Almanac Racing: Man up and multi-task (or at least watch the replays!)
The racing programme is, perhaps appropriately, a bit of a dog’s breakfast this weekend, with magnificent ingredients spoilt by poor presentation. Footy, as usual, is the distraction. Sydney’s GF is on Sunday so Randwick can host their traditional Epsom Day in the usual timeslot. But Saturday’s a wipeout in Melbourne as the AFL saturates the soundwaves. Thus we have the great Turnbull card on Sunday by when punters will have “run their race” and the Moir meeting buried on Friday night at the Valley after a day of “luncheons”. There’s extraordinary prizemoney at stake over the three days and some of our best thoroughbreds strewn across the venues, but it seems wasted.
Next week’s the Guineas so it’s not as if the racing calendar can pause.
The Friday holiday is confusing in Melbourne but if it is to remain then perhaps that’s the day for Flemington – start after the GF Parade, running free trains and admission and the predictable themes. At least they’d get an early shot at the livers and wallets of those who’ll be cast by Sunday.
First crack at the punters’ pays goes to Moonee Valley where there are some ripper races. This meeting’s struggling to find its niche though I’m tipping that off-course interstate turnover will be huge. On course it is hard to gauge as people have commitments throughout the weekend and the poor forecast won’t help. Whatever you’re doing don’t miss the Moir (MR7, 9.30pmAEST, 1000m, WFA, G1). Quality field. They’ll “fair dinkum fly” which hopefully sets it up for a withering Chautauqua burst. The support card is excellent if you’re thinking of coming down or home on the couch – I’ll be swinging the Wayne Elliott bag on course.
The Epsom meeting will be invisible over here but if you’re in a pub or in front of the telly watching the footy there are races well worth switching over for. The banner (SR7, 4pmAEST, 1600m, H’cp, G1) isn’t vintage. Easiest option is to back Palentino, save Hauraki. Classic race names across the day but the old curse of small (skinny) fields still haunt the Carnival up there. Unfortunately the Roman Consul is soon after the first bounce but if you’re still coherent the Premiere Stakes is the last and looks a classic get out with lots of options – Our Boy Malachi has drawn tricky but always gives his all, but English does look the “silk”.
By Sunday we might be drinking on memory and betting on credit (but I’ll be on the Rails ready to take any remaining cash!). Doubt I’ll do any form, preferring to watch the replays and set traps for the Caulfield options ahead. Hartnell, Jameka and The United States look to be the trifecta bankers in the Turnbull.
Good luck…and Go Doggies!
Good luck to Elvis in a Group 2, hope you get a sit and a soft run so you can fall into a place.
Have a look at Benz in race 2 tonight, its a very good horse, probably give them too big a start but has not handled the wet here in its past 2 but still won well.
Jock,
Thanks mate. You haven’t got Steve Bradbury’s mobile number have you? Will require his input. I’ll have something on Benz., His current quote is my go..
Good onya Crio, can buffering do better than Hawthorn to claim another Moir stakes ?
I see the weather continues playing merry havoc with parts of Vic and NSW. Gunbower, Benalla, not to mention Dubbo all pulled today. Saturdays Wagga meeting now conducted as a Sunday in Corowa. A lot of meetings in the Riverina and Northern Victoria , abandoned or transferred of lat. Corowa has gained an extra 3 meetings.
Happy punting,
Glen!
Rode Benz upside down due to the draw but shows he is a good horse.
Elvis Steve Bradbury number is 555……. if they go slow and you sit 3rd there’s hope
Appears clear advantage in first half of field at the Valley tonight. Brings value into a few races now!! Makes the sprint particularly interesting now, even with pace on.
Jock,
Good call. Both Benz and the 555 mobile number thing..I got on the not particularly creatively named Benz at the $9. Thanks. You’re still a good judge.,
Big crowd at the Valley. Some great racing.
Extreme Choice magnificent.
Massive crowd at the valley tonight and top racing.
Extreme Choice ran very well. Why did Dunn get Chautauqua so far back. Sure it was a strong finish, but in a five furlong race to be last on the turn makes it hard. It did here !
Glen !
Out of form at the moment although I did lay Chatauqua on the leaderish track last night.
Today I thought Junoob looked value at $13 and thought Spiritjim might win the match race.
One at rough odds in Adel, Big Boy Blev has a rough hope at big odds I think.
Good luck to all and go Doggies!
Big meeting at Flemington – time to focus on the gallops.