Maybe unintentionally, there’s a neat synchronicity between the VicTAB meetings this Saturday. Black-type’s on offer at Flemington in the 1400m Chester Manifold Stakes and, in the Western Districts, Camperdown hosts its annual Cup Day.
Chester Manifold was born at Talindert, near Camperdown, in 1897 and went on to become a notable VRC Chairman and, later, owner of the mighty Crisp (http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/manifold-sir-thomas-chester-11049).
His old “home” town has a beautiful racecourse and a distinctive Grandstand (described last year – look it up!). It’s a wonderful part of Victoria, rich in sporting history, and only a couple of hours S/W of Melbourne. Racing people know it as the base of much loved dairy farmer/hoop “Nifty” Wilson, who rode until aged 65 and only last month retired as the Victorian Jockeys’ Association President (http://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/victorias-oldest-jockey-neville-wilson-hangs-up-his-hoop-at-age-65/story-fndpqu3p-1226477852749). If you can get down there on the weekend you’ll see more champion blokes than champion horses, but a good day is assured.
I’ll be at Flemington. The meeting’s OK. Can I (again) just query some of the race names? I love that icons are memorialised but sometimes question the “time and place”. For example, Dunkeld’s finest, Tauto, “deserves a good race”. But 1000m at Flemington? What’s the rationale?
The Quaddy starts with the restricted $250k Inglis Dash (MR6, 1100m, SW+P, 3yo qualified) and early indications are that punters might go “one out” for Kurt Goldman’s Hellbent (4). My advice is otherwise. Include the toppy and certainly consider 2 and 3.
In the Chester Manifold (MR7, 1400m, H’cp, Listed) I’m happy to go with Tried And Tired (2).
The next (MR8, 2000m, H’cp) is pretty interesting. The 6 goes in at double figures – love the imports around HQ – and you can take several others, depending on your bank. 4, 8, 10 deserve thought.
Contrary to the norm, my policy on this form of betting is to go skinny late – get there if you can and lay-off. Thus, in the last (MR9, 1000m, H’cp) I’ll bank the 2 and reassess if/when the need arises.
There are a few promising horses going around so I recommend taking some interest – the “Autumn” arrives very early on the calendar.
For those looking for a great picnic experience, revised forecasts are positive for anyone able to get down to Woolamai. It’s a really lovely course, snuck in behind the Killy-Bass footy turnoff. Always recommended, but especially so on a fine, sunny day.
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Racing’s the real national league. Meetings everywhere and something for everyone…Ceduna (Cup), King Island, Alice, Tuncurry, Geraldton: pull your head in on the punt and, no matter where you are, you can enjoy a fabulous day at the races.
Winning, it must be said, does help. Tips please.
Good luck!
Definitely including Mossin’ Around in everything. Blinkers go on and had them on up the straight in a gallop with Suavito.
Love that confidence mate. MR6 No12. It’s in!
How’s the New Year treating you?
Have a 4 week old additional to the family Crio! So been busy adjusting to life with him, while still trying to keep an eye on the form.
Congratulations. Inglis or MM qualified?
Whats the story with the Weir, Payne split?
No idea. Many ideas.
He can get better riders.
Don’t think there is any “split” there…pretty simple, the rider that does the work back home gets the rides, the ones that choose to do Australasian promotional tours promoting one’s self and her/his public speaking abilities (or not) rarely get rides.
Good luck to her, however she is clearly not going to get rides while she is concentrating on self promoting.
I’m a bit sheepish after my bet of the year got caught 5 deep , no cover for the trip last week but fortunately no poorer for it because it was a bit too short for me so just eliminated from multi’s.
Not too keen this week but thought Niccoco the best in Melb race 3. and in Adel thought Karacatis in the 5th and EW Marco Polo in the 6th at good odds.
Elvis….Almost got there last week, hope you can pick one up soon.
I fell into that last week Jock
Elvis’ horse showed real pluck and, incredibly. J.Benbow rode it a treat.
Nothing for today but Bel Dancer will run at Wangaratta on Thursday. If she draws okay will be a big chance again. Pulled up well after the Corowa win and looks an absolute picture. Coat is glowing and a glimpse of rib. Kept fresh to keep sprinting. Owners are only a little biased.
sorry mate…might have to carry me. Good luck!