Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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.

Friday, November 5, 2010

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

Thursday, November 4, 2010

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%

Monday, November 1, 2010

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.