Autumn Carnvial shake up

The state government and Events New South Wales have joined forces with Sydney's racing bodies to re-brand their autumn carnival.

Sydney Carnival, The Thoroughbred Experience, will take effect in 2011 as one of five signature events on the NSW Events calendar joining, New Year in Sydney, Vivid Sydney, Crave Sydney International Food Festival and the Sydney International Art Series.

With Golden Slipper Day and Derby day being held on consecutive Saturdays with all racing being Group 3 level or above, a stellar racing atmosphere is certainly going to be created.

Racing minister Kevin Greene is certainly excited about the future of racing in NSW.

"What we have achieved for the racing industry in New South Wales in recent times will provide a solid foundation for its future stability and growth".

Greene also said that the Sydney Carnival was about more than just the racing.

"We invest in the Sydney Carnival because it is exactly the kind of event that drives interstate and international visitors to Sydney, it creates jobs, vitality and buzz and enhances Sydney's place as Australia's number one tourism destination".

Queensland Jockey to undergo counseling

In the wake of the Robl and Shinn betting scandal, A Queensland jockey must undergo counseling for a gambling problem after he was suspended for also betting on thoroughbred races.

Lyle Finlay was given a three month suspension and fined $1000 during an inquiry on Monday.

Finlay pleaded guilty to the charges of; making a false statement to a Queensland steward, and placing bets at a 'Beaudesert hotel' TAB facility earlier this month.

Finlay's suspension will end on March 3 but before he is re-issued his jockey's license, he must produce evidence to show he attended a Gamblers Anonymous course.

A Racing Queensland statement said, " ... he would have to produce a certificate to stewards to show that he has attended an accredited Gamblers Anonymous course to indicate that the course was successful and he has overcome his gambling addiction".

Finlay's ban comes as Gold Coast jockey Daniel Griffin prepares to front a betting related inquiry in Brisbane on Thursday.

Sydney jockeys Blake Shinn and Peter Robl were last week given long bans for their part in a betting scandal.

Shamash eyes Group success

Lightly raced gelding 'Shamash' is being set for a tilt at the Group 2 Villiers Stakes, if all goes to plan in the Listed Festival Stakes this Saturday.

Shamash showed talent early on in his career, but injuries took their toll after he ran second as favourite to his debutant stablemate 'So You Think' at Rosehill early last year.

With feet and testosterone issues, Shamash was out of action for 18 months. In that same period of time, So You Think won two Cox Plates and established himself as a champion of the turf.

On the eve of So You Think racking up his fifth Group 1 victory in the Mackinnon Stakes on October 30, Shamash, who had been recently gelded, made a winning return at Canterbury and backed that up with another victory at Rosehill a fortnight later.

"We'll nominate him for the Festival Stakes and see how he works on Tuesday and Thursday", Cummings said.

"If he is to run in the Villiers he would have to run in the Festival.

"He's very well and we'll just see what happens".

The Listed Festival Stakes run over 1500m is at Rosehill, while the Group 2 Villiers Stakes over 1600m is at Randwick on December 18.

No Autumn for 'Shoot Out'

Group One winner 'Shoot Out' has been ruled out of making an appearance in next year's Sydney autumn carnival.

Last Autumn carnival Shoot Out showed his class claiming the Group One AJC Australian Derby and Randwick Guineas in Sydney.



After a good, yet frustrating Melbourne spring campaign the gelding will bypass the autumn in favour of the Brisbane winter.

Trainer John Wallace said he had spoken with Shoot Out's owners Graham and Linda Huddy and decided that a decent spell was the best thing for the horse.

"He'll come into my place in early January and he'll do his racing in the winter here in Queensland", Wallace told Sydney's Sky Sports Radio.

"He won't have a lot of starts and then we'll go to Melbourne again".

Shoot Out's main Queensland targets will be the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast and then the Group 1 Doomben Cup.

The winner of seven of his 19 starts, Shoot Out has accumulated almost two million dollars in prizemoney.

Ortensia stripped of Group One

The owners of 'Ortensia' today appealed against their mare's disqualification from first placing in the Group One Galaxy at Randwick on April 17.

The Racing New South Wales Appeal Panel dismissed the case, and stood by the stewards original decision.

Ortensia was disqualified following the detection of the prohibited substance 'Ractopamine' in a post race urine sample taken from the mare following the running of the The Galaxy.

The Appeal Panel confirmed the order of the stewards acting under AR177 that Ortensia be disqualified from first placing.

'Shellscrape' will now be awarded with the win, pleasing the connections of the winning horse, but not necessarily the punters who may have backed him.

Friday hearing for Shinn and Robl

Scrutinised jockeys Blake Shinn and Peter Robl will appear before stewards on Friday to answer serious charges related to illegal betting activities.

The pair were charged last week after an inquiry into transactions on TAB accounts belonging to Shinn's mother Carol and Robl's wife Elaine.

Elaine Robl, a trackwork rider, has been charged with being a party relating to both jockeys betting, whilst Carol Shinn, a licensed stablehand, has been charged with being a party to just her son Blake.

Under the rules of racing, jockeys are not allowed to bet, because the integrity of the sport comes under scrutiny.

Peter Robl has also been charged with giving false evidence at the first hearing of the inquiry on September 29 when he denied knowledge of Shinn using his wife's betting account.

The inquiry centres on Robl's betting activities between October 9, 2008 and September 29 this year.

In Shinn's case, the focus is on bets placed via his mother's account between October 5, 2008 and September 29, 2010 and bets on Elaine Robl's account between July 17 and September 29 this year.

If found guilty, the jockeys face penalties ranging from suspension to disqualification and/or harsh monetary fines.

Super mare retired

After a lacklustre Melbourne Cup appearance, classy mare 'Profound Beauty' has been retired from racing.

The six year old, trained by Dermot Weld, won nine of her 21 career starts, including three times at Group company and four times at Listed level. She was placed on another seven occasions and ran a very encouraging fifth in the 2008 edition of the Melbourne Cup.

In this year's edition of the 'race that stops a nation' she ran disappointingly, and that has turned out to be her final racecourse appearance.

"She's been retired honourably to stud and she's been a wonderful mare to train", Weld told 'At The Races'.

"If she can breed horses with the courage that she had and they have her will to win, there's going to be some very good horses from her".

Profound Beauty accumulated almost one million dollars in prizemoney from her 21 career starts.

Moonee Valley 20/11

The Spring Carnival may be over, but that doesn't mean money can't be made! Summer racing is normally quite profitable because of the very even fields which provides punters with better value.


Im expecting the Snowden camp to have a very good day all over Australia today, so if you see a Darley runner going around, they're well worth a punt.

If you are following the Group 1 Railway Stakes over in Western Australia, I believe Megatic and Gathering represent the best value in the race.

Happy Punting.

Race One
4. Ello Ello - 3.Typeface - 11.Invincible Jess - 9.Zingaia

Race Two
8.Little Artist - 9.Pintle - 3.Anabaa's Legacy - 12. Light Express

Race Three
1.Persian Star - 4.Doosra Diamond - 3.Irazu - 5.Tully Prince

Race Four
3.Zaira - 9.Straveen - 5.Charlie's Queen - 6.Apennie

Race Five
9.Ishant - 6.Aloha - 10.Lakedro - 3.Fast Future

Race Six
9.Ortayga - 11.Waltzes - 8.Jeteven - 2.Happy Glen

Rave Seven
4.Robdon Flyer - 2.Cosmocrat - 6.De Arias - 5.Tio Rossa

Race Eight
6.Jerezana - 2.Impressive Eagle - 3.Status Symbol - 5.Netra

Best Bets: Race 4 No 3 Zaira, Race 8 No 6 Jerezana

Best Roughie: Race 5 No 9 Ishant

Foxwedge set for big things

Leading jockey Corey Brown was prompted to chase the ride of an unraced two year old, after leaving a big impression on him during a recent barrier trial.

'Foxwedge' makes his first race appearance at Rosehill on Saturday in the 'Always Recycling' Handicap run over 1100m and Brown will gladly be in the saddle.

When the son of Fastnet Rock spaced his rivals by eight lengths in his 900m Rosehill trial on November 9, Nash Rawiller partnered the John O'Shea trained colt.

"I followed it home in the trial the other day and it (Foxwedge) looked ultra impressive", Brown said.

"It's just got to go as good as its trial and I think it will be the winner (on Saturday)".

As soon as Brown realised Foxwedge was going to be making his debut this Saturday, he was on the phone to his manager, knowing Rawiller was in Western Australia for the Group 1 Railway Stakes.

"I haven't had anything to do with him, but looking at him he's a really good looking horse and he trialled like he looked, I rang my manager immediately".

Foxwedge, a $925,000 yearling purchase, has drawn the outside barrier in the field of six, which includes 'Dream Choice' who was runner up to classy filly 'Saramenha' on debut last Saturday.

Nikolic in trouble....again...

Champion jockey Danny Nikolic has once again felt the wrath of the Victorian Stewards comission after an angry outburst at head steward Terry Bailey on Oaks Day.

Nikolic has been charged with conduct 'prejudicial to the image or interests of racing' in that he conducted himself in a manner which was insulting and disrespectful towards members of the stewards panel and in doing so used offensive and disrespectful language.

Nikolic's angry outburst was directed at chief steward Terry Bailey over an alleged modified jockeys' vest found in his possession at Flemington over which he was charged and fined $1000.

In the past 12 months, Nikolic and Bailey have a had a number of heated exchanges and the saga appears to just be beginning.

Earlier this year Victorian stewards investigated a number of his rides dating back to October 2009 and looked into the betting activities of some of his associates. Nikolic was cleared of four serious charges by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary (RAD) board on June 29, but Bailey and Nikolic still cannot seem to agree.

The latest charge will be heard by the RAD board at a date yet to be fixed.

'So You Think' back for three?

Even an overseas move isn't enough to stop one bookmaker from posting duel Cox Plate winner 'So You Think' as favourite for the 2011 edition.

Betstar released the first market for next year's Cox Plate on Monday, with the colt heading betting at $8 to join 'Kingston Town' as a three time winner of the Weight For Age race.

Irish breeding and racing giant Coolmore secured a major stake in So You Think a day after the colt finished third in the Melbourne Cup behind Americain.

In the wake of his part sale, it was widely speculated that So You Think will not race in Australia again.

Under the terms of the sale, So You Think will be sent to Ireland to be prepared by Coolmore's head trainer Aidan O'Brien before he is eventually retired to stand at stud.

The reason for the champion heading the market is that Betstar's Alan Eskander isn't convinced the switch from Bart Cummings to O'Brien means Australian racegoers have seen the last of the champion.

"Until Coolmore say's he's definitely not racing in Australia, he's still our Cox Plate favourite," Eskander said.

'More Joyous', who was unplaced as second favourite behind So You Think in this year's race, occupies the same line of betting at $11 for 2011.

'Zipping', fresh from his fourth Sandown Classic win, is a $26 chance to go one better than this year's runner-up finish.

More Synthetic tracks for Victoria?

Following the success of the artificial surface at Geelong, several Victorian country race clubs have made submissions to have their courses ripped up and replaced with synthetic tracks.

Rob Hines, Racing Victoria's chief executive, said there were "at least a half a dozen options" for new synthetic tracks across the state.

Hines continued stating that if a new track were to be installed it would need to be near the bulk of the horse population and also be a training centre.

Hines didn't rule out the option of an inside synthetic track similar to the one at Geelong being built at either Flemington or Caulfield, but if one were to be installed in the country, the synthetic track would replace the course proper.

"Depending on where we might put this second track, there may be only five or 10 meetings scheduled on the synthetic a year and it might be home for 10 to 20 transferred meetings as required.

"There are at least half a dozen options where this could go but we want a full size synthetic track".

A proposal for a new synthetic track would be submitted to the Racing Victoria board and infrastructure committee as early as next March.

After a review of the Geelong synthetic track was conducted, it found that the overall performance of the track was "very good" in terms of turnover, field sizes and feedback from the trainers and jockeys.

Betting turnover, which is central to the sport, was 20 per cent higher than on the corresponding turf meetings a year earlier.

"The track provided an even surface, consistency of form and really encouraged punting", Racing Victoria's chief strategy officer Paul Bittar said.

Emirates Stakes Day

Emirates Stakes Day

Race One
14.Eramor – 12.Whitlam – 1.Masthead – 4.Aashiq

Race Two
4.Eraset – 13.Willy Jimmy – 8.Launay – 1.Trader

Race Three
3.Red Colossus – 1.Playwright – 5.Laristan – 10.Galizani

Race Four
2.That’s Not It – 4.Bigelow – 1.Territory – 10.Toolbag

Race Five
6.Black Caviar – 7.Star Witness – 2.Hay List – 1.All Silent

Race Six
14.Palacio De Cristal – 12.Chasm – 4.Captain Sonador – 9.Drumbeats

Race Seven
3.Keep The Peace – 7.Moment In Time – 9.Delta Gee – 13.Ashlee’s Jewel

Race Eight
12.Mr Charlie – 4.Eastern Aria – 6.Above Average – 1.Drunken Sailor

Race Nine
3.We’re Gonna Rock – 11.Ishant – 7.Okay Oky – 12.Lady Gaga

Best Bet: Race 3 No 3 Red Colossus

Best Roughie: Race 6 No 14 Palacio De Cristal, Race 8 No 12 Mr Charlie

Oaks Day 2010

Crown Oaks Day

Race One
5.Vesper - 15.Chilled By Choice - 3.Cosmocrat - 11.King Of Mountains

Race Two
6.Zingaling - 9.About Ready - 18.Jerezana - 13.Impressive Eagle

Race Three
10.Queen's Fashion - 6.Attributes - 9.Queen For Ninedays - 2.God Help Her

Race Four
7.Spurcific - 5.Celts - 6.Curtana - 3.Lone Rock

Race Five
14.Dead End - 9.Yau Chin - 3.Translation - 8.Magic Zulu

Race Six
8.Dizlago - 2.Brazilian Pulse - 9.Kittens - 11.Maraaseem

In what shapes as being one of the toughest Oaks in many years, the wet track is sure to play a massive part. Favourites such as 'Sasa' might not relish the softer ground, and as with the Derby, may struggle to get the trip.

'Dizlago' was super impressive two starts back relishing in the wet conditions, and winning with a leg in the air. I'm willing to forget her last start where she got too far back and didn't have the easiest run in transit.

'Brazilan Pulse' is the obvious favourite after her tough win last start, but im afraid that run may have taken to much out of her, any may be vulnerable in the last 200m.

'Kittens' looks like she will relish the extra 500m from her last run, and 'Maraaseem' looks a dead set wet tracker, and will be right in the finish.

Race Seven
4.Gujju - 2.Zubbaya - 8.Gilded Spur - 3.Backgammon

Race Eight
18.The Handsome One - 2.Rightfully Yours - 13.Temple Of Boom - 15.King Carnage

Race Nine
2.Lakedro - 1.Riceman - 8.Niblick - 3.Silky Smooth

Best Bet: Race 1 No 5 Vesper

Best Roughie: Race 2 No 6 Zingaling, Race 6 No 8 Dizlago

Quaddie:
2,6,7,8,9,11/2,3,4,8/2,8,13,15,18/1,2,3,8,11
$100 for 16.67%

Melbourne Cup Day

Race One
1.Bel Franc - 16. Win For Layla - 3.Chinchilla - 11.Military Grace

In a tough two year old race, 'Bel Franc' looks to have the best form of the non debutants, however follow any market moves for the unraced brigade.

Race Two
2.Vintedge - 4.Royal Commands - 3.Aloha - 4.Ky's The Limit

'Vintedge' might have a tough time from barrier 16, but is she gains some cover, she will prove hard to hold out. 'Royal Commands' showed a real turn of foot at her last start, and will prove to be a real danger.

Race Three
13.Irazu - 7.I'm Imposing - 17.Gallant Lady - 5.Miles Above

'I'm Imposing' was ultra impressive in his first Australian run, but I'm willing to risk him coming to Flemington second up. 'Irazu' has been running on extremely well without winning, and the 2800m should suit perfectly. 'Gallant Lady' should run a cheeky race out in front.

Race Four
14. Pagan Princess - 8.Flying Tessie - 13.Jersey Lily - 1.Montana Flyer

A host of chances line up in a typically tough mares race, and hopefully there is some value about 'Pagan Princess'. After running consistently in tough Group races over the winter, she looks to of found a winnable race fresh from a break. 'Flying Tessie' was just beaten at her last start, and won on this day last year.

Race Five
14.Light Express - 6.Trudeau - 11.Season Of Fortune

After winning at this distance last start, 'Spurcific' should again be right in the finish. She is a proven wet track filly, and has run well down 'the straight' previously.[SCRATCHED] The unraced pair of 'Light Express' and 'Season Of Fortune' could suprise.

Race Six
9.Dance Of The Ocean - 3.Alotta Spur - 14.Booklet - 6.Palomares

At her first run since coming to Melbourne, 'Dance Of The Ocean' flew home to grab third behind ultra impressive 'Solar Charged' at Caulfield. The extra 200m should suit perfectly, and she will get the run of the race from barrier 7. 'Alotta Spur' and 'Palomares' look improving types, and will be right in the finish.

Race Seven
SEE PREVIEW BELOW

Race Eight
10.Hidden Wonder - 12.Tagus - 6.Leica Larrikin - 2.Rock Kingdom

Consistent mare 'Hidden Wonder' has certainly has hit a purple patch. After running fourth in the Epsom Handicap, and winning against her own sex last time out, she looks to be the winner. 'Tagus' has run on well at his last two starts, and will be around the placings.

Race Nine
6.True Persuasion - 16.Uxorious - 11.Kallogg

Frustrating sprinter 'The Handsome One' looked like he was back to his best in a recent trial, and will be one to follow in the future. If he doesn't get cluttered up from barrier 2, the lightly raced gelding will be flashing home late.[SCRATCHED] 'True Persuasion' has the best form lines out of the field, and will be very hard to get past.

Race Ten
4.Amaethon - 5.Launay - 13.Lexcen - 3.Overtake

Another tough race to end another tough day. 'Amaethon' has been nothing but consistent throughout her short career, and looks a safe bet to end on. She was game behind 'Berringama' at Caulfield last start and will take some running down. 'Launay' has been frustrating for punters, but looks to of found a suitable race.

Best Bet: Race 6 No 9 Dance Of The Ocean

Best Roughie: Race 3 No 13 Irazu, Race 7 No 12 Harris Tweed

Quaddie
3,5,11,12,15,19,23/6,10,12/6,11,16,18/4,5,13,16
$100 for 29.76%

Melbourne Cup 2010

Race 7 Emirates Melbourne Cup 3200m

12.Harris Tweed - 11.Descarado - 19.Holberg - 15.Monaco Consul

The 150th running of The Melbourne Cup will this year not just be 'The race that stops a nation' but, 'The race that stops the world'.

With nine international horses lining up against the best Australia has to offer, including possibly the best horse in the last 20 years, this magnificent field will not disappoint.

After receiving 64mm of rain since midday on Saturday, the Flemington track looks to of improved dramatically, but a wet cup will still be a major possiblilty. This will definitely be a big factor into determining the winner.

I believe this years Caulfield Cup is a great form reference for the Melbourne Cup, and the trifecta from that race will be right in the finish once again.

'Harris Tweed' ran second in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup at his last start and gets 1.5kg from the winner. He is a proven stayer, running third in this years Sydney Cup, and the wet track will only help the son of 'Montjeu'. From barrier 13, Brad Rawiller should give the gelding a perfect ride, and after settling better than midfield, will be hard to run down.

The winner of the Caulfield Cup 'Descarado' rises in weight after his strong win, and was sharpened up in the Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday. If the track gets any more rain, he is a certain place runner. Barrier 1 might be the only concern if he doesn't fly the gates, but he will settle in the first half of the field and look the winner at some point during the race.

Saeed Bin Suroor is still seeking his first Melbourne Cup, and I believe he has a great hope in the lightly raced 'Holberg'. His only try at the distance reaped a convincing win, and with arguably the best jockey in the world riding him, he will be in it for a long way. The wet weather might be his only concern.

'Monaco Consul', 'Once Were Wild' and 'Illustrious Blue' are a must in Trifectas and First Fours.

'So You Think' could prove to be the greatest horse in living memory, but I am doubting his ability in a true staying test, and the short odds aren't appealing.

If you do win any money from my Melbourne Cup tips, please donate to my Movember, Thankyou.