Crio’s Racing: Pack Your Picnic Hamper

Within a month we will be cranking up for the early Autumn features, but for the present it is very much “off-peak” for an industry that never really stops. There are, of course, heaps of meetings of various charm, with the summer picnics probably still the most appealing. This Saturday, for example, the Gunbower Cup is to be staged… http://gunbower.countryracing.com.au/racedays.aspx  …an unusual date for this iconic race which I think was washed out from its traditional October slot last year. So this will be the “2011” version at the beautiful course – and perhaps the first without old Jack Styring squeezing out his clichés? Dederang and Alexandra are other ripper venues for “picnics” this Saturday, much preferable to Caulfield from where my racing world-view will be gained! And, though the country races are well worth supporting – Woolamai on Sunday is another beauty – it has not been a particularly good week for the “off-Broadway” venues. Hanging Rock’s New Year’s Day Meeting turned in to a debacle, abandoned after one race when a cavity appeared on the track making it perilous to horses and hoops. This continues a shocking run for the Club – kangaroos disrupted last year’s efforts – which did itself no favours by adhering to “the rules” and declaring no refund or voucher to the throngs who’d been “gyped”. This famous venue is imperiled through a mix of bad luck and poor management. These clubs often feel on a stay of execution so must be vigilant to circumstances and sympathetic with their constituents. Pakenham, for example, has again done its reputation harm with a sprinkling mishap, resulting in an otherwise Good track for Saturday having a “Heavy 8” rating between the 700m and 600m marks!

On a brighter note for lovers of our game, the Herald-Sun reported this morning (Th 05/01) that Kav’s marvellous Atlantic Jewel appears to be recovering and ready to resume her remarkable career at some time this year. She is worth waiting for.

Meanwhile I’ll be swinging the bag at Caulfield and looking to snare some Quaddy value for the casual players on the beaches and in the bars. I’ve had barely a cursory glance at the runners so hope for advice/assistance if any is forthcoming!

Here are my early prognoses…

1st Leg – R5 1200m. really good sprint. 1 and 2. 6 if you can.

2nd Leg – R6 1400m. like 10 and 14 at odds.

3rd Leg – R7 1200m. ordinary and very open. 1,7,8 if you must.

4th Leg – R8 2000m. No2 will be short. Best strategy is to go one out. If you are still alive, lay it on Betfair or back your worries.

Good punting!

Comments

  1. Young Victorian trainer Todd Balfour has an excellent strike rate iwhen he travels to SA with his horses and his father David is not afraid to bring horses to Victoria either

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