A rather disappointing performance last week and another tough day of racing presents itself tomorrow so I'm tinkering with the format a little to provide a top four and my advice is to box them in quinellas and trifectas.
If you have perused the form already you will know what I am talking about with 11 Black Type races spread across NSW and Victoria including the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes.
If you have perused the form already you will know what I am talking about with 11 Black Type races spread across NSW and Victoria including the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes.
THE SULTANS OF SPRING
It's Week Seven and we look back at another forgotten hero - a grand campaigner of Spring Carnivals gone by whose name we seldom, if ever hear anymore.
As I've written in previous weeks over the next few months I will revisit the deeds of some of the superstars of yesteryear.
I will look at, if you will allow me to wax lyrical, "The Sultans of Spring". (Apologies to Dire Straits.)
I will look at, if you will allow me to wax lyrical, "The Sultans of Spring". (Apologies to Dire Straits.)
Aquanita
This is a name that in modern times is associated with the training establishment but the Western Australian was also a quality galloper. He would only appear in Melbourne for three Spring Carnivals during his career but he would make his mark.
1962 was by far his best Spring and it started on this very day with victory in the Craiglee (now Makybe Diva) Stakes. He would go on to claim the Underwood Stakes, Turnbull Stakes (lumping 63kg!), the Cox Plate and the Mackinnon.
That wasn't his first Underwood having won the race a year earlier in 1961. He also scored back-to-back victories in the George Adams Handicap at Flemington (the modern day Emirates Stakes) in 1960/61 - the second with 59.5kg.
In all he would start 70 times for 28 wins including a Doomben 10,000, a Railway Stakes, an Alister Clarke, a Futurity, an Orr and a St George.
He also racked up 19 placings. He ran third in the Memsie and second in the Craiglee of 1961 (both times behind Lord) and finished second in the Caulfiled Stakes and third in the Mackinnon the same year (both times behind Sky High). He also ran 3rd in the 1962 Melbourne Cup with 59kg despite not being a genuine two miler.
1962 was by far his best Spring and it started on this very day with victory in the Craiglee (now Makybe Diva) Stakes. He would go on to claim the Underwood Stakes, Turnbull Stakes (lumping 63kg!), the Cox Plate and the Mackinnon.
That wasn't his first Underwood having won the race a year earlier in 1961. He also scored back-to-back victories in the George Adams Handicap at Flemington (the modern day Emirates Stakes) in 1960/61 - the second with 59.5kg.
In all he would start 70 times for 28 wins including a Doomben 10,000, a Railway Stakes, an Alister Clarke, a Futurity, an Orr and a St George.
He also racked up 19 placings. He ran third in the Memsie and second in the Craiglee of 1961 (both times behind Lord) and finished second in the Caulfiled Stakes and third in the Mackinnon the same year (both times behind Sky High). He also ran 3rd in the 1962 Melbourne Cup with 59kg despite not being a genuine two miler.
LOOKING FORWARD
Who's hot?
Paul Gatt had a dirty day at Balaklava on Wednesday but his three previous meetings resulted in winning doubles at Morphettville (August 31), Murray Bridge (August 28) and Morphettville Parks (Auguist 24). His best chance tomorrow appears to be Vivi Veloce (Morphettville Parks Race 3 No. 2) and Ambrosia (Morphettville Parks Race 5 No. 2) also has claims.
Flemington
*** As of 4pm today the track was rated a Dead 4. The forecast is for a partly cloudy day tomorrow with isolated showers. ***
Makybe Diva Stakes (Group 1, 1600m, w-f-a)
If Puissance De Lune has gone forward since his last start win it's hard to see him getting beaten. Sure the lot he beat were distanced in the Memsie but he did it so easily, which is why I'm not worried about "second-up syndrome" because it was a soft win. Plus nine of his 13 rivals are first-up.
Of those Mr Moet runs well fresh (5:3-1-0) and he's effective at the mile (5:2-0-1) whereas a lot of these are not. His effort to be just three quarters of a length behind All Too Hard in the Orr Stakes in February (below) was enormous off a slow tempo. I think the mile and the long straight at Flemington suits.
The Kavanagh/Rodd team are on a high at the moment and the blinkers go on December Draw for the very first time. (Maldivian anyone?) He has shown a liking for this track in the past and can run a nice race at this trip first-up after a spell. He's not on a Cups path this Spring either so expect him to be forward.
Sea Moon is the watch runner. He's obviously a quality animal but will Macedon Lodge want to unleash him this early?
Ethiopia will need the run and Foreteller goes poorly second-up and he had a gustbuster last time out. I'll be keeping an eye on them though because when they get to 2000m+ I think there could be a nice race in each of them.
Locky's Selections
Of those Mr Moet runs well fresh (5:3-1-0) and he's effective at the mile (5:2-0-1) whereas a lot of these are not. His effort to be just three quarters of a length behind All Too Hard in the Orr Stakes in February (below) was enormous off a slow tempo. I think the mile and the long straight at Flemington suits.
The Kavanagh/Rodd team are on a high at the moment and the blinkers go on December Draw for the very first time. (Maldivian anyone?) He has shown a liking for this track in the past and can run a nice race at this trip first-up after a spell. He's not on a Cups path this Spring either so expect him to be forward.
Sea Moon is the watch runner. He's obviously a quality animal but will Macedon Lodge want to unleash him this early?
Ethiopia will need the run and Foreteller goes poorly second-up and he had a gustbuster last time out. I'll be keeping an eye on them though because when they get to 2000m+ I think there could be a nice race in each of them.
Locky's Selections
8 Puissance De Lune
3 Mr Moet
7 December Draw
3 Mr Moet
7 December Draw
6 Sea Moon
Danehill Stakes (Group 2, 1200m, 3-y-o set weights plus penalties)
I cannot believe that Safeguard has come up $5.50 here. He's not nominated for the Guineas and is being kept to the sprint trips while many of the others have more important races to worry about further down the road. At the SW+P he's well in and he's won down the straight before. I think that Fast 'n' Rocking form will stand up.
For that reason I think the next best is Hill Spy. Good win on debut and solid without being spectacular behind Safeguard and Fast 'n' Rocking.
Gregers has been all the rage in early markets but I think this is a big step up and I can't have her at that price but she'll no doubt be in my quaddie.
Longma the next best. He smashed them on debut but it was Werribee and it was a bog track but all you can do is win.
Others in commission are Romantic Touch (big weight, first-up, too short), Eclair Big Bang (only fell in last start in SA), Il Cavallo (needs it shorter), Scandiva (prefer to see) and Kiss A Rose (not keen on the Quezette form).
Locky's Selections
For that reason I think the next best is Hill Spy. Good win on debut and solid without being spectacular behind Safeguard and Fast 'n' Rocking.
Gregers has been all the rage in early markets but I think this is a big step up and I can't have her at that price but she'll no doubt be in my quaddie.
Longma the next best. He smashed them on debut but it was Werribee and it was a bog track but all you can do is win.
Others in commission are Romantic Touch (big weight, first-up, too short), Eclair Big Bang (only fell in last start in SA), Il Cavallo (needs it shorter), Scandiva (prefer to see) and Kiss A Rose (not keen on the Quezette form).
Locky's Selections
2 Safeguard
11 Hill Spy
17 Gregers
14 Longma
11 Hill Spy
17 Gregers
14 Longma
Let's Elope Stakes (Group 2, 1400m, 4-y-o & up mares set weights plus penalties)
I hope I'm in front coming to the last because as "Get Out Stakes" go this is a doozy. My plan here is to take a four horse quinella and hope one of my roughies bobs up and provides a bit of value.
A host of chances but I can't see why Alzora is $26. First start last prep she won the Group 3 Vanity at this track and distance. The stable is flying too. Thy has great second-up form (3:2-1-0) and I don't think her last win (against the boys) was a fluke. She's well drawn and well in at relative weights. A Time For Julia and Bonaria made good late ground last start from well back in the Cockram Stakes. Bonaria meets the other a kilo better off too and races well here (6:2-1-1).
I've had to leave out some nice ones in Dear Demi (first-up record average), Commanding Jewel (waiting to see her do something), Catkins (formline? 1400m? second-up?) and Octavia (1400m?) but you can't have them all.
Locky's Selections
A host of chances but I can't see why Alzora is $26. First start last prep she won the Group 3 Vanity at this track and distance. The stable is flying too. Thy has great second-up form (3:2-1-0) and I don't think her last win (against the boys) was a fluke. She's well drawn and well in at relative weights. A Time For Julia and Bonaria made good late ground last start from well back in the Cockram Stakes. Bonaria meets the other a kilo better off too and races well here (6:2-1-1).
I've had to leave out some nice ones in Dear Demi (first-up record average), Commanding Jewel (waiting to see her do something), Catkins (formline? 1400m? second-up?) and Octavia (1400m?) but you can't have them all.
Locky's Selections
10 Alzora
6 Bonaria
9 Thy
16 A Time For Julia
6 Bonaria
9 Thy
16 A Time For Julia
Randwick
*** As of 4pm today the track was rated a Good 3. The forecast is for a partly cloudy tomorrow. ***
Chelmsford Stakes (Group 2, 1600m, w-f-a)
Current market
Watch the early races here because with the rail out 8m it could be hard to make ground from back in the field. Combine that with the lack of any real pace here and this could become one of those tactical, sit and sprint, weight-for-age affairs. (Glencadam Gold could lead first-up at a mile but you wouldn't think he'd be running them along this early in his prep.)
Veyron picks himself as one of the few in the race who is suited by the 1600m and he's in form having helped us to a $200+ trifecta last start when defeating Rain Affair and Streama at $21. He had a pretty easy run last start too camped behind Streama while she chased the tearaway leader.
Beaten Up (4th), Metal Bender (6th) and Hawkspur (7th) were all great in the Warwick Stakes but how much did chasing that hot speed take out of them?
Hawkspur is drawn to sit closer this time and he has done just that in the past but over longer trips. He did run second to Toydini second-up last preparation in the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) on ATC Derby Day but was beaten almost four lengths. His best runs his last two preps have been four, five and six runs in.
Metal Bender won the Group1 George Ryder Stakes the last time he was second-up. Has had five goes second-up for three wins and a narrow second to Theseo in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes at this course and distance on a bog track. His only other go at the Randwick mile saw him win the G1 Randwick Guineas.
Beaten Up has found his place in the market and I'm just worried that tough run fresh may have flattened him because he had to chase for a long way. Bayrir is another from the Waller yard who is in the market and he has form behind subsequent Hawkesbury Cup winner Coup Ay Tee but I just wonder if that is strong enough for this race. He is the fresh horse on the scene however coming off a five week break.
Watch the early races here because with the rail out 8m it could be hard to make ground from back in the field. Combine that with the lack of any real pace here and this could become one of those tactical, sit and sprint, weight-for-age affairs. (Glencadam Gold could lead first-up at a mile but you wouldn't think he'd be running them along this early in his prep.)
Veyron picks himself as one of the few in the race who is suited by the 1600m and he's in form having helped us to a $200+ trifecta last start when defeating Rain Affair and Streama at $21. He had a pretty easy run last start too camped behind Streama while she chased the tearaway leader.
Beaten Up (4th), Metal Bender (6th) and Hawkspur (7th) were all great in the Warwick Stakes but how much did chasing that hot speed take out of them?
Hawkspur is drawn to sit closer this time and he has done just that in the past but over longer trips. He did run second to Toydini second-up last preparation in the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) on ATC Derby Day but was beaten almost four lengths. His best runs his last two preps have been four, five and six runs in.
Metal Bender won the Group1 George Ryder Stakes the last time he was second-up. Has had five goes second-up for three wins and a narrow second to Theseo in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes at this course and distance on a bog track. His only other go at the Randwick mile saw him win the G1 Randwick Guineas.
Beaten Up has found his place in the market and I'm just worried that tough run fresh may have flattened him because he had to chase for a long way. Bayrir is another from the Waller yard who is in the market and he has form behind subsequent Hawkesbury Cup winner Coup Ay Tee but I just wonder if that is strong enough for this race. He is the fresh horse on the scene however coming off a five week break.
Locky's Selections
2 Veyron
11 Hawkspur
1 Metal Bender
7 Bayrir
11 Hawkspur
1 Metal Bender
7 Bayrir
Furious Stakes (Group 2, 1200m, 3-y-o fillies set weights)
Guelph could win this by panels.
In a handicap event she would giving all of these at least nine kilos yet she meets them at level weights. Trialed like a bomb and looked bigger and stronger so it appears she's improved during her spell. $2.20 or better and I will think about stepping in.
Thump is being ridden more aggressively this time in and as I've previously noted being up on the tempo could be an advantage if this turns into a leaders highway. She'll also add a bit of value to exotics at $12 if the shortie dominates as I expect.
Romantic Moon has failed twice on wet tracks but her two runs on top of the ground have resulted in dominant wins, one over Thump at level weights. Her two trials in preparation have been average though.
Twilight Royale wasn't terrible first-up and if she can improve she could lob into a first four position. Won the VRC Sires produce.
Locky's Selections
In a handicap event she would giving all of these at least nine kilos yet she meets them at level weights. Trialed like a bomb and looked bigger and stronger so it appears she's improved during her spell. $2.20 or better and I will think about stepping in.
Thump is being ridden more aggressively this time in and as I've previously noted being up on the tempo could be an advantage if this turns into a leaders highway. She'll also add a bit of value to exotics at $12 if the shortie dominates as I expect.
Romantic Moon has failed twice on wet tracks but her two runs on top of the ground have resulted in dominant wins, one over Thump at level weights. Her two trials in preparation have been average though.
Twilight Royale wasn't terrible first-up and if she can improve she could lob into a first four position. Won the VRC Sires produce.
Locky's Selections
1 Guelph
3 Thump
5 Romantic Moon
2 Twilight Royale
3 Thump
5 Romantic Moon
2 Twilight Royale
Other bets
Sessions (Randwick Race 3 No. 8) was the one I really wanted to be on when I studied the nominations earlier in the week but he's been smashed into short priced favouritism. No surprise because he trialed the house down so hopefully he will get out to a better price if there is a nibble for Hay List or Whittington. $2.20.
Teronado (Randwick Race 5 No. 3) comes down from Queensland to take on the Sydney three-year-olds and I'll stick with him because he's been good to me and I think he could be something special. Big track and 1400m suits plus leading Brisbane hoop Jim Byrne travels south for the ride. Dropped back in distance last start yet still came from six lengths off them with 59kg to just miss when they clicked home their final 600m in 33.91 seconds. Each-way at $8.50.
Fawkner (Randwick Race 6 No. 8) is an old favourite of mine as long time followers of this blog will know but he's not here on sentiment alone. First-up this day last year he demolished them in the Sofitel at Flemington and first-up in the Autumn he came from well back in that farcically run William Reid to run third to Black Caviar and Karuta Queen and his sectionals were sensational. He's a fighter too as he showed in his narrow defeat to Happy Trails in the Emirates and HT was super in the Memsie last week. $5.50.
Teronado (Randwick Race 5 No. 3) comes down from Queensland to take on the Sydney three-year-olds and I'll stick with him because he's been good to me and I think he could be something special. Big track and 1400m suits plus leading Brisbane hoop Jim Byrne travels south for the ride. Dropped back in distance last start yet still came from six lengths off them with 59kg to just miss when they clicked home their final 600m in 33.91 seconds. Each-way at $8.50.
Fawkner (Randwick Race 6 No. 8) is an old favourite of mine as long time followers of this blog will know but he's not here on sentiment alone. First-up this day last year he demolished them in the Sofitel at Flemington and first-up in the Autumn he came from well back in that farcically run William Reid to run third to Black Caviar and Karuta Queen and his sectionals were sensational. He's a fighter too as he showed in his narrow defeat to Happy Trails in the Emirates and HT was super in the Memsie last week. $5.50.
Rebel Dane (Fleminton Race 7 No. 3) is just better than this lot. Would have preferred to have seen him drawn out for his first go down the straight but I just can't get his second-up run last prep out of my head when he ran Pierro to a nostril in the G2 Hobartville Stakes (below) after being slowly away. $2.80.
Dany The Fox (Flemington Race 4 No. 7) could give Bossy a good day if I'm right because that would make it a winning treble. He put the writing on the wall first-up when an unlucky and slashing third and his best form is at his second run in. A winner at this track and distance and the stable is in good form. $3.90.
Long John (Flemington Race 2 No. 1) will appreciate the wide open spaces of Flemington and he is drawn to get a much softer run in transit than the Kiwi hype horse. May still be looking for further because he strikes me as a Derby type but he does have a win at this track and distance under his belt already. $5.
Long John (Flemington Race 2 No. 1) will appreciate the wide open spaces of Flemington and he is drawn to get a much softer run in transit than the Kiwi hype horse. May still be looking for further because he strikes me as a Derby type but he does have a win at this track and distance under his belt already. $5.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
Norzita is out for the Spring.
Scans on the mare's off foreleg have revealed a tendon injury.
Caulfield Cup weights have been released with Melbourne Cup winner Green Moon allocated topweight of 58kg.
Other notables include ruling favourite Super Cool (55kg), Fiorente (55.5kg), international Dandino (55kg), Jet Away (53.5kg), Oaks winner Royal Descent (52.5kg) and Queensland Derby winner Hawkspur (53kg).
Stewards have opened an inquiry into why a race on Mildura Cup Day was run over the wrong distance.
The 0-58 rating race should have been a 1000m event but was instead run over 1100m. Incredibly no-one noticed the error until after correct weight had been given and the judge queried the time.
Good news for jockey Michael Rodd - he's claimed the prestigious Scobie Breasley Medal.
The award is presented to Victoria's most outstanding metropolitan rider as judged by Racing Victoria stewards.
Bad news for a few other hoops though with stewards particularly busy at Caulfield last Saturday.
Luke Nolen, Michael Walker, Michelle Payne, Lauren Stojakovic and Brett Prebble all earned their wrath although Nolen will be free to ride tomorrow as his ban expires at midnight tonight.
Walker got nine meetings and returns September 10 while Prebble and Stojakovic got 12 meetings and are out until September 13.
Payne only got 10 meetings but won't return until a day later as her suspension did not begin until September 3.
Meanwhile Tim Bell will be on the sidelines until September 15 after Sydney stipes outed him for his ride on Napayshini.
LOOKING BACK
Who's hot?
All bar one of Joe Pride's last 13 runners have finished top four - across 7 different meetings stretching back to August 21. Four winners, four seconds, two thirds and two fourths. Just the one runner in town tomorrow with Brave Soul (Rosehill Race 7 No. 1). 4th. SACKED.
Caulfield
Memsie Stakes (Group 1, 1400m, w-f-a)
Lots of good runs here but none better than the winner. Hard to see her getting beaten this Spring. Ferlax, Super Cool, It's A Dundeel, Green Moon, Fiorente and Happy Trails were all good. Silent Achiever was also great because she stayed right with them all the way down the straight despite being under a stranglehold with nowhere to go.
Locky's Selections
9 It's A Dundeel (4th)
5 Fiorente (6th)
10 Super Cool (3rd) $3.90 place
5 Fiorente (6th)
10 Super Cool (3rd) $3.90 place
H.D.F. McNeil Stakes (Group 3, 1200m, 3-y-o set weights plus penalties)
Demolition Derby here but I think the best horse won and the runner-up is a nice one going forward. Miracles Of Life can be forgiven because she was very fresh and wanted to overrace.
Locky's Selections
2 Fast 'n' Rocking (1st) $4.40 win / $2.00 place
3 Prince Harada (2nd) $2.90 place
1 Miracles Of Life (4th)
Quinella 2-3 $10.60
Exacta 2-3 $22.80
Run To The Rose (Group 3, 1200m, 3-y-o set weights plus penalties)
3 Prince Harada (2nd) $2.90 place
1 Miracles Of Life (4th)
Quinella 2-3 $10.60
Exacta 2-3 $22.80
Rosehill
A few unlucky runners here (Windjammer, Spurrendous, Sidestep) because there was a heap of interference. Zoustar blew the start and got caught wide as a result and Cluster had to go back and come wide from his barrier on a day when you couldn't win from there. Into The Red was good in that regard too. The first three got the best runs in transit but still did the job at both ends so there was merit. Criterion and Napayshini just got too far back. Think the Melbourne colts might be better though.
Locky's Selections
12 Cluster (5th)
1 Sidestep (11th)
2 Criterion (14th)
1 Sidestep (11th)
2 Criterion (14th)
Other bets
Last week I wrote:
Pelicano (Caulfield Race 7 No. 10) was fantastic first-up in the Auries Star. Strung three wins together last prep over 2000m and has jumped to a trip second-up in the past and won. The stable is in good form at the moment and they reckon this bloke Williams can ride OK. Worth a tickle each-way at $10. 4th. Closed well late but just got too far back when the tearaway leader broke them up. There's a nice staying race in him somewhere.
Pocket Rockets (Caulfield Race 6 No. 7) sees the same jockey/trainer combo again and was also an eye-catcher last start when he blew the start. If he can jump with them tomorrow the early money ($17 into $9) suggests he can be a player. $10 still available with some operators. 12th. Craig Williams suggested he may benefit from the use of a tongue tie but a post-race examination failed to show any abnormalities.
Strawberry Boy (Caulfield Race 5 No. 4) won't be any flash price but he should just win. Unbeaten in three runs first-up and three runs second-up so he flies when fresh and he's unbeaten (six from six) at distances up to a mile. No. 1 rider for the Moody stable Luke Nolen has jumped off the only real danger in stablemate High Esteem to ride this bloke. That'll do me. Looks the best on a tough day. $2.60. 3rd. Big weight may have told first-up because they he didn't go overly quick in front. Winner is great fresh and second horse got a lovely pull in the weights. Only run down late. Don't dismiss him just yet. $1.40 place.
Lunayir (Rosehill Race 8 No. 7) looks an each-way pinch here. His only two career wins have been second-up and he's getting up to a suitable trip here after flashing home fresh in an unsuitable 1400m event. Gets a 2.5kg swing in the weights from favourite Honorius who I think is right at the upper limit of his preferred distance range here. $7.50 looks appetising. 12th. A post-race examination revealed a small wound to the gum but trainer Chris Waller could offer no explanation for the performance. He'll have to trial to stewards satisfaction in the meantime and Waller indicated it would be his intention to ride the horse more aggresively next start. May need the sting out of the ground too.
Pelicano (Caulfield Race 7 No. 10) was fantastic first-up in the Auries Star. Strung three wins together last prep over 2000m and has jumped to a trip second-up in the past and won. The stable is in good form at the moment and they reckon this bloke Williams can ride OK. Worth a tickle each-way at $10. 4th. Closed well late but just got too far back when the tearaway leader broke them up. There's a nice staying race in him somewhere.
Pocket Rockets (Caulfield Race 6 No. 7) sees the same jockey/trainer combo again and was also an eye-catcher last start when he blew the start. If he can jump with them tomorrow the early money ($17 into $9) suggests he can be a player. $10 still available with some operators. 12th. Craig Williams suggested he may benefit from the use of a tongue tie but a post-race examination failed to show any abnormalities.
Strawberry Boy (Caulfield Race 5 No. 4) won't be any flash price but he should just win. Unbeaten in three runs first-up and three runs second-up so he flies when fresh and he's unbeaten (six from six) at distances up to a mile. No. 1 rider for the Moody stable Luke Nolen has jumped off the only real danger in stablemate High Esteem to ride this bloke. That'll do me. Looks the best on a tough day. $2.60. 3rd. Big weight may have told first-up because they he didn't go overly quick in front. Winner is great fresh and second horse got a lovely pull in the weights. Only run down late. Don't dismiss him just yet. $1.40 place.
Lunayir (Rosehill Race 8 No. 7) looks an each-way pinch here. His only two career wins have been second-up and he's getting up to a suitable trip here after flashing home fresh in an unsuitable 1400m event. Gets a 2.5kg swing in the weights from favourite Honorius who I think is right at the upper limit of his preferred distance range here. $7.50 looks appetising. 12th. A post-race examination revealed a small wound to the gum but trainer Chris Waller could offer no explanation for the performance. He'll have to trial to stewards satisfaction in the meantime and Waller indicated it would be his intention to ride the horse more aggresively next start. May need the sting out of the ground too.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
I don't know how to put this but I'm kind of a big deal.
- Ronald Joseph Aaron "Ron" Burgundy, San Diego, mid-1970's
- Ronald Joseph Aaron "Ron" Burgundy, San Diego, mid-1970's
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