By Mark “Makybe” Freeman
Like our Sally McLellan would have it: “Did you see him go?”
All Silent’s the guy we’re on about – we were aboard, and not since Shaftsbury Avenue slayed ’em in the Lightning have we seen such a blinding finish in a quality sprint race.
The Mercedes-driving bookies we mentioned in the preview had the first bit right – he did settle out of his ground, but this Camry-driving punter got the last bit right – he did explode in the last 50 metres and nailed them on the line. But even as card-carrying members of his fan club, we were shocked at the speed at which he attacked the line.
He’s All Class with a cap A and C, this boy, and we’re still trying to work out why trainer G. Begg didn’t set him for the Cox Plate this year. Nonetheless, he certainly did the right thing by us today, and we’re very pleased to be able to say that we got the early spring trigger finger going on this one, and have reaped handsome rewards for doing so.
And Daff, too, is rolling in readies. We had $25 each-way on the fixed at $15 and $4.20 the place. That’s a handy collect of $480 to add to our rapidly thinning bank of $20, so with only a modicum of creative accounting let’s just call it a bank of $500 for the upcoming turf battles – the first of which comes up this Saturday, our favourite race day of the year, Caulfield Guineas day.
Keep counting it, punters,
Freezer
Love All Silent. He was the final leg of the Derby Day quaddie last year. So he is in part responsible for the Clare Lindop dining room chairs – but not as responsible as Rebel Raider.
Terrific punting.
Very much looking forward to getting the Almanac finished and dipping in.
Freezer/Crio
Also thought Light Vision was a special special yesterday and the price was pretty good.
Did you spot anyhting in Sydney? I haven’t seen the races yet.
I backed Miss Darcey pre-post and got way overs, another reason Light Vision won. If you watch the replay, Light Vision should have been pocketed as Miss Darcey slid out. Instead, the “pocketer” drifted out, presenting Vision a run inside and forcing Darcey one wider…and she failed by about a neck. Nevertheless, Light Vision is a proven winner, and they just find a way whereas Miss Darcey needs some luck.
The run of the day was Scenic Shot in the Turnbull. Never closer than 3 wide without cover throughout. Looked gone half-way up the straight (and was entitled to be) but kept coming and got up for 3rd. Enormous performance.
Also Maldivian is ready to win next start. His last run took a bit out of him but he kicked in the straight and took a while for them to get him. Follow up!
The other one I liked from this race was Viewed. Very solid finish- right on target for the Cup. Had to give the winner 1.5 kgs.
Check out the replays via Big Pond
http://bigpondvideo.com/Horse_Racing_Archive
Played Makybe.
I cheered All Silent home from the Grand in Portarlington.
Probably will be set for the Linlithgow or the George Adams.
A true Flemington horse.
Viewed is going better than last year.
What will D Oliver’s Caulfield Cup ride be?
Very interesting.
I also note that Francesca Cumani will be a part of the Ch 7 racing coverage.
I’m tempted to stay at home.
PS
Red Ruler could be a gunna.
Its amazing how often the “weights certainties” get beaten. Yesterday both Hot Danish and Red Ruler were all the rage based on the weights.
Thanks JTH and Peter. Yes I could easily have been drawn into Red Ruler yesterday, given the weight advantage he had and the fact I’d plonked on him in last year’s Caulfield Cup, but didn’t cause he hasn’t been really attacking the line, and he showed that again yesterday despite his advantage, so I’m keeping clear of him.
Speed Gifted’s win in the Metrop was big, and he had drifted big time in the market, which was a surprise. But with a tough run (Mr Clangtastic ran it hard up front) on a heavy 8, maybe that was his grand final.
And I think we’ve all had a little on Vigor in either of the cups along the way – anyone find any excuses for his run yesterday?