Given that Saturday is the last day of Autumn, the race fixtures are predictable – Group racing in Queensland, jumps down here in Melbourne.
I can’t be bothered revisiting the “discussion” with the fringe anti-jumps lobbyists (the archives will contain my wrath from the last few seasons), as there is a reasonable meeting for anyone interested out at Sandown and, of course, the Oaks/Guineas and sundry Cups for good money up at Eagle Farm.
The G2 Eagle Farm Cup (2200m) has been pushed up to R3 because of so few acceptors (7). Even at WFA this looks the perfect prize for Akzar to end an incredible campaign.
Arabian Gold looks to be the measuring stick in the Oaks (BR7), Safeguard deserves one more chance at 14/1 in the Guineas (BR6) and the QTC Cup (BR8), arguably the best of the day, is a raffle for a get out.
I’ll be heading out to Sandown to stare down the vultures and enjoy the Steeple (small field not dissimilar to that at Casterton last Sunday) and an excellent Hurdle featuring the brilliant Fieldmaster and remarkable Gotta Take Care…now there’s an omen!
Under the pump so no time now for whimsy – but happy to take on board any tips or tales.
Good luck!
Oges does the job again at Balaklava Thursday, they smashed that Jolly horse in the last.
It did about everything you shouldn’t (missed the kick, layed in ran off, was green as grass) and still won 3/1 morning quote, started 4/6.
Thanks Oges, there’ll be meat on the table this week!
You get lucky sometimes Cowshedend but the tip was good. Hope I can come up with one Sat to at least keep you and Crio from getting dehydrated
Boys have a little e/w Adelaide R6 -6 on what is a difficult day. Yendalls here with nearly a full book of rides
Moody has Aliberani in Adelaide for race 4. It’s a nob in the wet and will get that so should be a good thing
My primary interest on Saturday is Platinum Snip in the Australian Hurdle. This lightly raced 8 year old has been a revelation since coming back from a spell. A previous good jumper from the Freyer Stable was Miratec, an Australian Steeple winner, who was placed in the 2004 Australian Hurdle. Go Platinum Snip !!!
Glen!
You’ll get juicy odds Glen…that’s a hot field. I’ll cheer with you (are you heading out there?)
Crio, we’ll be in Ballarat following up a few things of interest, but come 13-30, we’ll be in a pub-TAB to watch the Australian Hurdle. Platinum Snip is an intriguing performed. He had his first run aged 7, came back this year, to have his first win, paying $61-00 ! His next start was a second, paying $5-30 a place, so he can/does perform at odds. Hopefully he performs well in the Hurdle, give the freyeers some success. I might see them the following week when we’ll be in Corowa for the non-TAB Saturday meeting.
Glen!
Some horses and stables are always overs.
btw- for anyone wanting to start following the Flat form in UK, maybe with an eye to the Spring down here, here’s a report previewing the Group meeting this weekend at Sandown (UK)
http://www.racingvictoria.net.au/Analysis-and-Opinions/posts/Spring-Watch-280514.aspx
Are readers aware that the great Kevin Mitchell passed away this week?
Indeed.
A hell of a lot of stories that have never been told have gone to the grave.
Plenty of betting plunges…wasn’t Ian Saunders one of the “plunge” trainers he often rode for? I guess those days are long gone now, haven’t seen any decent plunge for a while…too many questions getting asked and most money off course, I guess.
Yes mate, I G Saunders was a famous sidekick.
Markets open days ahead and all off course these days