by Chris Riordan
Back to reality this week as Caulfield is justifiably overwhelmed by Rosehill’s drawcard. With good noms tonight and bumper fields in both Sydney and Adelaide on Saturday, it is little wonder the Victorian metro meeting is a bit skinny.
I’m going to Moonee Valley Friday night and then the MCG Saturday so will watch the Sydney races from a comfortable vantage point (apparently no TAB facility at the MCG tomorrow!) and take little interest in the locals. I will, however, be keen to see the return to racing of Definitely Ready (MR7, No9) whose inflated bubble burst dramatically at Flemington after being hyped as a star of the Carnival. Symphony Miss will get a last chance from me if swoopers are capable in the last, though Cool Diva could be the value if leaders’ bias is evident.
The scratching of Typhoon Tracey and More Joyous have robbed the Coolmore Classic (R7, 1500m) of being the race of the Carnival, but it is now very open and fascinating. From “visitors’ gates“ (16 + 17) Faint Perfume and Set for Fame will have to prove their worth. I’m convinced that they are outstanding but will need the race run to suit. It will be worth watching but probably not a punting proposition.
The Ranvet (R6, 2000m) is another even Group One and I’ll be closely watching Alcopop now he’s getting to a more suitable distance. Only second up but now is the time to see if he can fulfil the promise shown in his thrilling spring preparation.
The ever-popular Hot Danish looks suited in the Canterbury Stakes and the wonderfully named Lagerphone might be worth a speculator in the second.
The 2 year-olds line up to frame Slipper markets. Solar Charged looked fantastic last start and will be short odds in the Riesling. Punters will carefully scrutinize Star Witness in the Todman. I don’t like horses tackling tough races as an afterthought, but neither does trainer Danny O’Brien who simply says his brilliant Diamond winner is thriving.
Plenty of great racing and value all day at Rosehill so be sure to be near a TV. The Oaks highlights an excellent Morphettville meeting also, so it is a red letter day for racing enthusiasts.
Crio I’m salivating down here at Mentone… and looking forward to the Rosehill card too! It really takes off up there in Syderley tomorrow. Outrageous news re tote at the ‘G – I’ll be whipping through between netball and shift at the big one.
I’ll be aboard my girl Danish, and have a little on Palacio De Crystal, Military Rose and Littorio e/w, but form study due later this eve.
Good luck lads.
No interest in Caulfield but love the card at Rosehill and some of the Adeliade races are beauties as well.
Like Kroner in R1 at Rosehill (Bart trains and blinkers on first time!). Big watch in Teasing in same race – in astute stabke and also blinkers 1st time but no jock declared so may be a non-runner.
2yo filles race is tough though leaning tt Psychologist or Elimbari to upset the current Slipper Fave in Solar Charged.
R4 see Star Witness resume after his awesome Diamond win. I’ve been on him in all his runs to date and see no reason to jump off now. He is exceptional.
Hot Danish will be short in R5 and has a great first up record but just querying her as she gets a bit older and now attempting 1st up at 1300m. The top 3 look the value, Turffontein seems well weighted to me and is always over the odds.
I’m with Crio in the Ranvet, happy to be on Alcopop at fair odds. His form at around this distance in the spring was brilliant. Just a query if he needs one more run to bring him to his peak. At the odds on offer he’s worth the risk. Theseo obviously the one to beat and Roman Emperor the smokey (again Bart and blinkers back on).
Similar theme here in R7. I see top weight, Allez Wonder, is currently quoted at $35. She won the Toorak and was only $10 in the Caulfield Cup in the spring. Trained by Bart and ridden by Hugh Bowman. If she gets up at those odds everyone will be wondering why she wasn’t shorter. Having said that (and I will have to have a saver on her now), I’ll be on Neroli. Goes well at Rosehill and I suspect this is her race. Have a huge opinion of Set For Fame and she wouldn’t surprise me though not that keen on the filles at the weights. The best of all is probably Faint Perfume but I’d much rather be on her at Randwick and will wait til then for her.
Tickets wins the 8th.
Moving to Adelaide and check out R7. Plenty of depth there and not many you couldn’t make a case for. Some drawn wide will get to silly odds but you’re better off drawing 15 than 1 at the 1200m start at Morphettville so don;t let a wide barrier deter you. On that basis, happy to be on Madame Pedrille who has form around Hot Danish and her ilk. Velocitea get the gun run (as usual) and is the one to beat.
Important gear change in the last in Adelaide (always the ultimate get out for me). Number 9, Hidden Surprise, certainly got the surprise as the gear changes list RACE 8: HIDDEN SURPRISE Gelded. Had good fresh form anyway so I’ll go with it.
Good luck to all.
Turffoentein’s out now so it is a really skinny race. Stay out.
I clearly have no idea.
Hey Chris,
What’s your best contact, was interested in you writing for us.
cheers