by Chris Riordan
Correspondent “Carringbush” joined our forum last week with some salient observations from his visit to Randwick’s Derby Day. The small crowd figure was a point of obvious concern and we can only hope that more people recognize the quality of tomorrow’s Doncaster Day and that the AJC starts to regain kudos for this terrific meeting. If Faint Perfume and Typhoon Tracy win a running double it will, indeed, be “one for the ages”. Fans will get to see 3 Group One races of totally different types – the 3yo fillies over a mile and a half in the Oaks, the best milers in the time-honoured Handicap and the sprinters dashing over 1100m in the Galaxy. True to form, the 3 yo staying tests are the test of the best in Autumn, but I would argue that Melbourne’s “final day mile” has become the equal of Randwick’s and, undoubtedly, the feature sprints in spring have far greater depth.
I hope Faint Perfume wins the AJC Oaks and, honestly, I reckon she should be evens and a good thing. There is a concerted push for Vasil’s Valdemoro which is an excellent filly and maybe Run For Naara deserves a ticket in multis.
I’m betting against “Typhoon” in the Mile…as I did so often and wrongly with Sunline. This is a tough Handicap but she does box seat. Look for Palacio de Cristal to be steaming home and be sure to put Snapy Halo in the exotics – it will be mine E/W.
The Galaxy is typically underwhelming. A good, not great, race. Ortensia to win. Note that Definitely Ready, a spruik in Melbourne lately, has taken this step up to Gr1! Some quote him pretty short but it is impossible to back him at the class jump and clockwise.
Caulfield’s meeting is secondary. Broken should win Race 2 and the Cup (R6) is a really good race complicated by tough barriers drawn by likely chances. A value Quaddy if you can find it…I won’t try.
Crio,
As you know, I was loyal to Sunline from the start but don’t think Tracy is in her category just yet.
I think you pinched my tip for the big one- I’ve been hoping for weeks that PALACIO DE CRISTAL would find a good track for the Doncaster and here it is. Yes, she will be a mile back but will come home like a train. I can see a bit of pressure on up front and the more there is the better. My roughie is ALLEZ WONDER (again) – another quality mare who has her preferred dry track- DON’T LEAVE HER OUT OF THE MULTI’S.
Suggested bets: $40 Faint Perfume all-up Palacio de cristal and a box trifecta featuring Palacio and Allez Wonder in the Doncaster as roving bankers.
Yes, Budge, you are the Palacio ringleader and you’ll be relieved to know that I’m E/W Snapy Halo.
Crio/Budge
I love the donk. 20 runners, how rare and fantastic is that! Well weighted ones are the go . I threw out Allez Wonder to win the Toorak as she smacked of La Neige, who won a group 1 Randwick mile. Now she is actually in a group Randwick mile. I am on her, Snapy Halo, Tobique and Wall Street to win a thousand. God be with me.
I agree with Budge. Sunline was a freak. Typhoon Tracy 5 gr 1 wins in succession. Won’t happen.
I have a good thing in the Karrakatta Plate at Ascot if anyone is interesed or financial by then. Absolute Pleasure.
Lordie surely this is our day!
I too checked the weather radar on Monday night hoping for no rain for Palacio in the Doncaster. Was on board once I saw the all clear, and didn’t she draw a marble. My other bet in the race is Snapy Halo! Loved the way he got to the line in the new Doncaster Preview race last Sat.
I’m chucking in the Waller horses Danleigh and Rangi in the trifecta with Tracy obviously in the mix for a drum, and since the chorus of agreement is strong, I’ll take heed of the exhortation Budge on Allez, despite the horror effort on the slow last start – hope there’s not something else up with her.
Good luck punters.
And yep, love the Doncaster – third fave race on calendar, behind our cups. Slipper is a farce, always has been, for wankers who wanna make a splash with their big cash at the sales. The Doncaster is for real gallopers with guts and class.
Just heard Waller say he was concerned with Palacio’s movement and will await a final vet clearance. I had a bit at decent fixed odds a while ago so hoping she’s still sound. Brilliant Light will definitely be in my tri though may have to find room for Snappy Halo! In the Galaxy I’m hoping Rostova can salute. Beautiful day in Sydney so looking forward to being amongst a crowd of 30,000.
Graeme Begg trains Palacio. Which one have you mixed up, the horse or the trainer?
Boy am I getting cold feet re Snapy Halo….me, Elvis and Freeza!!!
Mi9ght need a get out late. Any suggestions? (not Perth pls Alby)
Is it a dead track?
This morning DEAD 5 after overnight rain
Carringbush says a fine day. Switch on TVN
Any room left on the Palacio bandwagon?
The Palacio band-waggon crashed and burned. There were no survivors.