Crio’s Racing: The Golden Rose and Atlantic Jewel

There are plenty of good reasons for having a look at the races this weekend.
Primarily, the fields are good. There are features in both Sydney and Melbourne and, though admittedly some of the acceptances lack the quality of a month ahead, there are enough good horses and perplexing riddles to dog ear the form guide.
Rosehill hosts the nation’s Group One this week, The Golden Rose – a race which is now entrenched in the early Spring programme – as well as some strong support events in the Quaddy legs. Carlton and Swannies fans could do worse than getting out to the Gardens as a curtain raiser to the Olympic Stadium.
In Melbourne there are no big finals excusing anyone from heading to the “Action Attraction” to see a superstar, Atlantic Jewel, on display. Soon we’ll have inflated admission prices, clogged access to the stalls, marquees in the prime spots and all the hats and hype of a circus – but for now there’s great racing and plenty of room to enjoy the day. Moonee Valley is easily reached and provides excellent viewing of the horses as they parade and race.
Atlantic Jewel is justifiably the drawcard and Kav’s decision to send her for a soft kill in the Mares’ G2 (MR4, WFA, 1600m) has surprised some. But it makes sense on a couple of levels. One is that she’ll have an easy G2 win 2nd up after her 3 wide, devastating return from a long lay-off at Caulfield. The other piece of the puzzle is perhaps more conspiratorial, but nevertheless takes me back to another decision by this stable for MV October 25, 2008. Whobegotyou, having already harvested the Stutt before the Caulfield Guineas, cantered home in scintillating time in the AAMI Vase. I was astonished and clearly recall admonishing the gaffer’s decision – “Why did he go to the 3yo race when the Cox Plate could have been his?” Within a couple of hours the answer was clearer as Kav’s Maldivian added the big G1 to the mantlepiece! Good trainers know where to place their horses and my inkling is that the stable reckons they can post this week’s double by clearing the decks for Super Cool to win the main race, the “Dato Feehan” (MR6, G2, 1600m, WFA).
A consequence of the Atlantic Jewel hype and the “odd” week – Puissance+co ran last week – has meant a good, not great edition of the formerly time-honoured Feehan, now the Dato Tan Chin Nam (I had my rant last year). 8,2,9.
The Melbourne Quaddy opens with the McEwen Stakes (MR5, G2, WFA, 1000m), an homage to the dynamic former Kiwi administrator who energized the Moonee Ponds bowl. Here’s proof we are lacking a glamour sprinter but, nevertheless this has proven to be a “good horse’s race” (Bel Sprinter, Buffering, Haylist are the past 3 winners). Moody’s bullish about Moment Of Change (10) and some are quoting odds on. Not for me! Last year’s place getters must be key considerations, especially Snitzem (4) who was brilliant in a Cranbourne trial.
I don’t like the 3rd Leg (MR7, 1600m, H’cp) at all, but will certainly risk the fav from the wide gate if short. Looking for advice please!
The last is fascinating (code for a bloody nightmare) and needs some speed map analysis. It’s good to see Rekindled Interest back and I hope he can somehow eventually show his talents. This will be too tough too soon. 7,8,9,14,gulp!
“Pub punters” can dedicate their passion and funds to both main meetings and will certainly be glued to the last 4 in Sydney.
The Theo Marks /Sebring Sprint – (SR5, G2, Quality, 1400m) is a beauty. Skinny Quaddy must go Rain Affair (1). Wider will include 2 and 12.
The Sheraco (SR6, 1200m, G3 F+M) is typically wide. The toppy is an absolute star but not well treated in this. Include 12.
Prince Harada (13) is the crunch runner in the big ‘un (SR7, G1, 1400m, 3yo). His potential is enormous but I hate horses’ programmes being tinkered and he got flattened at Caulfield (+ the bad No1 marble)….love to see him win but nervous. Fast’n’Rocking (2) is flying and will again be competitive. The A.J.Cummings camp seems keen on Cluster but I’m more likely to include their promising Drago (10).
If you still have a ticket in the last leg (The Kingston Town, SR8, G3, 2000m) I’m hoping they are printed 1,2,4 but there’ll be plenty of others fancied in this raffle!
Good luck!

Comments

  1. Again, Great stuff Crio love your theory re stablemates,and Super Cool looks really hard to toss,Ajeeb and Spacecraft will go along at a really good clip. Would have had a few shekel on Ajeeb if Spacecraft wasnt in it.Last start it missed the kick and was hunted up early to get the lead, then got no peace mid race, was only swamped in the last 50.
    Really like Benchi Pegasus in the 2nd, was a hands and heals winner in a small field at Ballarat, after a ripping run from the tail in a 6F race at Mornington.
    Hope to see you out there Budge for the Uncle Dato. When the Baron is trying to rope people in for his exotic donations, quietly excuse yourself(i know i will)

  2. Good to catch up with a few of the “tribe” last week at Flemington (a far cry from a day out at Strath yesterday) and thanks to Crio for his info throughout the day
    News from the beach
    David Jolly has Budriguez engaged tomorrow and when I asked him if he was going over he said he would if Conduction (engaged in Adel R3) started there. So I await scratchings to see which way he leans
    I will take a lead and back Conduction wherever it starts
    (He did say Budrguez still needed some hard racing)
    Alan Petersen (former jockey now trainer) has Run Diego engaged in Ade/Melbourne but it looks a likely one for Adelaide if it starts here in R1
    O Leary has Russian Rocker (R6) engaged here and a win would be good as one of the owners David Whitney (ex jock) has just started to recover from an operation.
    Its form is good
    Good luck at the Valley as I charge up the “greens” and keep dehydration at bay afterwards in the bar

  3. I was looking at E/W Ticket To Toorak in the 2nd, Cowshedend? Benchi Pegasus, however, certainly seems a “progressive type”. Ajeeb keeps running in top drawer WFA – there must be a cagy plan later in the prep?
    Good scouting Oges. Budriguez looks “challenged” at MV but I’ll keep an eye on Conduction.
    Anyone got a lead for MR7? It and the 3rd are absolute Barry Crockers.

  4. Ticket To Toorak pulled its head off last start and only beat itself, thought the blinkers might come off because he seemd to over-race,if he gets it right Sat. he will be right there.

  5. The Baron’s admonishment would suffice for the prosecution and your defence… “You’ve missed 3 races, 6 crownies and 12 box Cowshedend, I’m tipping you’ll lob for R4.
    trifectas!!”.
    Noted that C.Judd started on the bench last week – to let the “heat” go out of the first flurry. He then was B.O.G. Has to be your Moonee Valley strategy.

  6. Gold Crio!

  7. Finding it hard to get excited about Port leading at half time so have turned my attention to tomorrows business.
    I’m on Za Moulin Rouge in the first, Kav mentioned on air that it was only half fit and would improve a lot so given a huge class drop I’m on board.
    There’s a few classic “cup of tea” races after that but I’m looking at a trifects in the Stocks with Keyarna Blue as a standout for second, only because I don’t think I can do 3 races without a bet.
    If Platelet is ready it can win particularly with the fav drawn inside.
    Super Cool wins and I’m on Rusabmo EW in the last.
    I’m on Pelicano in the last in Syd and Drago in the Rose.
    Not keen on Adelaide but Swinging Soldier is a good hope in the 3rd.

    Otherwise, bags packed, passport ready and I’ll look on from afar over the next few weeks. Happy punting.

  8. Thanks Jock. Safe travels.

  9. David Downer says

    Singing from a similar hymn book to C.S.End on the Dato. If Ajeeb can get his act together he’ll be in for a long way – despite being a leader who’s getting rundown and stepping up trip here. Keeps stuffing the start, using up the gas to atone, and then taken on up front (stay away, Spacecraft, ya hear?). Mick Price having a crack with some gear changes and had some tests with the barrier blanket during the week. If his quote edges out a bit further, I’ll be having a look.

    I’m on the M.Price wagon earlier in R2 also. I do like Le Mans. Think he’s more ready for the longer distance right now than some of the others. Very impressive last couple of furlongs in his Ballarat win after sitting three wide the run.

    Still sifting through the form …in the UK tonight we have another day of the Doncaster carnival, and National Hunt racing from one of my favourite name courses, “Bangor On Dee”…

  10. David Downer says

    Continuing…

    Race 3 – Plenty here who could be deemed “reasonably fit”. Have been having a good look at Picture Editor. Note the switch to senior jockey when claims still available. Easier kill back in Adelaide last start, wide and ridiculously unsettled here prior to that. Old mate Rowland not without a show either. Good run last outing and gets significant weight turnaround on Gotta Take Care.

    Race 4 – Doubt O.Bloom beats A.Jewel today. Sit back and enjoy

    Race 5 – Moment of Change has barrier 1 against, but is surely a cut above these at WFA if gets a smidge of luck. Perhaps not keen on diving into $1.90 however

    Race 7 – High Esteem scratching opens it right up. Smarty Mac one at odds for me.

    Race 8 – Should know how the track’s playing by now! Intriguing little race to close it out. If it’s suiting the backmarkers, I think Rusambo maps well for this and might get the cart into it late. Held up in a goof first-up effort last time, won the McKenzie here last year. Amah Rock snooping about too. Yosei – my god! Go wide in your quaddies! (or perhaps not, D.Lester quite keen on It is Written).

  11. Good mail for It is Written yesterday.
    Very hard closer.
    Punt wisely….but often.
    See you at the Valley of Excitement!

  12. Oges, D Whitney was better known as trainer of Raffindale than for his journeyman riding career. Haven’t heard of him for many years.

    Agree that O Bloom can’t beat the fave today and also subscribe to Crio’s Kav theory that has Super Cool winning the DTCN.

    I’m pretty keen on Dissident in the Golden Rose. 1400m looks ideal with plenty of pace on. Not keen on Prince Harada at the odds from gate 1.

    Lord Of Brazil could be the one at reasonable odds in the last for Olly & D Weir. Goes well fresh and at the Valley.

    I see M Payne is driving back from Echuca for the ride in Yosei. She’s gone up to Echuca for rides in the first 2 races for D Weir. That’s a fair tip.

    Anyone else give Freereturn a chance in the sprint at the Valley?

  13. Budge,
    I think Freereturn has some hope, I just think you need to bet around Moment of Change from barrier 1, which is why I like Platelet.
    Agree Lord of Brazil, goes OK fresh and I am keen too get Elite Elle beaten.

  14. David Downer says

    Ignore everything one inscribed above

    Cheers,
    Hadbetter Days

  15. Peter Fuller says

    DD,
    You’re certainly not Robinson Crusoe; Robert Smerdon once described a day he was having at the track with his well-credentialled runners finding a way to lose “I’m on the ropes and taking punishment”, which perfectly summed up my day on the punt.
    I didn’t like the odds of some that I thought might win, Solicit, Fiorente, and missed entirely elsewhere.
    Next week, mate, or sooner for you, with your knowledge of British horseflesh.

  16. No good for me either, though the boss won.
    Great win by Fiorente. It and the Jewel add lustre to the upcoming weeks.

  17. Budge- Dave Whitney lives in Goolwa and has his good mate Graham Line (ex jock for the late CS Hayes) is living here too
    Unfortunately due to his illness Dennis O Leary has taken over the training for the present and it ran well yesterday
    Mindarie Hallidon Cup today – went last year but sadly not this time
    Bowls kept me from losing a lot more yesterday – rugged day

  18. David Downer says

    Broke my own Spring punting rule: “Wait for Underwood day, wait for Underwood day!”.

    Nice to have my Spring shocker out the way early.

    Ahem

  19. DD had a Barry Crocker as well, From Benchi Pegasis to Pelicano in Sydney,confidence lost everything lost
    Early season 3yo races fraught with danger,Fiorente was terrific,the Cox will be awsome

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