Melbourne Cup field:
1. Shocking (M Rodd)
2. Campanologist (K McEvoy)
3. So You Think (S Arnold)
4. Zipping (N Hall)
5. Illustrious Blue (G Boss)
6. Mr Medici (D Beadman)
7. Shoot Out (C Brown)
8. American (G Mosse)
9. Tokai Trick (F Fujita)
10. Buccellati (S King)
11. Descarado (N Rawiller)
12. Harris Tweed (B Rawiller)
13. Manighar (D Oliver)
14. Master O'Reilly (V Duric)
15. Monaco Consul (TBC)
16. Profound Beauty (P Smullen)
17. Zavite (M Walker)
18. Bauer (C Munce)
19. Holberg (L Dettori)
20. Precedence (B Shinn)
21. Red Ruler (M De Plessis)
22. Linton (TBC)
23. Once Were Wild (TBC)
24. Maluckyday (J Cassidy)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Geelong Cup
1st: Americain
2nd: Moudre
3rd: Eceptionally
4th: Mr Charlie
5th: Macedonian
6th: Count Encosta
Once were Wild trained by Gai Waterhouse ran 8th
Drunken Sailor trained by Luca Cumani ran 11th
Here is the Sydney Morning Herald reported on Americain's win the day after.
STAR French jockey Gerald Mosse declared his mount, Americain, would win the Melbourne Cup after the stunning six-year-old took out the Geelong Cup yesterday.
For the third time in 10 years, an internationally trained stayer reigned supreme in the group 3 race.
Although fellow raider Drunken Sailor was the more favoured international runner for the Cumani stable, $11 chance Americain showed his class as he navigated his way through traffic and defied top weight to score an impressive win.
Mosse, who will today appeal against a 10-meeting suspension incurred in the Caulfield Cup, had ridden Americain in his last four starts in France and had little doubt that the dual group 2 winner would run a bold race at its Australian debut.
''I wanted to make him a bit more relaxed during the race because he has showed me in the past that he has good ability, he's a good horse,'' he said.
But the ride was far from straightforward, with Americain held up behind the leaders for the majority of the race.
Mosse waited patiently and urged his mount forward when gaps began to come at the 200-metre mark.
''I just had to wait until I could get through, then no worries. He's a beautiful animal,'' he said.
Americain, trained at Chantilly by Alain de Royer-Dupre, is owned by Gerry Ryan, a man who has poured plenty of money into the racing industry in Australia and also abroad.
''It's a great surprise. We thought he'd run well, but there's always a bit of a question when they come from overseas. We knew he was good enough, though,'' Ryan said.
''We wanted this one and it was a fantastic ride considering he didn't have a lot of luck. This is the third horse we've bought into from Europe but the others haven't been fast enough. Hopefully he is.''
Ryan bought Americain on the recommendation of bloodstock agent Robert Roulston, who was able to secure the stallion at a bargain-basement price after a failed campaign in the US in 2009.
''He had very good form in France before he went to America but he lost all form there,'' Roulston said.
''He was qualified for the Melbourne Cup, so we gave him to the trainer that I believed to be the best in Europe, and he's done a great job.''
While the winner found the right runs in the straight, runner-up Moudre did it tough and was just a long head short of victory after covering ground early in the race. Moudre ($5.50 favourite) will need to win the Lexus Quality on Derby day to secure a Melbourne Cup start.
''I always thought he'd benefit from his last run after he missed the start in the Turnbull Stakes, and that's how he raced today. The winner got the favours but he [Moudre] was super. I can't wait to get him back to Flemington,'' said trainer Ciaron Maher.
Third-placed Exceptionally will also head towards the Lexus after finishing a further half-length away, while the Cumani stable will sweat on a high attrition rate for Drunken Sailor to squeeze into the Melbourne Cup after the stayer disappointed in 11th place.
2nd: Moudre
3rd: Eceptionally
4th: Mr Charlie
5th: Macedonian
6th: Count Encosta
Once were Wild trained by Gai Waterhouse ran 8th
Drunken Sailor trained by Luca Cumani ran 11th
Here is the Sydney Morning Herald reported on Americain's win the day after.
STAR French jockey Gerald Mosse declared his mount, Americain, would win the Melbourne Cup after the stunning six-year-old took out the Geelong Cup yesterday.
For the third time in 10 years, an internationally trained stayer reigned supreme in the group 3 race.
Although fellow raider Drunken Sailor was the more favoured international runner for the Cumani stable, $11 chance Americain showed his class as he navigated his way through traffic and defied top weight to score an impressive win.
Mosse, who will today appeal against a 10-meeting suspension incurred in the Caulfield Cup, had ridden Americain in his last four starts in France and had little doubt that the dual group 2 winner would run a bold race at its Australian debut.
''I wanted to make him a bit more relaxed during the race because he has showed me in the past that he has good ability, he's a good horse,'' he said.
But the ride was far from straightforward, with Americain held up behind the leaders for the majority of the race.
Mosse waited patiently and urged his mount forward when gaps began to come at the 200-metre mark.
''I just had to wait until I could get through, then no worries. He's a beautiful animal,'' he said.
Americain, trained at Chantilly by Alain de Royer-Dupre, is owned by Gerry Ryan, a man who has poured plenty of money into the racing industry in Australia and also abroad.
''It's a great surprise. We thought he'd run well, but there's always a bit of a question when they come from overseas. We knew he was good enough, though,'' Ryan said.
''We wanted this one and it was a fantastic ride considering he didn't have a lot of luck. This is the third horse we've bought into from Europe but the others haven't been fast enough. Hopefully he is.''
Ryan bought Americain on the recommendation of bloodstock agent Robert Roulston, who was able to secure the stallion at a bargain-basement price after a failed campaign in the US in 2009.
''He had very good form in France before he went to America but he lost all form there,'' Roulston said.
''He was qualified for the Melbourne Cup, so we gave him to the trainer that I believed to be the best in Europe, and he's done a great job.''
While the winner found the right runs in the straight, runner-up Moudre did it tough and was just a long head short of victory after covering ground early in the race. Moudre ($5.50 favourite) will need to win the Lexus Quality on Derby day to secure a Melbourne Cup start.
''I always thought he'd benefit from his last run after he missed the start in the Turnbull Stakes, and that's how he raced today. The winner got the favours but he [Moudre] was super. I can't wait to get him back to Flemington,'' said trainer Ciaron Maher.
Third-placed Exceptionally will also head towards the Lexus after finishing a further half-length away, while the Cumani stable will sweat on a high attrition rate for Drunken Sailor to squeeze into the Melbourne Cup after the stayer disappointed in 11th place.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Godolphin Horses and latest Cup market
From Races.com.au
11/10/10
Three horses from the world’s biggest horse racing venture Godolphin arrived in Victoria today ready to embark on a campaign targeting the 2010 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday November 2.
Campanologist, Eastern Aria and Holberg have all entered quarantine at the Werribee horse centre in preparation for their Australian race debuts.
Of the trio, dual Group 1 winner Campanologist is the highest rated entry on the 150th Emirates Melbourne Cup order of entry sitting fourth on the ballot and weighted at 56kg.
2010 Melbourne Cup Odds
Horse Odds
So You Think 5.00
Shocking 9.00
Alcopop 13.00
Linton 13.00
Dariana 15.00
Profound Beauty 17.00
Precedence 17.00
Americain 17.00
Faint Perfume 19.00
Herculian Prince21.00
Manighar 21.00
Cest La Guerre 26.00
Zipping 26.00
Bauer 26.00
Metal Bender 26.00
Holberg 26.00
Drunken Sailor 26.00
Harris Tweed 26.00
Moudre 31.00
Illustrious Blue31.00
Mourayan 31.00
Shoot Out 31.00
Tokai Trick 31.00
Jessicabeel 41.00
Six-year-old Campanologist comes to Australia on the back of some impressive form overseas, most recently finishing third to Dangerous Midge in the Arc Trial (2200m) at Newbury.
Despite being assured a spot in the 24-horse Melbourne Cup Field, Campanologist is well down the odds paying $81 through Sportsbet.
Campanologist will likely be ridden by jockey Kerrin McEvoy, currently recovering from a fractured vertebrae, in the Melbourne Cup.
Five-year-old mare Eastern Aria, currently 34th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry, is also at long odds in the Melbourne Cup betting at $51.
The Mark Johnston-trained Eastern Aria received a 1kg penalty for her Park Hill Stakes victory last month, still lightly weighted at 51.5kg for the Melbourne Cup.
A jockey is yet to be confirmed for Eastern Aria’s Melbourne Cup start, but Craig Williams is being considered.
It is Holberg who is at the shortest odds of the trio, paying $26 to win the Melbourne Cup equal with the likes of 2008 Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer, Zipping, C’est La Guerre and Drunken Sailor.
Five-year-old Holberg is 32nd on the elimination order for the Melbourne Cup, allocated 53.5kg.
In a surprise statement, Godolphin announced that Holberg would be ridden by Italian jockey Frankie Dettori when he runs in the $6 million Melbourne Cup.
The last of the international contenders for the 2010 Melbourne Cup, Dermot Weld’s Profound Beauty, is due to arrive in Australia later this afternoon.
Profound Beauty, who ran fifth to Viewed in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, is the shortest priced overseas raider in the Cup betting paying $17 at Sportsbet.
Currently So You Think is the hot favourite at $5 following the Bart Cummings-trained four-year-olds’ impressive win in the Yalumba on Saturday.
11/10/10
Three horses from the world’s biggest horse racing venture Godolphin arrived in Victoria today ready to embark on a campaign targeting the 2010 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday November 2.
Campanologist, Eastern Aria and Holberg have all entered quarantine at the Werribee horse centre in preparation for their Australian race debuts.
Of the trio, dual Group 1 winner Campanologist is the highest rated entry on the 150th Emirates Melbourne Cup order of entry sitting fourth on the ballot and weighted at 56kg.
2010 Melbourne Cup Odds
Horse Odds
So You Think 5.00
Shocking 9.00
Alcopop 13.00
Linton 13.00
Dariana 15.00
Profound Beauty 17.00
Precedence 17.00
Americain 17.00
Faint Perfume 19.00
Herculian Prince21.00
Manighar 21.00
Cest La Guerre 26.00
Zipping 26.00
Bauer 26.00
Metal Bender 26.00
Holberg 26.00
Drunken Sailor 26.00
Harris Tweed 26.00
Moudre 31.00
Illustrious Blue31.00
Mourayan 31.00
Shoot Out 31.00
Tokai Trick 31.00
Jessicabeel 41.00
Six-year-old Campanologist comes to Australia on the back of some impressive form overseas, most recently finishing third to Dangerous Midge in the Arc Trial (2200m) at Newbury.
Despite being assured a spot in the 24-horse Melbourne Cup Field, Campanologist is well down the odds paying $81 through Sportsbet.
Campanologist will likely be ridden by jockey Kerrin McEvoy, currently recovering from a fractured vertebrae, in the Melbourne Cup.
Five-year-old mare Eastern Aria, currently 34th on the Melbourne Cup order of entry, is also at long odds in the Melbourne Cup betting at $51.
The Mark Johnston-trained Eastern Aria received a 1kg penalty for her Park Hill Stakes victory last month, still lightly weighted at 51.5kg for the Melbourne Cup.
A jockey is yet to be confirmed for Eastern Aria’s Melbourne Cup start, but Craig Williams is being considered.
It is Holberg who is at the shortest odds of the trio, paying $26 to win the Melbourne Cup equal with the likes of 2008 Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer, Zipping, C’est La Guerre and Drunken Sailor.
Five-year-old Holberg is 32nd on the elimination order for the Melbourne Cup, allocated 53.5kg.
In a surprise statement, Godolphin announced that Holberg would be ridden by Italian jockey Frankie Dettori when he runs in the $6 million Melbourne Cup.
The last of the international contenders for the 2010 Melbourne Cup, Dermot Weld’s Profound Beauty, is due to arrive in Australia later this afternoon.
Profound Beauty, who ran fifth to Viewed in the 2008 Melbourne Cup, is the shortest priced overseas raider in the Cup betting paying $17 at Sportsbet.
Currently So You Think is the hot favourite at $5 following the Bart Cummings-trained four-year-olds’ impressive win in the Yalumba on Saturday.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Australian
10/10/10
AUSTRALIA'S stables go to Caulfield on Saturday, aiming to repel the first wave of foreign invaders.
The international horses will try to strike an early blow in the run-up the 150th Melbourne Cup.
As many as four horses could make up the Eurasian invasion on Saturday, but that's merely a tease. The full assault will come at Flemington on November 2 when 10 international entries are expected to challenge.
Japanese iron horse Tokai Trick is seeking to go better than 2006 third placegetter Delta Blues and 2005 runner-up Eye Popper on Saturday when he meets Hong Kong galloper Mr Medici and UK pair Manighar and Drunken Sailor.
Tokai Trick has been awaiting the opportunity to compete in Australia since equine influenza outbreaks here and in Japan ended his participation in 2007. He has run in the Tenno Sho, Japan's feature 3200m event, five times and was unlucky in the race this year.
He is regarded as better suited to the longer race, but the Caulfield Cup is not being viewed by trainer Kenji Nonaka as a tune-up. Shinji Fujita, who rode Eye Popper, has come back to exact revenge for the narrow loss to Mummify.
Mr Medici did all his preparatory work in Hong Kong, but has not raced since last season when he won the Champions and Chater Cup, a Group I race at Sha Tin over 2400m. Acclaimed French rider Gerald Mosse returns to Australia for the ride.
Drunken Sailor is likely to be an emergency, unless there are a couple of surprise defections early in the week. A last start winner in England, he will run in the Geelong Cup on Wednesday week if he misses a place in the field on Saturday.
Alcopop returned to his best form when he chased home So You Think in Saturday's Yalumba Stakes (2000m) under weight-for-age conditions at Caulfield. He drops from 59kg to 53.5kg in the Caulfield Cup and and has been promoted to favouritism at $5.50.
Herculian Prince and Metal Bender share the second line of betting at $6.50. Shocking is next at $7.50.
Gai Waterhouse's entry, Herculian Prince, recruited from New Zealand, is a last-start winner of The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick, and will be ridden by South African Glyn Schofield, who now calls Australia home.
10/10/10
AUSTRALIA'S stables go to Caulfield on Saturday, aiming to repel the first wave of foreign invaders.
The international horses will try to strike an early blow in the run-up the 150th Melbourne Cup.
As many as four horses could make up the Eurasian invasion on Saturday, but that's merely a tease. The full assault will come at Flemington on November 2 when 10 international entries are expected to challenge.
Japanese iron horse Tokai Trick is seeking to go better than 2006 third placegetter Delta Blues and 2005 runner-up Eye Popper on Saturday when he meets Hong Kong galloper Mr Medici and UK pair Manighar and Drunken Sailor.
Tokai Trick has been awaiting the opportunity to compete in Australia since equine influenza outbreaks here and in Japan ended his participation in 2007. He has run in the Tenno Sho, Japan's feature 3200m event, five times and was unlucky in the race this year.
He is regarded as better suited to the longer race, but the Caulfield Cup is not being viewed by trainer Kenji Nonaka as a tune-up. Shinji Fujita, who rode Eye Popper, has come back to exact revenge for the narrow loss to Mummify.
Mr Medici did all his preparatory work in Hong Kong, but has not raced since last season when he won the Champions and Chater Cup, a Group I race at Sha Tin over 2400m. Acclaimed French rider Gerald Mosse returns to Australia for the ride.
Drunken Sailor is likely to be an emergency, unless there are a couple of surprise defections early in the week. A last start winner in England, he will run in the Geelong Cup on Wednesday week if he misses a place in the field on Saturday.
Alcopop returned to his best form when he chased home So You Think in Saturday's Yalumba Stakes (2000m) under weight-for-age conditions at Caulfield. He drops from 59kg to 53.5kg in the Caulfield Cup and and has been promoted to favouritism at $5.50.
Herculian Prince and Metal Bender share the second line of betting at $6.50. Shocking is next at $7.50.
Gai Waterhouse's entry, Herculian Prince, recruited from New Zealand, is a last-start winner of The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick, and will be ridden by South African Glyn Schofield, who now calls Australia home.
Friday, October 8, 2010
5th October
From Races.com.au
The 2010 Melbourne Cup second declarations were taken by VRC today narrowing down the list of stayers vying for a spot in the 24-horse Melbourne Cup field to 78.
Seventy-three horses have dropped out of contention since the first declaration stage for the 150th Melbourne Cup, due to run as Race 7 at Flemington on Tuesday November 2.
Cups King Bart Cummings has paid up for five of his stable stars to continue on the $6 million Melbourne Cup path as the legendary trainer attempts his 13th Melbourne Cup win.
Cummings still has Cox Plate champion So You Think, recent JRA Cup winner Precedence, top mare Faint Perfume, seven-year-old Empires Choice coming back into contention after an eye-catching third in the George Main Stakes, and Dariana entered for the famous handicap.
Check out the hoeses left in the field and the prices at:
http://www.races.com.au/2010/10/05/2010-melbourne-cup-second-declarations-leave-78-on-cup-path/
From Races.com.au
The 2010 Melbourne Cup second declarations were taken by VRC today narrowing down the list of stayers vying for a spot in the 24-horse Melbourne Cup field to 78.
Seventy-three horses have dropped out of contention since the first declaration stage for the 150th Melbourne Cup, due to run as Race 7 at Flemington on Tuesday November 2.
Cups King Bart Cummings has paid up for five of his stable stars to continue on the $6 million Melbourne Cup path as the legendary trainer attempts his 13th Melbourne Cup win.
Cummings still has Cox Plate champion So You Think, recent JRA Cup winner Precedence, top mare Faint Perfume, seven-year-old Empires Choice coming back into contention after an eye-catching third in the George Main Stakes, and Dariana entered for the famous handicap.
Check out the hoeses left in the field and the prices at:
http://www.races.com.au/2010/10/05/2010-melbourne-cup-second-declarations-leave-78-on-cup-path/
Sunday, October 3, 2010
C'est La Guerre
HeraldSun.com.au
C'est La Guerre reacquainted himself with the winner's stall for the first time in more than two years at Randwick on Saturday to put himself back in contention for the 150th Melbourne Cup.
Winning his first race since claiming the 2008 New Zealand Derby, C'est La Guerre upset the favourites Purple and Triple Honour in the Group Three $125,000 Craven Plate (2000m).
It was a breakthrough victory for prominent owner Lloyd Williams and the syndicate which races the six-year-old, a placegetter in the 2008 Melbourne Cup.
"That's the horse's first win for Dad since he bought him after the New Zealand Derby ... he's been frustrating to say the least," Williams's son Nick said.
Williams Snr has spared no expense in trying to win this year's milestone Melbourne Cup, importing a string of overseas stayers to boost his team.
And while C'est La Guerre might have slipped from favour as a genuine Cup aspirant with 10 unplaced runs since his placing two years ago, he is now firmly on the radar for next month's anniversary edition.
"He's in the ball-game now (for the Melbourne Cup), no question," Nick Williams said.
"But there's still a month to go and in this game one day you might have the favourite and the next day you might have nothing."
Ridden by Michael Rodd, C'est La Guerre ($8) came from the second half of the field in the weight-for-age contest to overhaul Purple and Triple Honour to win by 1-1/2 lengths.
Purple ($2.90) was a nose in front of Triple Honour ($2.70 fav) to finish second.
Rodd, who won the 2007 Melbourne Cup for Williams on Efficient, said it was obvious C'est La Guerre was in unfamiliar territory as he set sail for the finishing post.
"When he got to the front he wasn't quite sure what to do," Rodd said.
"Hopefully this will mentally switch him on a bit because we know he is a horse with a lot of ability."
C'est La Guerre is now an $18 chance to improve on his Melbourne Cup third placing to Viewed.
C'est La Guerre reacquainted himself with the winner's stall for the first time in more than two years at Randwick on Saturday to put himself back in contention for the 150th Melbourne Cup.
Winning his first race since claiming the 2008 New Zealand Derby, C'est La Guerre upset the favourites Purple and Triple Honour in the Group Three $125,000 Craven Plate (2000m).
It was a breakthrough victory for prominent owner Lloyd Williams and the syndicate which races the six-year-old, a placegetter in the 2008 Melbourne Cup.
"That's the horse's first win for Dad since he bought him after the New Zealand Derby ... he's been frustrating to say the least," Williams's son Nick said.
Williams Snr has spared no expense in trying to win this year's milestone Melbourne Cup, importing a string of overseas stayers to boost his team.
And while C'est La Guerre might have slipped from favour as a genuine Cup aspirant with 10 unplaced runs since his placing two years ago, he is now firmly on the radar for next month's anniversary edition.
"He's in the ball-game now (for the Melbourne Cup), no question," Nick Williams said.
"But there's still a month to go and in this game one day you might have the favourite and the next day you might have nothing."
Ridden by Michael Rodd, C'est La Guerre ($8) came from the second half of the field in the weight-for-age contest to overhaul Purple and Triple Honour to win by 1-1/2 lengths.
Purple ($2.90) was a nose in front of Triple Honour ($2.70 fav) to finish second.
Rodd, who won the 2007 Melbourne Cup for Williams on Efficient, said it was obvious C'est La Guerre was in unfamiliar territory as he set sail for the finishing post.
"When he got to the front he wasn't quite sure what to do," Rodd said.
"Hopefully this will mentally switch him on a bit because we know he is a horse with a lot of ability."
C'est La Guerre is now an $18 chance to improve on his Melbourne Cup third placing to Viewed.
Herculian Prince
SMH
Patrick Bartley, Sydney
October 3, 2010
Gai Waterhouse celebrates her 100th group 1 win yesterday. Photo: Dallas Kilponen
LEADING Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse was yesterday only prepared to momentarily dwell on winning her 100th group 1 race after Herculian Prince took out the Metropolitan Handicap, instead keener to concentrate on winning her first Melbourne Cup.
Waterhouse admitted her confidence had been shaken during the week when Herculian Prince was eight lengths last in the previous Saturday's Colin Stephen Stakes at Randwick.
Waterhouse said Herculian Prince had performed at his ''very worst'' last week, but listened to key staff who urged her to start the horse in the Metropolitan.
Waterhouse amazingly racked up her 100th group 1 win after controversially only gaining her licence in 1994.
''Last week was a freak of nature and it proved if you can't breathe, you can't run,'' Waterhouse said.
''He obviously had a breathing setback but my staff convinced me that the horse was a thousand per cent better than last week so I said, let's run.''
While Herculian Prince gave Waterhouse a career milestone, Melbourne trainer Peter Moody, who prepared the $3.60 favourite Mr Charlie, was clearly upset by the ride of Luke Nolen.
Mr Charlie appeared to be in an inferior part of the track for most of the trip but still managed to finish sixth.
In contrast, Waterhouse was talking Melbourne Cup, a race that has eluded her during her decorated career. ''It's off to Melbourne now and it's off to tackle everything, even that Melbourne Cup,'' she said.
Herculian Prince started at $4.80 and won by 3½ lengths from former Irish stayer Mourayan ($18), with local No Wine No Song, at $5.50, in third place.
Waterhouse believes that Herculian Prince, who was purchased from New Zealand 12 months ago, will be a key player in the Melbourne Cup and the horse will leave for Melbourne early next week.
The two Moody runners, Mr Charlie and Macedonian, were caught on the inside of the track, which was badly affected after heavy rain during the afternoon.
Patrick Bartley, Sydney
October 3, 2010
Gai Waterhouse celebrates her 100th group 1 win yesterday. Photo: Dallas Kilponen
LEADING Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse was yesterday only prepared to momentarily dwell on winning her 100th group 1 race after Herculian Prince took out the Metropolitan Handicap, instead keener to concentrate on winning her first Melbourne Cup.
Waterhouse admitted her confidence had been shaken during the week when Herculian Prince was eight lengths last in the previous Saturday's Colin Stephen Stakes at Randwick.
Waterhouse said Herculian Prince had performed at his ''very worst'' last week, but listened to key staff who urged her to start the horse in the Metropolitan.
Waterhouse amazingly racked up her 100th group 1 win after controversially only gaining her licence in 1994.
''Last week was a freak of nature and it proved if you can't breathe, you can't run,'' Waterhouse said.
''He obviously had a breathing setback but my staff convinced me that the horse was a thousand per cent better than last week so I said, let's run.''
While Herculian Prince gave Waterhouse a career milestone, Melbourne trainer Peter Moody, who prepared the $3.60 favourite Mr Charlie, was clearly upset by the ride of Luke Nolen.
Mr Charlie appeared to be in an inferior part of the track for most of the trip but still managed to finish sixth.
In contrast, Waterhouse was talking Melbourne Cup, a race that has eluded her during her decorated career. ''It's off to Melbourne now and it's off to tackle everything, even that Melbourne Cup,'' she said.
Herculian Prince started at $4.80 and won by 3½ lengths from former Irish stayer Mourayan ($18), with local No Wine No Song, at $5.50, in third place.
Waterhouse believes that Herculian Prince, who was purchased from New Zealand 12 months ago, will be a key player in the Melbourne Cup and the horse will leave for Melbourne early next week.
The two Moody runners, Mr Charlie and Macedonian, were caught on the inside of the track, which was badly affected after heavy rain during the afternoon.
Harris Tweed
From HeraldSun.com.au
Sunday 3rd October 2010
New Zealand stayer Harris Tweed has put his Melbourne Cup campaign on track with a hard fought win over 2500 metres at Flemington.
New Zealand stayer Harris Tweed has put his Melbourne Cup campaign on track with a hard fought win in Sunday's Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington.
Trained by Murray and Bjorn Baker, the Montjeu five-year-old drew on his reserves after making the running from the home turn and held off Exceptionally to score by a head with Above Average 2-1/2 lengths away third.
Last year Harris Tweed finished fifth to Shocking in the Melbourne Cup and TAB Sportsbet firmed him up from $41 to $26 to win this year.
Harris Tweed is also in the Caulfield Cup but Murray Baker may look for another lead up option for the gelding.
Last year he finished 10th to Viewed in the Caulfield Cup but Baker queried whether it was the right race for him.
"I have to think about it," Baker said.
"I am not sure he has enough zip for the Caulfield Cup but he can stay and he should improve a lot with this run."
Harris Tweed has been slow to come to hand this campaign but Baker has been encouraged by his recent improvement.
"Coming out of a New Zealand winter he has taken a lot of getting fit," Baker said.
"He has been well behind the eight ball but have we have thought the last couple of weeks that he has really picked up.
"He is an improving horse and he does like it here in Australia.
"He seems to thrive here and race a lot better."
Harris Tweed was having his third run this campaign after unplaced runs over 1700 metres at Flemington and in the Group Three Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.
Jockey Brad Rawiller said that with 58.5kg on Sunday Harris Tweed had a tough run racing near the lead all the way before taking the lead three-wide on the home turn.
"He had to make the running in the straight which is a long way home but he did a good job and I'm looking forward to the Melbourne Cup now," Rawiller said.
Sunday 3rd October 2010
New Zealand stayer Harris Tweed has put his Melbourne Cup campaign on track with a hard fought win over 2500 metres at Flemington.
New Zealand stayer Harris Tweed has put his Melbourne Cup campaign on track with a hard fought win in Sunday's Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington.
Trained by Murray and Bjorn Baker, the Montjeu five-year-old drew on his reserves after making the running from the home turn and held off Exceptionally to score by a head with Above Average 2-1/2 lengths away third.
Last year Harris Tweed finished fifth to Shocking in the Melbourne Cup and TAB Sportsbet firmed him up from $41 to $26 to win this year.
Harris Tweed is also in the Caulfield Cup but Murray Baker may look for another lead up option for the gelding.
Last year he finished 10th to Viewed in the Caulfield Cup but Baker queried whether it was the right race for him.
"I have to think about it," Baker said.
"I am not sure he has enough zip for the Caulfield Cup but he can stay and he should improve a lot with this run."
Harris Tweed has been slow to come to hand this campaign but Baker has been encouraged by his recent improvement.
"Coming out of a New Zealand winter he has taken a lot of getting fit," Baker said.
"He has been well behind the eight ball but have we have thought the last couple of weeks that he has really picked up.
"He is an improving horse and he does like it here in Australia.
"He seems to thrive here and race a lot better."
Harris Tweed was having his third run this campaign after unplaced runs over 1700 metres at Flemington and in the Group Three Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.
Jockey Brad Rawiller said that with 58.5kg on Sunday Harris Tweed had a tough run racing near the lead all the way before taking the lead three-wide on the home turn.
"He had to make the running in the straight which is a long way home but he did a good job and I'm looking forward to the Melbourne Cup now," Rawiller said.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Herculean Prince impressively wins The Metropolitan at Randwick
The Metropolitan (2400m) is a traditional lead up to the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
The last galloper to win the Metrop-Caulfield Cup double was Tawqeet in 2006, while the last horse to win the Metrop-Melbourne Cup double was Macdougal all the way back in 1959.
In one of the most outstanding performances I have seen Herculean Prince 'destroyed' the Metropolitan field at Randwick today 2/10/10. Watch this space. This is a very good stayer.
This was a write up I read about Herculean prior to the race.
2. Herculian Prince (6) – a hot favourite for this race until his failure in last week’s Colin Stephen Quality as a $1.40 favourite. He was eased out in the market, but good support has seen him find his way back into favourite again in what has been one of the most remarkable betting occurrences of the year. Based on his last run, you’d say no, but based on market support, you’d say yes. Glastonbury ran last in the Colin Stephen in 1994 as favourite before winning the Metropolitan a week later at 25-1. Punters haven’t made the same mistake again, and I think that if you forgive last week’s run, he’s a fair favourite. Likely leader, just not sure whether we can trust him now.
The last galloper to win the Metrop-Caulfield Cup double was Tawqeet in 2006, while the last horse to win the Metrop-Melbourne Cup double was Macdougal all the way back in 1959.
In one of the most outstanding performances I have seen Herculean Prince 'destroyed' the Metropolitan field at Randwick today 2/10/10. Watch this space. This is a very good stayer.
This was a write up I read about Herculean prior to the race.
2. Herculian Prince (6) – a hot favourite for this race until his failure in last week’s Colin Stephen Quality as a $1.40 favourite. He was eased out in the market, but good support has seen him find his way back into favourite again in what has been one of the most remarkable betting occurrences of the year. Based on his last run, you’d say no, but based on market support, you’d say yes. Glastonbury ran last in the Colin Stephen in 1994 as favourite before winning the Metropolitan a week later at 25-1. Punters haven’t made the same mistake again, and I think that if you forgive last week’s run, he’s a fair favourite. Likely leader, just not sure whether we can trust him now.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Americain Geelong Cup
Geelong Advertiser
Bradley Green
A CONTINENTAL Europe flavour could be added to next month's $215,000 Centrebet Geelong Cup (2406m).
Leading French trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre is considering entering classy stayer Americain in the Group 3 race on October 21 as an ideal hitout for his Melbourne Cup (3200m) campaign.
Americain is owned by several prominent Melbourne businessmen - including Gerry Ryan - and is due to arrive at Werribee's new international quarantine centre on AFL grand final day.
Americain has placed in 11 of his 18 starts, including six wins.
The lightly-raced six-year-old has won his last three starts, including the Group 2 Kergolay Stakes (3000m) in his last start on August 22 where he edged out the Luca Cumani-trained Maighar who is also bound for Melbourne.
Have your say on the feedback form below
The Geelong Racing Club's business development manager John Dunne said they were also hopeful Cumani may also enter a runner in the Geelong Cup for the third straight year.
Cumani won the Geelong Cup in 2008 with Bauer while Basaltico was unplaced last year.
Drunken Sailor, a last winner over 2800m at Goodwood a fortnight ago, could be the stable's contender.
The six-year-old currently sits 42nd on the Melbourne Cup's order of entry with 53kg while Cumani has also not ruled out a return for Bauer, who is now an eight-year-old and hasn't raced for more than a year because of a tendon injury.
Dunne said the powerful Godolphin stable - which had its first Geelong Cup runner in Crime Scene last year - was unlikey to return this year as is team is not due to arrive down under in time.
Dunne said it was fantastic that more European horses were targeting a Melbourne Cup start through the Geelong Cup following the success of Bauer and the Dermot Weld-trained Media Puzzle (2002).
"There's no doubt the win of Bauer has been a great fillip for the Geelong Cup," Dunne said.
"Because Luca Cumani then went back home and told his fellow international trainers that probably the preferred pathway to the Melbourne Cup is through the Geelong Cup, being 10 days out (from the Group 1 race).
"Last year we had two international horses contest the Cup for the first time and this year were hoping to have at least that many again, if not more.
"In recent years the Geelong Cup winner has got about a one-and-a-half to two kilogram penalty which boosts them to a sufficient weight to get a run in the Melbourne Cup, so that's the big plus for our race."
Meanwhile, it's believed that the ambassadors for this year's Geelong Cup will be announced this week.
Bradley Green
A CONTINENTAL Europe flavour could be added to next month's $215,000 Centrebet Geelong Cup (2406m).
Leading French trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre is considering entering classy stayer Americain in the Group 3 race on October 21 as an ideal hitout for his Melbourne Cup (3200m) campaign.
Americain is owned by several prominent Melbourne businessmen - including Gerry Ryan - and is due to arrive at Werribee's new international quarantine centre on AFL grand final day.
Americain has placed in 11 of his 18 starts, including six wins.
The lightly-raced six-year-old has won his last three starts, including the Group 2 Kergolay Stakes (3000m) in his last start on August 22 where he edged out the Luca Cumani-trained Maighar who is also bound for Melbourne.
Have your say on the feedback form below
The Geelong Racing Club's business development manager John Dunne said they were also hopeful Cumani may also enter a runner in the Geelong Cup for the third straight year.
Cumani won the Geelong Cup in 2008 with Bauer while Basaltico was unplaced last year.
Drunken Sailor, a last winner over 2800m at Goodwood a fortnight ago, could be the stable's contender.
The six-year-old currently sits 42nd on the Melbourne Cup's order of entry with 53kg while Cumani has also not ruled out a return for Bauer, who is now an eight-year-old and hasn't raced for more than a year because of a tendon injury.
Dunne said the powerful Godolphin stable - which had its first Geelong Cup runner in Crime Scene last year - was unlikey to return this year as is team is not due to arrive down under in time.
Dunne said it was fantastic that more European horses were targeting a Melbourne Cup start through the Geelong Cup following the success of Bauer and the Dermot Weld-trained Media Puzzle (2002).
"There's no doubt the win of Bauer has been a great fillip for the Geelong Cup," Dunne said.
"Because Luca Cumani then went back home and told his fellow international trainers that probably the preferred pathway to the Melbourne Cup is through the Geelong Cup, being 10 days out (from the Group 1 race).
"Last year we had two international horses contest the Cup for the first time and this year were hoping to have at least that many again, if not more.
"In recent years the Geelong Cup winner has got about a one-and-a-half to two kilogram penalty which boosts them to a sufficient weight to get a run in the Melbourne Cup, so that's the big plus for our race."
Meanwhile, it's believed that the ambassadors for this year's Geelong Cup will be announced this week.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
landlocked - Anthony Cummings
From Races.com.au
26/8/10
The Anthony Cummings-trained Landlocked has improved his chances of a berth in the 2010 Melbourne Cup after winning first-up at Canterbury yesterday.
A four-year-old son of boom sire of stayers Zabeel, Landlocked went out at $12 and enjoyed a forceful win over 1200m in the STC Members Handicap.
Landlocked, raced by Gerry Harvey, is currently one of the long-priced hopefuls for the $6 million Melbourne Cup on Tuesday November 2 paying $151 at SportsBet.
26/8/10
The Anthony Cummings-trained Landlocked has improved his chances of a berth in the 2010 Melbourne Cup after winning first-up at Canterbury yesterday.
A four-year-old son of boom sire of stayers Zabeel, Landlocked went out at $12 and enjoyed a forceful win over 1200m in the STC Members Handicap.
Landlocked, raced by Gerry Harvey, is currently one of the long-priced hopefuls for the $6 million Melbourne Cup on Tuesday November 2 paying $151 at SportsBet.
Alcopop - Moudre
From HeraldSun.com.au
30/8/10
TRAINER Jake Stephens is likely to keep Alcopop in Adelaide for one more run after an encouraging return to racing in Saturday's Penny Edition Stakes.
Stephens was more than happy with Alcopop's first-up fifth behind Victorian Spacecraft, beaten just over three lengths, and is leaning towards the Sin City Cup (formerly the Tokyo City Cup) at Morphettville in a fortnight.
"He pulled up well this morning. We'll just see how he progresses over the next few days," Stephens said yesterday. "He'd put on a lot of weight over the past week or so, and I thought his run was pretty good having missed a crucial gallop.
"It was pleasing that he had a good run behind them. I didn't want him to have a gut-buster first-up."
Stephens said he would talk to connections this week before making a decision but the Listed 1600m feature loomed as a suitable secondup mission. "I'll talk to John and Pat (Kelton, owners). A lot of the Melbourne horses are very forward and he might be best suited by racing at the mile here and then heading over," he said.
Alcopop remains a $26 Caulfield and Melbourne Cup chance, with the big mover in markets coming from the Ciaron Maher-trained Moudre, who now heads betting for the Caulfield Cup at $10 with Shoot Out after his brilliant Caulfield win.
Connections have reportedly knocked back offers believed to be as high as $2m for the rising star who now has to win the Naturalism Stakes on September 18 to guarantee a Caulfield Cup start.
30/8/10
TRAINER Jake Stephens is likely to keep Alcopop in Adelaide for one more run after an encouraging return to racing in Saturday's Penny Edition Stakes.
Stephens was more than happy with Alcopop's first-up fifth behind Victorian Spacecraft, beaten just over three lengths, and is leaning towards the Sin City Cup (formerly the Tokyo City Cup) at Morphettville in a fortnight.
"He pulled up well this morning. We'll just see how he progresses over the next few days," Stephens said yesterday. "He'd put on a lot of weight over the past week or so, and I thought his run was pretty good having missed a crucial gallop.
"It was pleasing that he had a good run behind them. I didn't want him to have a gut-buster first-up."
Stephens said he would talk to connections this week before making a decision but the Listed 1600m feature loomed as a suitable secondup mission. "I'll talk to John and Pat (Kelton, owners). A lot of the Melbourne horses are very forward and he might be best suited by racing at the mile here and then heading over," he said.
Alcopop remains a $26 Caulfield and Melbourne Cup chance, with the big mover in markets coming from the Ciaron Maher-trained Moudre, who now heads betting for the Caulfield Cup at $10 with Shoot Out after his brilliant Caulfield win.
Connections have reportedly knocked back offers believed to be as high as $2m for the rising star who now has to win the Naturalism Stakes on September 18 to guarantee a Caulfield Cup start.
Rite of Passage - Sans Frontieres - Darina - Bart Cummings
From CupCarnival.com.au
30/8/10
Other overseas raiders still on target for a tilt in the Melbourne Cup this November include Ascot Gold Cup winner Rite Of Passage and brilliant Danehill mare Profound Beauty.
Both runners are trained by two-time Melbourne Cup winning trainer Dermot Weld, the only European mentor to win the Melbourne Cup.
Leading the international entries in the Melbourne Cup betting markets at SportsBet is Jeremy Noseda’s in-form British galloper Sans Frontieres paying $17 for a win.
Queensland Derby winning mare Dariana is still the $13 favourite to give Bart Cummings his unprecedented 13th Melbourne Cup victory.
To get the best Melbourne Cup odds before the weights are released this Wednesday jump online and sign up to SportsBet today, new punters will even receive a free $100 bet!
30/8/10
Other overseas raiders still on target for a tilt in the Melbourne Cup this November include Ascot Gold Cup winner Rite Of Passage and brilliant Danehill mare Profound Beauty.
Both runners are trained by two-time Melbourne Cup winning trainer Dermot Weld, the only European mentor to win the Melbourne Cup.
Leading the international entries in the Melbourne Cup betting markets at SportsBet is Jeremy Noseda’s in-form British galloper Sans Frontieres paying $17 for a win.
Queensland Derby winning mare Dariana is still the $13 favourite to give Bart Cummings his unprecedented 13th Melbourne Cup victory.
To get the best Melbourne Cup odds before the weights are released this Wednesday jump online and sign up to SportsBet today, new punters will even receive a free $100 bet!
Luca Cumani - Drunken Sailor - Alcopop - Manighar - Purple Moon - Bauer
From Races.com.au
NEWS - MELBOURNE CUP
30 AUGUST 2010
Drunken Sailor, prepared by premier Newmarket trainer Luca Cumani, enjoyed a quality win at Goodwood on Saturday to further improve his chances of a run in the 2010 Melbourne Cup this November.
Six-year-old Drunken Sailor is shaping up as Cumani’s top Melbourne Cup chance this year after he claimed a last-stride win in the Listed March Stakes (2800m) on Saturday.
Making his fifth straight appearance at the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, Cumani is hoping this year is his year in the Melbourne Cup after twice training the second placegetters in the world’s richest handicap with Bauer (2008) and Purple Moon (2007).
Having shown continual improvement over his 31 career starts, Tendulkar gelding Drunken Sailor has won over the Melbourne Cup distance of 3200m proving himself as a genuine stayer with an impressive turn of foot and making him a real contender for the $6 million Flemington feature on November 2.
Manighar is Cumani’s other top chance in the 150th Melbourne Cup, after finishing second to fellow Cup contender Americain in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) in France last weekend.
However Purple Moon has been ruled out due to injury and Bauer, who hasn’t raced since suffering a tendon injury when beaten by a mere nose in the 2008 Melbourne Cup by Viewed, is still in doubt.
Eight-year-old grey Bauer has the Persian Punch Stakes (2800m) scheduled as his return to racing at Sailsbury on Thursday night and his performance there will determine whether Cumani presses on to the Melbourne Cup with him.
Drunken Sailor is currently paying $61 through SportsBet in the early Melbourne Cup markets, his odds sure to shorten, while Manighar is higher up at $31.
Both are expected to arrive in Melbourne on September 25 following a bout in quarantine that they enter on Wednesday.
This Wednesday, September 1, is also when the 2010 Melbourne Cup weights will be announced.
In other 2010 Melbourne Cup news, last year’s favourite Alcopop was defeated in his first-up spring start on Saturday.
Alcopop finished fifth to classy Galileo four-year-old Spacecraft in the $80,000 Listed Penny Edition Stakes (1400m) at Morphettville.
Trainer Mick Price is now more confident of Spacecraft’s chances in the 2010 Caulfield Cup on October 16, Spacecraft currently a $34 chance at SportsBet.
For all the best odds on the spring features don’t waste your wagering dollars at the TAB. Sign up to leading online bookmaker SportsBet instead and join thousands of happy punters already enjoying the riches of betting online!
NEWS - MELBOURNE CUP
30 AUGUST 2010
Drunken Sailor, prepared by premier Newmarket trainer Luca Cumani, enjoyed a quality win at Goodwood on Saturday to further improve his chances of a run in the 2010 Melbourne Cup this November.
Six-year-old Drunken Sailor is shaping up as Cumani’s top Melbourne Cup chance this year after he claimed a last-stride win in the Listed March Stakes (2800m) on Saturday.
Making his fifth straight appearance at the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, Cumani is hoping this year is his year in the Melbourne Cup after twice training the second placegetters in the world’s richest handicap with Bauer (2008) and Purple Moon (2007).
Having shown continual improvement over his 31 career starts, Tendulkar gelding Drunken Sailor has won over the Melbourne Cup distance of 3200m proving himself as a genuine stayer with an impressive turn of foot and making him a real contender for the $6 million Flemington feature on November 2.
Manighar is Cumani’s other top chance in the 150th Melbourne Cup, after finishing second to fellow Cup contender Americain in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) in France last weekend.
However Purple Moon has been ruled out due to injury and Bauer, who hasn’t raced since suffering a tendon injury when beaten by a mere nose in the 2008 Melbourne Cup by Viewed, is still in doubt.
Eight-year-old grey Bauer has the Persian Punch Stakes (2800m) scheduled as his return to racing at Sailsbury on Thursday night and his performance there will determine whether Cumani presses on to the Melbourne Cup with him.
Drunken Sailor is currently paying $61 through SportsBet in the early Melbourne Cup markets, his odds sure to shorten, while Manighar is higher up at $31.
Both are expected to arrive in Melbourne on September 25 following a bout in quarantine that they enter on Wednesday.
This Wednesday, September 1, is also when the 2010 Melbourne Cup weights will be announced.
In other 2010 Melbourne Cup news, last year’s favourite Alcopop was defeated in his first-up spring start on Saturday.
Alcopop finished fifth to classy Galileo four-year-old Spacecraft in the $80,000 Listed Penny Edition Stakes (1400m) at Morphettville.
Trainer Mick Price is now more confident of Spacecraft’s chances in the 2010 Caulfield Cup on October 16, Spacecraft currently a $34 chance at SportsBet.
For all the best odds on the spring features don’t waste your wagering dollars at the TAB. Sign up to leading online bookmaker SportsBet instead and join thousands of happy punters already enjoying the riches of betting online!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Luca Cumani - Bauer - Drunken Sailor - Manighar -
The Australian
Alan Lee From: The Times August 26, 2010
TWO heroic failures have merely reinforced Luca Cumani's ambition to win the Melbourne Cup.
Bauer, absent through injury since being foiled by a nose two years ago, could be one of three contenders for the Newmarket trainer at Flemington on November 2.
Cumani's love of international racing is stimulated by Australia's greatest prize.
Bauer was his second successive runner-up, following Purple Moon in 2007, but the frustrations have done nothing to dampen his determination.
Three horses from the wise Italian's stable will be listed when the weights are revealed next week but Cumani admits: "Bauer is still an imponderable but Manighar and Drunken Sailor are definitely going and will start their quarantine on September 8 before flying out a fortnight later.
"Bauer is part-owned by Simon O'Donnell, the former Australia all-rounder, adding to the intrigue in an Ashes winter. Before his bid is confirmed, though, he must prove his wellbeing on the racecourse, starting either at Goodwood or Windsor on Saturday."
It will be a last-minute decision depending on the ground," Cumani said yesterday.
"He doesn't like it soft so we will go where conditions are best. After such a long time off, one run won't be sufficient, so we will look for another race before deciding if he is to travel.
"He had a tendon injury, which always leaves a question mark. The seeds of it were sown in his Cup run two years ago and it has been a long road back. You can never be confident from one day to the next but he has coped with all the work so far."
Cumani admits to confused emotions after Bauer's agonising defeat.
"Pride and frustration, a bit of both," he said. "I am always happy when they run well but to come so close for a second time was deflating, too."
He feels his hand is strong, this year, and Kieren Fallon, the stable jockey, is likely to face a challenging choice of mount. Fallon was second on the fast-finishing Manighar in a group race at Deauville last weekend and has another chance to weigh up Drunken Sailor in the Windflower March Stakes at Goodwood on Saturday.
"I've been surprised by Drunken Sailor's progress," Cumani confessed.
"We bought him for a Dubai campaign but he has run very consistently back on the turf over here. I was delighted with Manighar on Sunday and, finally, we seem to be in tune with each other.
"They will both have time to acclimatise in Australia and will each run once before Flemington, one of them in the Caulfield Cup and the other in Geelong. If Bauer makes the trip, he will go straight for the Cup."
Cumani is enjoying a fruitful summer on home soil, the partnership with Fallon complemented by the development of J.P. Guillambert, whose double for the yard last Saturday featured the latest step in the rehabilitation of Seta after her flop in the 1,000 Guineas.
The Times
Alan Lee From: The Times August 26, 2010
TWO heroic failures have merely reinforced Luca Cumani's ambition to win the Melbourne Cup.
Bauer, absent through injury since being foiled by a nose two years ago, could be one of three contenders for the Newmarket trainer at Flemington on November 2.
Cumani's love of international racing is stimulated by Australia's greatest prize.
Bauer was his second successive runner-up, following Purple Moon in 2007, but the frustrations have done nothing to dampen his determination.
Three horses from the wise Italian's stable will be listed when the weights are revealed next week but Cumani admits: "Bauer is still an imponderable but Manighar and Drunken Sailor are definitely going and will start their quarantine on September 8 before flying out a fortnight later.
"Bauer is part-owned by Simon O'Donnell, the former Australia all-rounder, adding to the intrigue in an Ashes winter. Before his bid is confirmed, though, he must prove his wellbeing on the racecourse, starting either at Goodwood or Windsor on Saturday."
It will be a last-minute decision depending on the ground," Cumani said yesterday.
"He doesn't like it soft so we will go where conditions are best. After such a long time off, one run won't be sufficient, so we will look for another race before deciding if he is to travel.
"He had a tendon injury, which always leaves a question mark. The seeds of it were sown in his Cup run two years ago and it has been a long road back. You can never be confident from one day to the next but he has coped with all the work so far."
Cumani admits to confused emotions after Bauer's agonising defeat.
"Pride and frustration, a bit of both," he said. "I am always happy when they run well but to come so close for a second time was deflating, too."
He feels his hand is strong, this year, and Kieren Fallon, the stable jockey, is likely to face a challenging choice of mount. Fallon was second on the fast-finishing Manighar in a group race at Deauville last weekend and has another chance to weigh up Drunken Sailor in the Windflower March Stakes at Goodwood on Saturday.
"I've been surprised by Drunken Sailor's progress," Cumani confessed.
"We bought him for a Dubai campaign but he has run very consistently back on the turf over here. I was delighted with Manighar on Sunday and, finally, we seem to be in tune with each other.
"They will both have time to acclimatise in Australia and will each run once before Flemington, one of them in the Caulfield Cup and the other in Geelong. If Bauer makes the trip, he will go straight for the Cup."
Cumani is enjoying a fruitful summer on home soil, the partnership with Fallon complemented by the development of J.P. Guillambert, whose double for the yard last Saturday featured the latest step in the rehabilitation of Seta after her flop in the 1,000 Guineas.
The Times
Statistics, MakybeDiva, Mark Kavanagh, Shocking, Shoot Out, C'Est La Guerre, Alandi and Mourayan
HeraldSun.com.au
Nathan Exelby From: Saturday, 28 August 2010
THE Makybe Diva Stakes, formerly the Craiglee Stakes, was a sure-fire pointer to big race success but it has not been so reliable in recent years.
The race, previously known as the Craiglee Stakes, was once a sure-fire pointer to big race success but it has not been so reliable in recent years.
The 1600m Flemington weight-for-age contest, to be run on Saturday, is regarded as one of the pivotal races of the spring.
Over the years countless Cups aspirants have used it as a leap into what connections hoped would be spring glory. The race was first run in 1948 as a 10 furlong (2000m) event. It switched to a mile (1600m) in 1965 with instant success, as the race was taken out by Light Fingers who went on to win that year's Melbourne Cup.
A year later Tobin Bronze won the Craiglee before landing the first of two Cox Plates and in 1969 Rain Lover took out the race en route to a second Melbourne Cup.
This trend of success continued in the next three decades and the race remains a key pointer to Group 1 races that follow in the spring.
It's just that in the past few years, the race has been devoid of "big three" winners.
But Mark Kavanagh is one trainer hoping the bad omens surrounding the Makybe Diva Stakes will change this year.
Melbourne Cup winner Shocking is set to start in the Makybe Diva after bypassing yesterday's Memsie Stakes.
Shocking made a pleasing return behind Shoot Out in the Liston a fortnight ago and is aiming to be just the sixth galloper to win multiple Melbourne Cups.
Kavanagh says Shocking is "right on track" and feels the 1600m will suit better at this stage of his campaign.
Lloyd Williams has frequently used the race as a spring opener, having won with Mahogany and Native Jazz. Stable representative Nick Williams said the big hope for this year's carnival, Linton, would bypass the Makybe Diva, but the family would still be represented by C'Est La Guerre, Alandi and Mourayan next weekend.
The 2007 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient has become a "day to day proposition" according to Williams. "We are hoping and have our fingers crossed," Williams said.
In the 20 runnings of the Makybe Diva Stakes from 1985 to 2004, when it was known as the Craiglee, no fewer than eight Caulfield Cup winners came through the race (which was changed to the Makybe Diva Stakes in 2007 even though the mighty mare never contested the race).
Of the eight, Sky Heights (1999) and Northerly (2002) won the Craiglee, while Tristarc (1985), Sydeston (1990), Mummify (2003) and Elvstroem (2004) placed at Flemington.
Fraar (1993) and Diatribe (2000) were both well beaten in the Craiglee, but found their best form over the 2400m at Caulfield.
The Craiglee also produced five Melbourne Cup winners in the nine runnings from 1986 to 1994.
At Talaq (1986), Subzero (1992) and Jeune (1994) all put the writing on the wall with Craiglee placings, while Tawrrific (1989) and Kingston Rule (1990) used the race as a tune-up for their 3200m assignment.
Cox Plate winners have been thinner on the ground over the same time frame, with Almaarad (1989) and Northerly (2002) the only two Moonee Valley winners to use the Craiglee as a lead-up, although Dulcify, Family Of Man and Tobin Bronze all came through the race in earlier years.
So while the Craiglee enjoyed a golden period from the mid 1980s to early 2000s in unearthing Cups and Cox Plate winners, it has been a dry run since, with Elvstroem being the most recent "big three" winner to use the race as a stepping stone.
Despite missing out on the really big ones, the Makybe Diva/Craiglee has supplied spring Group 1 winners in nine of the past 10 seasons.
Typhoon Tracy (Myer Classic) and Heart Of Dreams (Underwood) graduated from the race last year.
Finally, here's a sobering note for punters wanting to follow the Makybe Diva Stakes winner throughout the spring: From the past 25 runnings, 21 of the winners failed to win another race that campaign.
The exceptions were Weekend Hussler, Northerly, Sky Heights and Marble Halls.
Nathan Exelby From: Saturday, 28 August 2010
THE Makybe Diva Stakes, formerly the Craiglee Stakes, was a sure-fire pointer to big race success but it has not been so reliable in recent years.
The race, previously known as the Craiglee Stakes, was once a sure-fire pointer to big race success but it has not been so reliable in recent years.
The 1600m Flemington weight-for-age contest, to be run on Saturday, is regarded as one of the pivotal races of the spring.
Over the years countless Cups aspirants have used it as a leap into what connections hoped would be spring glory. The race was first run in 1948 as a 10 furlong (2000m) event. It switched to a mile (1600m) in 1965 with instant success, as the race was taken out by Light Fingers who went on to win that year's Melbourne Cup.
A year later Tobin Bronze won the Craiglee before landing the first of two Cox Plates and in 1969 Rain Lover took out the race en route to a second Melbourne Cup.
This trend of success continued in the next three decades and the race remains a key pointer to Group 1 races that follow in the spring.
It's just that in the past few years, the race has been devoid of "big three" winners.
But Mark Kavanagh is one trainer hoping the bad omens surrounding the Makybe Diva Stakes will change this year.
Melbourne Cup winner Shocking is set to start in the Makybe Diva after bypassing yesterday's Memsie Stakes.
Shocking made a pleasing return behind Shoot Out in the Liston a fortnight ago and is aiming to be just the sixth galloper to win multiple Melbourne Cups.
Kavanagh says Shocking is "right on track" and feels the 1600m will suit better at this stage of his campaign.
Lloyd Williams has frequently used the race as a spring opener, having won with Mahogany and Native Jazz. Stable representative Nick Williams said the big hope for this year's carnival, Linton, would bypass the Makybe Diva, but the family would still be represented by C'Est La Guerre, Alandi and Mourayan next weekend.
The 2007 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient has become a "day to day proposition" according to Williams. "We are hoping and have our fingers crossed," Williams said.
In the 20 runnings of the Makybe Diva Stakes from 1985 to 2004, when it was known as the Craiglee, no fewer than eight Caulfield Cup winners came through the race (which was changed to the Makybe Diva Stakes in 2007 even though the mighty mare never contested the race).
Of the eight, Sky Heights (1999) and Northerly (2002) won the Craiglee, while Tristarc (1985), Sydeston (1990), Mummify (2003) and Elvstroem (2004) placed at Flemington.
Fraar (1993) and Diatribe (2000) were both well beaten in the Craiglee, but found their best form over the 2400m at Caulfield.
The Craiglee also produced five Melbourne Cup winners in the nine runnings from 1986 to 1994.
At Talaq (1986), Subzero (1992) and Jeune (1994) all put the writing on the wall with Craiglee placings, while Tawrrific (1989) and Kingston Rule (1990) used the race as a tune-up for their 3200m assignment.
Cox Plate winners have been thinner on the ground over the same time frame, with Almaarad (1989) and Northerly (2002) the only two Moonee Valley winners to use the Craiglee as a lead-up, although Dulcify, Family Of Man and Tobin Bronze all came through the race in earlier years.
So while the Craiglee enjoyed a golden period from the mid 1980s to early 2000s in unearthing Cups and Cox Plate winners, it has been a dry run since, with Elvstroem being the most recent "big three" winner to use the race as a stepping stone.
Despite missing out on the really big ones, the Makybe Diva/Craiglee has supplied spring Group 1 winners in nine of the past 10 seasons.
Typhoon Tracy (Myer Classic) and Heart Of Dreams (Underwood) graduated from the race last year.
Finally, here's a sobering note for punters wanting to follow the Makybe Diva Stakes winner throughout the spring: From the past 25 runnings, 21 of the winners failed to win another race that campaign.
The exceptions were Weekend Hussler, Northerly, Sky Heights and Marble Halls.
Moudre, Craig Williams, Ciaron Maher
HeraldSun.com.au
28th August 2010
Up-and-coming stayer Moudre could be top jockey Craig Williams' hope in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Leading jockey Craig Williams may have found himself a more than handy Caulfield and Melbourne Cup ride if up-and-coming stayer Moudre can continue his authoritative rise through the ranks.
Tackling his toughest test to date in Saturday's Listed Hocking Stuart Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield, Moudre overcame a luckless run to score a comfortable win and announce himself as a genuine lightweight Cups chance for Warrnambool-based trainer Ciaron Maher.
"He gave me a feeling like a horse named Leica Falcon that I rode through the ranks a few years ago," Williams said.
Williams partnered Leica Falcon when the Corowa-trained stayer burst onto the scene in the spring of 2005, winning an open handicap at Sandown and the Group Two Winning Edge Stakes before running fifth in the Caulfield Cup to Railings.
Moudre still has plenty to do before he can comfortably make the Caulfield Cup field but Williams is confident the five-year-old has what it takes to make the grade this spring.
"He's a potential star and the best part about him is that he's such a relaxed character," he said.
"When you stoke him up he finds gear after gear, he's exciting."
Moudre endured a wide run in the second half of the field before Williams began to creep forward at the 800m and by the turn he was poised to pounce and soon left Diggersanddealers and Apprehend in his wake, eventually winning by 3-1/4 lengths from that duo.
Maher, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to win a good race during spring having saddled up 100-1 shot Tears I Cry to win the Group One Emirates Stakes in 2007, is keeping the lid on his latest star galloper as he progresses towards the Cups.
"He keeps answering his critics and that was a good win. It takes a while for a few of them to find their feet but he's really come on and matured in the last year," he said.
"We'll go to the Naturalism Stakes here in September now. He needs to keep winning."
28th August 2010
Up-and-coming stayer Moudre could be top jockey Craig Williams' hope in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Leading jockey Craig Williams may have found himself a more than handy Caulfield and Melbourne Cup ride if up-and-coming stayer Moudre can continue his authoritative rise through the ranks.
Tackling his toughest test to date in Saturday's Listed Hocking Stuart Stakes (1700m) at Caulfield, Moudre overcame a luckless run to score a comfortable win and announce himself as a genuine lightweight Cups chance for Warrnambool-based trainer Ciaron Maher.
"He gave me a feeling like a horse named Leica Falcon that I rode through the ranks a few years ago," Williams said.
Williams partnered Leica Falcon when the Corowa-trained stayer burst onto the scene in the spring of 2005, winning an open handicap at Sandown and the Group Two Winning Edge Stakes before running fifth in the Caulfield Cup to Railings.
Moudre still has plenty to do before he can comfortably make the Caulfield Cup field but Williams is confident the five-year-old has what it takes to make the grade this spring.
"He's a potential star and the best part about him is that he's such a relaxed character," he said.
"When you stoke him up he finds gear after gear, he's exciting."
Moudre endured a wide run in the second half of the field before Williams began to creep forward at the 800m and by the turn he was poised to pounce and soon left Diggersanddealers and Apprehend in his wake, eventually winning by 3-1/4 lengths from that duo.
Maher, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to win a good race during spring having saddled up 100-1 shot Tears I Cry to win the Group One Emirates Stakes in 2007, is keeping the lid on his latest star galloper as he progresses towards the Cups.
"He keeps answering his critics and that was a good win. It takes a while for a few of them to find their feet but he's really come on and matured in the last year," he said.
"We'll go to the Naturalism Stakes here in September now. He needs to keep winning."
Each year I write an eBook titled How to Pick The Winner Of The Emirates Melbourne Cup. When you purchase your copy of the eBook at www.PickTheCupWinner.com.au you automatically get access to my Melbourne Cup Morning last minute selections. This was the information last year's subscribers accessed.
"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 and 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."
Of course, you now know that Shocking won the 2009 Melbourne Cup. And i happily tell 4 of my selections finished 1st, 4th, 6th and 7th.
I invite you to check out the site at www.PickTheCupWinner.com.au and order your copy now (Costs $9.95).
"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 and 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."
Of course, you now know that Shocking won the 2009 Melbourne Cup. And i happily tell 4 of my selections finished 1st, 4th, 6th and 7th.
I invite you to check out the site at www.PickTheCupWinner.com.au and order your copy now (Costs $9.95).
Sunday, June 13, 2010
1960 Melbourne Cup sold for $104,000
Melbourne Cup Trophy Sold At Auction
Formguide
Written by Jack Styring
Thursday, 10 June 2010 10:51
The centenary Melbourne Cup trophy, won by Hi Jinx in 1960, was purchased in Sydney earlier this week at auction for $104,000 to an undisclosed buyer.
Also offered was the Sydney Cup trophy won by Grand Print in 1962. It was sold for $18,000.
Grand Print was ridden by Roy Higgins, for owner Graeme Nathan and trainer Jack Besanko senior.
The result was quite interesting as the three placed horses, Hi Jinx, Howsie and Ilumquh, were all visitors from New Zealand, yet were all ridden by Australian jockeys; Billie Smith, Jack Purtell and Bill Williamson.
Formguide
Written by Jack Styring
Thursday, 10 June 2010 10:51
The centenary Melbourne Cup trophy, won by Hi Jinx in 1960, was purchased in Sydney earlier this week at auction for $104,000 to an undisclosed buyer.
Also offered was the Sydney Cup trophy won by Grand Print in 1962. It was sold for $18,000.
Grand Print was ridden by Roy Higgins, for owner Graeme Nathan and trainer Jack Besanko senior.
The result was quite interesting as the three placed horses, Hi Jinx, Howsie and Ilumquh, were all visitors from New Zealand, yet were all ridden by Australian jockeys; Billie Smith, Jack Purtell and Bill Williamson.
Bauer - Luca Cumaini - Simon O'Donnell - Terry Henderson - OTI Racing - Manighar - Becqu Adoree - Stansill
RacingPost.com.au
Bauer camp eye another crack at Melbourne Cup
BY ANDREW SCUTTS 9:15AM 10 JUN 2010
Australia: Bauer, beaten a nose in the 2008 Emirates Melbourne Cup, is progressing well from injury and connections are eyeing another crack at the prestigious Flemington contest, which will be run for the 150th time this year.
The Luca Cumani-trained stayer is set to step up his training regime next month with a view at going one better than two years ago when he was defeated by Viewed.
"The scans have all been clean, which is pleasing and the horse has been in work a long time now with the intention of coming back to Melbourne for this year's Cup," part-owner Simon O'Donnell said on Thursday.
"He's built up from walking to cantering and trotting and will start his serious race gallops in July.
"The intention is to give him two or three runs in Europe and assuming all goes well and the horse pleases Luca, then he'll be headed back to Melbourne."
Bauer emerged from a crop of more highly fancied international raiders in 2008 to win the Geelong Cup before narrowly losing out in an epic Melbourne Cup.
"He was one of those imports that improved out of sight when he got to this hemisphere," O'Donnell added.
"He grew in stature from the minute he arrived, he loved the firm ground and the Cup was run in a manner that year that suited him."
Bauer is one of four European horses that O'Donnell and Terry Henderson's OTI Racing are preparing for a tilt at this year's Spring Racing Carnival and ultimately the Melbourne Cup on November 2.
The Cumani-trained Manighar, who is owned by OTI Racing and the Honourable EarleMack, is also a Cup contender and O'Donnell said: "We were particularly pleased with his debut run [for Cumani]. We were pleased to see him running so well on good ground because it was the one box he hadn't ticked.
"The run the other night gave us a lot of confidence that he has the qualities to be a Cup horse if he continues in the right direction."
Another Cumani possible is Becqu Adoree, who was eighth of nine on her British debut last month.
"She was not as bright as we'd hoped, but she played up in the gates beforehand and has come on since then," O'Donnell said.
"We're expecting an improved showing next time out."
OTI could also be represented by John Smith's Northumberland Plate candidate Stansill, who is trained by Alan Swinbank.
Bauer camp eye another crack at Melbourne Cup
BY ANDREW SCUTTS 9:15AM 10 JUN 2010
Australia: Bauer, beaten a nose in the 2008 Emirates Melbourne Cup, is progressing well from injury and connections are eyeing another crack at the prestigious Flemington contest, which will be run for the 150th time this year.
The Luca Cumani-trained stayer is set to step up his training regime next month with a view at going one better than two years ago when he was defeated by Viewed.
"The scans have all been clean, which is pleasing and the horse has been in work a long time now with the intention of coming back to Melbourne for this year's Cup," part-owner Simon O'Donnell said on Thursday.
"He's built up from walking to cantering and trotting and will start his serious race gallops in July.
"The intention is to give him two or three runs in Europe and assuming all goes well and the horse pleases Luca, then he'll be headed back to Melbourne."
Bauer emerged from a crop of more highly fancied international raiders in 2008 to win the Geelong Cup before narrowly losing out in an epic Melbourne Cup.
"He was one of those imports that improved out of sight when he got to this hemisphere," O'Donnell added.
"He grew in stature from the minute he arrived, he loved the firm ground and the Cup was run in a manner that year that suited him."
Bauer is one of four European horses that O'Donnell and Terry Henderson's OTI Racing are preparing for a tilt at this year's Spring Racing Carnival and ultimately the Melbourne Cup on November 2.
The Cumani-trained Manighar, who is owned by OTI Racing and the Honourable EarleMack, is also a Cup contender and O'Donnell said: "We were particularly pleased with his debut run [for Cumani]. We were pleased to see him running so well on good ground because it was the one box he hadn't ticked.
"The run the other night gave us a lot of confidence that he has the qualities to be a Cup horse if he continues in the right direction."
Another Cumani possible is Becqu Adoree, who was eighth of nine on her British debut last month.
"She was not as bright as we'd hoped, but she played up in the gates beforehand and has come on since then," O'Donnell said.
"We're expecting an improved showing next time out."
OTI could also be represented by John Smith's Northumberland Plate candidate Stansill, who is trained by Alan Swinbank.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)