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/
Friday, October 8, 2010
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)