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.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
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.
Chester
The Camden Advertiser
Cup buff gets gig
BY ILONA MARCHETTA
16/09/2009 10:18:00 AM
MAX Hitchins thought he was on to a brain exercise with a difference when he set out to memorise all 100 Melbourne Cup winners.
But Mr Hitchins wasn't satisfied when he was told, after completing the exercise, that there were quite a few people who could perform the feat.
So he went on to memorise the iconic horse race's second and third place-getters, learning anecdotes about them along the way.
Now famed in Australian racing circles, Mr Hitchins was an obvious choice to host the Melbourne Cup Ball at Camden's Camelot House in October. Camden is where you will find the grave of CHester the 1877 Melbourne Cup winner. In the picture Camden Mayor Chris Patterson is seen here with Max Hitchins.
The ball celebrates the 2009 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour through Camden on Friday, October 23.
``I'm a Melbourne Cup nutter,'' said Mr Hitchins, who is a motivational speaker and hospitality industry professional.
``I grew up in a country town in northern NSW called Moree ... I was never interested in punting, I was more interested in the history of the races and the horses.''
He's found a way to put his hobby to use each year he collects and analyses data on racing horses around the world to narrow the 24 horses entered into the Melbourne Cup down to six likely winners. He sells the information as eBook How To Pick The Winner Of The Emirates Melbourne Cup.
Retired jockey John Letts, who won the cup on Piping Lane in 1972 and on Beldale Ball in 1980, will also attend the ball as a tour ambassador.
Tickets to the ball are $125 (each) or $1100 for a table of 10.
Details, bookings: 46547777.
Roman Emperor
HUGH Bowman, winner of the inaugural Bart Cummings Medal, is linking with racing's living legend in a bid to finally ride in a Melbourne Cup this spring.
The champion jockey has retained the mount on Cummings' top stayer Roman Emperor in the Group Two $150,000 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow.
Bowman, Sydney's reigning premier jockey, is hopeful he stays on Roman Emperor this spring, allowing him to achieve a career ambition and have his first Melbourne Cup ride.
"Roman Emperor has got my weight in the Cups,'' Bowman said. "I've told the stable I'm available to ride the horse in the Melbourne Cup if they want me.''
Bowman had been booked to ride Randwick and Rosehill Guineas winner Metal Bender in the Cups this spring but that horse broke down in training last month. Then the Roman Emperor mount became available when Jim Cassidy elected to stay with Vision And Power in the Chelmsford Stakes and again in the Hill Stakes.
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Cassidy had ridden Roman Emperor in his AJC Australian Derby triumph last autumn. Bowman partnered the Cummings stayer in the Chelmsford and was impressed with his closing fifth behind rising star O'Lonhro.
"Roman Emperor's effort at Randwick last start was very encouraging. He's heading the right way,'' Bowman enthused.
Bowman has good reason to stick with the Cummings stable as the Hall of Fame trainer has won an extraordinary 12 Melbourne Cups.
The great trainer wants to make it a baker's dozen of Melbourne Cups and rates Roman Emperor and last year's winner Viewed, who is running in the Group One $350,000 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield tomorrow, as his best chances this year.
Cummings used the Hill Stakes to get champion Saintly back to winning touch on his way to a memorable Melbourne Cup success in 1996.
The champion jockey has retained the mount on Cummings' top stayer Roman Emperor in the Group Two $150,000 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow.
Bowman, Sydney's reigning premier jockey, is hopeful he stays on Roman Emperor this spring, allowing him to achieve a career ambition and have his first Melbourne Cup ride.
"Roman Emperor has got my weight in the Cups,'' Bowman said. "I've told the stable I'm available to ride the horse in the Melbourne Cup if they want me.''
Bowman had been booked to ride Randwick and Rosehill Guineas winner Metal Bender in the Cups this spring but that horse broke down in training last month. Then the Roman Emperor mount became available when Jim Cassidy elected to stay with Vision And Power in the Chelmsford Stakes and again in the Hill Stakes.
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Cassidy had ridden Roman Emperor in his AJC Australian Derby triumph last autumn. Bowman partnered the Cummings stayer in the Chelmsford and was impressed with his closing fifth behind rising star O'Lonhro.
"Roman Emperor's effort at Randwick last start was very encouraging. He's heading the right way,'' Bowman enthused.
Bowman has good reason to stick with the Cummings stable as the Hall of Fame trainer has won an extraordinary 12 Melbourne Cups.
The great trainer wants to make it a baker's dozen of Melbourne Cups and rates Roman Emperor and last year's winner Viewed, who is running in the Group One $350,000 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield tomorrow, as his best chances this year.
Cummings used the Hill Stakes to get champion Saintly back to winning touch on his way to a memorable Melbourne Cup success in 1996.
Speed Gifted
Currently, Speed Gifted is the $9 second favourite for the Caulfield Cup but has not passed the first elimination clause for the race and is equal 83rd in line for a start in the 18-horse field. Win today, and he sits with the Makybe Diva Stakes winner of 14 days ago Vigor, as exempt from the ballot and at the top of the betting for the $2.5 million handicap.
Freedman, who has won four Caulfield Cups and five Melbourne Cups but has struggled to have a runner in either race over the last few years, said yesterday that it was one thing to have a good opportunity and another to take it. ''It's a great chance to get into a race like a Caulfield Cup with a nice weight and I think the race is a terrific idea. But you've still got to win it,'' he said yesterday.
''I am concerned of course about the start [barrier 18] but there is a good 400-metre run to the first turn and if he can park somewhere he'll have his chance if he's good enough.''
Speed Gifted, who began his racing career in the UK, can today give Freedman his best chance at the major cups since the 2005 Melbourne Cup win of three-time champion Makybe Diva. He has just 51 kilograms in the Caulfield Cup, where a top-five placing would lift him beyond the first ballot clause for the Melbourne Cup.
The six-year-old has won at both starts in Melbourne since arriving from the UK and goes into the spring as one of the carnival's wildcards. At best, he can measure up into being a Melbourne Cup horse. ''He was considered a good 2400-metre horse in Europe, so you'd think 3200 metres on a flat track [Flemington] shouldn't be a bother.''
As a back-up in case Speed Gifted does not earn an automatic Caulfield Cup start, he will run the horse in the group 1 Metropolitan (2400 metres) in Sydney on October 3 where the horse would be certain of attracting a penalty that would lift him into the field for the Caulfield Cup.
Freedman, who has won four Caulfield Cups and five Melbourne Cups but has struggled to have a runner in either race over the last few years, said yesterday that it was one thing to have a good opportunity and another to take it. ''It's a great chance to get into a race like a Caulfield Cup with a nice weight and I think the race is a terrific idea. But you've still got to win it,'' he said yesterday.
''I am concerned of course about the start [barrier 18] but there is a good 400-metre run to the first turn and if he can park somewhere he'll have his chance if he's good enough.''
Speed Gifted, who began his racing career in the UK, can today give Freedman his best chance at the major cups since the 2005 Melbourne Cup win of three-time champion Makybe Diva. He has just 51 kilograms in the Caulfield Cup, where a top-five placing would lift him beyond the first ballot clause for the Melbourne Cup.
The six-year-old has won at both starts in Melbourne since arriving from the UK and goes into the spring as one of the carnival's wildcards. At best, he can measure up into being a Melbourne Cup horse. ''He was considered a good 2400-metre horse in Europe, so you'd think 3200 metres on a flat track [Flemington] shouldn't be a bother.''
As a back-up in case Speed Gifted does not earn an automatic Caulfield Cup start, he will run the horse in the group 1 Metropolitan (2400 metres) in Sydney on October 3 where the horse would be certain of attracting a penalty that would lift him into the field for the Caulfield Cup.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Hoorang
NZ.
Durable mare Hoorang's Melbourne Cup campaign gained a lift when she beat a handy field over 2000m at Hastings yesterday.
Her trainer, Wanganui vet Ian Shaw, was inquiring into bookings to Melbourne today, but said it looked as if she would head over in the first week of October.
He had not nominated her for the $1.2 million Kelt Stakes at Hastings on October 3, and said the $45,000 late nomination fee ruled out any second thoughts on that front.
Hoorang is nominated for both the Caulfield and Melbourne cups, but Shaw said he wouldn't be worried if, as seemed likely, she failed to make the Caulfield Cup field.
"She is pushing it to get in, but it's an on-pacers' track and the turns are a bit tight. It might not suit her as much as Flemington, where the long straight is better for her," he told NZPA today.
Hoorang is 57th in the order of entry for the Melbourne Cup and would need to win a penalty-bearing race to have a chance of making the field.
Shaw said he would look for suitable races to try to get her in the field, including the Saab Quality (2500m) three days before the cup, where the winner is exempt from the cup ballot.
Hoorang, who won the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton in November, powered home down the outside yesterday, to win by three-quarters of a length from Halls, who flew late to cut Harris Tweed out of third, with New Zealand Oaks winner Jungle Rocket running on well for fourth.
Hoorang had benefited from increased fast work at training and a tongue tie yesterday, Shaw said.
Durable mare Hoorang's Melbourne Cup campaign gained a lift when she beat a handy field over 2000m at Hastings yesterday.
Her trainer, Wanganui vet Ian Shaw, was inquiring into bookings to Melbourne today, but said it looked as if she would head over in the first week of October.
He had not nominated her for the $1.2 million Kelt Stakes at Hastings on October 3, and said the $45,000 late nomination fee ruled out any second thoughts on that front.
Hoorang is nominated for both the Caulfield and Melbourne cups, but Shaw said he wouldn't be worried if, as seemed likely, she failed to make the Caulfield Cup field.
"She is pushing it to get in, but it's an on-pacers' track and the turns are a bit tight. It might not suit her as much as Flemington, where the long straight is better for her," he told NZPA today.
Hoorang is 57th in the order of entry for the Melbourne Cup and would need to win a penalty-bearing race to have a chance of making the field.
Shaw said he would look for suitable races to try to get her in the field, including the Saab Quality (2500m) three days before the cup, where the winner is exempt from the cup ballot.
Hoorang, who won the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton in November, powered home down the outside yesterday, to win by three-quarters of a length from Halls, who flew late to cut Harris Tweed out of third, with New Zealand Oaks winner Jungle Rocket running on well for fourth.
Hoorang had benefited from increased fast work at training and a tongue tie yesterday, Shaw said.
WHOBEGOTYOU
THE AGE
Andrew Eddy
September 23, 2009
WHOBEGOTYOU may try to emulate the remarkable final campaign of champion mare Makybe Diva, with a Melbourne Cup run to possibly follow his Cox Plate tilt.
Trainer Mark Kavanagh said it was a distinct possibility that Whobegotyou could contest the Melbourne Cup, as Makybe Diva did in 2005, off a successful Cox Plate campaign.
''She showed that it was possible and it's certainly an option that has its appeal,'' he said yesterday.
''Every owner wants a Melbourne Cup runner and he's fully qualified and is assured to get a run in the race, so you'd be mad not to seriously consider it.''
Few punters have considered the plan, as while Whobegotyou is the $3.80 favourite to win the Cox Plate on October 24, he is a $41 chance to win the Melbourne Cup 10 days later.
Whobegotyou has run just once over further than 2040 metres, when he was runner-up to Rebel Raider in last spring's 2500-metre Victoria Derby.
Some observers thought Whobegotyou failed to stay the trip and so have dismissed him as a Melbourne Cup chance.
Kavanagh said plans were still up in the air for Whobegotyou, who could run in Saturday week's Turnbull Stakes at Flemington or be saved for the following week's Yalumba Stakes at Caulfield.
Kavanagh paid the $770 on behalf of owner Lawrence Eales for Whobegotyou to remain in the hunt for the Caulfield Cup when second declarations were taken yesterday - one of 82 horses still in the hunt.
Andrew Eddy
September 23, 2009
WHOBEGOTYOU may try to emulate the remarkable final campaign of champion mare Makybe Diva, with a Melbourne Cup run to possibly follow his Cox Plate tilt.
Trainer Mark Kavanagh said it was a distinct possibility that Whobegotyou could contest the Melbourne Cup, as Makybe Diva did in 2005, off a successful Cox Plate campaign.
''She showed that it was possible and it's certainly an option that has its appeal,'' he said yesterday.
''Every owner wants a Melbourne Cup runner and he's fully qualified and is assured to get a run in the race, so you'd be mad not to seriously consider it.''
Few punters have considered the plan, as while Whobegotyou is the $3.80 favourite to win the Cox Plate on October 24, he is a $41 chance to win the Melbourne Cup 10 days later.
Whobegotyou has run just once over further than 2040 metres, when he was runner-up to Rebel Raider in last spring's 2500-metre Victoria Derby.
Some observers thought Whobegotyou failed to stay the trip and so have dismissed him as a Melbourne Cup chance.
Kavanagh said plans were still up in the air for Whobegotyou, who could run in Saturday week's Turnbull Stakes at Flemington or be saved for the following week's Yalumba Stakes at Caulfield.
Kavanagh paid the $770 on behalf of owner Lawrence Eales for Whobegotyou to remain in the hunt for the Caulfield Cup when second declarations were taken yesterday - one of 82 horses still in the hunt.
Unsung Heroine
Andrew Eddy
September 25, 2009
AdvertisementDAVID Hayes' best Melbourne Cup chance Unsung Heroine is struggling with an infected tendon, which threatens to derail lofty plans for the imported mare this spring.
The Sadler's Wells mare, who was purchased in England last December for $2.4 million by Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Stud, has missed some vital work this week, which has placed her entire campaign in doubt.
''She's on antibiotics at the moment and can't work, so it's important that she gets back on the track as soon as possible - certainly by the weekend - if she's going to get to the Melbourne Cup,'' Hayes said yesterday.
''She really turned the corner after she had that run at Flemington [when last in a 1700-metre handicap]. She wasn't working that well before the race but that seemed to spark her on and she was coming along very nicely. She'd been working brilliantly and I was looking forward to Friday night's race, but it's not the end of the world if she can't make it [to the Melbourne Cup]. I won't push her, as when she arrived here I had 2010 in mind for her anyway.''
Unsung Heroine made her Australian debut earlier this month at Flemington but failed to beat a runner home in an unsuitable 1700-metre race. Hayes said he was expecting her to improve ''out of sight'' in tonight's JRA Cup at Moonee Valley before the infection.
''It's nothing like a bowed tendon or anything like that,'' he said. ''She's obviously nicked herself slightly and the infection has come from there but we're hoping we've got on top of it and she can push on,'' he said.
Meanwhile, top rider Noel Callow has escaped serious injury but is expected to miss at least two weeks of the spring carnival after a fall at Betfair Park on Wednesday. Callow was cleared of any breaks, but sustained severe bruising to the buttocks.
September 25, 2009
AdvertisementDAVID Hayes' best Melbourne Cup chance Unsung Heroine is struggling with an infected tendon, which threatens to derail lofty plans for the imported mare this spring.
The Sadler's Wells mare, who was purchased in England last December for $2.4 million by Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Stud, has missed some vital work this week, which has placed her entire campaign in doubt.
''She's on antibiotics at the moment and can't work, so it's important that she gets back on the track as soon as possible - certainly by the weekend - if she's going to get to the Melbourne Cup,'' Hayes said yesterday.
''She really turned the corner after she had that run at Flemington [when last in a 1700-metre handicap]. She wasn't working that well before the race but that seemed to spark her on and she was coming along very nicely. She'd been working brilliantly and I was looking forward to Friday night's race, but it's not the end of the world if she can't make it [to the Melbourne Cup]. I won't push her, as when she arrived here I had 2010 in mind for her anyway.''
Unsung Heroine made her Australian debut earlier this month at Flemington but failed to beat a runner home in an unsuitable 1700-metre race. Hayes said he was expecting her to improve ''out of sight'' in tonight's JRA Cup at Moonee Valley before the infection.
''It's nothing like a bowed tendon or anything like that,'' he said. ''She's obviously nicked herself slightly and the infection has come from there but we're hoping we've got on top of it and she can push on,'' he said.
Meanwhile, top rider Noel Callow has escaped serious injury but is expected to miss at least two weeks of the spring carnival after a fall at Betfair Park on Wednesday. Callow was cleared of any breaks, but sustained severe bruising to the buttocks.
Capecover NZ - Sand Hawk NZ
Blodstock.com.au
25/9/09
New Zealanders Capecover and Sand Hawk continue their preparations aimed at the $5.5 million Melbourne Cup in the Ansett Classic.
Capecover, prepared by Alexander Fieldes, is well known in Australia having won last year's Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2500m) at Flemington after being balloted out of the Melbourne Cup.
The Cape Cross gelding would have gained a berth in the 2008 Cup had he won the Saab Quality (2500m) at Flemington, a race in which he didn't have a lot of luck before finishing third to Moatize, beaten just over a length.
Fieldes, a meat inspector who took two months off to prepare Capecover on Paddy Payne's property near Ballarat, has done the same again this spring with the Melbourne Cup his major focus.
The seven-year-old, weighted to carry 51.5kg in the Cup which is 8kg below weight-for-age, is qualified and currently 36th in the elimination order.
Capecover began his campaign with unplaced runs over 1400m and 1600m in New Zealand before running eighth to Red Lord in the Group Three Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on September 19.
Craig Williams, who has ridden Capecover five times, again takes the mount on Saturday.
The Jenny Vance-trained Sand Hawk has yet to pass the first ballot clause for the Cup and is currently 97th in the elimination order but the first prize of $61,000 in the Ansett Classic would qualify the six-year-old.
But the Sandtrap gelding, with 50kg in the Cup which is 9.5kg below weight-for-age, would need to incur a penalty to improve his chances of gaining a start in the 24-horse field.
Damien Oliver has been engaged to ride Sand Hawk who last start made it seven wins from 37 starts when he scored over 2100m on a slow track at Ellerslie.
25/9/09
New Zealanders Capecover and Sand Hawk continue their preparations aimed at the $5.5 million Melbourne Cup in the Ansett Classic.
Capecover, prepared by Alexander Fieldes, is well known in Australia having won last year's Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2500m) at Flemington after being balloted out of the Melbourne Cup.
The Cape Cross gelding would have gained a berth in the 2008 Cup had he won the Saab Quality (2500m) at Flemington, a race in which he didn't have a lot of luck before finishing third to Moatize, beaten just over a length.
Fieldes, a meat inspector who took two months off to prepare Capecover on Paddy Payne's property near Ballarat, has done the same again this spring with the Melbourne Cup his major focus.
The seven-year-old, weighted to carry 51.5kg in the Cup which is 8kg below weight-for-age, is qualified and currently 36th in the elimination order.
Capecover began his campaign with unplaced runs over 1400m and 1600m in New Zealand before running eighth to Red Lord in the Group Three Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on September 19.
Craig Williams, who has ridden Capecover five times, again takes the mount on Saturday.
The Jenny Vance-trained Sand Hawk has yet to pass the first ballot clause for the Cup and is currently 97th in the elimination order but the first prize of $61,000 in the Ansett Classic would qualify the six-year-old.
But the Sandtrap gelding, with 50kg in the Cup which is 9.5kg below weight-for-age, would need to incur a penalty to improve his chances of gaining a start in the 24-horse field.
Damien Oliver has been engaged to ride Sand Hawk who last start made it seven wins from 37 starts when he scored over 2100m on a slow track at Ellerslie.
Cima De Triomphe - Basaltico - Kirklees - Crime Scene
THE AGE
Andrew Eddy
September 26, 2009
FOUR international horses arrive in Melbourne this morning and while none of the quartet have the form or the reputation of other overseas assaults on the Melbourne Cup, you know instantly that this is no pie-in-the-sky dream for their stables.
Twice beaten into second place in previous Melbourne Cups, both Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin stable and that of Newmarket trainer Luca Cumani know well the task they face in conquering the unique distance handicap.
The horses were due to touch down at dawn today after a 24-hour flight from England, before being sent into three weeks' mandatory quarantine at the Sandown racecourse. There they will join Singapore's champion mare Jolie's Shinju, who arrived in August to be prepared for the Cox Plate.
Cumani sent out quality galloper Cima De Triomphe, who is aimed at both the Caulfield and Melbourne cups, and the still-emerging Basaltico, who probably has to win a race like the Geelong Cup on the way to clinching a Melbourne Cup start.
Godolphin will be represented by Kirklees, a winner of his last three runs in England, as well as by older galloper Crime Scene. Both have entries for the two major cups, as well as the Cox Plate.
Remarkably, given their stables' history of near misses, bookmakers are reporting little action on the four in the Melbourne Cup. Cima De Triomphe, who will be ridden by Damien Oliver, has firmed in recent days to $21, but Kirklees at $31, Basaltico at $61 and Crime Scene at $151, have so far been all but friendless.
Cumani trained Purple Moon in 2007 to a brave second behind Efficient and last year Bauer was hailed the winner by many as he hit the line locked with Bart Cummings' Viewed, with the latter horse holding an advantage of a few centimetres.
It was Cummings who foiled Godolphin's attempt in 1999 when Rogan Josh outstayed Central Park and it took the champion staying mare Ethereal to deal with Give The Slip two years later.
But while the major prize of the Melbourne Cup has eluded both stables, Godolphin and Cumani are coming off last-start wins in Australia. Last spring, All The Good caused an upset when Kerrin McEvoy guided him to a historic Caulfield Cup victory for Sheikh Mohammed and just 11 days later Bauer picked up a $135,000 cheque with his Geelong Cup victory.
A second flight into Melbourne from England is due on October 10 and is expected to carry two-time Melbourne Cup-winning Irish trainer Dermot Weld's class mare Profound Beauty. Sir Michael Stoute's stayer Warringah, who will be trained in Australia by Sydney trainer Chris Waller, and the former Aiden O'Brien-trained Changingoftheguard, who was bought this month by leading Australian trainer David Hayes, are also expected to be aboard. Older stayers Mourilyan and Munsef will also make the flight. This contingent cannot contest the Caulfield Cup as they would not be permitted to leave quarantine until three days before the Melbourne Cup.
Andrew Eddy
September 26, 2009
FOUR international horses arrive in Melbourne this morning and while none of the quartet have the form or the reputation of other overseas assaults on the Melbourne Cup, you know instantly that this is no pie-in-the-sky dream for their stables.
Twice beaten into second place in previous Melbourne Cups, both Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin stable and that of Newmarket trainer Luca Cumani know well the task they face in conquering the unique distance handicap.
The horses were due to touch down at dawn today after a 24-hour flight from England, before being sent into three weeks' mandatory quarantine at the Sandown racecourse. There they will join Singapore's champion mare Jolie's Shinju, who arrived in August to be prepared for the Cox Plate.
Cumani sent out quality galloper Cima De Triomphe, who is aimed at both the Caulfield and Melbourne cups, and the still-emerging Basaltico, who probably has to win a race like the Geelong Cup on the way to clinching a Melbourne Cup start.
Godolphin will be represented by Kirklees, a winner of his last three runs in England, as well as by older galloper Crime Scene. Both have entries for the two major cups, as well as the Cox Plate.
Remarkably, given their stables' history of near misses, bookmakers are reporting little action on the four in the Melbourne Cup. Cima De Triomphe, who will be ridden by Damien Oliver, has firmed in recent days to $21, but Kirklees at $31, Basaltico at $61 and Crime Scene at $151, have so far been all but friendless.
Cumani trained Purple Moon in 2007 to a brave second behind Efficient and last year Bauer was hailed the winner by many as he hit the line locked with Bart Cummings' Viewed, with the latter horse holding an advantage of a few centimetres.
It was Cummings who foiled Godolphin's attempt in 1999 when Rogan Josh outstayed Central Park and it took the champion staying mare Ethereal to deal with Give The Slip two years later.
But while the major prize of the Melbourne Cup has eluded both stables, Godolphin and Cumani are coming off last-start wins in Australia. Last spring, All The Good caused an upset when Kerrin McEvoy guided him to a historic Caulfield Cup victory for Sheikh Mohammed and just 11 days later Bauer picked up a $135,000 cheque with his Geelong Cup victory.
A second flight into Melbourne from England is due on October 10 and is expected to carry two-time Melbourne Cup-winning Irish trainer Dermot Weld's class mare Profound Beauty. Sir Michael Stoute's stayer Warringah, who will be trained in Australia by Sydney trainer Chris Waller, and the former Aiden O'Brien-trained Changingoftheguard, who was bought this month by leading Australian trainer David Hayes, are also expected to be aboard. Older stayers Mourilyan and Munsef will also make the flight. This contingent cannot contest the Caulfield Cup as they would not be permitted to leave quarantine until three days before the Melbourne Cup.
Munsef is coming
From Racing & Sports
Monday, 21 September 2009: English stayer Munsef has been given the green light for an ambitious raid on the Melbourne Cup.
The trip was confirmed by trainer Ian Williams after Munsef finished second in the Stockholm Cup in Sweden last weekend.
"We discussed the matter and decided he should take his chance," Williams told At The Races.
"He has got a nice weight and that should guarantee him a run."
Munsef has 53kg in the Melbourne Cup and is safely placed to gain a start at 26th on the order of entry.
Munsef will leave Williams' West Midlands yard on Thursday for Newmarket, where he will spend two weeks in quarantine before making the long trek to Australia.
He will then have another two weeks in Australia in quarantine at Sandown with the other overseas contenders.
Williams will be making the trip himself to supervise preparations, but as yet no jockey arrangements have been finalised.
Monday, 21 September 2009: English stayer Munsef has been given the green light for an ambitious raid on the Melbourne Cup.
The trip was confirmed by trainer Ian Williams after Munsef finished second in the Stockholm Cup in Sweden last weekend.
"We discussed the matter and decided he should take his chance," Williams told At The Races.
"He has got a nice weight and that should guarantee him a run."
Munsef has 53kg in the Melbourne Cup and is safely placed to gain a start at 26th on the order of entry.
Munsef will leave Williams' West Midlands yard on Thursday for Newmarket, where he will spend two weeks in quarantine before making the long trek to Australia.
He will then have another two weeks in Australia in quarantine at Sandown with the other overseas contenders.
Williams will be making the trip himself to supervise preparations, but as yet no jockey arrangements have been finalised.
Profound Beauty
From Bloodstock.com.au 22/9/09
Trainer Dermot Weld won't decide for another week whether Profound Beauty is a definite Melbourne Cup contender at Flemington in November.
Profound Beauty was well beaten in fourth place on a soggy track behind Alandi in the Group One Irish Field St Leger last start.
Weld believes he made the wrong decision to start Profound Beauty in the St Leger.
"I possibly shouldn't have run her," Weld told Radio TAB.
"The ground was heavy and I didn't run her last year in the St Leger for the same reason."
Despite her failure when beaten more than 23 lengths in the St Leger, Profound Beauty is in quarantine preparing for a trip to Australia.
However, Well said he would not confirm a Melbourne Cup bid until after he watches Profound Beauty work.
"She's well and is in good form but we'll work her in a week's time and decide whether to bring her down," Weld said.
"I'll see how her blood picture is and discuss it all with her owners."
Ireland's champion jockey Pat Smullen has been booked to ride Profound Beauty in the Melbourne Cup.
Smullen is the mare's regular rider but was unable to make her lightweight of 51.5kg in the 2008 Melbourne Cup with Australian Glen Boss taking over the reins.
Profound Beauty finished fifth to Viewed in last year's Melbourne Cup.
Smullen has ridden in three Melbourne Cups, each time aboard Vinnie Roe whose best effort was a second to champion mare Makybe Diva in 2004.
Profound Beauty is a $15 chance for the Cup with TAB Sportsbet following her Irish St Leger failure.
Trainer Dermot Weld won't decide for another week whether Profound Beauty is a definite Melbourne Cup contender at Flemington in November.
Profound Beauty was well beaten in fourth place on a soggy track behind Alandi in the Group One Irish Field St Leger last start.
Weld believes he made the wrong decision to start Profound Beauty in the St Leger.
"I possibly shouldn't have run her," Weld told Radio TAB.
"The ground was heavy and I didn't run her last year in the St Leger for the same reason."
Despite her failure when beaten more than 23 lengths in the St Leger, Profound Beauty is in quarantine preparing for a trip to Australia.
However, Well said he would not confirm a Melbourne Cup bid until after he watches Profound Beauty work.
"She's well and is in good form but we'll work her in a week's time and decide whether to bring her down," Weld said.
"I'll see how her blood picture is and discuss it all with her owners."
Ireland's champion jockey Pat Smullen has been booked to ride Profound Beauty in the Melbourne Cup.
Smullen is the mare's regular rider but was unable to make her lightweight of 51.5kg in the 2008 Melbourne Cup with Australian Glen Boss taking over the reins.
Profound Beauty finished fifth to Viewed in last year's Melbourne Cup.
Smullen has ridden in three Melbourne Cups, each time aboard Vinnie Roe whose best effort was a second to champion mare Makybe Diva in 2004.
Profound Beauty is a $15 chance for the Cup with TAB Sportsbet following her Irish St Leger failure.
Daffodil - Best rated Kiwi horse
A Press Release from the New Zealand Racing Board, dated 22nd September, tells that Daffodil is considered the best rated of the Kiwi horses in the 2009 Melbourne Cup. After winning in Hastings last Saturday Daffodil's price in the Cup dropped from $26 to $15.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The 2009 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tues 4th October
It's not long now to the 149th running of Australia's famous Emirates Melbourne Cup. Between now and Cup Day I will attempt to bring you information that is helpful, beneficial, useful and entertaining in the lead up to the the race that stops a nation.
...and if you want to get 'really serious' about the Cup this year you might want to check my web site www.PickTheCupWinner.com.au
...and if you want to get 'really serious' about the Cup this year you might want to check my web site www.PickTheCupWinner.com.au
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