crio’s Racing

It’s Flemington Finals’ Day this weekend, seemingly a peculiar designation in the depths of winter, but the VRC hosts the culmination of a series of races which inject great prizemoney and opportunity in to the Victorian industry “off-season” – this Saturday alone, they race for $760,000 in stakes and $120k in bonuses!
Naturally, then, the Quaddy legs will be very competitive with most runners in form and “on task”.
The Stayers compete in the first leg, The Banjo Paterson Series Final (MR5, 2600m). Good race. 6,1,2.
The Winter Championship is now an established part of the racing landscape and the 1600m final (MR6) is a Listed race. Some big chances drawn out. Include 14 and 16.
The dashers get their chance too in the All Victorian Sprint Series Final (MR7, Listed, 1200m). This looked a field leg but the 3 has been heavily backed prepost.
The 3yo fillies’ series (Final, MR8, 1600m) is named for the great Rivette, Caulfield/Melbourne Cups double winner of 1939. Very tough get out here…I like Froggy on 12/1 chance Perfectly Stunning (14).
Once again I expect a small crowd and meagre public facilities to accompany the bad weather at Flemington – but I am pleased to see that the VRC is at least taking some steps to entice racegoers in the future, with the announcement this week of the General Admission Season Pass for 2012/2013 – a $200 ticket that will permit entry to all Flemington race meetings…yes, even Cup Week. For anyone who goes in November, this value is a no-brainer and a great initiative.
But November glamour can seem a long way off during a bleak July in Melbourne when even the all-weather Geelong track can’t cope and the perennially Heavy Sandown in our rain belt finally cries “enough” (transferred to Kilmore last Wednesday).
While our Sandown racecourse might be groaning from a winter’s load, its namesake track in England is gearing up for their wonderful Eclipse Stakes card, televised here on Saturday night, featuring what has been touted as the swansong run for the dual Cox Plate hero, So You Think. I’d love to see him race on, but “Economic Imperatives” rarely consider emotional/nostalgic factors.
I’m sure to have overlooked lots of important aspects of racing this week…tips and comments welcomed.

Comments

  1. So You Think has been found lame and reports are that he is to be retired immediately.

  2. Staying in Glenelg for weekend. Flashback time boys. Off to track tomorrow. Need winners urgently.

  3. Oges,
    txt me your mobile and I’ll try to dig up some mail once I am on course.

  4. Thanks for offer crio -appreciate this but not carrying mobile . Keep warm

Leave a Comment

*