Saturday as the hardy head up to the Swan Hill Carnival. It kicks off on Friday with 100k prizemoney for both the Elvstroem Classic and the Golden Topez, has a support card on Saturday and then concludes with the 100k Cup on Sunday. Regulars rave about the meeting and its social sideshow.

 

Since you’re already at Footy Almanac, can I recommend Paul Young’s nostalgic piece on the site http://www.footyalmanac.com.au/almanac-racing-sure-bet-redemption/

 

As always, happy for any feedback, tips or tales.

 

Good luck!

 

 

Comments

  1. It would be remiss of me not to add they’re running @ Corowa on Tuesday. What was previously a non-TAB meeting on the Saturday, now ahs TAB status, and is run on Tuesday.

    Happy Punting.

    Glen!

  2. It would be remiss of me not to add they’re running @ Corowa on Tuesday. What was previously a non-TAB meeting on the Saturday, now has TAB status, and is run on Tuesday.

    Happy Punting.

    Glen!

  3. theJudge says

    Think Waller holds the key to the Stradbroke with the talented pair Good Project & Mackintosh first up. Will be having something on Hooked e/w. Despite drawing 16 (12 if emergencies come out), my speed map has him coming across and settling in a handy spot one or two off the fence with cover. Don’t think you’ll want to be on the rail come race R8 with last weeks’ racing and rail only moving out +0.5m

    In the Derby I’ll be sticking with Mongolian Wolf, just forget his last run, when hot space and jock kept hunting him up from inside draw with big weight. D Lane, barrier 4 are big ticks.

  4. Correct as usual Judge…tick,tick. Just leaning towards Ruthven at the moment.

  5. Not too excited abut my prospects but..
    The extended family were all keen of Hopfgarten last time out and eagle farm killed him so will give a chance at big odds in the Straddy.
    Backing Black on Gold in the Derby, another found out by track conditions last start but has been in a build up to this race unlike the others who have had a go at everything. I like the rider change as well..T Berry..knows how to win.
    Might have a go at Sovereign Nation in Melb race 7, might start living up to his Group 1 3 yo form.

  6. tipping winners…the world’s gone mad!

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