Crio’s Racing: Christmas in July…Winter Finals

Whereas rank and file punters will view this Saturday as just another mid-winter meeting, the VRC’s astute scheduling has created a Christmas in July for owners and trainers.

It’s “finals day” at Flemington, with almost a million dollars in prizemoney on offer, mostly in a series of races reaching trophy status. This has ensured capacity fields and very competitive racing, the knock down effect being a really tough day for tipsters. Quite often you can eliminate many horses as they are starting preps for greater goals, but there’ll be some fair dinkum “peaking” tomorrow (Saturday).

It would be spineless to insist on going wide in the Quaddy as all legs are lethal. You’ll have to bite the bullet. Here are some suggestions. “All care”, as my Dad would say, “and no guarantee”!

The Banjo Final is first up (MR5, 2600m, no claims).  gulp…Swooper (3) one out! If it gets wet, wet, wet plonk the 8 at odds.

Next is the Winter Champ Final (MR6, 1600m, Listed, no claims) – nearly worthy now of the “time honoured” tag. Cheering, with a bit of optimism, for Mr. Griswold (14), part owned by one of our finest Almanackers.

The Sprint Final (MR7, 1200m, no claims) is a ripper form race. I’ve long been a fan of Tollesprit (9) and he has shown a hint of returning to his best, which would beat these. Moody’s Mid Summer Music (10) must be the main danger.

The fillies contest the last (MR8, 1600m, no claims) named after the undeniable champ Rivette. Assuming that I’m losing by this stage, I will place my hopes on Michael Rodd’s mount Lady Pania (5). Punters are confident that Trista Rossa (6) can continue her consistent form.

With the racing season heading to its end, many jockeys are taking a break as most of the awards are already decided. In the coming weeks we’ll have a look at the winners and contenders.

If you have no other plans, it will be a good day’s racing at HQ. The weather looks dodgy, but there are plenty of reciprocal chances for Members tickets (via MCC for example) or the Hill Stand offers  cover and a fantastic Melbourne vista.

Good luck if you are having a try. Doubt that I’ll get down there, but will certainly have an ear out for any tips.

 

 

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