From Phillip Quay
Sunday Star Times
13/12/2009
Matamata trainer John Sargent says a patient approach will need to be maintained to give New Zealand's most exciting stayer, Passchendaele, her best chance of winning next year's Auckland and Melbourne Cups.
That is why Sargent will resist the temptation to race the Montjeu four-year-old at the Ellerslie Christmas carnival despite her latest brilliant victory – a resounding 2 1/2-length win in the $100,000 Waikato Times Gold Cup at Te Rapa yesterday.
"She will be going straight to the paddock now for a spell," Sargent said. "The City of Auckland Cup at New Year is tempting but we have bigger goals in mind next year.
"The Auckland Cup is going to be worth a million dollars," Sargent said. "She hasn't run the two miles yet, but the way she races points to her getting the trip.
"I have never had a Melbourne Cup runner but I think she will be my first next year. She is the best staying mare I have trained."
Within the space of a golden hour yesterday, Sargent also posted wins with Kiwi Hussler at Te Rapa and Dawn Ghost at Awapuni, but undoubtedly Passchendaele's Group Two success in the hands of Mark du Plessis was the most special for him.
It represented back-to-back wins in the Waikato Cup for Sargent after he won the race last year with Lovetrista.
"She has shown real talent right from the start of her career and still has plenty of scope to improve."
Passchendaele, the winner of five of only nine starts, is owned by her breeders, David and Elizabeth Olsen, who have raced a number of well-performed gallopers including Passchendaele's dam, Classic Babe and Flying Babe, whose wins included a $1m two-year-old race at Te Rapa.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Scintillo for for 2010 Melbourne Cup - after racing in California
USA: Scintillo, the winner of three Group races including a Group 1 in Italy, hasbeen transferred from trainer Richard Hannon's yard to California to continue his racing career.
Scintillo, who was recently purchased by Melbourne-based Leonard Lewis with a shot at the 2010 Melbourne Cup in mind, amassed more than £300,000 in win and place prize-money for Hannon and the trainer is predicting that his new owner might have a few more decent pay days to come at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park.
Quoted on his website, Hannon said: "Mr Lewis bought Scintillo to race in Australia, but he cannot take him until May and as he was reluctant to subject him to another of our cold winters, we suggested a season in California.
"Scintillo was a Group 1 winner on the turf, and he also won a Group 2 this summer but he seemed to love the Polytrack, having won the Winter Derby at Lingfield and a Listed race at Kempton, so the Californian tracks might suit him."
Scintillo, who was recently purchased by Melbourne-based Leonard Lewis with a shot at the 2010 Melbourne Cup in mind, amassed more than £300,000 in win and place prize-money for Hannon and the trainer is predicting that his new owner might have a few more decent pay days to come at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park.
Quoted on his website, Hannon said: "Mr Lewis bought Scintillo to race in Australia, but he cannot take him until May and as he was reluctant to subject him to another of our cold winters, we suggested a season in California.
"Scintillo was a Group 1 winner on the turf, and he also won a Group 2 this summer but he seemed to love the Polytrack, having won the Winter Derby at Lingfield and a Listed race at Kempton, so the Californian tracks might suit him."
VIC Derby Winner Monaco Consul begins racing again on 26/12/09
Thursday, 10 December 2009: Victoria Derby winner Monaco Consul will get plenty of chances to bolster his stallion prospects over the coming months with a host of Group 1 races on his agenda.
Co-trainer Paul Moroney has the job of preparing the talented colt for a first-up tilt in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
Moroney said Monaco Consul has muscled up since returning to the stables and has been in work for 10 days as he prepares for a challenging summer and autumn.
He will gallop at Ellerslie in the next week to have a look at the course and again at home at Matamata before the Group 1 over 2000m on Boxing Day.
He will then target the Group 1 Whakanui International Stakes over 2000m in early February, then will run three weeks later in the Group 1 NZ Derby.
After a let-up, he will then target the Sydney autumn carnival where he will either run in the Rosehill Guineas then the AJC Derby, or just go straight into the Derby.
Moroney said the beauty of such a clean winded and talented stayer is being able to prepare and present him fit for races without a host of lead-ups, which will certainly come in handy with an arduous campaign penciled in.
The next 12 months will be aimed at increasing his stud value, with five Group 1 targets in the summer and autumn alone.
As a four-year-old he will kick off his campaign in New Zealand with more feature races before returning to Australia for the spring.
While admitting the Melbourne Cup doesn't necessarily guarantee an increase in stud value, Moroney said connections were keen to try to win the race and was likely to head that way.
Co-trainer Paul Moroney has the job of preparing the talented colt for a first-up tilt in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
Moroney said Monaco Consul has muscled up since returning to the stables and has been in work for 10 days as he prepares for a challenging summer and autumn.
He will gallop at Ellerslie in the next week to have a look at the course and again at home at Matamata before the Group 1 over 2000m on Boxing Day.
He will then target the Group 1 Whakanui International Stakes over 2000m in early February, then will run three weeks later in the Group 1 NZ Derby.
After a let-up, he will then target the Sydney autumn carnival where he will either run in the Rosehill Guineas then the AJC Derby, or just go straight into the Derby.
Moroney said the beauty of such a clean winded and talented stayer is being able to prepare and present him fit for races without a host of lead-ups, which will certainly come in handy with an arduous campaign penciled in.
The next 12 months will be aimed at increasing his stud value, with five Group 1 targets in the summer and autumn alone.
As a four-year-old he will kick off his campaign in New Zealand with more feature races before returning to Australia for the spring.
While admitting the Melbourne Cup doesn't necessarily guarantee an increase in stud value, Moroney said connections were keen to try to win the race and was likely to head that way.
Here comes Bart (again) with Zazabeau
Bart Cummings continued his summer assault with Zazabeau claiming an overdue win at Rosehill to give the trainer his fourth Sydney win in a week. Bart Cummings continued his summer assault with Zazabeau claiming an overdue win at Rosehill to give the trainer his fourth Sydney win in a week.
Star Ripper, Latin News and Validated have all stepped up while Zazabeau was impressive coming from last to win Saturday's Rosehill Event Centre Handicap (2000m) to set up a start in the Summer Cup. Zazabeau was the slowest out of the gates and Glyn Schofield elected not to push him early, a tactic that paid off in the end. After getting Zazabeau ($5) off the rail, Schofield brought him down the outside to reel in the leaders. Rainbow Styling (4.80) was a short neck second with pacesetter Merensky Reef ($2.80 fav) another short half-head third away third. "It didn't look too good halfway through the race," Cummings said. "I told him not to go too early but he got a long way back."
Schofield said once the damage was done early he didn't want to make things worse. "When he made the mistake at the barrier there was no point in making another one," he said. "I had to save some ground to make up ground after getting left at the start." It was just the second career win for Zazabeau who finished second in the 2008 Christmas Cup and third in the Summer Cup, both over 2400 metres.
Stablemate Star Ripper will be Cummings' runner in next week's Christmas Cup while Zazabeau will be saved for the Summer Cup on Boxing Day. A slow-maturing son of Zabeel out of The Perfume Garden, Zazabeau is a full-brother to 1999 Melbourne Cup placegetter Zazabelle who finished third in a dead-heat with Lahar. The Cummings-trained Rogan Josh won the Cup that year.
Star Ripper, Latin News and Validated have all stepped up while Zazabeau was impressive coming from last to win Saturday's Rosehill Event Centre Handicap (2000m) to set up a start in the Summer Cup. Zazabeau was the slowest out of the gates and Glyn Schofield elected not to push him early, a tactic that paid off in the end. After getting Zazabeau ($5) off the rail, Schofield brought him down the outside to reel in the leaders. Rainbow Styling (4.80) was a short neck second with pacesetter Merensky Reef ($2.80 fav) another short half-head third away third. "It didn't look too good halfway through the race," Cummings said. "I told him not to go too early but he got a long way back."
Schofield said once the damage was done early he didn't want to make things worse. "When he made the mistake at the barrier there was no point in making another one," he said. "I had to save some ground to make up ground after getting left at the start." It was just the second career win for Zazabeau who finished second in the 2008 Christmas Cup and third in the Summer Cup, both over 2400 metres.
Stablemate Star Ripper will be Cummings' runner in next week's Christmas Cup while Zazabeau will be saved for the Summer Cup on Boxing Day. A slow-maturing son of Zabeel out of The Perfume Garden, Zazabeau is a full-brother to 1999 Melbourne Cup placegetter Zazabelle who finished third in a dead-heat with Lahar. The Cummings-trained Rogan Josh won the Cup that year.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
2010 Melbourne Cup Alcopop - Shocking - So You Think - Monaco Consul - Shamoline Warrior - Speed Gifted
Alcopop heads Melbourne Cup market
Adrian Dunn in the Herald Sun on November 25, 2009 wrote:
Jockey Dom Tourneur returns to scale aboard Alcopop. Picture: Russel Tindale Source: Herald Sun
EMERGING star Alcopop shares favouritism with Melbourne Cup winner Shocking and Cox Plate winner So You Think for next year's Melbourne Cup.
Eskander's Betstar yesterday posted the first market on the 2010 Cup, 344 days before the running of the world's greatest 3200m handicap.
Shocking, Alcopop and So You Think are at $21, while Victoria Derby winner Monaco Consul and Shamoline Warrior, the Derby favourite before his race-morning scratching, and Metropolitan winner Speed Gifted are next at $26.
Betstar spokesman Michael Horne said he would let punters decide who should be favourite.
Horne said recently purchased Europeans Alandi, winner of the Irish St Leger, and Doctor Fremantle and Above Average, who have both joined the Lee Freedman stable, were $41.
Adrian Dunn in the Herald Sun on November 25, 2009 wrote:
Jockey Dom Tourneur returns to scale aboard Alcopop. Picture: Russel Tindale Source: Herald Sun
EMERGING star Alcopop shares favouritism with Melbourne Cup winner Shocking and Cox Plate winner So You Think for next year's Melbourne Cup.
Eskander's Betstar yesterday posted the first market on the 2010 Cup, 344 days before the running of the world's greatest 3200m handicap.
Shocking, Alcopop and So You Think are at $21, while Victoria Derby winner Monaco Consul and Shamoline Warrior, the Derby favourite before his race-morning scratching, and Metropolitan winner Speed Gifted are next at $26.
Betstar spokesman Michael Horne said he would let punters decide who should be favourite.
Horne said recently purchased Europeans Alandi, winner of the Irish St Leger, and Doctor Fremantle and Above Average, who have both joined the Lee Freedman stable, were $41.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sterling Prince for 2010 Melbourne Cup
Melbourne Cup 2010 for Sterling Prince
By Robert Windmill
18:49 AEST Sat Nov 7 2009
Latest Horse Racing:
New Zealand trainer Wayne Hillis has vowed to return with Sterling Prince for next year's Melbourne Cup after the gelding's runaway win in the Group Three Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington.
Hillis is hoping that the six-year-old can use the victory as a platform for the Cup in the same way as Makybe Diva who won the 2002 Queen Elizabeth before winning her first of three Melbourne Cups in 2003.
Sterling Prince was blooded for greater things this spring when third to Leica Ding in the Geelong Cup and fifth in the Lexus Quality leading up to today's victory over 2500m which was his first beyond 1600 metres and his fifth in 28 starts.
"He might be better next year," Hillis said.
"I think having a run around here now he will come back stronger and know the course."
Sterling Prince was being aimed at this year's Melbourne Cup but connections mistimed the declarations and he didn't qualify.
Hillis said Sterling Prince shied at the winning post which cost him second place in the Geelong Cup while last start in the Lexus he wasn't suited when left in front.
"He has always been wayward and slow at learning things and beaten himself a few times but he is finally getting it together now," Hillis said.
Hugh Bowman, who has ridden the stayer at his three Australian runs, said the Queen Elizabeth unfolded as he had hoped with him settling fourth while Alexander Of Hales, pressured by Stormhill, ensured a strong pace.
"He settled much better today with the trail," Bowman said.
"There was a bit of pace in the race and he drew (barrier) one and all these things make a difference."
Bowman waited until well into the straight to make his move on Sterling Prince and he scored by two lengths from Crossthestart with the Bart Cummings-trained Naval Escort 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Bowman said his confidence in Sterling Prince grew after Crime Scene, who finished sixth in the Geelong Cup, was able to run second to Shocking in the Melbourne Cup.
Sterling Prince is by the impeccably-bred stallion Colombia who, by Zabeel from Eight Carat, failed to make an impact on the track but is a full or half-brother to five Group One winners including Octagonal.
Hillis, who trains at Matamata, said he would consider backing up Sterling Prince in next Saturday's Group Two Sandown Classic but he was more likely to be flown back to New Zealand on Sunday night.
He said he hoped the Queen Elizabeth win would encourage the Hong Kong Jockey Club to invite Sterling Prince to compete in next month's Group One Hong Kong Vase (2400m).
"We have nominated him for it and it wouldn't be a bad race to run him in," Hillis said.
Glen Boss was taken with the run on Naval Escort who made up a lot of ground after being last most of the way.
"He is a promising stayer in the making," Boss said.
By Robert Windmill
18:49 AEST Sat Nov 7 2009
Latest Horse Racing:
New Zealand trainer Wayne Hillis has vowed to return with Sterling Prince for next year's Melbourne Cup after the gelding's runaway win in the Group Three Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington.
Hillis is hoping that the six-year-old can use the victory as a platform for the Cup in the same way as Makybe Diva who won the 2002 Queen Elizabeth before winning her first of three Melbourne Cups in 2003.
Sterling Prince was blooded for greater things this spring when third to Leica Ding in the Geelong Cup and fifth in the Lexus Quality leading up to today's victory over 2500m which was his first beyond 1600 metres and his fifth in 28 starts.
"He might be better next year," Hillis said.
"I think having a run around here now he will come back stronger and know the course."
Sterling Prince was being aimed at this year's Melbourne Cup but connections mistimed the declarations and he didn't qualify.
Hillis said Sterling Prince shied at the winning post which cost him second place in the Geelong Cup while last start in the Lexus he wasn't suited when left in front.
"He has always been wayward and slow at learning things and beaten himself a few times but he is finally getting it together now," Hillis said.
Hugh Bowman, who has ridden the stayer at his three Australian runs, said the Queen Elizabeth unfolded as he had hoped with him settling fourth while Alexander Of Hales, pressured by Stormhill, ensured a strong pace.
"He settled much better today with the trail," Bowman said.
"There was a bit of pace in the race and he drew (barrier) one and all these things make a difference."
Bowman waited until well into the straight to make his move on Sterling Prince and he scored by two lengths from Crossthestart with the Bart Cummings-trained Naval Escort 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Bowman said his confidence in Sterling Prince grew after Crime Scene, who finished sixth in the Geelong Cup, was able to run second to Shocking in the Melbourne Cup.
Sterling Prince is by the impeccably-bred stallion Colombia who, by Zabeel from Eight Carat, failed to make an impact on the track but is a full or half-brother to five Group One winners including Octagonal.
Hillis, who trains at Matamata, said he would consider backing up Sterling Prince in next Saturday's Group Two Sandown Classic but he was more likely to be flown back to New Zealand on Sunday night.
He said he hoped the Queen Elizabeth win would encourage the Hong Kong Jockey Club to invite Sterling Prince to compete in next month's Group One Hong Kong Vase (2400m).
"We have nominated him for it and it wouldn't be a bad race to run him in," Hillis said.
Glen Boss was taken with the run on Naval Escort who made up a lot of ground after being last most of the way.
"He is a promising stayer in the making," Boss said.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Good result at PickTheCupWinner.com.au
If you subscribed to PickTheCupWinner.com.au you will have noted my note to you on the password protected page saying saying:
"Be aware that a thorough examination of statistics for the last 50 years indicate the Cup will probably be won by a 4, 5 or 6 yr old colt or gelding. They also indicate the horse won’t carry less than 50 kgs or more than 56.5 kgs. Also, the starting price of the winner will more that likely be less than 20/1. They also indicate the favourite only wins once every five years.And statistics, since 1861, indicate only once every 37 years will the same horse win two consecutive Melbourne Cups."
.
"Allowing for this and after studying the form of all of the horses I believe one of these six horses will win the 2009 Melbourne Cup. Daffodil, Shocking, Master O’Reilly, Viewed, Alcopop, Roman Emperor."
"If you rely totally on the statistical information above you would have to rule out Daffodil, Master O’Reilly, Viewed. Thus, statistics indicate that the Cup winner should be Alcopop, Roman Emperor or Shocking. And if you are leaning towards any of these three horses be aware that statistics are on your side."
And , if you read below you will see 4 of my selections 1st, 4th, 6th and 7th.
Ummmmmmm......not bad!
"Be aware that a thorough examination of statistics for the last 50 years indicate the Cup will probably be won by a 4, 5 or 6 yr old colt or gelding. They also indicate the horse won’t carry less than 50 kgs or more than 56.5 kgs. Also, the starting price of the winner will more that likely be less than 20/1. They also indicate the favourite only wins once every five years.And statistics, since 1861, indicate only once every 37 years will the same horse win two consecutive Melbourne Cups."
.
"Allowing for this and after studying the form of all of the horses I believe one of these six horses will win the 2009 Melbourne Cup. Daffodil, Shocking, Master O’Reilly, Viewed, Alcopop, Roman Emperor."
"If you rely totally on the statistical information above you would have to rule out Daffodil, Master O’Reilly, Viewed. Thus, statistics indicate that the Cup winner should be Alcopop, Roman Emperor or Shocking. And if you are leaning towards any of these three horses be aware that statistics are on your side."
And , if you read below you will see 4 of my selections 1st, 4th, 6th and 7th.
Ummmmmmm......not bad!
Melbourne Cup 2009 Results
1st SHOCKING
2nd CRIME SCENE
3rd MOURILYAN
4th MASTER O'REILLY
5th HARRIS TWEED
6th ALCOPOP
7th VIEWED
8th C'EST LA GUERRE
9th KIBBUTZ
10th NEWPORT
11th DAFFODIL
12th MUNSEF
13th GALLIONS REACH
14th LEICA DING
15th ISTA KAREEM
16th ALLEZ WONDER
17th CAPECOVER
18th BASALTICO
19th ZAVITE
20th SPIN AROUND
21st ROMAN EMPEROR
22nd FIUMICINO
23rd WARRINGAH
2nd CRIME SCENE
3rd MOURILYAN
4th MASTER O'REILLY
5th HARRIS TWEED
6th ALCOPOP
7th VIEWED
8th C'EST LA GUERRE
9th KIBBUTZ
10th NEWPORT
11th DAFFODIL
12th MUNSEF
13th GALLIONS REACH
14th LEICA DING
15th ISTA KAREEM
16th ALLEZ WONDER
17th CAPECOVER
18th BASALTICO
19th ZAVITE
20th SPIN AROUND
21st ROMAN EMPEROR
22nd FIUMICINO
23rd WARRINGAH
Sunday, November 1, 2009
McKinnon and Lexus Results from Saturday 31/10/09
As mentioned in my e-book "How To Pick The Cup Winner of the 2009 Melbourne Cup" the Lexus Stakes and the Mckinnon have, in the past, been good indicators for the Melbourne Cup. Trainers, like the legendary Bart Cummings, have used it as a 'last hit out' for some of their charges. Some trainers use the races to 'qualify' their horses, as the winners get automatic entry into the Melbourne Cup.
My selection format, as described in "How To Pick The Cup Winner of the 2009 Melbourne Cup", is to reduce the choice from a selection of 1 of 24 horses to 1 of 6 horses. Then I have a small each way bet on the 6 horses.
My Melbourne Cup betting will never make me wealthy but only twice in the last 20 years have I not selected the winner using this system. And, in my e-book, I tell how I reduce that six down to three and then down to one. And whilst I've never been successful with a Cup Trifecta I have selected 12 out of the last 21 winners including 6 out of the last 10. I invite you to check out my e-book at www.PickTheCupWinner.com.au
The results of the Lexus Stakes were:
1st Shocking
2nd Hume
3rd Irazu
4th Naval Escort
5th Sterling Prince
The Results for the McKinnon Stakes were:
1st Scenic Shot
2nd Miss Maren
3rd Viewed
4th Racing To Win
5th Master O'Reilly
6th Newport
My selection format, as described in "How To Pick The Cup Winner of the 2009 Melbourne Cup", is to reduce the choice from a selection of 1 of 24 horses to 1 of 6 horses. Then I have a small each way bet on the 6 horses.
My Melbourne Cup betting will never make me wealthy but only twice in the last 20 years have I not selected the winner using this system. And, in my e-book, I tell how I reduce that six down to three and then down to one. And whilst I've never been successful with a Cup Trifecta I have selected 12 out of the last 21 winners including 6 out of the last 10. I invite you to check out my e-book at www.PickTheCupWinner.com.au
The results of the Lexus Stakes were:
1st Shocking
2nd Hume
3rd Irazu
4th Naval Escort
5th Sterling Prince
The Results for the McKinnon Stakes were:
1st Scenic Shot
2nd Miss Maren
3rd Viewed
4th Racing To Win
5th Master O'Reilly
6th Newport
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Bloopers, Blunders and Stacks of Statistics
My Dad, who was a bookmaker in the NSW country town of Moree, once told me that he thought owners, trainers and jockeys were the 'worst' judges. Rightly or wrongly he believed they were 'too close' to the action and prone to let emotions rule their racing decisions. They too easily seriously believe 'their' horse will win every race, every time...particularly the big races.
I have to say as a part owner of several horses over the years I certainly have to agree with my Dad. I certainly was 'too emotional.' Every time our horse started I was quite sure it would win. I tipped it to everyone. And I was quite sure it was only a matter of time before our steed would win the Melbourne Cup. (Yeah…right!)
And here are some examples to back up my Dad's supposition.
Blooper – Jockey Jack Purtell in 1950
Jack Purtell usually rode Comic Court but he rejected the offer from Bart Cummings Dad, Jim, to ride the 1950 Cup winner Comic Court. Instead he chose to ride the favourite Alister. Pat Glennon was the lucky jockey to pick up the winning ride on Comic Court.
Blooper – Owner Rex White 1956
Mr and Mrs Rex White, the first husband and wife team to win the Cup, was quite sure their horse Evening Peel would win the Caulfield Cup and Redcraze would win the Melbourne Cup. They backed the double at 160/1. They were wrong…. the reverse happened!
Blooper – Jockey Ron Hutchinson 1959
Ron Hutchinson, in 1959, chose to ride Trellios even thought he was the usual rider for the winner Macdougall. Pat Glennon was the lucky jockey to pick up the winning ride on Macdougall.
Blooper – Jockey Les Coles 1963
Les Coles (winner on Even Stevens in 1962) rode Gatum Gatum to win the Moonee Valley Cup that year. However he chose to ride Conference in the Cup. The ride on the winner Gatum Gatum was picked up by Jim Johnson (Who rode Rain Lover in ‘68 & ‘69)
Blooper – Trainer Bart Cummings 1974
Cummings bought Think Big for $10,000 and sold to Mr Tan Chin Nam a banker and property developer from Kuala Lumper and Australian Rick O’Sullivan for $20,000. TB went on to win $262,720 in two seasons.
Blooper – Trainer Bart Cummings 1974
Prior to the running of the 1974 Cup Bat Cummings supposedly confided in a friend that Leilani was an ‘absolute certainty’. When his second string horse the 12/1 Think Big beat the 7/2 favourite Cummings was heard to say “I beat myself!”
Blooper(almost)– Jockey Harry White 1974
Harry White wanted to switch from Think Big to Leilani (usual rider Roy Higgins had been suspended and Cummings had replaced him with Peter Cook) Cummings told him to stick to TB and he did. Cummings also trained Leilan
Blooper – Owner Pat O’Sullivan – 1975
Think Big’s other owner O’Sullivan visited course with friend on Monday. Number (TB’s Cup no) was in judges frame. Friend said this was good omen! O’Sullivan did not back horse. He backed another of Cummings horses Holiday Wagon!
Blooper – Trainer George Hanlon – 1978
In 1978, George told the owners (one of them Eddie Doon an ex jockey) of Arwon they would be wasting time if they paid their Cup acceptance fee. Having total faith in George’s ability they said “George, we’ll pay the money and leave the rest to you.” (And Arwon won!)
Blooper – Jockey Roy Higgins – 1979
Roy Higgins chose 2nd place getter Salamander ahead of Hyperno the winner.
Blooper – Trainer Bart Cummings – 1979
The owners of Hyperno asked Bart Cummings if he would take over the training of Hyperno early in 1979 he said “ Hyperno is finished. I don’t want to take on broken down horses. It’s hard enough to win when the horse is sound.” Then Bart did an about turn and trained him to win the 1979 Melbourne Cup.
Blooper – Trainer Tom Smith 1981
In 1981, Tommy Smith was totally convinced Kingston Town would win the Cup. Even though he had been allocated 60.5 kgs. On the eve of the Cup he declared him a certainty and said it “won’t be a race!” The winner was Just a Dash – the trainer was none other than Tommy Smith! Kingston Town finished 3rd last.
Blooper – Jockey Robert Heffernen 1984
In 1984, jockey Robert Heffernan was the stable rider for George Hanlon and had won the Werribee Cup on Martian’s Son. George’s other horse in the event was Black Knight. With a bit of nudging from George, Heffernen chose to ride Martian’s Son. This gave Peter Cook the chance to ride Black Knight
who won and Martian’s Son finished 17th.
Blooper – Jockeys Griffiths & Dye 1994
I n 1994, after Jeune failed in the Cox Plate, jockey Robbie Griffiths declared Jeune could not win and switched to Air Seattle in the Cup. Shane Dye also was offered the opportunity to ride Jeune, but, after riding him in the McKinnon Stakes, he chose to ride Coachwood as his Melbourne Cup mount. Finally Wayne Harris was asked and accepted the ride on Jeune. Good decision Wayne!
Blooper – Jockey Chris Munce 2000
After winning the Saab Quality Handicap, on Brew, three days before the Cup Chris Munce chose to ride Coco Cabanna in the Cup. Brett Prebble said he could not make the weight and several senior jockeys knocked back the ride on Brew. Kerrin McEvoy jumped at the opportunity to ride in his first Melbourne Cup. And what a good decision that was!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Stacks of Statistics
Tip on Sex: Far more males have won the Melbourne Cup than mares. In the last 50 years 28 Geldings and 12 horses have won while mares have only won 10 times. (And Makybe Diva accounted for three of these)
Tip on early betting: The Melbourne Cup usually has 24 starters. (I say usually because sometimes there are scratching on the morning of the Cup. In 2007 there were only 21starters with three horses being scratched between 8am and 11 am on the morning of the Cup. So, don’t bet too early.
Tip on Age (1): Whilst 3 yr olds featured as winners in the first seventy years of the Cup no 3 yr old has won since 1941.
Tip on Age (2): 14 x 4yr olds; 19 x 5yr olds and 13 x 6 yr olds have won in the last 50 years
Tip on Age (3): Only 3 x 7 yr olds have won in the last 50 years.
Tip on Barriers (1): Barriers are important. The most successful barrier in the last 50 years has been Barrier #11. It has had six wins. Barrier #22 has had three wins. It is as well to mention that Barrier #9 has had two wins...but these have been in consecutive years. 2007 & 2008. So if you believe in the ‘three theory’ then maybe you should be aware of this.
Tip on Barriers (2): You should also be aware that no horse has ever won from Barrier #18 since barriers came into use in 1924. And barrier 12 has not won since 1949 when Foxami won. The inside barrier can be a bit of a handicap as Barrier #1 has only had 2 winners since 1924 – Dalray in 1952 Kingston Rule in 1990. Whist 11 horses have won from Barrier #22 or more The last one was Brew in 2000 from #22.
Tip on Horse No: In the last 50 years the ‘luckiest’ or most successful number carried by the winning horse has been #6. It has had 8 wins. Followed by #2 with 6 wins; followed by #8 with 4 wins and #15 with 3 wins.
Tip on Names: Since 1861 No horses with names beginning with I, Q, U, X have ever won the Melbourne Cup. Only one horse beginning with O (Old Rowley 1940) and one beginning with Z (Zulu in 1881) have won the Cup. The most popular initial for the winners name to begin with is T. Fifteen of these have won. The last one being Tawrrific in 1989. M is the next most successful with 12 winners since 1861. The last one was Makybe Diva
Tip on backing long shots: Whilst it would be wonderful to back 100/1 winner of the Melbourne Cup the data shows this rarely happens. It happened in 1871 and again in 1936. But in the last 50 years the longest priced winner was Hi Jinx in 1960. She started at 50/1. But I should also point out that Viewed (in 2008) was the next longest price at 45/1.
Tip on backing favourites: In the last 50 years favourites have won on 10 times. That’s once every five years. Makybe Diva was the last favourite to win in 2005.
Tip on backing 50/1 horses: In the last 50 years only one horse has won at 50/1 or over. This was Hi Jinx in 1960.
Tip on backing 40/1 – 50/1 horses: In the last 50 years only two horses has won at odds between 40/1 – 50/1. These were Piping Lane in 1972 and Viewed in 2008
Tip on backing 30/1 - 40/1 horses: In the last 50 years only two horses has won at odds between 30/1 - 40/1. These were Thin Big (1975) and Tawrrific (1989)
Tip on weight (1): Too much weight can ‘kill’ your horse’s chances. Indeed in the last 50 years only two horses have carried 57 kgs or more and won the race – Galilee (1966) carried 57kgs and Makybe Diva in in 2005 carried 58kg.
Tip on weight (1): One would think if the ‘top weights’ don’t win that often then the ‘bottom weights’ must have all the successes. Not so! In the last 50 years only five horses have carried 50kgs or less to win the race.
Tip on Omens: If you believe in the oft repeated quote “History repeats itself” you might want to endeavour to connect a horse in the 2009 Melbourne Cup with the horse that won in 1909. And that horse was Prince Foote.
So, "Where to from here?" you might ask. You may now need human intervention to make some sense of all this information. Can I recommend you check out my e-book www.PickTheCupWinner.com.au. My Melbourne Cup tipping record is good. I have picked 12 out of the last 21 winners and 6 out of the last 10. Not perfect...but not bad!
The e-book cost $9.95...and how is this for a deal. If you buy the e-book you get the opportunity to download $150 worth of complimentary food and beverage at some of the best pubs around Australia where you can celebrate or commiserate after the 2009 Melbourne Cup!
I have to say as a part owner of several horses over the years I certainly have to agree with my Dad. I certainly was 'too emotional.' Every time our horse started I was quite sure it would win. I tipped it to everyone. And I was quite sure it was only a matter of time before our steed would win the Melbourne Cup. (Yeah…right!)
And here are some examples to back up my Dad's supposition.
Blooper – Jockey Jack Purtell in 1950
Jack Purtell usually rode Comic Court but he rejected the offer from Bart Cummings Dad, Jim, to ride the 1950 Cup winner Comic Court. Instead he chose to ride the favourite Alister. Pat Glennon was the lucky jockey to pick up the winning ride on Comic Court.
Blooper – Owner Rex White 1956
Mr and Mrs Rex White, the first husband and wife team to win the Cup, was quite sure their horse Evening Peel would win the Caulfield Cup and Redcraze would win the Melbourne Cup. They backed the double at 160/1. They were wrong…. the reverse happened!
Blooper – Jockey Ron Hutchinson 1959
Ron Hutchinson, in 1959, chose to ride Trellios even thought he was the usual rider for the winner Macdougall. Pat Glennon was the lucky jockey to pick up the winning ride on Macdougall.
Blooper – Jockey Les Coles 1963
Les Coles (winner on Even Stevens in 1962) rode Gatum Gatum to win the Moonee Valley Cup that year. However he chose to ride Conference in the Cup. The ride on the winner Gatum Gatum was picked up by Jim Johnson (Who rode Rain Lover in ‘68 & ‘69)
Blooper – Trainer Bart Cummings 1974
Cummings bought Think Big for $10,000 and sold to Mr Tan Chin Nam a banker and property developer from Kuala Lumper and Australian Rick O’Sullivan for $20,000. TB went on to win $262,720 in two seasons.
Blooper – Trainer Bart Cummings 1974
Prior to the running of the 1974 Cup Bat Cummings supposedly confided in a friend that Leilani was an ‘absolute certainty’. When his second string horse the 12/1 Think Big beat the 7/2 favourite Cummings was heard to say “I beat myself!”
Blooper(almost)– Jockey Harry White 1974
Harry White wanted to switch from Think Big to Leilani (usual rider Roy Higgins had been suspended and Cummings had replaced him with Peter Cook) Cummings told him to stick to TB and he did. Cummings also trained Leilan
Blooper – Owner Pat O’Sullivan – 1975
Think Big’s other owner O’Sullivan visited course with friend on Monday. Number (TB’s Cup no) was in judges frame. Friend said this was good omen! O’Sullivan did not back horse. He backed another of Cummings horses Holiday Wagon!
Blooper – Trainer George Hanlon – 1978
In 1978, George told the owners (one of them Eddie Doon an ex jockey) of Arwon they would be wasting time if they paid their Cup acceptance fee. Having total faith in George’s ability they said “George, we’ll pay the money and leave the rest to you.” (And Arwon won!)
Blooper – Jockey Roy Higgins – 1979
Roy Higgins chose 2nd place getter Salamander ahead of Hyperno the winner.
Blooper – Trainer Bart Cummings – 1979
The owners of Hyperno asked Bart Cummings if he would take over the training of Hyperno early in 1979 he said “ Hyperno is finished. I don’t want to take on broken down horses. It’s hard enough to win when the horse is sound.” Then Bart did an about turn and trained him to win the 1979 Melbourne Cup.
Blooper – Trainer Tom Smith 1981
In 1981, Tommy Smith was totally convinced Kingston Town would win the Cup. Even though he had been allocated 60.5 kgs. On the eve of the Cup he declared him a certainty and said it “won’t be a race!” The winner was Just a Dash – the trainer was none other than Tommy Smith! Kingston Town finished 3rd last.
Blooper – Jockey Robert Heffernen 1984
In 1984, jockey Robert Heffernan was the stable rider for George Hanlon and had won the Werribee Cup on Martian’s Son. George’s other horse in the event was Black Knight. With a bit of nudging from George, Heffernen chose to ride Martian’s Son. This gave Peter Cook the chance to ride Black Knight
who won and Martian’s Son finished 17th.
Blooper – Jockeys Griffiths & Dye 1994
I n 1994, after Jeune failed in the Cox Plate, jockey Robbie Griffiths declared Jeune could not win and switched to Air Seattle in the Cup. Shane Dye also was offered the opportunity to ride Jeune, but, after riding him in the McKinnon Stakes, he chose to ride Coachwood as his Melbourne Cup mount. Finally Wayne Harris was asked and accepted the ride on Jeune. Good decision Wayne!
Blooper – Jockey Chris Munce 2000
After winning the Saab Quality Handicap, on Brew, three days before the Cup Chris Munce chose to ride Coco Cabanna in the Cup. Brett Prebble said he could not make the weight and several senior jockeys knocked back the ride on Brew. Kerrin McEvoy jumped at the opportunity to ride in his first Melbourne Cup. And what a good decision that was!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Stacks of Statistics
Tip on Sex: Far more males have won the Melbourne Cup than mares. In the last 50 years 28 Geldings and 12 horses have won while mares have only won 10 times. (And Makybe Diva accounted for three of these)
Tip on early betting: The Melbourne Cup usually has 24 starters. (I say usually because sometimes there are scratching on the morning of the Cup. In 2007 there were only 21starters with three horses being scratched between 8am and 11 am on the morning of the Cup. So, don’t bet too early.
Tip on Age (1): Whilst 3 yr olds featured as winners in the first seventy years of the Cup no 3 yr old has won since 1941.
Tip on Age (2): 14 x 4yr olds; 19 x 5yr olds and 13 x 6 yr olds have won in the last 50 years
Tip on Age (3): Only 3 x 7 yr olds have won in the last 50 years.
Tip on Barriers (1): Barriers are important. The most successful barrier in the last 50 years has been Barrier #11. It has had six wins. Barrier #22 has had three wins. It is as well to mention that Barrier #9 has had two wins...but these have been in consecutive years. 2007 & 2008. So if you believe in the ‘three theory’ then maybe you should be aware of this.
Tip on Barriers (2): You should also be aware that no horse has ever won from Barrier #18 since barriers came into use in 1924. And barrier 12 has not won since 1949 when Foxami won. The inside barrier can be a bit of a handicap as Barrier #1 has only had 2 winners since 1924 – Dalray in 1952 Kingston Rule in 1990. Whist 11 horses have won from Barrier #22 or more The last one was Brew in 2000 from #22.
Tip on Horse No: In the last 50 years the ‘luckiest’ or most successful number carried by the winning horse has been #6. It has had 8 wins. Followed by #2 with 6 wins; followed by #8 with 4 wins and #15 with 3 wins.
Tip on Names: Since 1861 No horses with names beginning with I, Q, U, X have ever won the Melbourne Cup. Only one horse beginning with O (Old Rowley 1940) and one beginning with Z (Zulu in 1881) have won the Cup. The most popular initial for the winners name to begin with is T. Fifteen of these have won. The last one being Tawrrific in 1989. M is the next most successful with 12 winners since 1861. The last one was Makybe Diva
Tip on backing long shots: Whilst it would be wonderful to back 100/1 winner of the Melbourne Cup the data shows this rarely happens. It happened in 1871 and again in 1936. But in the last 50 years the longest priced winner was Hi Jinx in 1960. She started at 50/1. But I should also point out that Viewed (in 2008) was the next longest price at 45/1.
Tip on backing favourites: In the last 50 years favourites have won on 10 times. That’s once every five years. Makybe Diva was the last favourite to win in 2005.
Tip on backing 50/1 horses: In the last 50 years only one horse has won at 50/1 or over. This was Hi Jinx in 1960.
Tip on backing 40/1 – 50/1 horses: In the last 50 years only two horses has won at odds between 40/1 – 50/1. These were Piping Lane in 1972 and Viewed in 2008
Tip on backing 30/1 - 40/1 horses: In the last 50 years only two horses has won at odds between 30/1 - 40/1. These were Thin Big (1975) and Tawrrific (1989)
Tip on weight (1): Too much weight can ‘kill’ your horse’s chances. Indeed in the last 50 years only two horses have carried 57 kgs or more and won the race – Galilee (1966) carried 57kgs and Makybe Diva in in 2005 carried 58kg.
Tip on weight (1): One would think if the ‘top weights’ don’t win that often then the ‘bottom weights’ must have all the successes. Not so! In the last 50 years only five horses have carried 50kgs or less to win the race.
Tip on Omens: If you believe in the oft repeated quote “History repeats itself” you might want to endeavour to connect a horse in the 2009 Melbourne Cup with the horse that won in 1909. And that horse was Prince Foote.
So, "Where to from here?" you might ask. You may now need human intervention to make some sense of all this information. Can I recommend you check out my e-book www.PickTheCupWinner.com.au. My Melbourne Cup tipping record is good. I have picked 12 out of the last 21 winners and 6 out of the last 10. Not perfect...but not bad!
The e-book cost $9.95...and how is this for a deal. If you buy the e-book you get the opportunity to download $150 worth of complimentary food and beverage at some of the best pubs around Australia where you can celebrate or commiserate after the 2009 Melbourne Cup!
Cox Plate Results
8-TATTS COX PLATE 2040m:
1st So You Think
2nd Manhattan Rain
3rd Zipping
14.00 SO YOU THINK (Dato Tan Chin Nam & Tunku Ahmad Yahaya's b/br c 3y High Chaparral (IRE) - Triassic (NZ). Trainer: J B Cummings) 49.5 (G Boss) 1, 19.00 MANHATTAN RAIN 49.5 (Craig Williams) 2, 12.00 ZIPPING 59 (S W Arnold) 3.
Then followed:
16.00 El Segundo 59 (L Nolen) 20.00 Scenic Shot 59 (S Scriven) 2.80 fav Whobegotyou 57.5 (D Oliver) 7.50 Heart Of Dreams 57.5 (C Newitt) 16.00 Rock Kingdom 57.5 (N Rawiller) 21.00 Black Piranha 59 (T Angland) 21.00 Road To Rock 59 (G Schofield) 21.00 Vision And Power 59 (J Bowman) 11.00 Speed Gifted 59 (D Dunn) 71.00 Nom Du Jeu 59 (M Rodd) last. Scr: Sir Slick. 2-1/2 len, lg nk. Time: 2:03.98. (Last 600m 35.31).
1st So You Think
2nd Manhattan Rain
3rd Zipping
14.00 SO YOU THINK (Dato Tan Chin Nam & Tunku Ahmad Yahaya's b/br c 3y High Chaparral (IRE) - Triassic (NZ). Trainer: J B Cummings) 49.5 (G Boss) 1, 19.00 MANHATTAN RAIN 49.5 (Craig Williams) 2, 12.00 ZIPPING 59 (S W Arnold) 3.
Then followed:
16.00 El Segundo 59 (L Nolen) 20.00 Scenic Shot 59 (S Scriven) 2.80 fav Whobegotyou 57.5 (D Oliver) 7.50 Heart Of Dreams 57.5 (C Newitt) 16.00 Rock Kingdom 57.5 (N Rawiller) 21.00 Black Piranha 59 (T Angland) 21.00 Road To Rock 59 (G Schofield) 21.00 Vision And Power 59 (J Bowman) 11.00 Speed Gifted 59 (D Dunn) 71.00 Nom Du Jeu 59 (M Rodd) last. Scr: Sir Slick. 2-1/2 len, lg nk. Time: 2:03.98. (Last 600m 35.31).
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Dominic Tourneur - Alcopop
Article from: The Australian
Oct 26th
WHEN Dominic Tourneur's mother saw an advertisement for a West Australian jockeys academy in a Perth newspaper in 1990, she thought it could be the answer for her music-obsessed 15-year-old son, who was wasting his time at school.
"I was never what you would call mad keen on school, so Mum signed me up," the now 35-year-old Tourneur recalled with a smile at the weekend.
"At first, I was really happy about it because I thought I was going to a disc jockey school. Then I found out I was going to be riding horses. I didn't feel so good about it then."
Tourneur's dislike of school quickly overcame any reticence and, despite having no previous association with horses, he decided to give the 10-week course a shot. Now, 20 years later, the Melbourne Cup and racing immortality beckon.
Along with part-time trainer Jake Stephens and a boom South Australian galloper called Alcopop, the jockey with the flashing smile, easy manner and bush pedigree is central to one of the great Cinderella stories of Cup history.
Following two unexpectedly decisive wins in Cup lead-up races, Alcopop, a tough gelding that only began racing a year ago and started out herding sheep on the Fleurieu Peninsula, has shortened into equal favouritism for Australia's greatest race.
Come race day next week, an expected flood of sentimental money from once-a-year punters is likely to see him start outright favourite.
All this makes Team Alcopop the David to racing's long-time Goliath, 82-year-old Cups king Bart Cummings, who this year is attempting to become only the second trainer in history to win the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup in the same spring.
For Tourneur, who has spent most of his career chewing dust on bush racetracks in far-flung places like Geraldton, Bunbury, Marble Bar and Alice Springs, and who for years worked a day job as a car salesman to make ends meet, Alcopop's amazing rise vindicates his decision four years ago to quit the WA bush and head to Adelaide.
"It was a big roll of the dice because my wife, Melissa, was pregnant at the time and we didn't know a soul in Adelaide," Tourneur said.
"But I'd reached the stage where I wanted to try and ride full-time again. When we got here, I worked hard, was lucky to ride a few early winners and things fell into place.
"Now we're going to the Melbourne Cup. I used to think that just having a ride in it would be a huge buzz, but to be on a live chance, it's pretty surreal."
Yesterday, there was a scare when Tourneur injured an ankle riding at Mount Gambier and was unable to fulfil his commitments.
Luckily, the injury was minor and Tourneur is expected to resume riding at the midweek races on Wednesday and be fully fit for Cup day the following Tuesday.
For Tourneur's racing world, upheaval is nothing new. As an apprentice he parted company with Perth trainer Graham Webster after a "personal dispute"
that was probably as much about the jockey's love of partying as it was the trainer's less than subtle approach to discipline.
He switched to the Ted Martinovich stable and ended up riding a lot at Bunbury, where his wife-to-be was working for country trainer Ross Price.
"Meeting and marrying Melissa was the best thing that ever happened to Dom," Martinovich said yesterday.
"He was always a bloody good kid but until she came along he was always out at nightclubs and dancing, that kind of shit. She straightened him out and settled him down.
"Her old man's a copper too. That might have helped."
But when the couple headed to Geraldton in the late 1990s, it seemed that Tourneur's prospects of a successful riding career were over.
Geraldton holds races fortnightly and only between October to April. For anyone trying to make it in racing, it's one of the last places in Australia to go.
On top of that, jockeys and trainers need day jobs to survive. Tourneur turned to selling cars.
"You meet a lot of people in the car game and I was actually pretty good at it," Tourneur said.
Tourneur spent eight years in Geraldton and won the local jockeys' premiership seven times, enough success to convince him to have one more go at the big time.
He considered Perth but decided racing there was "too cliquey". He also felt that he needed a totally fresh start. Martinovich told him Sydney and Melbourne would be too hard to crack and suggested Adelaide instead.
Today Tourneur is one of South Australia's hardest-working riders. Settled comfortably in Adelaide with Melissa and their two children, Blake, 3, and one-year-old Hannah, he chases rides all over the state.
Unlike most other riders who stick close to the city, Tourneur travels far and wide. He rides the southeast circuit of Mt Gambier, Bordertown, Penola and Naracoorte as well as Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Alice Springs (where he has won the Alice Springs Cup three times) and places such as Casterton and Mildura in Victoria.
"You can get a good earn going out to those places and it all adds up at the end of the year," Tourneur says.
"When I was younger I might not have pushed myself so much but now I've got a family now and I have to think about how to improve their quality of living and plan for the kids to get good schooling and that."
In the Cup, Tourneur is hoping Alcopop can draw between barrier four and 10, which should allow him to settle the horse near the rail and put him to sleep until the business end of the race.
"The horse is going great and he's a terrific horse to ride," Tourneur says.
"He's very relaxed but has that killer instinct. If he's hemmed in or in a tight spot he'll find a way out even if it means bulldozing other horses out of the way. He wants to win and he's not afraid of anything.
"Not many horses are like that. Only a real small niche of horses will barge through like he does and have his kind of will to win."
Before yesterday's injury scare, Tourneur's plan was to ride at the Bordertown races next Sunday before heading to Melbourne the next day for the Melbourne Cup parade.
At some stage he'll go to Flemington, a track where he has never ridden, and walk the circumference to "get a picture of how things look and where we'll want to be and where we'll get rolling".
On Cup day, Tourneur will have one ride, in a 1000m race, before the big one. "The crowd will have built up by then and I'll get a feel for everything," he says.
According to Martinovich, Tourneur's laconic nature will hold the Melbourne Cup novice in good stead.
"You'll never meet anyone more laid back than Dom," Martinovich says.
"He's very relaxed and I think that will help him when the media pressure and everything else starts building up."
Tourneur and Alcopop will link up later this week for trackwork before the horse travels to Melbourne on Sunday.
Tourneur has the highest regard for trainer Stephens, a relative newcomer to training who before Alcopop was better known for the Flying Fish, his gourmet fish and chip shop and cafe at Port Elliot on South Australia's holiday coast.
"Jake is a great guy who likes to do a lot of the work himself," Tourneur says.
"He shoes the horses himself, massages them, does all sorts of things. He's very hands on with just about everything except the paperwork."
Oct 26th
WHEN Dominic Tourneur's mother saw an advertisement for a West Australian jockeys academy in a Perth newspaper in 1990, she thought it could be the answer for her music-obsessed 15-year-old son, who was wasting his time at school.
"I was never what you would call mad keen on school, so Mum signed me up," the now 35-year-old Tourneur recalled with a smile at the weekend.
"At first, I was really happy about it because I thought I was going to a disc jockey school. Then I found out I was going to be riding horses. I didn't feel so good about it then."
Tourneur's dislike of school quickly overcame any reticence and, despite having no previous association with horses, he decided to give the 10-week course a shot. Now, 20 years later, the Melbourne Cup and racing immortality beckon.
Along with part-time trainer Jake Stephens and a boom South Australian galloper called Alcopop, the jockey with the flashing smile, easy manner and bush pedigree is central to one of the great Cinderella stories of Cup history.
Following two unexpectedly decisive wins in Cup lead-up races, Alcopop, a tough gelding that only began racing a year ago and started out herding sheep on the Fleurieu Peninsula, has shortened into equal favouritism for Australia's greatest race.
Come race day next week, an expected flood of sentimental money from once-a-year punters is likely to see him start outright favourite.
All this makes Team Alcopop the David to racing's long-time Goliath, 82-year-old Cups king Bart Cummings, who this year is attempting to become only the second trainer in history to win the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup in the same spring.
For Tourneur, who has spent most of his career chewing dust on bush racetracks in far-flung places like Geraldton, Bunbury, Marble Bar and Alice Springs, and who for years worked a day job as a car salesman to make ends meet, Alcopop's amazing rise vindicates his decision four years ago to quit the WA bush and head to Adelaide.
"It was a big roll of the dice because my wife, Melissa, was pregnant at the time and we didn't know a soul in Adelaide," Tourneur said.
"But I'd reached the stage where I wanted to try and ride full-time again. When we got here, I worked hard, was lucky to ride a few early winners and things fell into place.
"Now we're going to the Melbourne Cup. I used to think that just having a ride in it would be a huge buzz, but to be on a live chance, it's pretty surreal."
Yesterday, there was a scare when Tourneur injured an ankle riding at Mount Gambier and was unable to fulfil his commitments.
Luckily, the injury was minor and Tourneur is expected to resume riding at the midweek races on Wednesday and be fully fit for Cup day the following Tuesday.
For Tourneur's racing world, upheaval is nothing new. As an apprentice he parted company with Perth trainer Graham Webster after a "personal dispute"
that was probably as much about the jockey's love of partying as it was the trainer's less than subtle approach to discipline.
He switched to the Ted Martinovich stable and ended up riding a lot at Bunbury, where his wife-to-be was working for country trainer Ross Price.
"Meeting and marrying Melissa was the best thing that ever happened to Dom," Martinovich said yesterday.
"He was always a bloody good kid but until she came along he was always out at nightclubs and dancing, that kind of shit. She straightened him out and settled him down.
"Her old man's a copper too. That might have helped."
But when the couple headed to Geraldton in the late 1990s, it seemed that Tourneur's prospects of a successful riding career were over.
Geraldton holds races fortnightly and only between October to April. For anyone trying to make it in racing, it's one of the last places in Australia to go.
On top of that, jockeys and trainers need day jobs to survive. Tourneur turned to selling cars.
"You meet a lot of people in the car game and I was actually pretty good at it," Tourneur said.
Tourneur spent eight years in Geraldton and won the local jockeys' premiership seven times, enough success to convince him to have one more go at the big time.
He considered Perth but decided racing there was "too cliquey". He also felt that he needed a totally fresh start. Martinovich told him Sydney and Melbourne would be too hard to crack and suggested Adelaide instead.
Today Tourneur is one of South Australia's hardest-working riders. Settled comfortably in Adelaide with Melissa and their two children, Blake, 3, and one-year-old Hannah, he chases rides all over the state.
Unlike most other riders who stick close to the city, Tourneur travels far and wide. He rides the southeast circuit of Mt Gambier, Bordertown, Penola and Naracoorte as well as Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Alice Springs (where he has won the Alice Springs Cup three times) and places such as Casterton and Mildura in Victoria.
"You can get a good earn going out to those places and it all adds up at the end of the year," Tourneur says.
"When I was younger I might not have pushed myself so much but now I've got a family now and I have to think about how to improve their quality of living and plan for the kids to get good schooling and that."
In the Cup, Tourneur is hoping Alcopop can draw between barrier four and 10, which should allow him to settle the horse near the rail and put him to sleep until the business end of the race.
"The horse is going great and he's a terrific horse to ride," Tourneur says.
"He's very relaxed but has that killer instinct. If he's hemmed in or in a tight spot he'll find a way out even if it means bulldozing other horses out of the way. He wants to win and he's not afraid of anything.
"Not many horses are like that. Only a real small niche of horses will barge through like he does and have his kind of will to win."
Before yesterday's injury scare, Tourneur's plan was to ride at the Bordertown races next Sunday before heading to Melbourne the next day for the Melbourne Cup parade.
At some stage he'll go to Flemington, a track where he has never ridden, and walk the circumference to "get a picture of how things look and where we'll want to be and where we'll get rolling".
On Cup day, Tourneur will have one ride, in a 1000m race, before the big one. "The crowd will have built up by then and I'll get a feel for everything," he says.
According to Martinovich, Tourneur's laconic nature will hold the Melbourne Cup novice in good stead.
"You'll never meet anyone more laid back than Dom," Martinovich says.
"He's very relaxed and I think that will help him when the media pressure and everything else starts building up."
Tourneur and Alcopop will link up later this week for trackwork before the horse travels to Melbourne on Sunday.
Tourneur has the highest regard for trainer Stephens, a relative newcomer to training who before Alcopop was better known for the Flying Fish, his gourmet fish and chip shop and cafe at Port Elliot on South Australia's holiday coast.
"Jake is a great guy who likes to do a lot of the work himself," Tourneur says.
"He shoes the horses himself, massages them, does all sorts of things. He's very hands on with just about everything except the paperwork."
Daffodil - Harris Tweed - Spin Around - Gallions Reach - Capecover - Six O'Clock News - Sterling Prince - Hoorang - Mr Tipsy - Young Centaur - Red Ruler
Yahoo Xtra Sport
Daffodil's Melbourne Cup plans are on track, with a quick recovery from a deep cut sustained in the Caulfield Cup.
Daffodil ran fourth in the Caulfield Cup on October 17, but returned to the birdcage with a blood flowing from a nasty cut just below one of her knees.
Manawatu trainer Kevin Gray said the cut had healed.
"It was a deep cut which swelled up, but she is excellent now. You can hardly see it at all."
"We gave her a few days off and put her on light duties, but it was not so severe that you could not work her."
Daffodil, last season's Australian AJC Oaks winner, had improved since her Caulfield Cup effort, Gray said.
"She had a bit of a blow after the Cup and that race will tighten her up. She has trained on well and we are very pleased with her."
Daffodil will be 73-year-old Gray's first Melbourne Cup runner.
He said he was keeping his feet on the ground, but was nevertheless excited at the prospect.
Jockey Chris Munce certainly is. He rang Gray last night to check on her progress. "He rode three winners (at Sydney) yesterday so that's good form. He is keen to ride her again and really rates her," Gray said.
Daffodil and Harris Tweed are the two New Zealand-trained runners guaranteed of a run in the Cup, while Spin Around, Gallions Reach and Capecover should all make the field comfortably through the attrition rate expected.
Gallions Reach and Capecover will both run in the listed Bendigo Cup (2200m) on Wednesday, with their respective trainers, Richard Yuill and Alexander Fieldes, wanting to see some healthy form to warrant paying the final Cup declaration on Saturday.
The position for horses such as Six O'Clock News, Sterling Prince and Hoorang, who are 45th, 46th and 49th in the order of entry, will become clearer when the next round of acceptances are declared tomorrow.
Six O'Clock News and Sterling Prince will run in the Lexus Quality (formerly the Saab) over 2500m if they still need to force their way into the Cup field, their trainers said today. The winner of the Lexus is exempt from the Cup ballot.
Mr Tipsy, Young Centaur and Red Ruler are out of Cup reckoning, having returned to New Zealand for spells.
Australian horses who won't figure in tomorrow's declarations include Whobegotyou, Ready To Lift, Guyno and Mr Clangtastic.
Daffodil's Melbourne Cup plans are on track, with a quick recovery from a deep cut sustained in the Caulfield Cup.
Daffodil ran fourth in the Caulfield Cup on October 17, but returned to the birdcage with a blood flowing from a nasty cut just below one of her knees.
Manawatu trainer Kevin Gray said the cut had healed.
"It was a deep cut which swelled up, but she is excellent now. You can hardly see it at all."
"We gave her a few days off and put her on light duties, but it was not so severe that you could not work her."
Daffodil, last season's Australian AJC Oaks winner, had improved since her Caulfield Cup effort, Gray said.
"She had a bit of a blow after the Cup and that race will tighten her up. She has trained on well and we are very pleased with her."
Daffodil will be 73-year-old Gray's first Melbourne Cup runner.
He said he was keeping his feet on the ground, but was nevertheless excited at the prospect.
Jockey Chris Munce certainly is. He rang Gray last night to check on her progress. "He rode three winners (at Sydney) yesterday so that's good form. He is keen to ride her again and really rates her," Gray said.
Daffodil and Harris Tweed are the two New Zealand-trained runners guaranteed of a run in the Cup, while Spin Around, Gallions Reach and Capecover should all make the field comfortably through the attrition rate expected.
Gallions Reach and Capecover will both run in the listed Bendigo Cup (2200m) on Wednesday, with their respective trainers, Richard Yuill and Alexander Fieldes, wanting to see some healthy form to warrant paying the final Cup declaration on Saturday.
The position for horses such as Six O'Clock News, Sterling Prince and Hoorang, who are 45th, 46th and 49th in the order of entry, will become clearer when the next round of acceptances are declared tomorrow.
Six O'Clock News and Sterling Prince will run in the Lexus Quality (formerly the Saab) over 2500m if they still need to force their way into the Cup field, their trainers said today. The winner of the Lexus is exempt from the Cup ballot.
Mr Tipsy, Young Centaur and Red Ruler are out of Cup reckoning, having returned to New Zealand for spells.
Australian horses who won't figure in tomorrow's declarations include Whobegotyou, Ready To Lift, Guyno and Mr Clangtastic.
Efficient - Viewed - Alcopop -Speed Gifted - Ready to Lift - Red Ruler - Young Centaur - Roman Emperor - Allez Wonder - Think Money - Dandaad
Bloodstock.com.au
25th October
Melbourne Cup winner Efficient and Viewed are the market leaders for this year's race along with up and coming stayer Alcopop ahead of third declarations on Monday.
The three are all at $6.50 with TAB Sportsbet.
Efficient, who won the Cup in 2007, and Alcopop are not expected to race again before the race on November 3 while last year's winner Viewed will run in Saturday's Mackinnon Stakes.
Speed Gifted has continued to drift and is now at $15 after beating just one runner home in the Cox Plate.
The Lee Freedman-trained European import, who qualified via his dominant win in the Metropolitan Handicap at Randwick earlier this month, is now a doubtful starter.
The last chance to confirm a spot in 24 horse field comes in Saturday's Lexus (2500m) with the winner exempt from ballot.
The campaigns of Ready to Lift and Red Ruler, both of whom were high up in the order of entry, have ended.
Trainer Gerald Ryan decided to pull the pin after Ready To Lift's failure in Saturday's Moonee Valley Cup while Red Ruler has returned to New Zealand along with his John Sargent-trained stablemate Young Centaur.
"She's going straight to the paddock," Ryan said.
"She's had five starts in Melbourne and never looked like winning a race there.
"Whether she's simply not good enough for that grade or can't handle that way of going I don't know."
Red Ruler put in pleasing runs for close fifths in the Underwood Stakes and Turnbull Stakes before finishing last of 18 in the Caulfield Cup won by Viewed.
Young Centaur's hopes of gaining a penalty to move up the order were dashed when he finished 11th in last week's Geelong Cup.
Bart Cummings is assured of three Cup runners - Viewed, Roman Emperor ($11) and Allez Wonder ($26) with Think Money and Dandaad remote chances of making the field.
If she doesn't get into the Cup, Think Money will run in the Lavazza Long Black on the same day, a race won by Geelong Cup runner-up Dandaad last year.
The Melbourne Cup carnival will be officially launched in Melbourne on Monday.
25th October
Melbourne Cup winner Efficient and Viewed are the market leaders for this year's race along with up and coming stayer Alcopop ahead of third declarations on Monday.
The three are all at $6.50 with TAB Sportsbet.
Efficient, who won the Cup in 2007, and Alcopop are not expected to race again before the race on November 3 while last year's winner Viewed will run in Saturday's Mackinnon Stakes.
Speed Gifted has continued to drift and is now at $15 after beating just one runner home in the Cox Plate.
The Lee Freedman-trained European import, who qualified via his dominant win in the Metropolitan Handicap at Randwick earlier this month, is now a doubtful starter.
The last chance to confirm a spot in 24 horse field comes in Saturday's Lexus (2500m) with the winner exempt from ballot.
The campaigns of Ready to Lift and Red Ruler, both of whom were high up in the order of entry, have ended.
Trainer Gerald Ryan decided to pull the pin after Ready To Lift's failure in Saturday's Moonee Valley Cup while Red Ruler has returned to New Zealand along with his John Sargent-trained stablemate Young Centaur.
"She's going straight to the paddock," Ryan said.
"She's had five starts in Melbourne and never looked like winning a race there.
"Whether she's simply not good enough for that grade or can't handle that way of going I don't know."
Red Ruler put in pleasing runs for close fifths in the Underwood Stakes and Turnbull Stakes before finishing last of 18 in the Caulfield Cup won by Viewed.
Young Centaur's hopes of gaining a penalty to move up the order were dashed when he finished 11th in last week's Geelong Cup.
Bart Cummings is assured of three Cup runners - Viewed, Roman Emperor ($11) and Allez Wonder ($26) with Think Money and Dandaad remote chances of making the field.
If she doesn't get into the Cup, Think Money will run in the Lavazza Long Black on the same day, a race won by Geelong Cup runner-up Dandaad last year.
The Melbourne Cup carnival will be officially launched in Melbourne on Monday.
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Changingoftheguard - Munsef - Warringah - Kirklees - Basaltico - Mourilyan
The Age
Oct 24th
David Hayes' Melbourne Cup hopeful Changingoftheguard is back on track for the big race with a troublesome foot abscess bursting following his latest workout.
The abscess on the four-year-old's near-hind leg burst just after he left the track and veterinarian Craig McKellar told Hayes it was now all systems go for Changingoftheguard.
Glen Boss made a special trip to Sandown to ride the horse in a gallop over 2000 metres and Hayes said he thought the exercise had helped resolve the issue with the abscess.
"I reckon the gallop has brought it on but what a tough horse he must be to have worked with it anyway," Hayes said.
Most of the gallop was run at even time with a 400-metre sprint in 26 seconds in the home straight.
Hayes said he would probably gallop the horse again on Monday morning depending on whether he could find a work partner.
Trainer Chris Waller was also on hand at Sandown today to watch his imported Cup hope Warringah gallop impressively with Munsef.
They ran 1600 metres in 1:55, sprinting home the final 600 in 37.5 seconds.
Warringah, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, led out by eight lengths and Munsef, with his handler Dawn Oxley in the saddle, was ridden along to get on terms in the straight. The pair finished together.
McEvoy said Warringah was a nice-actioned horse and clean in the wind.
"He's the sort of horse who could sit up in the first five or six in a Melbourne Cup," he said.
Earlier, Kirklees and Basaltico worked separately but were not out to make any time, while Glyn Schofield rode his Melbourne Cup mount Mourilyan over 1600 metres at three-quarter pace.
Oct 24th
David Hayes' Melbourne Cup hopeful Changingoftheguard is back on track for the big race with a troublesome foot abscess bursting following his latest workout.
The abscess on the four-year-old's near-hind leg burst just after he left the track and veterinarian Craig McKellar told Hayes it was now all systems go for Changingoftheguard.
Glen Boss made a special trip to Sandown to ride the horse in a gallop over 2000 metres and Hayes said he thought the exercise had helped resolve the issue with the abscess.
"I reckon the gallop has brought it on but what a tough horse he must be to have worked with it anyway," Hayes said.
Most of the gallop was run at even time with a 400-metre sprint in 26 seconds in the home straight.
Hayes said he would probably gallop the horse again on Monday morning depending on whether he could find a work partner.
Trainer Chris Waller was also on hand at Sandown today to watch his imported Cup hope Warringah gallop impressively with Munsef.
They ran 1600 metres in 1:55, sprinting home the final 600 in 37.5 seconds.
Warringah, ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, led out by eight lengths and Munsef, with his handler Dawn Oxley in the saddle, was ridden along to get on terms in the straight. The pair finished together.
McEvoy said Warringah was a nice-actioned horse and clean in the wind.
"He's the sort of horse who could sit up in the first five or six in a Melbourne Cup," he said.
Earlier, Kirklees and Basaltico worked separately but were not out to make any time, while Glyn Schofield rode his Melbourne Cup mount Mourilyan over 1600 metres at three-quarter pace.
Leica Ding - Dandaad - Gunyo
The Age
Oct 22nd
Leica Ding has been penalised half a kilogram in the $5.65m Melbourne Cup following her win in yesterday's group 3 Geelong Cup, Racing Victoria Ltd chief handicapper Greg Carpenter has announced.
The penalty takes the Darren Weir-trained mare to 50.5kg in the Melbourne Cup and lifts her from 67th to 31st in the order of entry for the 3200m feature at Flemington on November 3.
"The Geelong Cup was a genuinely-run race on quick ground and Leica Ding gave a strong staying performance to beat a very competitive field," Carpenter said.
In recent years, the Geelong Cup has proven a strong form race with last year's winner Bauer going on to finish a nose second to Viewed in the Melbourne Cup.
Bauer was penalised a kilogram for his win at Geelong and moved to 32nd in the elimination order following the win.
Media Puzzle easily won the 2002 Geelong Cup before being penalised 1.5kg for the Melbourne Cup which he also won.
The Bart Cummings-trained Dandaad passed the ballot requirement for the Melbourne Cup and moved from 66th to 54th in the entry order with his Geelong Cup second.
Guyno, the 2009 Perth Cup (2400m) winner, bled during the running of the Geelong Cup and has been officially withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup.
Third declarations for the Melbourne Cup close at 10am (AEDT) on Monday.
Oct 22nd
Leica Ding has been penalised half a kilogram in the $5.65m Melbourne Cup following her win in yesterday's group 3 Geelong Cup, Racing Victoria Ltd chief handicapper Greg Carpenter has announced.
The penalty takes the Darren Weir-trained mare to 50.5kg in the Melbourne Cup and lifts her from 67th to 31st in the order of entry for the 3200m feature at Flemington on November 3.
"The Geelong Cup was a genuinely-run race on quick ground and Leica Ding gave a strong staying performance to beat a very competitive field," Carpenter said.
In recent years, the Geelong Cup has proven a strong form race with last year's winner Bauer going on to finish a nose second to Viewed in the Melbourne Cup.
Bauer was penalised a kilogram for his win at Geelong and moved to 32nd in the elimination order following the win.
Media Puzzle easily won the 2002 Geelong Cup before being penalised 1.5kg for the Melbourne Cup which he also won.
The Bart Cummings-trained Dandaad passed the ballot requirement for the Melbourne Cup and moved from 66th to 54th in the entry order with his Geelong Cup second.
Guyno, the 2009 Perth Cup (2400m) winner, bled during the running of the Geelong Cup and has been officially withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup.
Third declarations for the Melbourne Cup close at 10am (AEDT) on Monday.
Leica Ding - Dandaad - Crime Scene - Basaltico
Fox Sports
By Robert Windmill
October 21, 2009
Ballarat trainer Darren Weir will be banking on a Melbourne Cup penalty for Leica Ding after she gave him his best win in the Group III Geelong Cup.
Weir, who trained She's Archie to run second in both the 2003 Geelong and Melbourne Cups, denied Bart Cummings his first Geelong Cup win when Leica Ding ($13) stormed down the centre of the track to beat Dandaad ($10) by a long neck.
New Zealander Sterling Prince ($6 fav) looked set to win halfway up the straight when he surged to the front but in a blanket-finish was a short head away third.
With 50kg, Leica Ding was 67th in order of elimination for the Melbourne Cup before the Geelong Cup but has now passed the ballot clause.
Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter will decide overnight whether to penalise Leica Ding for the Melbourne Cup but said as little as a half-kilogram would promote her at least as high as 32 and virtually assure her of a Cup start.
The last three Geelong Cup winners, Bauer (2008), The Fuzz (2007) and Mandela (2006) were all penalised a kilogram.
Weir said Leica Ding lacked the class of She's Archie but geared her campaign towards winning the Geelong or Moonee Valley Cup to get a way into Melbourne Cup after she finished fourth to Good Red in the Bagot Handicap (2800m), in her first preparation, on New Year's Day.
“She's Archie was a really great stayer and we probably never saw the best of her while this mare is a really genuine and never runs a bad race,'' he said.
A five-year-old mare, Leica Ding was having her 17th start in Wednesday's Geelong Cup and has now won six races.
At her last two runs she was third to Toorak Handicap winner Allez Wonder at Moonee Valley and second at the same track to Keeping Score on October 9.
Jockey Clare Lindop said Dandaad's run was a great trial for the Melbourne Cup but now 67th in order of elimination he needs to pass the ballot clause.
Godolphin's Crime Scene put himself into the race on the home turn but he was soon under pressure and finished sixth, just ahead of the Luca Cumani-trained Basaltico who ran on from last to finish seventh.
By Robert Windmill
October 21, 2009
Ballarat trainer Darren Weir will be banking on a Melbourne Cup penalty for Leica Ding after she gave him his best win in the Group III Geelong Cup.
Weir, who trained She's Archie to run second in both the 2003 Geelong and Melbourne Cups, denied Bart Cummings his first Geelong Cup win when Leica Ding ($13) stormed down the centre of the track to beat Dandaad ($10) by a long neck.
New Zealander Sterling Prince ($6 fav) looked set to win halfway up the straight when he surged to the front but in a blanket-finish was a short head away third.
With 50kg, Leica Ding was 67th in order of elimination for the Melbourne Cup before the Geelong Cup but has now passed the ballot clause.
Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter will decide overnight whether to penalise Leica Ding for the Melbourne Cup but said as little as a half-kilogram would promote her at least as high as 32 and virtually assure her of a Cup start.
The last three Geelong Cup winners, Bauer (2008), The Fuzz (2007) and Mandela (2006) were all penalised a kilogram.
Weir said Leica Ding lacked the class of She's Archie but geared her campaign towards winning the Geelong or Moonee Valley Cup to get a way into Melbourne Cup after she finished fourth to Good Red in the Bagot Handicap (2800m), in her first preparation, on New Year's Day.
“She's Archie was a really great stayer and we probably never saw the best of her while this mare is a really genuine and never runs a bad race,'' he said.
A five-year-old mare, Leica Ding was having her 17th start in Wednesday's Geelong Cup and has now won six races.
At her last two runs she was third to Toorak Handicap winner Allez Wonder at Moonee Valley and second at the same track to Keeping Score on October 9.
Jockey Clare Lindop said Dandaad's run was a great trial for the Melbourne Cup but now 67th in order of elimination he needs to pass the ballot clause.
Godolphin's Crime Scene put himself into the race on the home turn but he was soon under pressure and finished sixth, just ahead of the Luca Cumani-trained Basaltico who ran on from last to finish seventh.
Viewed - Alcopop - Mourilyan - Speed Gifted - Nom De Jeu - Zipping - Munsef
By John Clark
foxsports.com.au
October 25, 2009
They've been a threat in recent spring carnivals but this year's batch of Melbourne Cup raiders pose little threat to Bart Cummings and the home-grown hopes.
That's the view of TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie, who is happy to take on the punters with faith in the imports entered in the 3200m race that stops the nation.
Cummings's Caulfield Cup winner Viewed, last year's Melbourne Cup winner Efficient and the impressive Alcopop head the betting at $6.50.
A host of Australian runners separate that triumvirate and the shortest-priced foreigner in the field Mourilyan.
"Almost 20 per cent of money bet on the Melbourne Cup to this point is on that three (Viewed, Efficient and Alcopop)," Munsie told foxsports.com.au.
"We had a special early on with Viewed and Efficient who were offered at double odds ($41 and $35). Efficient was the one we took money on and since the Caulfield Cup Viewed has attracted interest.
"This far out though it's speculative betting. We don't take the big money until closer to the day of the race. There's so much that can happen on race day let alone in a month leading up."
Munsie said results at Moonee Valley on Saturday had little impact on the market.
Lee Freedman's Speed Gifted, who beat only Nom De Jeu home in the Cox Plate, drifted slightly.
"He's out to $15 after that performance," Munsie reported.
Zipping, a grinding third behind Cummings's exciting youngster So You Think in the Cox Plate, has been trimmed into $13 for the Melbourne Cup but Munsie has his doubts.
"He's done that three years in a row and never featured in the Melbourne Cup.
"I think they set him for the Cox Plate and it was a good effort."
When pressed, Munsie offered Munsef as an at-odds Cup chance.
"I think they've got a couple of letters wrong. Should be Munsie. At $41 it's an international with some hope. It's as fast as me but can run a lot further."
Meanwhile, Nick Williams, fears the Cummings juggernaut will continue into Melbourne Cup week.
Williams, the spokesman for connections of Efficient, said the octogenarian was on course for a spring sweep.
"I don't think we have got any chance, have we, with Bart winning the Caulfield Cup and now the Cox Plate," Williams said.
"The gods are shining on him."
foxsports.com.au
October 25, 2009
They've been a threat in recent spring carnivals but this year's batch of Melbourne Cup raiders pose little threat to Bart Cummings and the home-grown hopes.
That's the view of TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie, who is happy to take on the punters with faith in the imports entered in the 3200m race that stops the nation.
Cummings's Caulfield Cup winner Viewed, last year's Melbourne Cup winner Efficient and the impressive Alcopop head the betting at $6.50.
A host of Australian runners separate that triumvirate and the shortest-priced foreigner in the field Mourilyan.
"Almost 20 per cent of money bet on the Melbourne Cup to this point is on that three (Viewed, Efficient and Alcopop)," Munsie told foxsports.com.au.
"We had a special early on with Viewed and Efficient who were offered at double odds ($41 and $35). Efficient was the one we took money on and since the Caulfield Cup Viewed has attracted interest.
"This far out though it's speculative betting. We don't take the big money until closer to the day of the race. There's so much that can happen on race day let alone in a month leading up."
Munsie said results at Moonee Valley on Saturday had little impact on the market.
Lee Freedman's Speed Gifted, who beat only Nom De Jeu home in the Cox Plate, drifted slightly.
"He's out to $15 after that performance," Munsie reported.
Zipping, a grinding third behind Cummings's exciting youngster So You Think in the Cox Plate, has been trimmed into $13 for the Melbourne Cup but Munsie has his doubts.
"He's done that three years in a row and never featured in the Melbourne Cup.
"I think they set him for the Cox Plate and it was a good effort."
When pressed, Munsie offered Munsef as an at-odds Cup chance.
"I think they've got a couple of letters wrong. Should be Munsie. At $41 it's an international with some hope. It's as fast as me but can run a lot further."
Meanwhile, Nick Williams, fears the Cummings juggernaut will continue into Melbourne Cup week.
Williams, the spokesman for connections of Efficient, said the octogenarian was on course for a spring sweep.
"I don't think we have got any chance, have we, with Bart winning the Caulfield Cup and now the Cox Plate," Williams said.
"The gods are shining on him."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Geelong Cup - Leica Ding - Daandad - Sterling Prince - Crime Scene - Basaltico -
Racing & Sports
22/10/09
DING THE BIG CUP MOVER
Thursday, 22 October 2009: Leica Ding has been the big mover in Melbourne Cup markets after her game win in yesterday's Geelong Cup.
Before her run yesterday she hadn't passed the first balloting clause for the Melbourne Cup but her win not only achieved that but puts her on the cusp of a Cup start.
That's if Racing Victoria's Greg Carpenter was impressed enough to penalize the mare's 50kg Cup handicap.
Following the win Leica Ding shortened from $201 to $31.
Runner-up Dandaad , well down the order of entry in the Melbourne Cup, still shortened on his run from $51 to $41 while third placed Sterling Prince shortened from $201 to $101.
The imported gallopers Crime Scene and Basaltico both drifted to $81.
Meanwhile, the Paul Perry-trained Southern Skye shortened in Derby markets from $26 to $15 after his win in the Geelong Classic.
One punter with TAB Sportsbet coupled Viewed to win the Caulfield Cup with Southern Skye to take the Victoria Derby at odds of $1053.
The $200 bet is staring at a payout of over $200,000.
22/10/09
DING THE BIG CUP MOVER
Thursday, 22 October 2009: Leica Ding has been the big mover in Melbourne Cup markets after her game win in yesterday's Geelong Cup.
Before her run yesterday she hadn't passed the first balloting clause for the Melbourne Cup but her win not only achieved that but puts her on the cusp of a Cup start.
That's if Racing Victoria's Greg Carpenter was impressed enough to penalize the mare's 50kg Cup handicap.
Following the win Leica Ding shortened from $201 to $31.
Runner-up Dandaad , well down the order of entry in the Melbourne Cup, still shortened on his run from $51 to $41 while third placed Sterling Prince shortened from $201 to $101.
The imported gallopers Crime Scene and Basaltico both drifted to $81.
Meanwhile, the Paul Perry-trained Southern Skye shortened in Derby markets from $26 to $15 after his win in the Geelong Classic.
One punter with TAB Sportsbet coupled Viewed to win the Caulfield Cup with Southern Skye to take the Victoria Derby at odds of $1053.
The $200 bet is staring at a payout of over $200,000.
Leica Ding - Dandaad - Bart Cummings
The Age
22/10/09
Leica Ding has been penalised half a kilogram in the $5.65m Melbourne Cup following her win in yesterday's group 3 Geelong Cup, Racing Victoria Ltd chief handicapper Greg Carpenter has announced.
The penalty takes the Darren Weir-trained mare to 50.5kg in the Melbourne Cup and lifts her from 67th to 31st in the order of entry for the 3200m feature at Flemington on November 3.
"The Geelong Cup was a genuinely-run race on quick ground and Leica Ding gave a strong staying performance to beat a very competitive field," Carpenter said.
In recent years, the Geelong Cup has proven a strong form race with last year's winner Bauer going on to finish a nose second to Viewed in the Melbourne Cup.
Bauer was penalised a kilogram for his win at Geelong and moved to 32nd in the elimination order following the win.
Media Puzzle easily won the 2002 Geelong Cup before being penalised 1.5kg for the Melbourne Cup which he also won.
The Bart Cummings-trained Dandaad passed the ballot requirement for the Melbourne Cup and moved from 66th to 54th in the entry order with his Geelong Cup second.
Guyno, the 2009 Perth Cup (2400m) winner, bled during the running of the Geelong Cup and has been officially withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup.
Third declarations for the Melbourne Cup close at 10am (AEDT) on Monday.
22/10/09
Leica Ding has been penalised half a kilogram in the $5.65m Melbourne Cup following her win in yesterday's group 3 Geelong Cup, Racing Victoria Ltd chief handicapper Greg Carpenter has announced.
The penalty takes the Darren Weir-trained mare to 50.5kg in the Melbourne Cup and lifts her from 67th to 31st in the order of entry for the 3200m feature at Flemington on November 3.
"The Geelong Cup was a genuinely-run race on quick ground and Leica Ding gave a strong staying performance to beat a very competitive field," Carpenter said.
In recent years, the Geelong Cup has proven a strong form race with last year's winner Bauer going on to finish a nose second to Viewed in the Melbourne Cup.
Bauer was penalised a kilogram for his win at Geelong and moved to 32nd in the elimination order following the win.
Media Puzzle easily won the 2002 Geelong Cup before being penalised 1.5kg for the Melbourne Cup which he also won.
The Bart Cummings-trained Dandaad passed the ballot requirement for the Melbourne Cup and moved from 66th to 54th in the entry order with his Geelong Cup second.
Guyno, the 2009 Perth Cup (2400m) winner, bled during the running of the Geelong Cup and has been officially withdrawn from the Melbourne Cup.
Third declarations for the Melbourne Cup close at 10am (AEDT) on Monday.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Warringah
From Bloodstock.com.au
Trainer Chris Waller will continue to monitor new stable acquisition Warringah ahead of confirming a Melbourne cup start for the European.
Waller's original plan after purchasing Warringah was to set him for the Sydney autumn.
But the gelding arrived in Australia from England in such good order, plans changed to include a tilt at this year's Melbourne Cup.
Waller inspected Warringah last week and will make another trip to Melbourne from Sydney this week to see him through a more solid workout.
"He came through his first week in great order and showed he had got over the trip," Waller said.
"He will have a serious gallop later in the week.
"Until we see him under a bit of pressure it's hard to tell if he has done as well as we think."
Warringah was formerly trained by Sir Michael Stoute with whom Waller has been in constant contact over the past few weeks.
"Sir Michael has been a great help and if Warringah happens to win the Cup, a lot of the credit is down to him," Waller said.
"It's very exciting to think we have a Melbourne Cup runner on our hands."
Warringah has won two races in England over 2336 and 2418 metres and has five second placings in his 12 start career.
He finished fifth in the famous Ebor Handicap in August carrying top weight of 61.5 kilograms.
Trainer Chris Waller will continue to monitor new stable acquisition Warringah ahead of confirming a Melbourne cup start for the European.
Waller's original plan after purchasing Warringah was to set him for the Sydney autumn.
But the gelding arrived in Australia from England in such good order, plans changed to include a tilt at this year's Melbourne Cup.
Waller inspected Warringah last week and will make another trip to Melbourne from Sydney this week to see him through a more solid workout.
"He came through his first week in great order and showed he had got over the trip," Waller said.
"He will have a serious gallop later in the week.
"Until we see him under a bit of pressure it's hard to tell if he has done as well as we think."
Warringah was formerly trained by Sir Michael Stoute with whom Waller has been in constant contact over the past few weeks.
"Sir Michael has been a great help and if Warringah happens to win the Cup, a lot of the credit is down to him," Waller said.
"It's very exciting to think we have a Melbourne Cup runner on our hands."
Warringah has won two races in England over 2336 and 2418 metres and has five second placings in his 12 start career.
He finished fifth in the famous Ebor Handicap in August carrying top weight of 61.5 kilograms.
Daffodil - Chris Munce
Daffodil ran a reasonable Melbourne Cup trial when fourth placing (and hree lengths behind Viewed. When she returned she had a cut below the knee.
"The leg's quite swollen, there's a bit of skin off and some bruising to the bone and the vet's given her some treatment," trainer Gray said.
"But we've got a fortnight to get over it and Garry said it's all go to the Melbourne Cup. She's run fourth in a Caulfield Cup so she's got to be a chance to run in the money."
Jockey Chris was keen to retain the ride on Daffodil for the Melbourne Cup. He said he was keen to stay aboard as he looks to emulate his Cup victory on New Zealand mare Jezabeel in 1998.
"The leg's quite swollen, there's a bit of skin off and some bruising to the bone and the vet's given her some treatment," trainer Gray said.
"But we've got a fortnight to get over it and Garry said it's all go to the Melbourne Cup. She's run fourth in a Caulfield Cup so she's got to be a chance to run in the money."
Jockey Chris was keen to retain the ride on Daffodil for the Melbourne Cup. He said he was keen to stay aboard as he looks to emulate his Cup victory on New Zealand mare Jezabeel in 1998.
The betting market after the Caulfield Cup
19/10/09
Efficient 6.00
Speed Gifted 8.00
Viewed 10.00
Vigor 12.00
C'est La Guerre 15.00
Cima de Triomphe 17.00
Daffodil 17.00
Alcopop 21.00
Capecover 21.00
Efficient 6.00
Speed Gifted 8.00
Viewed 10.00
Vigor 12.00
C'est La Guerre 15.00
Cima de Triomphe 17.00
Daffodil 17.00
Alcopop 21.00
Capecover 21.00
Viewed receives 1kg penalty
19/10/09. Today the VRC handicapper gave a 1kg penalty to Viewed as a result of him winning the Caufield Cup. Click on this link to hear the handicapper announce the penalty and explain how it works.
http://www.racenettv.com.au/PlayVid.asp?Id=292
http://www.racenettv.com.au/PlayVid.asp?Id=292
Friday, October 16, 2009
Caulfield Cup Winner
Race 8-BMW CAULFIELD CUP 2400m:
1st: VIEWED (Dato Tan Chin Nam’s b h 6y Scenic (IRE) - Lovers Knot (NZ). Trainer: J B Cummings) 57 (B Rawiller @ $13.00
2nd: ROMAN EMPEROR 54 (J Bowman) @ $15.00
3rd: VIGOR: 51 (C W Brown) $15.00
Then followed: 11.00 Daffodil 51.5 (C Munce) 81.00 Fiumicino 55.5 (D Dunn) 15.00 Master O’Reilly 55 (V Duric) 9.50 Kirklees 56 (K Mc Evoy) 10.00 Allez Wonder 50 (Ms Michelle Payne) 41.00 Zavite 53 (M Zahra) 41.00 Harris Tweed 52.5 (C Newitt) 41.00 Ready To Lift 51.5 (G Boss) 7.00 fav Predatory Pricer 53.5 (S R King) 9.50 Cima De Triomphe 55.5 (D Oliver) 41.00 Red Lord 51.5 carr 52 (G Schofield) 19.00 C’est La Guerre 55.5 (S W Arnold) 71.00 Sarrera 54 (Nicholas Hall) 15.00 Light Vision 52.5 (L Nolen) 17.00 Red Ruler 53.5 (D Nikolic) last. Scr: Baughurst, Shocking, Newport, Miss Darcey. 2-1/4 len, 1/2 len. Time: 2:29.70. (Last 600m 36.82).
Bart Cummings won his seventh Caulfield Cup with the 2008 Melbourne Cup winner Viewed.
Brad Rawiller rode a brilliant race and is being compared to Scobie Breasley. Viewed settled near last but was guided through the field, along the rails, to beat his stablemate Roman Emperor. Vigor ran 3rd.
Bart had previously won with Galilee (1966), Big Philou (1969), Leilani (1974) and Ming Dynasty in 1977 and 1980.
It was Viewed's first win since his Melbourne Cup victory last year and took his record to 32 starts for nine wins and six placings and prizemoney in excess of $5.7 million.
1st: VIEWED (Dato Tan Chin Nam’s b h 6y Scenic (IRE) - Lovers Knot (NZ). Trainer: J B Cummings) 57 (B Rawiller @ $13.00
2nd: ROMAN EMPEROR 54 (J Bowman) @ $15.00
3rd: VIGOR: 51 (C W Brown) $15.00
Then followed: 11.00 Daffodil 51.5 (C Munce) 81.00 Fiumicino 55.5 (D Dunn) 15.00 Master O’Reilly 55 (V Duric) 9.50 Kirklees 56 (K Mc Evoy) 10.00 Allez Wonder 50 (Ms Michelle Payne) 41.00 Zavite 53 (M Zahra) 41.00 Harris Tweed 52.5 (C Newitt) 41.00 Ready To Lift 51.5 (G Boss) 7.00 fav Predatory Pricer 53.5 (S R King) 9.50 Cima De Triomphe 55.5 (D Oliver) 41.00 Red Lord 51.5 carr 52 (G Schofield) 19.00 C’est La Guerre 55.5 (S W Arnold) 71.00 Sarrera 54 (Nicholas Hall) 15.00 Light Vision 52.5 (L Nolen) 17.00 Red Ruler 53.5 (D Nikolic) last. Scr: Baughurst, Shocking, Newport, Miss Darcey. 2-1/4 len, 1/2 len. Time: 2:29.70. (Last 600m 36.82).
Bart Cummings won his seventh Caulfield Cup with the 2008 Melbourne Cup winner Viewed.
Brad Rawiller rode a brilliant race and is being compared to Scobie Breasley. Viewed settled near last but was guided through the field, along the rails, to beat his stablemate Roman Emperor. Vigor ran 3rd.
Bart had previously won with Galilee (1966), Big Philou (1969), Leilani (1974) and Ming Dynasty in 1977 and 1980.
It was Viewed's first win since his Melbourne Cup victory last year and took his record to 32 starts for nine wins and six placings and prizemoney in excess of $5.7 million.
Caulfield Cup Field
As the Caulfield Cup is said to be the best guide to the Melbourne Cup I thought it important to show you the entire field:
8-4.05 BMW Caulfield Cup 2400m
(Apprentices cannot claim)
Prize money: $2,500,000; 1st $1,500,000 and trophies $55,000; 2nd
$375,000; 3rd $200,000; 4th $110,000; 5th $90,000.
1 - 1118 Weekend Hussler tmbh (11) B Rawiller 57
2 - 2446 Maldivian tn (18) M Rodd 56.5
3 - 8X62 Master O'Reilly cdm (13) V Duric 56.5
4 - 4130 Fiumicino dm (4) 56
5 - 7998 Kibbutz (5) N Rawiller 55.5
6 - XD23 Nom Du Jeu dm (20) J Lloyd 55.5
7 - 2212 Mad Rush dm (17) D Oliver 55
8 - X491 All The Good d (8) K Mc Evoy 54.5
9 - X081 Douro Valley t (3) J Winks 54.5
10 - 7333 Ice Chariot td (2) G Schofield 54.5
11 - 6187 Viewed dm (14) B Shinn 54.5
12 - X331 Littorio m (10) S R King 54
13 - X402 Red Ruler (1) C W Brown 54
14 - X154 Boundless dm (6) D Dunn 53.5
15 - 7041 Dolphin Jo c (12) Ms C Lindop 53
16 - X862 Riva San dmbh (9) L Nolen 53
17 - 5210 Zagreb t (7) G Boss 52
18 - 1153 Guillotine m (21) Craig Williams 51.5
8-4.05 BMW Caulfield Cup 2400m
(Apprentices cannot claim)
Prize money: $2,500,000; 1st $1,500,000 and trophies $55,000; 2nd
$375,000; 3rd $200,000; 4th $110,000; 5th $90,000.
1 - 1118 Weekend Hussler tmbh (11) B Rawiller 57
2 - 2446 Maldivian tn (18) M Rodd 56.5
3 - 8X62 Master O'Reilly cdm (13) V Duric 56.5
4 - 4130 Fiumicino dm (4) 56
5 - 7998 Kibbutz (5) N Rawiller 55.5
6 - XD23 Nom Du Jeu dm (20) J Lloyd 55.5
7 - 2212 Mad Rush dm (17) D Oliver 55
8 - X491 All The Good d (8) K Mc Evoy 54.5
9 - X081 Douro Valley t (3) J Winks 54.5
10 - 7333 Ice Chariot td (2) G Schofield 54.5
11 - 6187 Viewed dm (14) B Shinn 54.5
12 - X331 Littorio m (10) S R King 54
13 - X402 Red Ruler (1) C W Brown 54
14 - X154 Boundless dm (6) D Dunn 53.5
15 - 7041 Dolphin Jo c (12) Ms C Lindop 53
16 - X862 Riva San dmbh (9) L Nolen 53
17 - 5210 Zagreb t (7) G Boss 52
18 - 1153 Guillotine m (21) Craig Williams 51.5
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Alcopop
Courier Mail
Lincoln Moore
October 15, 2009 12:00am
The leading Melbourne Cup contender and his trainer returned to Victor Harbour on Tuesday and Stephens was already seeing the benefits of the decision to go into the $5.5 million feature at Flemington on November 3 without another lead-up run.
"He travelled well and ate up everything here last (Tuesday) night," Stephens said.
"He was very happy to be back here at home."
Stephens said Alcopop's determination and will to win was a large reason for the decision to bypass another start, preferring to keep his horse happy ahead of what could be one of the sport's greatest fairytales.
"He's the sort of horse who gives everything every time he races, and there wasn't another race that really suited him.
"Going into a race like the Melbourne Cup off a short break could jeopardise his chances," he said.
"He's backed up well before but we want to make sure everything is 100 per cent."
Stephens said it would be business as usual for Alcopop, the $7 second favourite for the Cup with TAB Sportsbet behind 2007 winner Efficient ($6).
"We'll just keep things as regular as possible between now and the Cup," he said.
Lincoln Moore
October 15, 2009 12:00am
The leading Melbourne Cup contender and his trainer returned to Victor Harbour on Tuesday and Stephens was already seeing the benefits of the decision to go into the $5.5 million feature at Flemington on November 3 without another lead-up run.
"He travelled well and ate up everything here last (Tuesday) night," Stephens said.
"He was very happy to be back here at home."
Stephens said Alcopop's determination and will to win was a large reason for the decision to bypass another start, preferring to keep his horse happy ahead of what could be one of the sport's greatest fairytales.
"He's the sort of horse who gives everything every time he races, and there wasn't another race that really suited him.
"Going into a race like the Melbourne Cup off a short break could jeopardise his chances," he said.
"He's backed up well before but we want to make sure everything is 100 per cent."
Stephens said it would be business as usual for Alcopop, the $7 second favourite for the Cup with TAB Sportsbet behind 2007 winner Efficient ($6).
"We'll just keep things as regular as possible between now and the Cup," he said.
Kirklees - Cima De Triomphe - Basaltico - Vigor - Master O'Reilly - C'est La Guerre
Th Age
Andrew Eddy
October 15, 2009
With an ideal draw of barrier seven, Godolphin's impressive Kirklees continued his climb up the bookmakers' boards to be installed the $8 favourite. Right behind him in betting at $8.50 is Luca Cumani's grey Cima De Triomphe, alongside Predatory Pricer, who slid from $7 to $8.50 after he drew gate 16.
Godolphin's travelling foreman, Tommy Strang, said Kirklees had done nothing but please since the early hiccup in his campaign when he had an elevated temperature on arrival in Melbourne last month.
''He looks great in his coat and he's working well. He's back to his normal self,'' he said.
Godolphin won the cup last year with All The Good and Strang said Kirklees was a more proven performer. He said barrier seven suited Kirklees as his forte was early speed from the gates. ''He can pick and choose [where he settles], but I'm sure he won't be far off the pace.''
Sarah Cumani, representing her husband, confirmed what the form and ratings experts had been saying in recent days, that the two internationals were the best credentialled to ever contest the Caulfield Cup.
''He would be the best obvious chance because of the very good horses he's finished behind. It's easy enough to finish behind big names, but he needs to win,'' she said.
Cumani said Cima De Triomphe and stablemate Basaltico, who will test his Melbourne Cup credentials in the Geelong Cup on Wednesday, had settled into Australia perfectly.
As for the barrier draw, which will see Cima De Triomphe jump from barrier nine if the third and fourth emergencies do not start, Cumani was happy enough after a run of poor draws in the race in past attempts.
''It gives us options. He tends to sit off [the pace] but we would not want him any worse than midfield,'' she said.
Jockey Damien Oliver said he was pleased that he would have options from the midfield draw. ''It looks perfect.''
Trainer Danny O'Brien did not want his highly-rated Vigor to draw the inside as he did when he was knocked about in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington last start, but he couldn't have asked for any worse than barrier 22 - the extreme outside. He'll start from 18 if the emergencies don't run.
''It's probably better than barrier one but it certainly doesn't help your confidence going into an 18-horse handicap,'' he said.
''You need everything to go right and it's no help when you have to give away an advantage like that.''
Stablemate Master O'Reilly, who won the cup in 2007, faired little better in 18. O'Brien said Vigor was likely to go forward early, while Master O'Reilly could take his time and settle near the tail. ''He's going well but you have to remember he hasn't won since he won this race two years ago,'' he said.
Nick Williams, representing the owners of C'est La Guerre, was bullish about the five-year-old's chances before and after he drew 13. ''We think our horse is in the race up to his eyeballs.''
William said the five-year-old, who won the New Zealand Derby by a space on a heavy track in 2008, would appreciate a wet surface but did not need it to produce his best. ''He's in absolutely fantastic shape and we'll certainly see him put his best foot forward.''
Williams explained that the reason his father Lloyd had historically avoided running in the Caulfield Cup had little to do with the prospect of being lumped with a Melbourne Cup penalty. ''The reason we've tended to stay away is that it is such a hard race to win,'' he said.
Andrew Eddy
October 15, 2009
With an ideal draw of barrier seven, Godolphin's impressive Kirklees continued his climb up the bookmakers' boards to be installed the $8 favourite. Right behind him in betting at $8.50 is Luca Cumani's grey Cima De Triomphe, alongside Predatory Pricer, who slid from $7 to $8.50 after he drew gate 16.
Godolphin's travelling foreman, Tommy Strang, said Kirklees had done nothing but please since the early hiccup in his campaign when he had an elevated temperature on arrival in Melbourne last month.
''He looks great in his coat and he's working well. He's back to his normal self,'' he said.
Godolphin won the cup last year with All The Good and Strang said Kirklees was a more proven performer. He said barrier seven suited Kirklees as his forte was early speed from the gates. ''He can pick and choose [where he settles], but I'm sure he won't be far off the pace.''
Sarah Cumani, representing her husband, confirmed what the form and ratings experts had been saying in recent days, that the two internationals were the best credentialled to ever contest the Caulfield Cup.
''He would be the best obvious chance because of the very good horses he's finished behind. It's easy enough to finish behind big names, but he needs to win,'' she said.
Cumani said Cima De Triomphe and stablemate Basaltico, who will test his Melbourne Cup credentials in the Geelong Cup on Wednesday, had settled into Australia perfectly.
As for the barrier draw, which will see Cima De Triomphe jump from barrier nine if the third and fourth emergencies do not start, Cumani was happy enough after a run of poor draws in the race in past attempts.
''It gives us options. He tends to sit off [the pace] but we would not want him any worse than midfield,'' she said.
Jockey Damien Oliver said he was pleased that he would have options from the midfield draw. ''It looks perfect.''
Trainer Danny O'Brien did not want his highly-rated Vigor to draw the inside as he did when he was knocked about in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington last start, but he couldn't have asked for any worse than barrier 22 - the extreme outside. He'll start from 18 if the emergencies don't run.
''It's probably better than barrier one but it certainly doesn't help your confidence going into an 18-horse handicap,'' he said.
''You need everything to go right and it's no help when you have to give away an advantage like that.''
Stablemate Master O'Reilly, who won the cup in 2007, faired little better in 18. O'Brien said Vigor was likely to go forward early, while Master O'Reilly could take his time and settle near the tail. ''He's going well but you have to remember he hasn't won since he won this race two years ago,'' he said.
Nick Williams, representing the owners of C'est La Guerre, was bullish about the five-year-old's chances before and after he drew 13. ''We think our horse is in the race up to his eyeballs.''
William said the five-year-old, who won the New Zealand Derby by a space on a heavy track in 2008, would appreciate a wet surface but did not need it to produce his best. ''He's in absolutely fantastic shape and we'll certainly see him put his best foot forward.''
Williams explained that the reason his father Lloyd had historically avoided running in the Caulfield Cup had little to do with the prospect of being lumped with a Melbourne Cup penalty. ''The reason we've tended to stay away is that it is such a hard race to win,'' he said.
Vigor - Predatory Pricer - C'est La Guerre
SMH
John Schell
October 15, 2009
Corey Brown isn't fazed at having to contend with the outside barrier on one-time Caulfield Cup favourite Vigor in Saturday's $2.5 million feature. ''What can you do?'' said Brown, who will ride Vigor at 51 kilograms in the group 1 event. ''It will be right. He'll push forward with no weight on his back and slot into a position. He did draw inside in the Turnbull and got smashed, so an outside draw isn't all that bad.''
Vigor's trainer, Danny O'Brien, didn't want an inside alley for the galloper but he wasn't overly rapt with the outside draw.
''It's probably better than barrier one but it certainly doesn't help your confidence going into an 18-horse handicap,'' O'Brien said. ''You need everything to go right and it's no help when you have to give away an advantage like that.''
O'Brien, who will also start 2007 winner Master O'Reilly in the 2400-metre contest, unearthed a Victoria Derby prospect when Spacecraft toughed it out best to win the Pura Light Start Plate at Caulfield yesterday with Caulfield Guineas-winning jockey Danny Nikolic in the saddle.
O'Brien said Spacecraft would contest the AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley on Saturday week en route to the Victoria Derby.
PRICER'S RIGHT
Caulfield Cup equal-second favourite Predatory Pricer is still the horse to beat in the race despite drawing barrier 16, trainer Paul Murray said yesterday. ''I still think that whatever beats him will be winning,'' he said.
''There is speed drawn inside and outside of him so hopefully Kingy [jockey Steven King] can get in somewhere and get him to settle.''
Predatory Pricer was nabbed late when second to 2007 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient in the Turnbull Stakes at his latest start.
TAB Sportsbet made Predatory Pricer an $8.50 chance alongside Cima De Triomphe, behind only Kirklees ($8), at the conclusion of yesterday's barrier draw.
C'EST LA VIE
Nick Williams, son of former Crown Casino boss and big-time thoroughbred investor Lloyd Williams, declared the Caulfield Cup to be ''a great race'' that is within the capabilities of last year's Melbourne Cup third placegetter C'est La Guerre. ''He's in the race up to his eyeballs,'' Williams said yesterday after it drew barrier 13. ''We've got a good jockey on in Steven Arnold and the horse is going great. I'd love to see some rain for him as he loves the sting out of the ground. He's as good a chance in the race as anything.''
Williams said the Caulfield Cup had always been ''so hard to win'', which is why the family tended to ''stay away from it unless we've got a horse really suited''. He said it was a race suited to ''up-and-comers'' or a horse which had ''beaten the handicapper''.
John Schell
October 15, 2009
Corey Brown isn't fazed at having to contend with the outside barrier on one-time Caulfield Cup favourite Vigor in Saturday's $2.5 million feature. ''What can you do?'' said Brown, who will ride Vigor at 51 kilograms in the group 1 event. ''It will be right. He'll push forward with no weight on his back and slot into a position. He did draw inside in the Turnbull and got smashed, so an outside draw isn't all that bad.''
Vigor's trainer, Danny O'Brien, didn't want an inside alley for the galloper but he wasn't overly rapt with the outside draw.
''It's probably better than barrier one but it certainly doesn't help your confidence going into an 18-horse handicap,'' O'Brien said. ''You need everything to go right and it's no help when you have to give away an advantage like that.''
O'Brien, who will also start 2007 winner Master O'Reilly in the 2400-metre contest, unearthed a Victoria Derby prospect when Spacecraft toughed it out best to win the Pura Light Start Plate at Caulfield yesterday with Caulfield Guineas-winning jockey Danny Nikolic in the saddle.
O'Brien said Spacecraft would contest the AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley on Saturday week en route to the Victoria Derby.
PRICER'S RIGHT
Caulfield Cup equal-second favourite Predatory Pricer is still the horse to beat in the race despite drawing barrier 16, trainer Paul Murray said yesterday. ''I still think that whatever beats him will be winning,'' he said.
''There is speed drawn inside and outside of him so hopefully Kingy [jockey Steven King] can get in somewhere and get him to settle.''
Predatory Pricer was nabbed late when second to 2007 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient in the Turnbull Stakes at his latest start.
TAB Sportsbet made Predatory Pricer an $8.50 chance alongside Cima De Triomphe, behind only Kirklees ($8), at the conclusion of yesterday's barrier draw.
C'EST LA VIE
Nick Williams, son of former Crown Casino boss and big-time thoroughbred investor Lloyd Williams, declared the Caulfield Cup to be ''a great race'' that is within the capabilities of last year's Melbourne Cup third placegetter C'est La Guerre. ''He's in the race up to his eyeballs,'' Williams said yesterday after it drew barrier 13. ''We've got a good jockey on in Steven Arnold and the horse is going great. I'd love to see some rain for him as he loves the sting out of the ground. He's as good a chance in the race as anything.''
Williams said the Caulfield Cup had always been ''so hard to win'', which is why the family tended to ''stay away from it unless we've got a horse really suited''. He said it was a race suited to ''up-and-comers'' or a horse which had ''beaten the handicapper''.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Luca Cumani - Cima De Triomphe
UK Press Association
Damien Oliver was impressed after partnering Luca Cumani's Cima De Triomphe in a racecourse gallop at Sandown.
Basaltico, who worked with Oliver's mount, is on course for a crack at the Geelong Cup on October 21 - a route Cumani took with Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer 12 months ago - while Cima De Triomphe's aim is the Caulfield Cup on October 17.
Oliver failed to land Melbourne Cup glory for Cumani on Purple Moon and Mad Rush and he told www.ozeform.com: "It was a nice piece of work and I liked the way he was able to go to the other horse when I asked him for an effort."
He added: "The others were a bit lightly-framed but this horse is bigger and stronger and I liked the way he worked."
Damien Oliver was impressed after partnering Luca Cumani's Cima De Triomphe in a racecourse gallop at Sandown.
Basaltico, who worked with Oliver's mount, is on course for a crack at the Geelong Cup on October 21 - a route Cumani took with Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer 12 months ago - while Cima De Triomphe's aim is the Caulfield Cup on October 17.
Oliver failed to land Melbourne Cup glory for Cumani on Purple Moon and Mad Rush and he told www.ozeform.com: "It was a nice piece of work and I liked the way he was able to go to the other horse when I asked him for an effort."
He added: "The others were a bit lightly-framed but this horse is bigger and stronger and I liked the way he worked."
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Profound Beauty -Mourilyan - Munsef - Kirklees - Crime Scene - Cima De Triomphe - Basaltico - Jolie's Shinju's
The Age
Andrew Eddy
October 8, 2009
RACING Victoria Ltd officials were still expecting as many as six international horses to face the starter in the November 3 Melbourne Cup despite the shock withdrawal yesterday of Irish mare Profound Beauty.
The chances of an international win in next month's Cup plummeted immediately on the announcement that the Dermot Weld-trained mare would remain at home in Ireland to be prepared for another European racing season instead.
RVL's racing operations manager Leigh Jordon said he spoke to Weld late on Tuesday night and was deflated with the news that the Cup's best credentialled overseas contender would not arrive as had been expected on Saturday. ''It is a blow because she is a very talented mare and Dermot is a great drawcard as he was aiming for a third Cup win,'' Jordon said. ''But there are some quality horses already here and due to arrive that I'm sure will be most competitive.''
Profound Beauty's owners paid $1450 at the second declaration stage for the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, but by Wednesday had decided against a second tilt at the race. ''Moyglare Stud made the decision not to send Profound Beauty to Melbourne, so she'll be staying at home. The plan is to keep her in training next year,'' Weld's son Mark said.
Already in Melbourne are Godolphin's pair of Kirklees and Crime Scene and Luca Cumani's two, Cima De Triomphe and Basaltico.
They will be joined on Saturday morning by English-based Mourilyan and Munsef, who are certain to run in the Melbourne Cup.
Andrew Eddy
October 8, 2009
RACING Victoria Ltd officials were still expecting as many as six international horses to face the starter in the November 3 Melbourne Cup despite the shock withdrawal yesterday of Irish mare Profound Beauty.
The chances of an international win in next month's Cup plummeted immediately on the announcement that the Dermot Weld-trained mare would remain at home in Ireland to be prepared for another European racing season instead.
RVL's racing operations manager Leigh Jordon said he spoke to Weld late on Tuesday night and was deflated with the news that the Cup's best credentialled overseas contender would not arrive as had been expected on Saturday. ''It is a blow because she is a very talented mare and Dermot is a great drawcard as he was aiming for a third Cup win,'' Jordon said. ''But there are some quality horses already here and due to arrive that I'm sure will be most competitive.''
Profound Beauty's owners paid $1450 at the second declaration stage for the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, but by Wednesday had decided against a second tilt at the race. ''Moyglare Stud made the decision not to send Profound Beauty to Melbourne, so she'll be staying at home. The plan is to keep her in training next year,'' Weld's son Mark said.
Already in Melbourne are Godolphin's pair of Kirklees and Crime Scene and Luca Cumani's two, Cima De Triomphe and Basaltico.
They will be joined on Saturday morning by English-based Mourilyan and Munsef, who are certain to run in the Melbourne Cup.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Speed Gifted
October 6, 2009
The Age
SPEED Gifted looks to have secured a berth in the Caulfield and Melbourne cups after he was yesterday penalised two kilograms for his Metropolitan Stakes win at Randwick last Saturday.
He will now carry 53 in both races. Racing Victoria Ltd chief handicapper Greg Carpenter said the penalties - the highest for a Metropolitan winner since Vita Man's two kilos in 1999 - reflected the ease of the imported horse's win.
The $4.50 Caulfield Cup favourite and $7.50 Melbourne Cup second favourite now moves to equal 24th on the order of entry into the 18-horse Caulfield Cup field and 25th in the Melbourne Cup.
Speed Gifted is likely to move up further in the Caulfield Cup rankings when third declarations are taken this morning. Declarations are also taken this morning for the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate. Light Vision was not penalised for winning last Saturday's Bart Cummings, and remains a Caulfield Cup doubt at equal 29th.
The Age
SPEED Gifted looks to have secured a berth in the Caulfield and Melbourne cups after he was yesterday penalised two kilograms for his Metropolitan Stakes win at Randwick last Saturday.
He will now carry 53 in both races. Racing Victoria Ltd chief handicapper Greg Carpenter said the penalties - the highest for a Metropolitan winner since Vita Man's two kilos in 1999 - reflected the ease of the imported horse's win.
The $4.50 Caulfield Cup favourite and $7.50 Melbourne Cup second favourite now moves to equal 24th on the order of entry into the 18-horse Caulfield Cup field and 25th in the Melbourne Cup.
Speed Gifted is likely to move up further in the Caulfield Cup rankings when third declarations are taken this morning. Declarations are also taken this morning for the Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate. Light Vision was not penalised for winning last Saturday's Bart Cummings, and remains a Caulfield Cup doubt at equal 29th.
Efficient - Speed Gifted - Predatory Pricer - Vigor - Daffodil
The Age
Andrew Eddy
October 4, 2009
THE Caulfield and Melbourne cups have new favourites after two breathtaking victories in group 1 races just 20 minutes apart but in totally different conditions yesterday.
At Flemington, Efficient won his first race since the 2007 Melbourne Cup and just his second in three years when he unleashed sizzling sectionals on the firm track to take the Turnbull Stakes in a major upset. His performance came just as the presentation at Randwick was being completed for Speed Gifted's dominant 3½-length win in the Metropolitan on a deteriorating track to catapult him to Caulfield Cup favouritism.
Speed Gifted is now $4.50 favourite for the Caulfield Cup although he is not yet assured of a start. He is also the $7 equal favourite with Efficient for the Melbourne Cup.
For Efficient's owner, Lloyd Williams, the unexpected victory was doubly satisfying as the grey was ridden by his godson Nick Hall.
''It is stuff that dreams are made of when your godson rides his first group 1 winner on one of your all-time favourite horses,'' Williams said. ''That run shows that he's on target for the Melbourne Cup. It's been a most satisfying day.''
It is doubtful whether Nick Hall has enjoyed a better day at the races. He won the listed Bart Cummings on Light Vision, his first group 1 win on Efficient and then, 40 minutes later, won the group 2 Gilgai Stakes on All Silent.
Lee Freedman was also more than satisfied with his imported galloper Speed Gifted's performance to plough through wet conditions to trounce his rivals in the Metropolitan.
Racing Victoria Ltd chief handicapper Greg Carpenter holds the key to whether Speed Gifted makes the final field on October 17 when he tomorrow announces a penalty for the galloper's win.
Speed Gifted was languishing outside the Caulfield Cup elimination list at equal 63rd in order for a run and although yesterday's win took him past the first ballot clause for the $2.5 million race, he still will need a penalty of at least two kilograms to be assured of a run.
With 51, Speed Gifted has eight kilograms under weight-for-age, but with a two-kilogram penalty he would rise to a safe spot at equal 24th for the 18-horse field. More than six horses who are higher ranked are certain to miss the Caulfield Cup.
Freedman said he would not be deflated if Speed Gifted did not make the Caulfield Cup line-up. ''His win was emphatic and showed me that he is a real Melbourne Cup horse,'' Freedman said.
Yesterday's win lifted Speed Gifted from 80th in line for a run in the Melbourne Cup. A two kilogram penalty would push him to about 25th.
Efficient, who cannot be re-handicapped for his Turnbull win, was back near the tail of the field until he registered a blistering 22.05 seconds for the section between the 600 and 200 metres.
He edged out a gallant Predatory Pricer, who is now likely to run next in the Caulfield Cup, for which he is the second favourite.
Vigor, who had dominated the Caulfield Cup market since his Makybe Diva Stakes win a month ago, was tumbling down the betting last night after an inglorious 13th in the Turnbull.
Trainer Danny O'Brien said the galloper was cramped for room and did not finish off his race but looked to have pulled up well and would press on to the Caulfield Cup.
AJC Oaks winner Daffodil's Caulfield Cup hopes faded after she ran a lacklustre fourth behind bolter Vosne Romanee in the Kelt Capital Stakes in New Zealand yesterday.
Andrew Eddy
October 4, 2009
THE Caulfield and Melbourne cups have new favourites after two breathtaking victories in group 1 races just 20 minutes apart but in totally different conditions yesterday.
At Flemington, Efficient won his first race since the 2007 Melbourne Cup and just his second in three years when he unleashed sizzling sectionals on the firm track to take the Turnbull Stakes in a major upset. His performance came just as the presentation at Randwick was being completed for Speed Gifted's dominant 3½-length win in the Metropolitan on a deteriorating track to catapult him to Caulfield Cup favouritism.
Speed Gifted is now $4.50 favourite for the Caulfield Cup although he is not yet assured of a start. He is also the $7 equal favourite with Efficient for the Melbourne Cup.
For Efficient's owner, Lloyd Williams, the unexpected victory was doubly satisfying as the grey was ridden by his godson Nick Hall.
''It is stuff that dreams are made of when your godson rides his first group 1 winner on one of your all-time favourite horses,'' Williams said. ''That run shows that he's on target for the Melbourne Cup. It's been a most satisfying day.''
It is doubtful whether Nick Hall has enjoyed a better day at the races. He won the listed Bart Cummings on Light Vision, his first group 1 win on Efficient and then, 40 minutes later, won the group 2 Gilgai Stakes on All Silent.
Lee Freedman was also more than satisfied with his imported galloper Speed Gifted's performance to plough through wet conditions to trounce his rivals in the Metropolitan.
Racing Victoria Ltd chief handicapper Greg Carpenter holds the key to whether Speed Gifted makes the final field on October 17 when he tomorrow announces a penalty for the galloper's win.
Speed Gifted was languishing outside the Caulfield Cup elimination list at equal 63rd in order for a run and although yesterday's win took him past the first ballot clause for the $2.5 million race, he still will need a penalty of at least two kilograms to be assured of a run.
With 51, Speed Gifted has eight kilograms under weight-for-age, but with a two-kilogram penalty he would rise to a safe spot at equal 24th for the 18-horse field. More than six horses who are higher ranked are certain to miss the Caulfield Cup.
Freedman said he would not be deflated if Speed Gifted did not make the Caulfield Cup line-up. ''His win was emphatic and showed me that he is a real Melbourne Cup horse,'' Freedman said.
Yesterday's win lifted Speed Gifted from 80th in line for a run in the Melbourne Cup. A two kilogram penalty would push him to about 25th.
Efficient, who cannot be re-handicapped for his Turnbull win, was back near the tail of the field until he registered a blistering 22.05 seconds for the section between the 600 and 200 metres.
He edged out a gallant Predatory Pricer, who is now likely to run next in the Caulfield Cup, for which he is the second favourite.
Vigor, who had dominated the Caulfield Cup market since his Makybe Diva Stakes win a month ago, was tumbling down the betting last night after an inglorious 13th in the Turnbull.
Trainer Danny O'Brien said the galloper was cramped for room and did not finish off his race but looked to have pulled up well and would press on to the Caulfield Cup.
AJC Oaks winner Daffodil's Caulfield Cup hopes faded after she ran a lacklustre fourth behind bolter Vosne Romanee in the Kelt Capital Stakes in New Zealand yesterday.
Efficient - C'est La Guerre - Viewed - Vigor - Master O'Reilly
The Age
4/10/09
THE markets for the spring carnival's big three - the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup - were reshuffled by bookmakers following yesterday's Turnbull Stakes, as Efficient and Nick Hall sounded an ominous warning to their rivals with an incredible victory in the group 1 event.
But while the gallant grey stayer and his up-and-coming jockey basked in the glory of an unexpected triumph - Efficient's first since the 2007 Melbourne Cup - a handful of other stayers staked their claim for the Caulfield and Melbourne cups with eye-catching trials, while early cups favourite Vigor slid down the pecking order after an inglorious run.
After the heartbreak of Efficient missing the 2008 Melbourne Cup through injury, connections were brimming with excitement at the prospect of another crack at Australia's most famous race with the grey and C'est La Guerre.
"It was a great win and we were expecting a big run from him today. He'll go to the Cox Plate and then the Melbourne Cup now," said Nick Williams, son of Efficient's managing part-owner, Lloyd Williams. "(We're) also very happy with C'est La Guerre. He bounced back after his last run and will run next week in the Yalumba, then go to the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup."
The third Williams-owned runner in yesterdays race, veteran stayer Zipping, also pleased and will head either to the Cox Plate or the Mackinnon Stakes before a likely attempt at a third straight Sandown Classic.
Williams said Efficient had shown he was back to his best in trackwork and an incredible split of 22.77 seconds between the 800 and 600 metres reflected that.
Despite a moderate tempo set by the heavily backed Maldivian, who was allowed to bowl along in front, Efficient reeled off very slick closing sectionals to reel in a brave Predatory Pricer, who looked set for victory inside the final 200 metres after stalking the speed for most for most of the race.
The Caulfield Cup rather than the Cox Plate firmed as Predatory Pricer's main spring aim after yesterday's run.
"We might have got to the front a bit early but he switched off well without the blinkers and ran a great race,'' said trainer Paul Murray. ''I'm probably leaning towards the Caulfield Cup at this stage. It's two weeks away and fits in better, but I've got to talk to the owners."
Third-placed Scenic Shot overcame a wide run and a mid-race move to out-bob Maldivian for third, while Kiwi stayer Red Ruler stuck on gamely with veteran Baughurst.
And another Melbourne Cup winner caught the eye further back in the field and brought a grin to the face of his trainer, ''Cups King'' Bart Cummings.
"Viewed ran very well and I'm very happy from a Melbourne Cup perspective. I'm not sure where we go now, though," he said.
Cummings' other Turnbull runner, Roman Emperor, looked a chance inside the 400 metres but just lacked the turn of foot needed to go with the placegetters on firm ground.
Danny O'Brien is hoping that former Caulfield and Melbourne cups favourite Vigor's lacklustre performance in the Turnbull was merely a blip on the radar, and said the stable would press on to the Caulfield Cup.
"He was disappointing on face value but Damien [Oliver] did say that there was a lot of pressure early on and that may have had an effect," O'Brien said. "Obviously it's not what you want to see at your last run before a Caulfield Cup but he was right on track before that so you've got to press on."
O'Brien's other Turnbull acceptor, Master O'Reilly, was scratched yesterday morning because of an elevated temperature, and could start in Saturday's Yalumba Stakes at Caulfield as a tune-up for the cup a week later if he recovers over the next few days.
4/10/09
THE markets for the spring carnival's big three - the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup - were reshuffled by bookmakers following yesterday's Turnbull Stakes, as Efficient and Nick Hall sounded an ominous warning to their rivals with an incredible victory in the group 1 event.
But while the gallant grey stayer and his up-and-coming jockey basked in the glory of an unexpected triumph - Efficient's first since the 2007 Melbourne Cup - a handful of other stayers staked their claim for the Caulfield and Melbourne cups with eye-catching trials, while early cups favourite Vigor slid down the pecking order after an inglorious run.
After the heartbreak of Efficient missing the 2008 Melbourne Cup through injury, connections were brimming with excitement at the prospect of another crack at Australia's most famous race with the grey and C'est La Guerre.
"It was a great win and we were expecting a big run from him today. He'll go to the Cox Plate and then the Melbourne Cup now," said Nick Williams, son of Efficient's managing part-owner, Lloyd Williams. "(We're) also very happy with C'est La Guerre. He bounced back after his last run and will run next week in the Yalumba, then go to the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup."
The third Williams-owned runner in yesterdays race, veteran stayer Zipping, also pleased and will head either to the Cox Plate or the Mackinnon Stakes before a likely attempt at a third straight Sandown Classic.
Williams said Efficient had shown he was back to his best in trackwork and an incredible split of 22.77 seconds between the 800 and 600 metres reflected that.
Despite a moderate tempo set by the heavily backed Maldivian, who was allowed to bowl along in front, Efficient reeled off very slick closing sectionals to reel in a brave Predatory Pricer, who looked set for victory inside the final 200 metres after stalking the speed for most for most of the race.
The Caulfield Cup rather than the Cox Plate firmed as Predatory Pricer's main spring aim after yesterday's run.
"We might have got to the front a bit early but he switched off well without the blinkers and ran a great race,'' said trainer Paul Murray. ''I'm probably leaning towards the Caulfield Cup at this stage. It's two weeks away and fits in better, but I've got to talk to the owners."
Third-placed Scenic Shot overcame a wide run and a mid-race move to out-bob Maldivian for third, while Kiwi stayer Red Ruler stuck on gamely with veteran Baughurst.
And another Melbourne Cup winner caught the eye further back in the field and brought a grin to the face of his trainer, ''Cups King'' Bart Cummings.
"Viewed ran very well and I'm very happy from a Melbourne Cup perspective. I'm not sure where we go now, though," he said.
Cummings' other Turnbull runner, Roman Emperor, looked a chance inside the 400 metres but just lacked the turn of foot needed to go with the placegetters on firm ground.
Danny O'Brien is hoping that former Caulfield and Melbourne cups favourite Vigor's lacklustre performance in the Turnbull was merely a blip on the radar, and said the stable would press on to the Caulfield Cup.
"He was disappointing on face value but Damien [Oliver] did say that there was a lot of pressure early on and that may have had an effect," O'Brien said. "Obviously it's not what you want to see at your last run before a Caulfield Cup but he was right on track before that so you've got to press on."
O'Brien's other Turnbull acceptor, Master O'Reilly, was scratched yesterday morning because of an elevated temperature, and could start in Saturday's Yalumba Stakes at Caulfield as a tune-up for the cup a week later if he recovers over the next few days.
Speed Gifted - Lee Freedman
Herald Sun
2/10/09
SPEED Gifted, the best Melbourne Cup contender Lee Freedman has had since Makybe Diva, wasn't part of his latest and most far-fetched plan to win the great race, but he was a bi-product of it.
If Speed Gifted can win The Metropolitan at Randwick tomorrow, qualify for the Melbourne Cup, then win it, it would prove one or two things about the modern Cup and how the big local stables best think they can win it.
More and more of our trainers are using the world as their market place.
This time last year Freedman's team invited about 100 rich clients and their mates to lunch at a fancy city restaurant.
The pitch was that the well-to-do's scrounge up $1 million between them. Freedman's brother Anthony, stable vet Johnny Walker and one or two others would grab the cash and take it to the October Tattersalls horses in training sale at Newmarket in England.
The theory was that the hardiest, most Aussie-like, affordable European stayers were a safer gamble than forking out the same amount for untried, possibly hopeless, yearlings here.
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The pitch struck a chord with businessmen who'd become field shy with the risks of the yearling market, but saw a clear bottom line with horses who'd already proven they could gallop, albeit half a world away.
"The margin for error was less for these guys than buying a Zabeel at the sales and waiting three years to find out it was no good," Freedman said.
"Some blokes like a bit more surety with what they're buying. These horses we ended up buying might not have been world-beaters but at least they knew what they were buying."
The budget was set and so was the number -- six. The criteria was strict.
"They had to vet well, had to have good feet. We weren't looking for frail wet track English horses," Freedman said.
The sale was tricky with the horses only brought into the complex on the day itself.
"There were over a thousand of them," said Freedman, who did not make the trip.
The team bought six horses and spent the $1 million. It's at this time that Speed Gifted entered the scene.
He was too well performed to be on the Freedman shopping list and wasn't even for sale.
But the owner, who raced the horse with Luca Cumani and had caught Cumani's Melbourne Cup itch, transferred Speed Gifted to Freedman and he became the seventh member of the team.
The home trip was character building.
"If they could have talked they'd have said 'what the hell's going on here?' Freedman said.
"They cut off our extremities (gelded), took us out of the snow and dumped us somewhere where it's 125C. That's kind of how we came up with the Ball and Chain Syndicate. It seemed to fit. They must have thought they were convicts."
Bar for Speed Gifted, Freedman does not believe the rest of the squad will measure up to the spring cups, at least not this year.
But he has been impressed with their form, pleased with the exercise. Four of the six have won - Timetable, Trenchtown, Sound Of Nature and Woodcutter - another, Mastercraft, "ran a blinder" at his first run here.
Tomitoul Flyer, the most expensive (about $100,000), is injured.
"It will be a quantum leap for any of them to become Caulfield or Melbourne Cup horses but you really never know. Races like the Adelaide Cup are possible for sure," he said.
The Ball And Chain Syndicate reassemble for lunch today, at the Emerald Hotel in South Melbourne.
"It's a bit like one of those evangelical conferences - come yourself and bring a friend!" Freedman said.
The pitch will be the same as last year, with more room to move at the other end.
"We're still hoping to raise $1 million, but the money's worth more at the other end because the exchange rate has improved," Freedman said.
Freedman hasn't had a Melbourne Cup runner since Makybe Diva's three-peat win in 2005. "Who knows, my next might end up being one of these convict horses," he said.
2/10/09
SPEED Gifted, the best Melbourne Cup contender Lee Freedman has had since Makybe Diva, wasn't part of his latest and most far-fetched plan to win the great race, but he was a bi-product of it.
If Speed Gifted can win The Metropolitan at Randwick tomorrow, qualify for the Melbourne Cup, then win it, it would prove one or two things about the modern Cup and how the big local stables best think they can win it.
More and more of our trainers are using the world as their market place.
This time last year Freedman's team invited about 100 rich clients and their mates to lunch at a fancy city restaurant.
The pitch was that the well-to-do's scrounge up $1 million between them. Freedman's brother Anthony, stable vet Johnny Walker and one or two others would grab the cash and take it to the October Tattersalls horses in training sale at Newmarket in England.
The theory was that the hardiest, most Aussie-like, affordable European stayers were a safer gamble than forking out the same amount for untried, possibly hopeless, yearlings here.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
.End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
The pitch struck a chord with businessmen who'd become field shy with the risks of the yearling market, but saw a clear bottom line with horses who'd already proven they could gallop, albeit half a world away.
"The margin for error was less for these guys than buying a Zabeel at the sales and waiting three years to find out it was no good," Freedman said.
"Some blokes like a bit more surety with what they're buying. These horses we ended up buying might not have been world-beaters but at least they knew what they were buying."
The budget was set and so was the number -- six. The criteria was strict.
"They had to vet well, had to have good feet. We weren't looking for frail wet track English horses," Freedman said.
The sale was tricky with the horses only brought into the complex on the day itself.
"There were over a thousand of them," said Freedman, who did not make the trip.
The team bought six horses and spent the $1 million. It's at this time that Speed Gifted entered the scene.
He was too well performed to be on the Freedman shopping list and wasn't even for sale.
But the owner, who raced the horse with Luca Cumani and had caught Cumani's Melbourne Cup itch, transferred Speed Gifted to Freedman and he became the seventh member of the team.
The home trip was character building.
"If they could have talked they'd have said 'what the hell's going on here?' Freedman said.
"They cut off our extremities (gelded), took us out of the snow and dumped us somewhere where it's 125C. That's kind of how we came up with the Ball and Chain Syndicate. It seemed to fit. They must have thought they were convicts."
Bar for Speed Gifted, Freedman does not believe the rest of the squad will measure up to the spring cups, at least not this year.
But he has been impressed with their form, pleased with the exercise. Four of the six have won - Timetable, Trenchtown, Sound Of Nature and Woodcutter - another, Mastercraft, "ran a blinder" at his first run here.
Tomitoul Flyer, the most expensive (about $100,000), is injured.
"It will be a quantum leap for any of them to become Caulfield or Melbourne Cup horses but you really never know. Races like the Adelaide Cup are possible for sure," he said.
The Ball And Chain Syndicate reassemble for lunch today, at the Emerald Hotel in South Melbourne.
"It's a bit like one of those evangelical conferences - come yourself and bring a friend!" Freedman said.
The pitch will be the same as last year, with more room to move at the other end.
"We're still hoping to raise $1 million, but the money's worth more at the other end because the exchange rate has improved," Freedman said.
Freedman hasn't had a Melbourne Cup runner since Makybe Diva's three-peat win in 2005. "Who knows, my next might end up being one of these convict horses," he said.
Cima De Triomphe - Basaltico - Damien Oliver
Thoroughbred News NZ
Hall of Fame jockey Damien Oliver will ride his BMW Caulfield Cup mount Cima De Triomphe for the first time in a gallop at Sandown next week.
Charlie Henson, travelling foreman for trainer Luca Cumani, said today (Friday) it had not yet been decided which day Oliver would go to Sandown but it would possibly be Tuesday or Wednesday.
Henson said the work schedule for the highly-rated Cima De Triomphe and stablemate Basaltico was still undecided but Cima De Triomphe was likely to have only one fast gallop before the Caulfield Cup on 17 October.
“He did a good piece of work before he left Newmarket (England) and with the 36 hour trip to Melbourne he won’t need to do a lot before the Cup,’’ Henson said.
Cima De Triomphe has not raced since his fourth placing to Gio Ponti in the Arlington Million (2012m) in Chicago on 8 August.
Henson said the five-year-old did not have much luck in the Arlington Million and the winner was now rated probably the best turf horse in the US.
Although Cima De Triomphe has not yet won beyond 2200 metres, Henson believes the handsome grey will not be worried by the 2400 metres of the Caulfield Cup.
“I think he has to finish in the first eight in the Caulfield Cup to qualify under the distance clause for the Melbourne Cup,’’ he said.
Comparing Cima De Triomphe with stablemate Bauer, who was nosed out of last year’s Melbourne Cup, Henson said he was already a high class galloper while Bauer had arrived in Melbourne as a ‘’progressive handicapper.’’
As Bauer did last year, Henson said Basaltico would try and qualify for the Melbourne Cup by winning the Geelong Cup (2400m) on 21 October.
Cima De Triomphe and Basaltico had a light canter at Sandown today as did the Godolphin pair Kirklees and Crime Scene.
Kirklees and Crime Scene walked a lap of the course proper and then moved into a canter from near the 1000 metres to the winning post.
Travelling foreman Tommy Strang said they would probably do two canters tomorrow (Saturday) morning as they step up their work towards the Caulfield Cup in which Kirklees has 56kgs while Crime Scene will be kept for the Geelong Cup.
Whether Frankie Dettori rides Kirklees in the Caulfield Cup will depend on what commitments he has for Godolphin at Champions’ Day at Newmarket which is run the same day.
Hall of Fame jockey Damien Oliver will ride his BMW Caulfield Cup mount Cima De Triomphe for the first time in a gallop at Sandown next week.
Charlie Henson, travelling foreman for trainer Luca Cumani, said today (Friday) it had not yet been decided which day Oliver would go to Sandown but it would possibly be Tuesday or Wednesday.
Henson said the work schedule for the highly-rated Cima De Triomphe and stablemate Basaltico was still undecided but Cima De Triomphe was likely to have only one fast gallop before the Caulfield Cup on 17 October.
“He did a good piece of work before he left Newmarket (England) and with the 36 hour trip to Melbourne he won’t need to do a lot before the Cup,’’ Henson said.
Cima De Triomphe has not raced since his fourth placing to Gio Ponti in the Arlington Million (2012m) in Chicago on 8 August.
Henson said the five-year-old did not have much luck in the Arlington Million and the winner was now rated probably the best turf horse in the US.
Although Cima De Triomphe has not yet won beyond 2200 metres, Henson believes the handsome grey will not be worried by the 2400 metres of the Caulfield Cup.
“I think he has to finish in the first eight in the Caulfield Cup to qualify under the distance clause for the Melbourne Cup,’’ he said.
Comparing Cima De Triomphe with stablemate Bauer, who was nosed out of last year’s Melbourne Cup, Henson said he was already a high class galloper while Bauer had arrived in Melbourne as a ‘’progressive handicapper.’’
As Bauer did last year, Henson said Basaltico would try and qualify for the Melbourne Cup by winning the Geelong Cup (2400m) on 21 October.
Cima De Triomphe and Basaltico had a light canter at Sandown today as did the Godolphin pair Kirklees and Crime Scene.
Kirklees and Crime Scene walked a lap of the course proper and then moved into a canter from near the 1000 metres to the winning post.
Travelling foreman Tommy Strang said they would probably do two canters tomorrow (Saturday) morning as they step up their work towards the Caulfield Cup in which Kirklees has 56kgs while Crime Scene will be kept for the Geelong Cup.
Whether Frankie Dettori rides Kirklees in the Caulfield Cup will depend on what commitments he has for Godolphin at Champions’ Day at Newmarket which is run the same day.
Munsef
BBC Sport
English racehorse Munsef will attempt to become only the third European winner of the Melbourne Cup next month.
Worcestershire trainer Ian Williams is to spend £50,000 on sending Munsef to Australia's biggest horse race.
Munsef is currently in quarantine at Newmarket before he flies out to Melbourne for the race in November.
"It's fantastic, like being in the Olympics," Williams told BBC Midlands Today. "To have a runner is very satisfying."
More than 100,000 spectators attend Melbourne Cup day at Flemington Park and it is a public holiday in parts of Australia.
He's very quiet and laidback. He has the odd bite at you now and again but nothing major
Groom Dawn Oxley
Only two European horses have ever won the race, Vintage Crop in 1993 and Media Puzzle in 2002.
It will cost Alvechurch-based Williams £50,000 to send Munsef to the race but the prize money is £1.7m for the winner and even 10th place pays £60,000.
"It is a huge punt but the horse merits his chance to go and we are delighted to take him," said Williams.
"Munsef was going through the sales at Doncaster in May but the top offer was only £10,000.
"He was retained by the owner and sent to me at Alvechurch. Ever since then it has been a bit of a whirlwind but the wind is still blowing so we will keep whirling."
"Munsef is a lovely horse," said groom Dawn Oxley. "He's very quiet and laidback. He has the odd bite at you now and again but nothing major."
English racehorse Munsef will attempt to become only the third European winner of the Melbourne Cup next month.
Worcestershire trainer Ian Williams is to spend £50,000 on sending Munsef to Australia's biggest horse race.
Munsef is currently in quarantine at Newmarket before he flies out to Melbourne for the race in November.
"It's fantastic, like being in the Olympics," Williams told BBC Midlands Today. "To have a runner is very satisfying."
More than 100,000 spectators attend Melbourne Cup day at Flemington Park and it is a public holiday in parts of Australia.
He's very quiet and laidback. He has the odd bite at you now and again but nothing major
Groom Dawn Oxley
Only two European horses have ever won the race, Vintage Crop in 1993 and Media Puzzle in 2002.
It will cost Alvechurch-based Williams £50,000 to send Munsef to the race but the prize money is £1.7m for the winner and even 10th place pays £60,000.
"It is a huge punt but the horse merits his chance to go and we are delighted to take him," said Williams.
"Munsef was going through the sales at Doncaster in May but the top offer was only £10,000.
"He was retained by the owner and sent to me at Alvechurch. Ever since then it has been a bit of a whirlwind but the wind is still blowing so we will keep whirling."
"Munsef is a lovely horse," said groom Dawn Oxley. "He's very quiet and laidback. He has the odd bite at you now and again but nothing major."
Godolphin - Luca Cumani - Kirklees - Crime Scene - Cima de Triomphe - Basaltico
The Godolphin and Luca Cumani camps are hastening slowly in their preparations for the BMW Caulfield Cup and Emirates Melbourne Cup.
In the five days since their arrival in Melbourne last Saturday, Godolphin’s Kirklees and Crime Scene and the Cumani pair Cima de Triomphe and Basaltico have done little more than walking exercise on the track at Sandown.
Kirklees and Crime Scene were scheduled to do some light work this morning (Thursday) but Godolphin’s travelling foreman Tommy Strang said it had been decided to wait until Friday before stepping up their work.
Strang said Kirklees’ temperature, which was slightly elevated when they arrived in Melbourne, was back to normal and all the other signs were positive.
"In the last 48 hours they have totally eaten up as they would have back at home in Newmarket," Strang said.
He said it was understandable that both horses would take a few days to recover from such a long trip and get back into a normal routine.
Strang confirmed that the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on 17 October was the immediate aim for Kirklees rather than the Tatts Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley a week later.
He said Crime Scene would most likely be kept for the Geelong Cup after which a decision would be made on the Melbourne Cup.
Cumani’s travelling foreman Charlie Henson, who arrived in Melbourne on Monday, is also happy with the progress of Cima de Triomphe and Basaltico.
Cima de Triomphe is high up in the betting for both cups as Cumani bids to go one better than his second placings with Purple Moon and Bauer in the past two Melbourne Cups.
Basaltico will try and make the Melbourne Cup field via the Geelong Cup which Bauer did last year.
Meanwhile, Singapore-trained mare Jolie’s Shinju worked strongly over about 2400 metres this morning as her connections strive to get her back on track for the Cox Plate after her disappointing run at in the JRA Cup at Moonee Valley last Friday night.
In the five days since their arrival in Melbourne last Saturday, Godolphin’s Kirklees and Crime Scene and the Cumani pair Cima de Triomphe and Basaltico have done little more than walking exercise on the track at Sandown.
Kirklees and Crime Scene were scheduled to do some light work this morning (Thursday) but Godolphin’s travelling foreman Tommy Strang said it had been decided to wait until Friday before stepping up their work.
Strang said Kirklees’ temperature, which was slightly elevated when they arrived in Melbourne, was back to normal and all the other signs were positive.
"In the last 48 hours they have totally eaten up as they would have back at home in Newmarket," Strang said.
He said it was understandable that both horses would take a few days to recover from such a long trip and get back into a normal routine.
Strang confirmed that the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on 17 October was the immediate aim for Kirklees rather than the Tatts Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley a week later.
He said Crime Scene would most likely be kept for the Geelong Cup after which a decision would be made on the Melbourne Cup.
Cumani’s travelling foreman Charlie Henson, who arrived in Melbourne on Monday, is also happy with the progress of Cima de Triomphe and Basaltico.
Cima de Triomphe is high up in the betting for both cups as Cumani bids to go one better than his second placings with Purple Moon and Bauer in the past two Melbourne Cups.
Basaltico will try and make the Melbourne Cup field via the Geelong Cup which Bauer did last year.
Meanwhile, Singapore-trained mare Jolie’s Shinju worked strongly over about 2400 metres this morning as her connections strive to get her back on track for the Cox Plate after her disappointing run at in the JRA Cup at Moonee Valley last Friday night.
Bart Cummings & Allez Wonder
Adelaide Advertiser
MATT STEWART
September 30, 2009 11:30pm
..THE Cups King has a problem - too many Cups contenders.
Bart Cummings' chances of winning a 13th Melbourne Cup, or a seventh Caulfield Cup, improved marginally yesterday when Allez Wonder scored a narrow win at Moonee Valley.
Cummings has always had a high opinion of Allez Wonder, a hard-luck mare whose third in last year's VRC Oaks partially qualified her for a start in both Cups this year.
She is still a long way down the ballot list for both races and would have to win a major lead-up race to be assured of a start in either.
Reg Fleming, Cummings' long-time Melbourne foreman, said he hoped the boss didn't intend to run Allez Wonder in the Herbert Power Handicap at Caulfield on October 10, a traditional springboard to the Caulfield Cup a week later.
"If he does, we'll have half the field," Fleming joked, saying Dandaad and Precedence were certain Herbert Power runners, with Noble Escort a possible starter.
Asked how many Cups contenders Cummings had on his hands, Fleming said: "No idea, too many to count."
Cummings has limited time and few alternatives other than a tilt at the Herbert Power -- and probably risk being balloted from it -- if Allez Wonder is to sneak into the Caulfield Cup.
Allez Wonder's narrow but solid win in yesterday's Pacific Communications Handicap (2040m) prompted TAB Sportsbet to trim her Caulfield Cup quote to $61 and her Melbourne Cup price to $51.
Winning jockey Damien Oliver said Allez Wonder would "stay all day".
Oliver took a pot-shot at yesterday's Valley surface.
"It was grubby racing, which it always is here with the rail out," he said.
Fleming said the Cummings Cup squad was taking shape.
AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor has arrived in Melbourne for the Caulfield Cup and settled in well.
Fleming said Viewed, last year's Melbourne Cup winner who will use Saturday's Turnbull Stakes as a stepping stone to the first Tuesday in November, was "flying".
"He's going. He's the toughest horse I've ever had in 15 years with Bart. He's going better than last year, or at least as good," he said.
MATT STEWART
September 30, 2009 11:30pm
..THE Cups King has a problem - too many Cups contenders.
Bart Cummings' chances of winning a 13th Melbourne Cup, or a seventh Caulfield Cup, improved marginally yesterday when Allez Wonder scored a narrow win at Moonee Valley.
Cummings has always had a high opinion of Allez Wonder, a hard-luck mare whose third in last year's VRC Oaks partially qualified her for a start in both Cups this year.
She is still a long way down the ballot list for both races and would have to win a major lead-up race to be assured of a start in either.
Reg Fleming, Cummings' long-time Melbourne foreman, said he hoped the boss didn't intend to run Allez Wonder in the Herbert Power Handicap at Caulfield on October 10, a traditional springboard to the Caulfield Cup a week later.
"If he does, we'll have half the field," Fleming joked, saying Dandaad and Precedence were certain Herbert Power runners, with Noble Escort a possible starter.
Asked how many Cups contenders Cummings had on his hands, Fleming said: "No idea, too many to count."
Cummings has limited time and few alternatives other than a tilt at the Herbert Power -- and probably risk being balloted from it -- if Allez Wonder is to sneak into the Caulfield Cup.
Allez Wonder's narrow but solid win in yesterday's Pacific Communications Handicap (2040m) prompted TAB Sportsbet to trim her Caulfield Cup quote to $61 and her Melbourne Cup price to $51.
Winning jockey Damien Oliver said Allez Wonder would "stay all day".
Oliver took a pot-shot at yesterday's Valley surface.
"It was grubby racing, which it always is here with the rail out," he said.
Fleming said the Cummings Cup squad was taking shape.
AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor has arrived in Melbourne for the Caulfield Cup and settled in well.
Fleming said Viewed, last year's Melbourne Cup winner who will use Saturday's Turnbull Stakes as a stepping stone to the first Tuesday in November, was "flying".
"He's going. He's the toughest horse I've ever had in 15 years with Bart. He's going better than last year, or at least as good," he said.
Capecover
Racing and Sports
1/10/09
Capecover raced among the second tier staying races last spring including a win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and since then Fieldes has aimed at a place on the big stage.
At his fourth run from a spell this season, over 2500m at Moonee Valley yesterday, he worked home strongly to finish a close-up fourth behind fellow Kiwi Sand Hawk.
It was an eye-catching run under the big weight, given he hasn't been comfortable at the tight Moonee Valley track, but over two miles at Flemington Fieldes is hoping he can show that big finish.
“He's on track for what we've got in mind, heading towards the Melbourne Cup, and will drop down to 51.5kg if he gets into the race but his form will have to improve dramatically on what he did yesterday.”
Fieldes believes he can, though, as he's trained the gelding differently this season to ensure he'll run the longer journeys right out in the tougher class.
“We've been planning this for 12 months knowing he's fully qualified. And he grew into a man last year with all that travelling and is a different horse.
“He's had a long slow preparation. We've had that dream of winning a Melbourne Cup and we've turned him into a grinding stayer so he just doesn't have that ping that he had last year.”
Capecover's next assignment is the Group 2 Winning Edge Stakes (Herbert Power) over 2400m at Caulfield on Saturday week.
He is currently 36th in order for entry for the Melbourne Cup where he has just 51.5kg.
After yesterday's eye-catching effort he was supported in Melbourne Cup betting and is now a $26.00 chance with Betchoice.
1/10/09
Capecover raced among the second tier staying races last spring including a win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and since then Fieldes has aimed at a place on the big stage.
At his fourth run from a spell this season, over 2500m at Moonee Valley yesterday, he worked home strongly to finish a close-up fourth behind fellow Kiwi Sand Hawk.
It was an eye-catching run under the big weight, given he hasn't been comfortable at the tight Moonee Valley track, but over two miles at Flemington Fieldes is hoping he can show that big finish.
“He's on track for what we've got in mind, heading towards the Melbourne Cup, and will drop down to 51.5kg if he gets into the race but his form will have to improve dramatically on what he did yesterday.”
Fieldes believes he can, though, as he's trained the gelding differently this season to ensure he'll run the longer journeys right out in the tougher class.
“We've been planning this for 12 months knowing he's fully qualified. And he grew into a man last year with all that travelling and is a different horse.
“He's had a long slow preparation. We've had that dream of winning a Melbourne Cup and we've turned him into a grinding stayer so he just doesn't have that ping that he had last year.”
Capecover's next assignment is the Group 2 Winning Edge Stakes (Herbert Power) over 2400m at Caulfield on Saturday week.
He is currently 36th in order for entry for the Melbourne Cup where he has just 51.5kg.
After yesterday's eye-catching effort he was supported in Melbourne Cup betting and is now a $26.00 chance with Betchoice.
Mr Clangtastic & Alcopop
Racing & Sports
Cup Penalties For Weekend Winners
Monday, 28 September 2009: Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter has issued spring carnival weight penalties to Mr Clangtastic and Alcopop following their feature race wins over the weekend.
Mr Clangtastic has been penalised 1kg for both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup following his win in the G3 Colin Stephen Quality over 2400m at Randwick on Saturday.
He now has 51kg in both races.
“Mr Clangtastic fought on courageously to win after leading with 57kg on Saturday and has now won each of his three runs over 2400m,” Carpenter said.
“Since Cup weights were released he has also won the Wyong Cup.
”The penalty lifts Mr Clangtastic to 36th in the elimination order for the Caulfield Cup and takes him past the ballot clause for the Melbourne Cup where he is now 45th in the elimination order.
Alcopop has been penalised 1kg for the Melbourne Cup, taking his weight to 51kg, following his win in the Listed JRA Cup at Moonee Valley last Friday night.
Alcopop, who is not a second acceptor for the Caulfield Cup, has been in terrific form for young South Australian trainer Jake Stephens.
“Alcopop won the Balaklava Cup in track record time following the release of weights and was again impressive in winning the JRA Cup,” Carpenter said.
The five-year-old still has to pass the ballot clause for the Melbourne Cup where he is currently 81st on the elimination order.
Cup Penalties For Weekend Winners
Monday, 28 September 2009: Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter has issued spring carnival weight penalties to Mr Clangtastic and Alcopop following their feature race wins over the weekend.
Mr Clangtastic has been penalised 1kg for both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup following his win in the G3 Colin Stephen Quality over 2400m at Randwick on Saturday.
He now has 51kg in both races.
“Mr Clangtastic fought on courageously to win after leading with 57kg on Saturday and has now won each of his three runs over 2400m,” Carpenter said.
“Since Cup weights were released he has also won the Wyong Cup.
”The penalty lifts Mr Clangtastic to 36th in the elimination order for the Caulfield Cup and takes him past the ballot clause for the Melbourne Cup where he is now 45th in the elimination order.
Alcopop has been penalised 1kg for the Melbourne Cup, taking his weight to 51kg, following his win in the Listed JRA Cup at Moonee Valley last Friday night.
Alcopop, who is not a second acceptor for the Caulfield Cup, has been in terrific form for young South Australian trainer Jake Stephens.
“Alcopop won the Balaklava Cup in track record time following the release of weights and was again impressive in winning the JRA Cup,” Carpenter said.
The five-year-old still has to pass the ballot clause for the Melbourne Cup where he is currently 81st on the elimination order.
Betting Market 27/9/09
Emirates Melbourne Cup – totesport bet: 12 Changingoftheguard, Profound Beauty, Vigor, 14 C’est La Guerre, Efficient, Speed Gifted, 16 Master O’Reilly, Viewed, 20 Age Of Aquarius, Roman Emperor, 25 Daffodil, Mourilyan, Munsef, Precedence, Shocking, Tuesday Joy, Zipping, Cima De Triomphe, 33 bar.
Cima De Triomphe's
8 Sep 2009
Punters will no doubt be intrigued to hear that a final decision on Cima De Triomphe's participation in the Emirates Melbourne Cup is fast approaching.
Reports in Australia are claiming that his trainer Luca Cumani has confirmed the colt and he will join stablemate Basaltico on the journey to Melbourne. The horse was last seen finishing fourth in the Arlington Million after beating King George winner Conduit in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes.
Patrick Barbe, racing manager for Cima De Triomphe's owner Teruya Yoshida, said: "It is not yet finalised 100%. I believe he has to enter quarantine before next Thursday, but at the moment Mr Cumani and Mr Yoshida are discussing it. If he did not go to Melbourne, he would run in the Arc de Triomphe."
Despite being successful in last year’s Italian Derby, Cima De Triomphe would be called on to race over more than half a mile further than his usual distances if he were to take his place in the legendary race.
Tuesday was the first forfeit stage for November's race and there remain 18 exciting overseas entries, including Aidan O'Brien's St Leger pair, Changingoftheguard and Age Of Aquarius while Dermot Weld has left in Profound Beauty, Directa King and Ghimaar.
Cima De Triomphe can be backed for the race at odds of 75.00 (Betfair). The same firm make Profound Beauty their 14.5 favourite.
Punters will no doubt be intrigued to hear that a final decision on Cima De Triomphe's participation in the Emirates Melbourne Cup is fast approaching.
Reports in Australia are claiming that his trainer Luca Cumani has confirmed the colt and he will join stablemate Basaltico on the journey to Melbourne. The horse was last seen finishing fourth in the Arlington Million after beating King George winner Conduit in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes.
Patrick Barbe, racing manager for Cima De Triomphe's owner Teruya Yoshida, said: "It is not yet finalised 100%. I believe he has to enter quarantine before next Thursday, but at the moment Mr Cumani and Mr Yoshida are discussing it. If he did not go to Melbourne, he would run in the Arc de Triomphe."
Despite being successful in last year’s Italian Derby, Cima De Triomphe would be called on to race over more than half a mile further than his usual distances if he were to take his place in the legendary race.
Tuesday was the first forfeit stage for November's race and there remain 18 exciting overseas entries, including Aidan O'Brien's St Leger pair, Changingoftheguard and Age Of Aquarius while Dermot Weld has left in Profound Beauty, Directa King and Ghimaar.
Cima De Triomphe can be backed for the race at odds of 75.00 (Betfair). The same firm make Profound Beauty their 14.5 favourite.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Alcopop - Jolie's Shinju - Shocking
THE VIRTUAL FORM GUIDE
27 September 2009
Alcopop has rewarded trainer Jake Stephens faith in the South Australian gelding by winning the $100,000 Listed Tatts Group JRA Cup (2040m) a Moonee Valley last night.
The race boasted a number of Melbourne Cup hopefuls and the Cox Plate bound Jolie's Shinju ($4.10) who was sent out favourite but was beaten before the home turn.
Going for three straight wins, Alcopop ($11-$15) was a drifter in the betting but gun Adelaide jockey Dom Tourneur weaved through the field like an odds on pop and shot away to win comfortably from the evergreen Field Hunter ($10-$11) and Melbourne Cup bound Shocking ($5-$4.80) who overcame a torrid run to finish strongly.
Trainer Jake Stephens was quick to praise Tourneur's efforts.
"What a brilliant ride," said a jubilant Stephens.
But Stephens part in having Alcopop right for the listed event after pulling up a litle sore after the Balaklava Cup did not go unnoticed.
"He didn't pull up 100% but we have had the ultrasound machine on him and he has really responded well, his blood was almost perfect this week," said Stephens.
Tourneur had a smile from ear to ear after dismounting and headed straight for Stephens.
"He is a very good horse!" roared Tourneur.
"I think we should push on with him," he added.
Which begs the question how far the connections push on with the five-year-old South Australian gelding, this could well be this years Spring fairytale.
Alcopop is now just a $41 chance in Melbourne Cup betting with Betstar.
27 September 2009
Alcopop has rewarded trainer Jake Stephens faith in the South Australian gelding by winning the $100,000 Listed Tatts Group JRA Cup (2040m) a Moonee Valley last night.
The race boasted a number of Melbourne Cup hopefuls and the Cox Plate bound Jolie's Shinju ($4.10) who was sent out favourite but was beaten before the home turn.
Going for three straight wins, Alcopop ($11-$15) was a drifter in the betting but gun Adelaide jockey Dom Tourneur weaved through the field like an odds on pop and shot away to win comfortably from the evergreen Field Hunter ($10-$11) and Melbourne Cup bound Shocking ($5-$4.80) who overcame a torrid run to finish strongly.
Trainer Jake Stephens was quick to praise Tourneur's efforts.
"What a brilliant ride," said a jubilant Stephens.
But Stephens part in having Alcopop right for the listed event after pulling up a litle sore after the Balaklava Cup did not go unnoticed.
"He didn't pull up 100% but we have had the ultrasound machine on him and he has really responded well, his blood was almost perfect this week," said Stephens.
Tourneur had a smile from ear to ear after dismounting and headed straight for Stephens.
"He is a very good horse!" roared Tourneur.
"I think we should push on with him," he added.
Which begs the question how far the connections push on with the five-year-old South Australian gelding, this could well be this years Spring fairytale.
Alcopop is now just a $41 chance in Melbourne Cup betting with Betstar.
Profould Beauty - Speed Gifted - Glen Boss
COURIER MAIL
27 September 2009
IT'S Cups time and three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Glen Boss is on the prowl.
Boss wants to win a fourth Melbourne Cup to match the record feats of Harry White and Bobby Lewis, but is yet to lock in a ride in this year's great race at Flemington on November 3.
The former Gympie apprentice thought he was going to resume his association with Irish mare Profound Beauty. He rode the mare last year when an eye-catching fifth behind Viewed.
But trainer Dermot Weld has opted for his stable jockey Pat Smullen, leaving Boss in limbo.
"Apparently Dermot is bringing Pat over. It was a bit of a shock because I saw him (Weld) when I was in Los Angeles earlier in the year and he thought Smullen would struggle to get near the weight.
"But he's going to have a crack so good luck to him. I have to move on. I can't hang around. I have to chase other rides."
Boss is going to test the Lee Freedman-trained Speed Gifted as a possible Cup mount when he pilots the six-year-old in The Metropolitan at Randwick next month.
Speed Gifted needs to win the Metrop to qualify for the Caulfield Cup and edge him closer to a Melbourne Cup start.
A former English stayer, Speed Gifted won his first start for Freedman and finished well for fourth in the Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday.
"I'm going to ride Speed Gifted in the Metrop and if he can win there that will qualify him for Caulfield," Boss said.
"He's a very talented horse and probably got further back than he would have liked the other day when he had a bad barrier to contend with. He's heading in the right direction and he's well in the Cup markets."
Boss, 40, is the only jockey to win three consecutive Melbourne Cups, achieving the feat aboard Makybe Diva, who coincidentally was trained by Freedman for her last two wins. The champion mare was prepared by David Hall when Boss won the first of his treble in 2003.
Despite his illustrious record, Boss had a difficult period last year when rides at his Sydney base dried up after he returned from a stint in Hong Kong.
"I don't know what happened. There was a perception I was not riding well. It was totally false. Talk like that starts and goes like wildfire.
"People I thought were in my corner turned their back, but that's racing and the nature of the beast. I'm not one to whinge so I packed up my bat and ball and went somewhere else."
In December, he made a career-changing decision and shifted with his family to Melbourne.
Since then Boss has gone from riding at the occasional midweek, to becoming one of Victoria's "have saddle will travel" riders, and he is loving it.
"It was a tough decision to make the move and I was never going to walk into the joint. Obviously I am well known but I am not a local so it has taken a lot of hard work, but I'm loving it.
"I used to ride at the occasional provincial in Sydney, but down here I enjoy riding everywhere. The racetracks here are amazing and top trainers are not scared to take good horses to these meetings. It's the way they work down here."
Boss notched his 65th Group 1 winner last Saturday when Turffontein won the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield. He also scored earlier on the day on highly-promising Thousand Guineas hope Irish Lights.
There is no doubt Boss is fully settled in Melbourne and riding as well as ever. It could be a rich carnival for the flamboyant rider.
He has started the season strongly and would dearly love to win his fourth title as Australia's leading Group 1 rider, which he took in seasons 2003-2005.
It is also no surprise he is supremely confident the fourth Cup will eventually come.
"You never know how long I'll stay here, but I would like to think this is my last port of call. It would be good to get a fourth Cup, whether it's this year or not, I'm sure I'll get there one day."
27 September 2009
IT'S Cups time and three-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Glen Boss is on the prowl.
Boss wants to win a fourth Melbourne Cup to match the record feats of Harry White and Bobby Lewis, but is yet to lock in a ride in this year's great race at Flemington on November 3.
The former Gympie apprentice thought he was going to resume his association with Irish mare Profound Beauty. He rode the mare last year when an eye-catching fifth behind Viewed.
But trainer Dermot Weld has opted for his stable jockey Pat Smullen, leaving Boss in limbo.
"Apparently Dermot is bringing Pat over. It was a bit of a shock because I saw him (Weld) when I was in Los Angeles earlier in the year and he thought Smullen would struggle to get near the weight.
"But he's going to have a crack so good luck to him. I have to move on. I can't hang around. I have to chase other rides."
Boss is going to test the Lee Freedman-trained Speed Gifted as a possible Cup mount when he pilots the six-year-old in The Metropolitan at Randwick next month.
Speed Gifted needs to win the Metrop to qualify for the Caulfield Cup and edge him closer to a Melbourne Cup start.
A former English stayer, Speed Gifted won his first start for Freedman and finished well for fourth in the Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday.
"I'm going to ride Speed Gifted in the Metrop and if he can win there that will qualify him for Caulfield," Boss said.
"He's a very talented horse and probably got further back than he would have liked the other day when he had a bad barrier to contend with. He's heading in the right direction and he's well in the Cup markets."
Boss, 40, is the only jockey to win three consecutive Melbourne Cups, achieving the feat aboard Makybe Diva, who coincidentally was trained by Freedman for her last two wins. The champion mare was prepared by David Hall when Boss won the first of his treble in 2003.
Despite his illustrious record, Boss had a difficult period last year when rides at his Sydney base dried up after he returned from a stint in Hong Kong.
"I don't know what happened. There was a perception I was not riding well. It was totally false. Talk like that starts and goes like wildfire.
"People I thought were in my corner turned their back, but that's racing and the nature of the beast. I'm not one to whinge so I packed up my bat and ball and went somewhere else."
In December, he made a career-changing decision and shifted with his family to Melbourne.
Since then Boss has gone from riding at the occasional midweek, to becoming one of Victoria's "have saddle will travel" riders, and he is loving it.
"It was a tough decision to make the move and I was never going to walk into the joint. Obviously I am well known but I am not a local so it has taken a lot of hard work, but I'm loving it.
"I used to ride at the occasional provincial in Sydney, but down here I enjoy riding everywhere. The racetracks here are amazing and top trainers are not scared to take good horses to these meetings. It's the way they work down here."
Boss notched his 65th Group 1 winner last Saturday when Turffontein won the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield. He also scored earlier on the day on highly-promising Thousand Guineas hope Irish Lights.
There is no doubt Boss is fully settled in Melbourne and riding as well as ever. It could be a rich carnival for the flamboyant rider.
He has started the season strongly and would dearly love to win his fourth title as Australia's leading Group 1 rider, which he took in seasons 2003-2005.
It is also no surprise he is supremely confident the fourth Cup will eventually come.
"You never know how long I'll stay here, but I would like to think this is my last port of call. It would be good to get a fourth Cup, whether it's this year or not, I'm sure I'll get there one day."
Basaltico - Damien Oliver
NZ Herald
26 September 2009
Damien Oliver has been booked to ride the Cumani-trained Basaltico in the Group Three Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 21. He has no Melbourne Cup booking at this stage.
26 September 2009
Damien Oliver has been booked to ride the Cumani-trained Basaltico in the Group Three Geelong Cup (2400m) on October 21. He has no Melbourne Cup booking at this stage.
Mourilyan - Bankable
HERALD SUN
Adrian Dunn
26 September 2009
CHECHEN despot Ramzan Kadyrov will have a Melbourne Cup runner . . . at this stage.
But the Victoria Racing Club has not ruled out the possibility that it will refuse to allow Mr Kadyrov's horse, Mourilyan, to contest the $5.5 million race.
Mr Kadyrov, President of the Chechnya and described by Greens leader Bob Brown as a "blood-soaked dictator", could also have a runner on Derby Day, the opening day of Spring Racing Carnival.
Dale Monteith, the VRC's chief executive officer, last night was coy about what action the club might take.
He said the VRC committee yesterday heard views on the issue from Racing Victoria Limited chiefs Michael Duffy and Rob Hines.
Mr Monteith said the pair had told him that RVL would not be doing anything to stop Mourilyan and another of Mr Kadyrov's horses, Bankable, coming to Melbourne.
Mourilyan, entered in the Melbourne Cup, and Bankable, scheduled to run in the $750,000 LKS Mackinnon Stakes, are both last-start winners in England. Tab Sportsbet rates Mourilyan a $31 Cup chance.
Both horses are in quarantine in the UK and are due to arrive here in three weeks.
Mr Monteith said: "That's where it stands at the moment. We don't have any further comment."
The Rules Of Racing state the VRC has the power to refuse the nomination of any horse for any race. It does not have to give a reason.
Second declarations, along with a $1450 payment, are due at noon on Tuesday.
Mr Monteith said the VRC was aware of the rule, but added that the club "at this stage had not considered it".
If the VRC does decide to reject Mr Kadyrov's horses, it must do so before October 8, the day they are due to leave England.
Adrian Dunn
26 September 2009
CHECHEN despot Ramzan Kadyrov will have a Melbourne Cup runner . . . at this stage.
But the Victoria Racing Club has not ruled out the possibility that it will refuse to allow Mr Kadyrov's horse, Mourilyan, to contest the $5.5 million race.
Mr Kadyrov, President of the Chechnya and described by Greens leader Bob Brown as a "blood-soaked dictator", could also have a runner on Derby Day, the opening day of Spring Racing Carnival.
Dale Monteith, the VRC's chief executive officer, last night was coy about what action the club might take.
He said the VRC committee yesterday heard views on the issue from Racing Victoria Limited chiefs Michael Duffy and Rob Hines.
Mr Monteith said the pair had told him that RVL would not be doing anything to stop Mourilyan and another of Mr Kadyrov's horses, Bankable, coming to Melbourne.
Mourilyan, entered in the Melbourne Cup, and Bankable, scheduled to run in the $750,000 LKS Mackinnon Stakes, are both last-start winners in England. Tab Sportsbet rates Mourilyan a $31 Cup chance.
Both horses are in quarantine in the UK and are due to arrive here in three weeks.
Mr Monteith said: "That's where it stands at the moment. We don't have any further comment."
The Rules Of Racing state the VRC has the power to refuse the nomination of any horse for any race. It does not have to give a reason.
Second declarations, along with a $1450 payment, are due at noon on Tuesday.
Mr Monteith said the VRC was aware of the rule, but added that the club "at this stage had not considered it".
If the VRC does decide to reject Mr Kadyrov's horses, it must do so before October 8, the day they are due to leave England.
Crime Scene Cima De Triomphe Basaltico Shocking
THE AGE
Andrew Eddy
27 September
Touching down with Kirklees was seven-year-old stablemate Crime Scene, who is 24th in line for a Caulfield Cup run, but connections might decide to go to the Melbourne Cup via the Geelong Cup instead.
Also arriving in Australia yesterday were Luca Cumani's pair of Cima De Triomphe and Basaltico. Cima De Triomphe will be ridden by Damien Oliver in the Caulfield Cup but Basaltico is likely to have to earn a Melbourne Cup start through the Geelong Cup.
Trainer Mark Kavanagh said Friday night's JRA Cup third placegetter Shocking would try to earn a Caulfield Cup start through either Saturday's Bart Cummings at Flemington or the following week in the Winning Edge Stakes at Caulfield. At 28th in order, he is in danger of missing the Cup field of 18.
Andrew Eddy
27 September
Touching down with Kirklees was seven-year-old stablemate Crime Scene, who is 24th in line for a Caulfield Cup run, but connections might decide to go to the Melbourne Cup via the Geelong Cup instead.
Also arriving in Australia yesterday were Luca Cumani's pair of Cima De Triomphe and Basaltico. Cima De Triomphe will be ridden by Damien Oliver in the Caulfield Cup but Basaltico is likely to have to earn a Melbourne Cup start through the Geelong Cup.
Trainer Mark Kavanagh said Friday night's JRA Cup third placegetter Shocking would try to earn a Caulfield Cup start through either Saturday's Bart Cummings at Flemington or the following week in the Winning Edge Stakes at Caulfield. At 28th in order, he is in danger of missing the Cup field of 18.
Jolie's Shinju & Kirklees
THE AGE
Andrew Eddie
Sept 27
THERE may be no international attempt at next month's Cox Plate after a change of mind from the Godolphin stable and an inglorious effort from Singapore's champion mare Jolie's Shinju in Friday night's JRA Cup at Moonee Valley.
Connections of Jolie's Shinju must produce an ECG certificate before she is permitted to race again after she was found to have had a heart irregularity and suffering a cardiac ailment known as the ''thumps'' after she was beaten more than 16 lengths as the $4.80 favourite when second-last over the 2040-metre trip.
The mare's jockey, Ronnie Stewart, told stewards he could offer no excuse for her failure, other than the fact she may not have handled the slow conditions. As expected, Jolie's Shinju led the race and seemed to travel kindly until just inside the 800-metre mark before fading.
It was the first slow track the Singapore Derby winner had seen and the race was conducted in sloppy conditions, being the last of eight races.
Jolie's Shinju, who debuted in this country in fine style with a third place in the group 2 Dato' Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley earlier this month, had recovered from the run by yesterday morning and connections are considering running her again in the next two weeks before making a decision on the Cox Plate.
She could start in either the group 1 Yalumba Stakes (2000 metres) at weight-for-age at Caulfield on October 10 or drop back to the 1600 metres of the group 1 Toorak Handicap on the same day.
The news on Jolie's Shinju followed an announcement from the Godolphin stable that the well-respected six-year-old Kirklees, who was one of two Godolphin horses to arrive in Melbourne early yesterday, might bypass the Cox Plate and instead run a week earlier in the Caulfield Cup.
Kirklees, a last-start winner over the Caulfield Cup distance at Kempton in England earlier this month, is sixth in order to gain a Caulfield Cup run with 56 kilograms. It is expected high-profile stable rider Frankie Dettori, who is yet to claim a feature over the Melbourne spring carnival, will partner him this spring.
Godolphin won last year's Caulfield Cup with All The Good.
Touching down with Kirklees was seven-year-old stablemate Crime Scene, who is 24th in line for a Caulfield Cup run, but connections might decide to go to the Melbourne Cup via the Geelong Cup instead.
Andrew Eddie
Sept 27
THERE may be no international attempt at next month's Cox Plate after a change of mind from the Godolphin stable and an inglorious effort from Singapore's champion mare Jolie's Shinju in Friday night's JRA Cup at Moonee Valley.
Connections of Jolie's Shinju must produce an ECG certificate before she is permitted to race again after she was found to have had a heart irregularity and suffering a cardiac ailment known as the ''thumps'' after she was beaten more than 16 lengths as the $4.80 favourite when second-last over the 2040-metre trip.
The mare's jockey, Ronnie Stewart, told stewards he could offer no excuse for her failure, other than the fact she may not have handled the slow conditions. As expected, Jolie's Shinju led the race and seemed to travel kindly until just inside the 800-metre mark before fading.
It was the first slow track the Singapore Derby winner had seen and the race was conducted in sloppy conditions, being the last of eight races.
Jolie's Shinju, who debuted in this country in fine style with a third place in the group 2 Dato' Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley earlier this month, had recovered from the run by yesterday morning and connections are considering running her again in the next two weeks before making a decision on the Cox Plate.
She could start in either the group 1 Yalumba Stakes (2000 metres) at weight-for-age at Caulfield on October 10 or drop back to the 1600 metres of the group 1 Toorak Handicap on the same day.
The news on Jolie's Shinju followed an announcement from the Godolphin stable that the well-respected six-year-old Kirklees, who was one of two Godolphin horses to arrive in Melbourne early yesterday, might bypass the Cox Plate and instead run a week earlier in the Caulfield Cup.
Kirklees, a last-start winner over the Caulfield Cup distance at Kempton in England earlier this month, is sixth in order to gain a Caulfield Cup run with 56 kilograms. It is expected high-profile stable rider Frankie Dettori, who is yet to claim a feature over the Melbourne spring carnival, will partner him this spring.
Godolphin won last year's Caulfield Cup with All The Good.
Touching down with Kirklees was seven-year-old stablemate Crime Scene, who is 24th in line for a Caulfield Cup run, but connections might decide to go to the Melbourne Cup via the Geelong Cup instead.
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