Ah. It’s a funny game. Those entrusted with growing Racing seem to conspire against it. True believers are undaunted. crio, winless since Gauch was claiming, somehow believes he can turn it all around on Dato Day. He probably needs some help!

Last week’s anticipation was misplaced. The Valley was dreary. Some of the racing was good but it was a long way from spring. Thus I’m wary to hype Saturday’s first Group One in Melbourne this season, knowing that there are many better days ahead. Yet it’s only 5 weeks until the Epsom and the Guineas [Read more]

One feature race in each of Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide is enough to warm the cockles of those of us who’ve ploughed through the bleak winter. Sure, the fields generally lack depth, but I’m looking forward to a Friday formguide moreso than in recent months. The biggest billing must go to Winx’s return in the [Read more]

crio’s not discouraged by last week’s blunder because a look at this week’s offerings at Caulfield puts a spring in the step. Quite rightly, since P.D.Lawrence appropriated the name for the J.J.Liston, the race has lost some lustre – but this year’s edition (MR7, 1400, WFA, G2) is fascinating. He reckons the safe bet is Suavito (12) which simply ticks all the boxes. Tips please.

Help Crio find a winner. [Enjoy Royal Ascot Crio – Ed]

Not many Quaddies are all Group Ones so the revamped Eagle Farm card this Saturday is pretty special (add four G2s in support!). The caveat, of course, is the track being first up and maybe underprepared. I looked at BOM before Racing Australia! As if finding a winner isn’t tough enough. Unquestionably the Stradbroke (BR9, [Read more]

If the horses are running you can be guaranteed Crio has them considered, here are his selections for this weekend.

Crio remembers an old bookie telling him years ago that he’d rather sell tickets than buy them. After last weekend he understands the parable. But backing winners is more fun. Help!

Only at Warrnambool do you watch a race pass by from the right and then have it finishing anti-clockwise. Little wonder the universal reaction to each instalment of the Grand Annual is a collective shaking of heads, smile and a “How bloody good was that?” If you’ve been, you’ll know. If you haven’t, that’s your [Read more]

A glut of local and global options fail to excite Crio, who’s sitting on his ‘Bool bank unless convinced otherwise.