I was let down again in 2012.
It is terribly frustrating that, despite occasionally lucid instructions flung at the TV monitor, jockeys continued to “slaughter” my not-particularly-hard-earned and thus, justifiably, earn my derision.
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One of my favourite signs hung beneath the screen in the bar of the Sporting Club Hotel, obviously posted by an overwrought barmaid, which read:
“STOP YELLING AT THE HORSES. THEY CAN’T HEAR YOU!”
Being an armchair critic remains a constitutional right of Australian sports watchers, but it is too easy to overlook the dangers faced by those we “advise” in risk/reward.
Racing is a dangerous sport. People have ridden horses and fallen off them since Noah.
Tragically, jockey Ashlee Mundy died in a fall in NZ last week.
It is an awful reminder not to berate the kids too strongly – certainly weed out the cheats and better educate the learners, but these waifs are maybe not always as crook as the conspiracy theorists attest. Mostly they love horses, work hard and the really talented or fortunate become wealthy. The rest battle on.
Accidents will always happen. That truism is not unique to horseracing, but it is a reminder to everyone involved that safety must be bracketed with integrity as key priorities for 2013 and beyond.
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Whilst Alexandra and Dederang offer beautiful picnic venues this Saturday, there’s always plenty of space and good racing at Caulfield on what forecasters predict will be a beautiful afternoon for getting on-course.
Field sizes are not large so maybe look for some relatively easy multis, perhaps parlaying fav jockeys.
G.Boss is in great form and he and Froggy Newitt must be considered whenever they throw their leg over one at the moment.
Early Quaddy prognostications are for:
MR5- 1100m. Ironically, Boss and Newitt ride fancied stablemates (6+7) for Mick Price in this. Watch market! And 1 and 11.
MR6- 1200m. very tough. Focus on top 3 claimers.
MR7- 2000m. value race. Bracket 4,5,6.
MR8- 1600m. 6,7,10.
Good luck!
For most of the “true believers” as DD said once its hard to get enthusiastic after so many Xmas/ New Year races but if you are good enough to give us your thoughts Crio then those left standing must respond ( even after trying to coax Elvis out of hiding and failing miserably – and Budge has gone to ground too as has Jock)
My late father said “good horses and good jockeys win” and with this in mind I agree with you on Boss and Froggy but still have a strong liking for Yendall/Duric
Vlad the Impaler rode first 2 at Kyneton today and Yendall rode the 4th. You should tackle the provincials Oges.
Crio, just following up a previous Q. Did you manage to touch base with Budgie re Allez Bijous’ career record? Whilst we are looking at horses from thar period, a horse which beat Allez Bijou in the Perth Cup, Magistrate: Also curious re his career record which included 2 Perth Cups, and a Werribee Cup when he was rising 10.
Glen!
Glen,
Apologies for not getting back to you earlier but I have had no success in getting the Allez Bijou info.