Our society’s adaptation of the Golden Slipper tale is most widely known as Cinderella, in which a most unlikely, improperly disregarded individual finds wealth, true happiness, blah, blah. Since its inception in 1957 with Todman’s triumph, George Ryder’s brainchild for the STC’s Slipper “enchantment” has become the richest juveniles’ race in the world. It has [Read more]

It is testament to the allure of a great horse that Black Caviar’s running at the final “Summer Nights” has managed to grab some attention amongst the excitement of a new AFL season and, to a lesser extent, the Cricket World Cup and the GP. Again, poor weather is forecast, hitting hard at the lawn [Read more]

I’ve felt a bit sorry for Moonee Valley’s Fridays “under lights” this season with wretched weather blighting their chances of getting a sporting foothold. This is the last non-footy weekend, so it is to be hoped that the Alister Clark Stakes (3yr.olds, Gr2, 2040m) meeting gets a good crowd and the interest can then be [Read more]

The media gush for Black Caviar is further proof that a great racehorse, moreso than a jumping castle or a hat competition, is the best possible product for promoting our “game”. The VRC is now crossing its fingers for good weather and hopefully a bumper crowd for the “Super Saturday” meeting. Moody’s mighty mare has [Read more]

The much vaunted Australian Guineas meeting, slated for Saturday in perfect conditions at Flemington, presents an interesting but by no means outstanding card, seemingly sandwiched between the feature Diamond Day from last week and the hyped Super Saturday still to come.

Take my tip! For once, this is a sure thing. Get to Caulfield on Saturday where, in the promised benign weather, you’ll see really good horses in some outstanding races. What a mix. There’s a long time between now and the Heath – including a night on the bag at the Valley tomorrow (Friday)- so [Read more]

The Lightning Stakes (1000m, WFA) is a fair dinkum Group One. Look at the roll call – Takeover Target, Todman, Sky High, Storm Queen, Schillaci, Special, Mahogany, Miss Andretti, Choisir and Citius…there’s speed, power and class. This year’s edition (Flemington, R6) has generated profile with the return of the breathtaking Black Caviar. The little paper [Read more]

Computer malfunctions, no formguide and a late night at the Valley mean tonight’s bulletin will be in abbreviated form, which is unfortunate as there is so much to report… Cracking Sandown midweeker deserves notice.

Financially fragile following its rain-lashed 2010 Cup Day, MRC power-brokers would have shuddered as rain tumbled this morning and (much) more seems assured for their race day tomorrow – an excellent programme which precedes “Classic Caulfield” cards on the 12th and 26th of February. One thing that we learnt last October was not to fear the new track. [Read more]

Valley Nights are a good concept – Friday night gallops at MV – but, too often, have pretty limited fields. Tonight, though, the stars come out with the running of the $200,000 Group 2 Australia Stakes (R6, 1200m.). Some crack gallopers are in the field, though some, like Heart of Dreams and Vigor, will have [Read more]

Hopefully the VRC’s free-day at Flemington will entice punters to the ring and families on to the lawns this Saturday. I reckon you can build a Quaddy bank by getting there early and backing CHATEAUNEUF DUPAPE (R1, No 5) all up WINGED CHARM (R2, No4). If that (somewhat predictable!) doesn’t salute, re-launch your endeavours with [Read more]

Somewhat early in the week to be hastily typing a weekend racing piece. But please bear with me. The major weekend races are scheduled to coincide with the Magic Millions extravaganza and Sales on the Gold Coast. The glitz and glam will seem inappropriate against the destructive pictures we are now watching of the developing [Read more]

Why is New Year’s Day time-honoured for racing clubs? This has always confused and amused me. Many people are “dusty” and scarcely need to back-up on another big ‘un. WA mates have horror stories of scorching Perth Cup hangovers at Ascot. What it does, I always reckoned, was give us a chance to renege on [Read more]