Over recent years I’ve marvelled at the prizemoney offered on “Finals Day” at Flemington. Remarkably, the $1.12m plus bonuses is evenly spread for all the imaginable categories (except, alas, the “elephant in the room” – the jumps!) and so, unsurprisingly, fields run deep and competition will be fierce. But you’ve gotta wonder what it is all about. There’ll be no-one there, off-course is utterly off-peak and even the greedy breeders won’t interrupt holidays for these winter types. Admirable and certainly profitable for owners, trainers and jockeys involved…but sustainable?
It’ll be a proper “Heavy” confronting combatants which at least eliminates uncertainty. If they don’t handle it, don’t bother. Some horses relish the mud and, quite rightly, they deserve their chance…look at this summation from veteran Eric Musgrove after his horse improved to win in a bog at Sandown yesterday (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/superracing/vic-racing/eric-musgrove-says-heavy-tracks-still-deserve-their-place-on-the-racing-calendar-during-the-wetter-months/news-story/025cc489e4f62fa57375c416eed9f0d1)
Tassie horses usually tick the (W) box so you’d tackle the first confident in Jerilderie Letter (nicely named by Bushranger) building your bank. Great form and ripper run last start and, though untried in the going, it is certainly my preferred kick-off. Happy to get involved at the $6.
Thereafter it get trickier and I’ll want some time with the Winning Post to find the mudlarks. As usual, it pays to follow not only the form but those whose sire has credentials in the wet and, golden rule these days, D.K.Weir- his runners are tough and suited to these conditions.
Hopefully the intended perusing will throw up some value bets. Feeling optimistic…more so than those poor bastards in NSW who’ve apparently gotten the DCM from the gov’t re Greyhound Racing. Be worried. Be very, very worried. King Canute (not the horse!) couldn’t even help here. The banner wavers (ABC) will get their way.
Here’s a tip. If you love your jumps racing, indulge now…and this weekend’s a good enough time to start. It’ll be an old-fashioned bottomless track at the ‘Bool on Sunday and the “jumps fraternity” will love the Lafferty Hurdle and the Thackeray Steeple, but sadly here’s the perspective – these races are offering $100,000 each but the Quaddy legs are $23k restricted plods. Join the dots.
We’re under siege but that’s no reason to give up. I’m keen to get involved this week and looking for leads.
Good luck!
Don’t worry about the jumps, the do gooders won’t stop until all sports involving animals are stopped. Not jus racing but also eventing an polo amongst others. That’s their whole agenda all along, it’s just that they’ve targeted the low hanging fruit first before stalking the bigger prey.
Back to my old insecurities…beautiful drying weather means the Flemington track will be Soft – maybe even a 5!
Magnus Reign any hope at odds?