Strange Brew!

Breeders’ Cup Mile
Registered Race Name – BREEDERS’ CUP MILE
3rd November 2012 Written by On Course Reporter 1600m at Churchill Downs

$1,000,000. 3yo-up. WFA.
12/1 STRANGE BREW (AUS) (F LaFleur’s br f 3y, Take A Gander- Xtra Special, by Captain Bodgit. Tr: FDL Lodge. 120lg. 1
5/1 ARCTIC SLEW (USA) (L Brown’s b c 3y, Thunder Arctic- Escena’s Slew, by Elmhurst. Tr: Snowbank Farm. 123lg. 2
8/1 MONSIEUR EXCELLENT (AUS) (F LaFleur’s br c 3y, Star Studded- Madam De Francais, by Kathology. Tr: FDL Lodge. 123lg. 3
Then followed:
7/2 Dawn Dancer (b c 3y, Dawn Devil- Vita Spericolata) 123 Touchdown Farms 4
15 Danish Cat (b c 3y, Kendane- Tabasco’s Angel) 123 Abinsithe Acres 5
9 Island Refugee (b h 5y, Farmas Boy- Island Storm) 126 Olmo Dorato 6
9/5fav. Ton Of Luck (bl h 5y, Kingston Town- Tribal Luck) 126 Watch This Space 7
9/2 Kazzcay (bl h 4y, Memcay- Kazzia) 126 Establos Del Castillo 8
60 Secret Son (gr c 3y, Majestic Son- Marscay’s Princess) 123 Hutton’s Horse Haven 9
Won by: ¼ len, 1 ¼ len. Time: 1.34.29 PSR: 104

_________

Surprise!
The despised outsider Strange Brew has just won the Breeders’ Cup Mile at 12/1!

Starting from gate four, and settling back from a hot pace, Strange Brew stayed rear-wards most the race before making up some ground to be third on the corner behind the leaders Arctic Slew and Kazzcay.

Under her feather weight Strange Brew was too strong for Arctic Slew and stablemate Monsieur Excellent.

There was a huge cheer from the Aussie contingent, including the trainers of Golden Acres, Foxies Lodge, Chiquita Lodge and JD Kayll Race Club, as the filly ran past the line.

Catching up with the trainer Finlay LaFleur after the race he said “I’m pleasantly surprised mate. She’s out-of-form but is a Triple Crown winner. She bounced back in a big way today.”

He also commented that Monsieur Excellent ran “outstanding”.

Strange Brew’s surprising win has not only saved her from dropping back in class, but has also given her a reprieve from breeding this year. The $1 million Emirates Stakes during the Melbourne Spring Carnival is her main goal.

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PROFILE OF STRANGE BREW (AUS)
21 Career Starts 5 – 3 – 7 $1,938,800
Born: 2009 Breeder: Fender Stables
Sire: Take A Gander, Gander- Meadow StarDam: Xtra Special, Captain Bodgit-Fleet Renee

GLOBAL CHALLENGE UP FOR GRABS AGAIN!

This years annual Global Challenge is up for grabs with a prize pool of over $1 million expected again. Last season there was an amazing overall prize pool of $6.6 million which was split between the star filly Lighter Fluid and the recent G2 Stan Fox winner Fields Of Marscay. There is also stud deals available for the participating stables.

The global challenge requires a remarkably versatile and early peaking 2yo, and is ran over turf and dirt, and the distances range from 5 furlong (1000metres) to 9 furlongs (1800metres). Last year the result was fought right down to the wire with Lighter Fluid assuring herself of victory with a close fought West Oregon Futurity win but a draw was still a possibility for Donny's Fields Of Marscay with a busy late schedule. Fields Of Marscay just got there, winning the Dermody Stakes then 4 days later sneaking into fourth in an allowance to keep scores level.

This year should be prove to be a cracking renewal, with 22 races on the list. The star 2yo so far has been Royal Money, with horses like Duncan, Gold Card and Skyline also being unbeaten. The Dubai Juvenile is being ran this week. Here's is how I rate there chances.

BLOODSHED- Disappointed in first start on turf and may be better suited on the dirt. Was reasonably well fancied so he should run an improved run today.



CONSTITUTION- Hot favourite at his first start and ran disappointingly. Will be better for the experience and generally the shorter odds in 2yo races indicate a good horse. Go well.



DECAMERON- Close up in the Laddie Stakes getting beaten by half a length. By a great sire of dirt horses. Will be very surprised if hes not prominent.



DUNCAN- Two very impressive wins at short odds. Had lengths on them each time. One of the leading prospects.



EXOTIC LASS- Very close run first up for a nice second behind a nice prospect. Sure to run an honest race.



ISLANDER- Very good run for 3rd in a G2 on turf in the first week. Wasn't beaten far. Could be better on dirt. Tries hard.



LIVEWIRE- Honest filly who has ran 2 nice races behind handy horses. Should appreciate the extra distance. Won't be far away.



ROYAL MONEY- The leading 2yo so far on earnings. Two crushing wins on the turf. Depends how he handles dirt but he deserves favouritism.




SMASHED- Unraced well bred filly from a stable renowned for winning this race with unraced horses. She could be the knockout chance.



UNDAUNTED- Very nice run first up for 2nd behind Duncan. Dunno if he'll beat him but he'll be thereabouts.



Other top 2yo races this week are the G2 Maribyrnong Plate and the G3 Mary Mary Stakes...

UNDERWOOD STAKES ACTION

6 Unique Innovations Underwood Stakes 3.00
1800m $300,000 3yo & up Group 1. WFA. Apprentices cannot claim.
TAB Sportsbet Fixed Odds/ PF Handicap Rating far right-
1 294s8 CAMENA’S THUNDER, 1 FDL Lodge 59 6.00 119
2 102s1 RAZER BROOMSLANG, 6 Pointgiven Stables 59 3.50f 113
3 213s3 TRIGUN, 9 JD Kayll Race Club 59 21.00 115
4 37s56 MISSING HOUR, 3 Watch This Space 59 10.00 108
5 222s1 ELEGANT TOWER, 2 Goforwand Stables 59 7.00 108
6 7318s TRAIL FINDER, 8 Rainbow 59 14.00 111
7 51s72 OCTET, 4 Olmo Dorato 59 26.00 99
8 1410s REVELATION, 7 Spartan Racing Stables 56.5 10.00 112
9 267s4 RASTA BATTLEFIELD, 5 Godolphin17 56.5 21.00 106
Razer Broomslang 1, Camena’s Thunder 2, Trail Finder 3, Missing Hour 4

1- CAMENA’S THUNDER (38:10-6-6 $4,483,750) 5c (FDL Lodge)
Champion stayer who won this last year. Form is better on reflexion as his Hong Kong Cup fourth was top class and found the speed above him last week. Expect him to bounce back here.

2- RAZER BROOMSLANG (32:9-7-3 $3,482,500) 5c (Pointgiven Stables)
Champion dirt horse who’s rating would be even higher had he ran more on turf. Turf record is impeccable though, with a win and a second from two starts. Seems to have found a new lease of life on the turf and is in stellar form. Hard to see him losing here.

3- TRIGUN (19:5-6-2 $1,385,750) 5c (JD Kayll Race Club)
(Late entry) High class stayer on his day who was disappointing on face value when third in the D’urban Stakes. 1800m will suit more though and he’s one of the best in the world on his day. Needs more ground and look for him late.

4- MISSING HOUR (12:4-4-1 $1,487,500) 4c (Watch This Space)
Top middle distance horse who never runs a bad race. Has been well placed throughout his career and that hasn’t changed today. Will be very, very hard to hold out.

5- ELEGANT TOWER (30:4-11-4 $910,000) 5c (Goforwand Stables)
Perennial placegetter who put all together last start to beat an average field last start. Puts himself into his races and looks well suited today. Will be around the mark.

6- TRAIL FINDER (23:5-0-4 $706,500) 5c (Rainbow)
Third in this last year. Can tend to be inconsistent at times but he ran a top race for 3rd in last year’s Australian Cup beating Trigun among others. Also ran fourth in a Hong Kong Cup. If he puts it all together here I can see him running a very forward race.

7- OCTET (17:3-7-1 $339,250) 5c (Olmo Dorato)
Promising performer who was pretty good last start. In good form but can’t see him beating Camena’s Thunder and co at this stage. Trainer won’t be entering him for an honourable fifth though. Watch.

8- REVELATION (18:4-4-2 $1,552,000) 4f (Spartan Racing Stables)
Star filly who has a Group 1 against the boys. Disappointing last start but I think she is probably better on turf. Won her last 3 starts in Group 1 level on turf and this is around her distance range. Has to step up against the boys here but don’t leave her out.

9- RASTA BATTLEFIELD (25:8-2-4) 4f (Godolphin17)
Another top filly. Group 1 winner at this distance range. Not bad against the boys at her last two starts. Will probably go forward and run a cheeky race.

Summary-

This is a good field. Camena's Thunder is clearly the best horse in the field but isn't 100% at the moment, but Fin is expecting a good run. Razer Broomslang has appreciated turf so far but this is his biggest test on the turf. If you take out Trigun's last run he'd be favourite in this. Group 1 winner 2 starts back then an excellent run for third in the HK Vase behind two of the best racehorses on PF in Heat Seeker and Color Of Fame barring Regal Son. I have put Trail Finder in for third for his performances in the Australian Cup and the Hong Kong Cup, and for his run last year in this. The fillies will run cheeky races and could find a few of these off guard. But my tips are 2-Razer Broomslang over 1-Camena's Thunder and 6-Trail Finder.

Pictured: Trigun (chestnut) struggles home into third behind promising 3yo For You To Envy.

AMANDA PULLS OUT HER TRUMPS CARD FOR DERBY TIME

Reichenbach Falls and Sectum Sempra have been pencilled in as possible triple crown runners for master trainer Amanda O'Brien. When asked about how she thinks Reichenbach Falls will go in the Derby she responded "I think that Falls will be a strong contender for the TC given his pedigree being out of the top sire Troll Tower and a G1 winning World Record holding dam, so he has the potential on paper to be speedy enough for the 10f races whilst having the lungs to get the Belmont distances." Reichenbach Falls will have his lead up runs in the Florida and Santa Anita's Derbies. Sectum Sempra will race in all the same lead up races as Fallsy except for the Kentucky Derby, unless he improves his form over the shorter distances.






Reichenbach's main rivals seem to be Autharky and Believer, both top class colts who have dominated the 2yo dirt races. Beauty Queen is also one not to be ignored especially if she runs against the colts. When I asked what races she had in mind for Fallsy if he wins or races very well in the triple crown races she responded "the breeders cup classic will be his ultimate aim but we'll take it race by race and if he did manage to do well in the TC races he would earn a rest for a while before maybe going for a few races against the older horses". She has also mentioned the Breeders Cup Endurance as a possible goal for Sectum Sempra as he is a dyed in the wool stayer. But be warned punters, Amanda has said that if her horses don't perform in lead up races they won't race in the main event".









O'Brien will also have runners in the English classics, with the big Johar colt Moriaty and perhaps Sign Of Four lining up in the Derby and Perfecta in the Oaks. Moriaty was a promising second in the G3 Pilgrim Stakes over 1800m at Belmont as a 2yo and should handle the extra distance. Perfecta and Sign Of Four have both shown promise and will appreciate the extra ground.









Meanwhile, the Group 2 winning colt New Moon On Monday while resume in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on week 5. He should be hard to beat while in this class.




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Honest stayer WinWinWin will start off his preparation for the Melbourne Cup this week with a run in a $30,000 Open Handicap over a mile at Victoria Park. Kayll said he was happy with his preparation say he had filled out nicely since his last run when he won the Group 3 WA St Leger in Perth. "He's coming along nicely and he well and truly gets the two miles so I'd like to give him a go at the Melbourne Cup" he said. "He'll go onto the G3 Kingston Town (2000m) on the 11th of Feb and then either the G1 Metropolitan Handicap (2600m) or the G2 Winning Edge Handicap (2400m) at Caulfield before the Melbourne Cup."

COULD SWAIN'S GOLD FINISH THE HEATS BUSINESS?

Swain's Gold has been among the 34 3rd acceptances overnight for the Kentucky Derby. The half brother to Heat Seeker is trained by newcomer Tia of Circle F Farms and she is quietly optimistic about her horses chances.








"I picked up Swain's Gold at the auction from Huttons. I thought $25,500 was a very good price and he has more than earnt that back, more than all of that in one go with his second in the G2 KY Jockey Club. He prefers turf but he is more then capable on dirt and he seems to like the Downs so we might be going to the Derby. We'll see. We will probably be starting him off in Japan in Feb." Swain's Gold is currently $51 for the Derby.








Another possible runner is Tia's original horse Copablanca. "His Dam of Sire is Winning Colors and his mother's no slouch either so I figured he'd be a decent runner. Being that Rev was "older" I needed someone younger to balance and being 2 he fit the bill perfectly. He's got a 2-3 peak and wants distance even though he can't quite hold it yet; his stamina IS improving, though, so there's hope. He pulled an 85 PSR back in November which knocked my socks off. Yeah, there's hope alright. His first start of 2012 will be in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream." Copablanca is currently $151 for the Derby.






Tia also has a very promising sprinter in Enigma, another purchase from Hutton's Horse Haven. "Enigma is our Super Sprinter. Another Hutton Hotty, he ran very nicely last season and it's hoped that he will continue that momentum. He'll be starting in a very low level at Shenandoah in late January - mostly as he finished his last start injured and I want to play it safe. Part of that "safe" includes avoiding Heat Seeker at all costs." Enigma was very good last season when third in the G2 Moir Stakes on Cox Plate day and his last run fourth in the Missle Stakes beating Handsome Bane and Duo Power was very awesome. He'll surely win races this season and possible Tia's first win.




She has made a few purchases at the end of the season, picking up Roll Of Thunder and Our Maiden. Roll Of Thunder was a very good horse for my mate Steve and that will win races. "Roll of Thunder was picked up at the late stable auctions for a song. With bloodlines and PSR's like his (Thunder Arctic and multiple TR's) I would have been a fool to walk away from such a low reserve. He'll be going in an ungraded stakes at Caulfield in late January and probably stay at the lower level, though I do hope he's still Graded-competitive", is Tia's opinion of Roll Of Thunder. This is her comment about Our Maiden, "Our Maiden was purchased from EV to replace Rev in the Filly/Mare runs. She's been cooling her heels for the last year-and-a-half and I only hope she still remembers what a track is for. Strangely enough her first start for us was also Rev's: the Truly Bound HDCP at Fair Grounds. She's another that's slated for the shed, though if she does well she may run again in '13." Our Maiden's name doesn't help out too much but she is a G3 winner who could surprise fresh in mares grade if she comes back as good.





She is very happy with her breeding and is seeing results in the paddock with Unforgiv'n beating Prince Stephen home. Perfect Goer has had 5 foals and Revotic is coming along good. Asking her about horses she's scared off this season are not surprisingly Heat Seeker and the big Otsego colt Shatterstar.
________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, Moonee Valley staff are disappointed with only four entires in the Manikato so far. People's Champ will run after his barnstorming win in Hong Kong and so will the star 3yo Count Kane whom I understand Fin is very keen about this week. This morning he told me about Count Kane's chances "My frank assessment is that I'm so confident about Count Kane winning is that I don't need two horses in there". The other horse to whom he is referring to is the star mare Life On Mars who is slated down to run in the G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) in Sydney this week. Other acceptances are the stayer Trigun, who is most likely to run in Japan or wait for the Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) next week and the improving filly Spider Naevi.

Early Market= Manikato Stakes

$2.00 People's Champ, Count Kane

$9.00 Spider Naevi, Kostya (not nominated), Flawless Tower (not nominated)

$13.00 Trigun

$101.00 Little Miss Pump (not nominated)

CORNISH LOOKING TO THE STARS FOR HIS 2 MILER

Prodigal Son, a 5yo bay colt by Majestic Son and Wild Spirit, is among the 3rd acceptances for the Emirates Melbourne Cup. Currently quoted at $81 for the Melbourne Cup, he has been the target of many small long odds bets in the past week reports bookmaker Bruce McNamara. "People have backed him because of his ability to run 2 miles and fairly honest, but amazingly there haven't been any win bets placed". That would probably be due to the appearance of the legend Heat Seeker, who won a hard fought horse of the year vote last year over Regal Son. "Heat Seeker is quoted at $2.20 and no one seems to want to bet against him, Fin LaFleur thinks he'll get 2 miles no worry and that's good enough for me" said McNamara at the Manikato Stakes barrier draw at Moonee Valley yesterday.

Ben Cornish was in an exclusive interview yesterday with Joshua Kayll on the popular racing show Spring Stayers on TVN. "He (Prodigal Son) will be ultimately aimed at the Melbourne Cup but we're not ruling anything out. We are planing to start him first up in a mile handicap in Adelaide, and we might go onto the Feehan and Metropolitan Handicap before that". He is not going to run in the Caulfield Cup saying that the class is too hard for him shorter then 2 miles. "At 2 miles he could probably run into a place at his absolute best but he's never been at great competition and hes failed at times but I reckon he could be a late peaker" commented Cornish. "I think if he hits a front in a Melbourne Cup he'll be hard to run down but really we're all running for second with the emergence of Heat Seeker and all".

Prodigal Son hasn't been bred to get the two miles with his father being Majestic Son who struggled to get 10 furlongs, but one of his daughters is the Melbourne Cup winner Ride The Sun who is one of the best around over 2 miles. His mother is Wild Spirit who was very effective around the 2000m mark.

Other runners that Cornish is looking forward to running is Makybe Power and Dancin In The Dark. Makybe Power amazingly is a sprinter on his AR despite both parents being champion 2 milers but Cornish said he didn't care as long as he had the heart and power of both of them when he finally races in 2014. Dancin In The Dark is his most consistent horse who will be aimed at races around 1200m to 1400m. Amazingly, Cornish reckons he doesn't make the 1400m despite being placed at Group 1 level at the distance and several good runs at the distance. Still, the "old warhorse" will bring in the money for his lucky connections every start it seems.

Meanwhile, the champion Heat Seeker will have a light campaign coming into the cups with a possible overseas campaign early in the spring for the rescheduled Japan Cup in September. The race is after weights are released so Heat Seeker won't receive a penalty. He may run in the Turnbull along the way.

TRAINER LOWERS SIGHTS FIRST UP IN THE LONG CUP BUILDUP

Trigun son of Revenge, will start next week in the Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) at Caulfield according to J Kayll owner of JD Kayll Race Club.. Thanks to a great deal from Crystal, Kayll procured the valuable stallion on the conditions that-

1) Should JD Kayll Race Club go bankrupt, unexpectedly leave the game, or want to sell the horse, Trigun will be offered to return to Rivendell at the orginal purchase price of the horse first.

2) Rivendell reserves breeding rights of one breed every season when he retires, as long as JD Kayll Race Club still owns him.

A great deal, and Crystal should be highly commended for her sale to help out an emerging trainer in Australian Racing. Kayll, 15 has bought several imports in the past, and these are those horses..

• Kasthari Lass, an dirt filly with whom he campaigned over there for reasonable success, beating G1-placed filly Record High in her solitary win.
• Handsome Bane, a Group 2 placegetter in America, to win the Group 3 Irwin Stakes in Adelaide.
• Volcan, a well bred colt from Great Britain with two second placings, to win a maiden and a placing in the listed Kensington Stakes against the older horses.

He has acquired a few over the off season, but all bar one has been unraced..

Anyway, Kayll would like to start Trigun out in the lowly rated Heatherlie. "There isn't much around that week and I'd like to be a bit realistic and step up his distances gradually you know, like starting off at 1700m is a good start off point and gives me options of whether I'd like to go weight-for-age with him or stay to handicaps". His path may include a hit run trip to Sydney for the G2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Randwick. "He is pretty versatile but I'm not sure about him backing up quickly say if I give him a months break into the Turnbull Stakes or even the Yalumba so this will fit the bill perfectly as it will give him nearly a months break into the Caulfield Cup and a month into the Plate". Likely rivals in these races are unknown, but Heat Seeker is rumoured to be a late entry in the $2.5mil Caulfield Cup (2400m), and star 2yo Tony Montana will run in the $3 mil Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley. "I don't really care about the opposition but if there's an option of skipping Heat Seeker you'd be mental to miss it, but if I'm going to run him in the Melbourne Cup I'd have to race him in the Caulfield Cup so I'm just going to see how the entries stack up and if I think my fella is up to it then full steam ahead I say".

Trigun may struggle to run 3200m on his pedigree, but there is enough stoutness if there's a slowish pace. His dad is Revenge, who is arguably the best horse this game has ever seen and he never ventured out of middle distance territory, but many of his foals have gotten distance, including the versatile two miler Islegetrevenge. His mum is Seek The Gold, who raced up to the 2400 metres with modest success, with a Group 2 placing.

Trigun came to Kayll's stable as a rising star, but disappointed for Kayll at his first run in the All-Aged Stakes. On reflection though, it was a nice run as he led and got ran down only late on a distance lower then his best. Next run he got narrowly beaten in America by the top Italian Faldo at Group 1 level before getting beaten at his next start in Canada by a fellow Italian Sinking Fear, again at G1 level. Kayll sensed his first Group 1 win was coming, and dropped him down in class in the Caribbean. It was a nice enough field, with a champion in Union Jack fronting up. Mar De Hielo, a mutliple Group 1 winner, a stable mate to Faldo and Sinking Fear. Another stable mate Anonmino Veneziano, a last start G2 winner and Radioactive a subsequent winner. Trigun won as easy as he liked, breaking the track record and winning by four lengths.

Next start Trigun had a huge jump in class, heading to Hong Kong for the Vase (2400m) against Color Of Fame and Heat Seeker and Narsil among others.. Acquitting himself well, he passed former stablemate Narsil, who Crystal had always rated better then Trigun.

Trigun is currently at $21 and $15 for the Caulfield Cups and Cox Plates, and is at $61 for the Melbourne Cup. I'm hoping he goes well for connections :).

COLOR OF FAME PROVES HIS CLASS

Color Of Fame has showed his class overnight for Australasia with a win in the ($2M, 2400m Breeders Cup Turf) at Churchill Downs. Showing great amounts of courage, Color Of Fame fought back after getting passed by the wonder 3yo Daredevil to win in a gutsy salute.



Color Of Fame set the pace from Malvern Hill and Trail Finder, with the Australian champion Camena's Thunder in fourth position. Behind them was Daredevil and then there was a mile back to the rest of the field, who would have to be Phar Lap to win from there. As they moved into the home straight Camena's Thunder broke down and was dropping back through the field, out came Daredevil, who wasn't in his usual front running role, hit the lead. It was a great burst of sprint but the burly NZ son of Quest For Fame fought back and somehow hit the lead, despite Daredevil's brilliant burst of speed. This is the moment when Color Of Fame became one of my favourite PF horses, he was so brave in fighting back and hitting the lead, sealing the deal for NZ.




Color Of Fame won well, breaking the hearts of his rivals like Vo Rogue and Might And Power before him and therefore won his second Breeders Cup Turf. Second was Kingston Dawn flashing home for second in a photo with Daredevil, with the consistent Tension in fourth. Behind him was the Arc winner Malvern Hill, who to be honest was pretty dour but game in defeat. In sixth was Arctic Slicker, who settled too far back and really run on late, not to disimilar was Fireball's run, trained by Royal Flush Farms. Camena's Thunder broke down but will still be ready for the (A$2m, 2000m Hong Kong Cup) at Sha Tin in a months time. I don't know the results of the rest of the horses but they settled way too far back and had geniune excuses.




The win of Color Of Fame takes his earnings to $10,476,000, with 13 wins from 22 starts. Chiknsmack has really shown great class in the training of this super star and likely plans include the (A$1.5m, 2400m Hong Kong Vase) against the mighty Heat Seeker and the (A$2m, 2000m Hong Kong Cup) at Sha Tin Hong Kong International day. Best of luck for Michael with those plans.



Other highlights of the meeting was the breaking of the PF world record earnings held by A Bus, broken by the champion mare Pegasus Song. She ran second to a rampaging Money Maker.




Other wins on the program were Chelsey with her first Breeders Cup win with Perfect Picture over Oprah in the Sprint, Find A Way's narrow win in the Endurance over the gallant leader Sinking Fear, Narsil and Lovely To See You, Regal Son's brilliant win for Laurie in the Breeders Cup Classic, Princess Royale's win over She's A Prize in the Filly/Mare, Believer and Beauty Queen winning the 2yo events and Ton Of Luck showing great class beating Hepatic Flap in the Mile, with Kennys Charm and my old bugger All For Dansilver getting a check for fourth.











Race 7308 - 11/5/11 - Grade 1 - BREEDERS CUP TURF - Churchill Downs - 3YOs & up - 1 1/2mi T - $2,000,000
Horse Stable Age/Sex Scratch Instructions
Arctic Slicker Plugger Racing 4 None
Camena's Thunder FDL Lodge 4 None
Color of Fame Chiknsmack Stables 4 None
Daredevil Bonai Farms 3 None
Fireball Royal Flush Farms 3 None
Kingston Dawn Smokey's Stable 4 None
Legend's Laughter Snowbank Farm 4 Scratch if No-
Malvern Hill Under The Weeping Moon 4 No-
Tension The Priory Stables 6 None
Trail Finder Rainbow 4 None
Wild Ensign The Raja Stables 3 None

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

"Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!! Was the words said by Camena's Thunder's jockey as they passed the winning post, winning the $800,000 Daily Telegraph Sydney Cup (3200M) at Group 1 level. There was a polite applause as the horses went out the gates with the Cox Plate quinella Camena's Thunder and Arctic Slicker setting a first pace as they went around the corner. In most of the race they were followed by Nitrous, Royal Gold, Lovely To See You, Ride The Sun and Islegetrevenge. Well back in the field were Latin Jewel, Tago Lad, Dalal, WinWinWin & Danio who was just miles back off the pace. In the straight, Camena's Thunder was going great, Arctic Slicker had had enough, Nitrous the same, also with Royal Gold, Lovely To See You was passed and Ride The Sun was running on. Islegetrevenge started to get closer in the run and Tago Lad, Dalal & WinWinWin were horses that ran the distance out strongly but the winner was too good. FDL Lodge had a killer week, with many other Group 1 wins, including the English Triple Crown with Heat Seeker.

Race
6988

Grade 1 Sydney Cup 9/4/2011 2 miles; turf 3-Year-Olds and Up
$800,000
Track
Firm To Good
Royal Randwick
Running Time
3:20.05


PP Horse Age/Sex Stable Wgt Odds Call Positions Margin Time Earnings
2 Camena's Thunder 4yo Male FDL Lodge 118 7/2 1 1 1 1 1 3:20.05 $480,000
3 Islegetrevenge 4yo Male Spartan Racing Stables 115 8/1 8 8 7 3 2 1 1/2 3:20.30 $200,000
4 Latin Jewel 4yo Mare Olmo Dorato 107 18/1 12 10 8 11 3 -4 3/4 3:20.85 $80,000
12 Tago Lad 5yo Male Olmo Dorato 110 12/1 11 12 10 6 4 -8 1/4 3:21.39 $40,000
8 Ride The Sun 4yo Mare Godolphin17 111 8/1 9 6 6 7 5 -10 3:21.69
6 Dalal 6yo Male Victorian Racing Stables 106 9/1 7 9 11 10 6 -11 1/2 3:21.95
10 WinWinWin 4yo Male JD Kayll Race Club 106 31/1 6 7 9 9 7 -11 3/4 3:21.97
1 Arctic Slicker 4yo Male Plugger Racing 111 8/1 2 3 2 4 8 -13 3:22.19
5 Lovely To See You 4yo Male Long Island Hayburners 124 7/2 5 5 5 8 9 -13 1/4 3:22.23
9 Royal Gold 4yo Mare Golden Acres 105 6/1 3 4 4 2 10 -23 1/2 3:23.93
7 Nitrous 4yo Male Eureka Racing Stables 107 20/1 4 2 3 5 11 -33 1/2 3:25.57
11 Danio 6yo Male Plugger Racing 108 13/1 10 11 12 12 12 -60 1/2 3:30.02

SCR

COMMENTS:
Camena's Thunder- Too good, probably the best 2 miler on the game now, next run we don't know but he'll be one of the only horses that could give Heat Seeker some sort of worry.
Islegetrevenge- Very good from well back, will run well in any long distance race, especially when he gets back on the dirt.
Latin Jewel- Showed why she's one of the better long distance mares around, step back in class to a Group 2 will find a winner.
Tago Lad- Whacked away, proved again he's one of the top 2 milers, honest.
Ride The Sun- Didn't show much sprint but stayed on, still probably the best mare over 2800m and above.
Dalal- Showed he still has it but needs to get closer in his races.
WinWinWin- Same as Dalal, gets the 2 miles but a drop in class is crucial for him.
Arctic Slicker- The hearts still there but is the body willing? May just be a 2400m horse, tried hard.
Lovely To See You- Dunno what to think, he'd take this field apart at his best, might need the dirt?
Royal Gold- Didn't run it out, looked a chance on the turn but weakened soon after.
Nitrous- Didn't run it out and probably not good enough.
Danio- Needs a lot less ground and a Stakes race in Adelaide.

JK

SYDNEY CUP ULTIMATE PREVIEW

8	Sydney Cup 4.30

3200m $800,000 3yo & up Group 1. Apprentices cannot claim.

TAB Sportsbet Fixed Odds

1	54223	LOVELY TO SEE YOU, 7 Long Island Hayburners	60	4.00
2	31132	CAMENA'S THUNDER, 2 FDL Lodge	59	3.60f
3	23225	ARCTIC SLICKER, 1 Plugger Racing	56	21.00
4	54166	DALAL, 3 Victorian Racing Stables	56	26.00
5	44191	TAGO LAD, 9 Olmo Dorato	55.5	9.00
6	24571	RIDE THE SUN, 13 Godolphin17	55	15.00
7	12682	ISLEGETREVENGE, 5 Spartan Racing Stables	54	5.50
8	11041	ROYAL GOLD, 8 Golden Acres	52	12.00
9	31035	WINWINWIN, 10 JD Kayll Race Club	52	81.00
10	30950	DANIO, 4 Plugger Racing	50	151.00
11	23182	LATIN JEWEL, 6 Olmo Dorato	50	61.00
12	33217	NITROUS, 11 Eureka Racing Stables	50	41.00

Islegetrevenge 1, Lovely to See You 2, Camena's Thunder 3, Tago Lad 4

Lovely To See You Barrier: 7 Weight: 52kg Trainer: Long Island Hayburners Bred By: Long Island Hayburners     Background Lovely To See You is the premier 2 miler on the game if you dismiss latest form. That form isn't even bad but we know what this fellow can do and that was shown in Japan earlier this year in the Diamond Stakes. Lovely To See You is a son of the champion middle distance galloper Dansilver, and the deceased Exogenous who was a two time Group 1 winner in America. But despite his 2000m pedigree, Lovely To See You loves to stay. A promising 2yo, with his season culminating with a win over Mar De Hielo in the 3200m allowance. Next season he ran well in races like the Kentucky Derby and the Epsom Derby, but the trainer Long Island Hayburners thought he needed more ground and at his first try at the trip, Lovely To See You smashed the champion 2 miler Domitila by 20 lengths. This stallion is typically honest and should give a good show.   Form Career: 22 starts, 6 wins, 7 seconds, 1 third. This time in: 6-1-2-1 Distances won: 3200 (3), 2500 (1), 2400 (1), 2200 (1) FOURTH: Santa Anita, 2700m (Group 1 San Juan Capistrano Stakes, firm), April 19, behind Just Cause. Raced in second place out wide the whole race, fought on but was dour. $2.60f. (126) SECOND: Royal Ascot, 3200m (Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, good), June 16, behind Tago Lad. Raced far back, even running seventh at the 200m before storming home behind Tago Lad. Midrace tactics won Tago Lad the race. Good run. $3.20f. (126) SECOND: Royal Ascot, 2400m (Group 1 Diamond Stakes, firm), July 15, behind Heat Seeker. Raced fourth or fifth but the best horse won the race. Ran on late. $4.00. (126) THIRD: Saratoga, 2400m (Group 1 Sword Dancer Handicap, good), August 6, behind Royal Gold. Raced forward. Hit the lead but got outsprinted. No excuses. $2.80f. (124)   Pedigree   Lovely To See You $3,173,300 22-6-7-1 Dansilver $11,758,250 49-30-7-4 Dansili  Lady's Secret  Exogenous $945,560 12-5-4-1 Unbridled  Tangled Up In Blue

 

Camena's Thunder Barrier: 2 Weight: 59kg Trainer: FDL Lodge Bred By: FDL Lodge     Background Camena's Thunder is the Cox Plate winner of this season who was a beaten favourite in the Melbourne Cup off a 10 day back up. Gets the distance as indicated with his third in the Diamond Stakes earlier this year. By the champion sire Thunder Arctic, who had a lot of stayer prowess and is the son of the champion sprinting mare All For Camena. He is another that defies his breeding, especially in his mother's side. Camena's Thunder didn't show much as a 2yo, but did run two midfield runs against big allowance fields. Again as a 3yo he didn't show much before an impressive Metropolitan Handicap placing, but had to wait another 5 months for his first win, at Group 3 level over Dalatombe. Later on in the year, after good efforts in races like the Arc, won his first Group 1 in the Queensland Derby over Nystoi. This year he started with a bang with 2 group 1 wins including a close Group 1 in the Cox Plate over Arctic Slicker and Color Of Fame. Next start he tried his heart out in the Melbourne Cup before 3 Group ones later in the season. Camena's Thunder will be hard to beat if he shows his best on game day.   Form Career: 32 starts, 8 wins, 5 seconds, 6 third. This time in: 10-5-1-3 Distances won: 2400 (2), 2100 (1), 2040 (1), 2000 (1), 1800 (3), 1400 (1) WON: Epsom, 2400m (Group 1 Coronation Cup, soft), June 7, beating Witness. Led the whole way and was just too good. $1.40f. (126) WON: Caulfield, 1400m (Group 1C.F. Orr Stakes, good), July 7, beating Eminem. Settled behind the tearaway leader Handsome Politics and ran straight past him and beat them quite easily. $2.60f (126) THIRD: Arlington, 2000m (Group 1 Arlington Million, good), July 31, behind Dangerous Liasons. Settled midfield and started to whack away at the leaders and momentarily hit the front but got outsprinted. Good run. $3.20 (123) SECOND: Epsom, 2100m (Group 1 Juddmonte International, good), August 14, behind Jenny's My Gal. Just beaten by a legend, as simple as that. Couldn't have ran any better. $4.00 (126)   Pedigree   Camena's Thunder $3,188,750 32-8-5-6 Thunder Arctic $15,984,200 27-22-2-1 Smart Strike  La Prevoyante  All For Camena $7,018,250 39-23-5-2 Tit For Taat  Camena

 

Arctic Slicker Barrier: 1 Weight: 56kg Trainer: Plugger Racing Bred By: Parklands     Background Arctic Slicker is a Group 1 winner who is having his first try at the trip here. High class galloper as evidenced by his second to Scenic Sheba in the Hong Kong Mile last year. He is by the sire Thunder Arctic, with middle distance his forte and his mother is Slickfest, who won a VRC Oaks so Arctic Slicker should get the distance. Arctic Slicker was one of the better 2yos of his year, running fourth in a Golden Slipper, and winning the Silver Slipper at Group 2. At three, won a Group 1 over the Kentucky Derby winner New Tower. But he had a frustrating run, with third in the Caulfield Cup, second in the Australia Cup, second in the Man O'War Stakes, second in the Dubai Champion Stakes, sixth in the Breeders Cup Classic and second in the Hong Kong mile. Earlier in the year, Arctic Slicker really was going well but has dropped off lately. If Arctic Slicker comes back to his best form he'll be very hard to beat. Form Career: 28 starts, 6 wins, 9 seconds, 5 third. This time in: 7-0-4-2 Distances won: 1800 (1), 1600 (1), 1400 (1), 1100 (2), 1000 (1) THIRD: Longchamp, 2100m (Group 1 Prix Ganay, firm), April 28, behind Camena's Thunder. Ran near the lead but was found wanting over the closing stages. $3.20. (126) SECOND: San Siro, 1600m (Group 2 Premio Carlo Vittadini, good), May 29, behind Beerenberg. Settled back off a slow pace and made up many lengths but not enough. $2.20f (127) SECOND: Flemington, 1600m (Group 2 Blamey Stakes, slow), July 1, behind Maroon Lodge. Settled behind the leader and fought on but was just beaten by a twice Group 1 winner. $3.00f (126) FIFTH: Saratoga, 1800m (Group 1 Whitney Handicap, hard), July 31, behind Regal Son. Settled back but was outclassed on his non preferred surface. $8.00 (118)   Pedigree   Arctic Slicker $2,643,250 28-6-9-5 Thunder Arctic $15,984,200 27-22-2-1 Smart Strike  La Prevoyante  Slickfest $1,871,000 37-13-8-5 Pine Bluff  Heritage Of Gold

 

Dalal Barrier: 3 Weight: 56kg Trainer: Victorian Racing Stables Bred By: Yeguarda Lore Toki     Background Dalal is the proven horse in the race with 13 runs at the distance for some very good runs. Dalal is a Brisbane Cup winner and has been a top class race horse for many years. By the champion sire Bellbuster, who has sire horses like Perfect Bell and his mum was an out and out sprinter. Dalal was a classy 2 year old with a placing in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes his highlight. At his 3 year old year he was brilliant winning 2 Group ones the WATC Derby and the Brisbane Cup over the champion stayer Braveheart. As a four year old he won 2 races before being changing stables to Victorian Racing Stables. He won a race at the end of year for him. This year has been in okay form with a win over Thunder Heart in the ATA Stakes before running 2 good races at Group 1 level. Wouldn't be surprised to see him storm down the outside and go close in this. Form Career: 60 starts, 11 wins, 12 seconds, 4 third. This time in: 7-1-0-0 Distances won: 3200 (1), 2800 (1), 2600 (1), 2400 (3), 2200 (1), 2100 (1), 2000 (1), 1900 (1), 1800 (1) FOURTH: Eagle Farm, 3200m (Queensland Cup, dead), April 15, behind Sinking Fear. Was too far back in a big field and ran on resolutely in the straight. $4.00. (116) WON: Ascot, 2200m (ATA Cup, fast), May 20, beating Thunder Heart. In a change of riding tactics Dalal led and that meant he outclassed them. $4.00 (119) SIXTH: Royal Ascot, 3200m (Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, good), June 16, behind Tago Lad. Ridden forward but beaten when the heat went on. $7.00 (126) SIXTH: Rosehill Gardens, 2000m (Group 1 Ranvet Stakes, good), August 7, behind Hold That Train. Settled back and ran on well enough to say that he'll have a say in this race. $8.00 (118)   Pedigree   Dalal $1,853,250 60-11-12-4 Bellbuster No information available Housebuster North Bell Regal Kiss $63,900 3-2-1-0 Royal Academy Kiss A Halo

 

Tago Lad Barrier: 9 Weight: 55.5kg Trainer: Olmo Dorato Bred By: Olmo Dorato     Background Tago Lad has really come on in leaps and bounds this year. His highlight was an Ascot Gold Cup win over Lovely To See You. Tago Lad's probably the 2 mile specialist in the race. Tago Lad is by the champion Octagonal, who won up to 2400m but was never set for a Melbourne Cup, and the mother was Republic Lass who won an AJC Oaks and beat the champion Northerly once, so Tago Lad definitely has the staying breeding. Tago Lad has already proven himself at 2 miles. Tago Lad was a promising 2yo, having won a G3 over Silver Poetry. At his 3yo campaign, Tago Lad was placed in a few good races, but his 2 mile prowess got tested with a nice fourth in the Brisbane Cup behind Flow Diagram. In his 4yo season, Tago Lad won his first race since a 2 year old with a win in the Andrew Ramsden Stakes over Dalal, after a good run in the Melbourne Cup. Two starts later he won his first Group 1 in the Prix Du Cadran over Coins. This season Tago Lad has been in impeccable form, running fourth in the Melbourne Cup at $26 dollars, before winning the Gold Cup 2 starts later and last start winning back to back Ramsden Stakes. Tago Lad will look a winning chance at one point in the straight. Form Career: 44 starts, 5 wins, 3 seconds, 8 third. This time in: 6-2-0-0 Distances won: 3200 (4), 1800 (1) FOURTH: Royal Ascot, 3200m (Group 3 Sagaro Stakes, dead), April 22, behind WinWinWin. Was midfield but didn't do heaps. Beaten by the better horse on the day. $3.50. (126) WON: Royal Ascot, 3200m (Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, good), June 16, beating Lovely To See You. Smart midrace tactics won Tago Lad the race. Great result for trainer. $14.00 (126) NINTH: Royal Ascot, 2400m (Group 1 Diamond Stakes, firm), July 15, behind Heat Seeker. Settled back and stayed there. $12.00 (126) WON: Flemington, 3200m (Andrew Ramsden Stakes, good), August 7, beating Ace Of Grace. Settled back and ran on well enough to win the race. Good win. $4.00 (122)   Pedigree   Tago Lad $1,214,350 44-5-3-8 Octagonal $5,892,231 28-14-7-1 Zabeel  Eight Carat  Republic Lass $1,553,970 23-6-0-7 Canny Lad  Swift Seasons

 

Ride The Sun Barrier: 12 Weight: 55kg Trainer: Godolphin17 Bred By: Zippy Chippy Stables     Background Ride The Sun is a Melbourne Cup winner which is great form for this. Ride The Son's father was Majestic Son who was most effective over 2000m and her mother was Victory Ride who was a twice Group 1 winner over the middle distances. Ride The Sun has a good record at 2 miles with six races over the distance for 6 Group 1 runs in the top 6. Ride The Sun was a promising 2yo with a close fourth at Group 1 level behind Serendipity. Ride The Sun was a good 3yo winning many times at Group level including a fourth in the Breeders Cup Endurance. This year Ride The Sun started this year with a fourth in the Diamond Stakes behind Lovely To See You, and a Group 2 win before her impressive win in the Melbourne Cup. She has only won once since the Melbourne Cup but that was over 3200m and she is a true 2 miler. Look for her late. Form Career: 28 starts, 6 wins, 3 seconds, 2 third. This time in: 9-3-2-0 Distances won: 3200 (2), 2400 (1), 1900 (1), 1700 (2) FOURTH: San Siro, 2400m (Group 1 Gran Premio Di Milano, good), June 1, behind Princess Royale. Ran midfield but hit the lead late before being outsprinted. $6.00. (121) FIFTH: Royal Ascot, 3200m (Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, good), June 16, behind Tago Lad. Settled back and ran on but not classy enough. $5.50 (121) SEVENTH: Royal Ascot, 2400m (Group 1 Diamond Stakes, firm), July 15, behind Heat Seeker. Raced last and ran on as good as anything but too far back. $26.00 (121) WON: Shenandoah Downs, 3200m (Allowance, firm), August 13, beating Latin Jewel. Settled back before getting to the lead and breaking the track record. Good win. $1.60f (120)   Pedigree   Ride The Sun $2,310,950 28-6-3-2 Majestic Son $2,817,500 20-4-6-3 Secretariat Lite Light Victory Ride $338,031 6-4-1-1 Seeking the Gold Young Flyer

 

Islegetrevenge Barrier: 5 Weight: 54kg Trainer: Spartan Racing Stables Bred By: Spartan Racing Stables     Background Islegetrevenge is a top class 2 miler. Islegetrevenge is by Revenge, the champion middle distance dirt galloper and his mum was a champion middle-stayer with wins in many Group ones. Islegetrevenge had one run as a 2yo with a fifth behind Ride The Sun over 2000m. At his second start he ran second behind Sweet Tombi before being spruiked in the Belmont Stakes with a ninth. A five month break followed that and he ran a brilliant race for second in the Breeders Cup Endurance behind Lovely To See You. At his next run he broke his maiden with a world record win over 2600m. This season Islegetrevenge has had a great run and he gets the 2 mile. Should be around the mark for sure. Form Career: 9 starts, 1 wins, 4 seconds, 0 third. This time in: 4-0-2-0 Distances won: 2600 (1) SECOND: Tokyo Racecourse, 3200m (Group 3 Diamond Stakes, good), February 1, behind Lovely To See You. Settled back and ran on resolutely but couldn't peg back leader. $10.00. (124) SIXTH: Nad Al Sheba, 2400m (Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic, hard), March 26, behind Erupt. Settled last and ran on. $6.00 (123) EIGHTH: Flemington, 3200m (Group 1 Emirates Melbourne Cup, firm), Mar 28, behind Ride The Sun. Raced back and done enough for a horse off 2 days of rest. $11.00 (123) SECOND: Ascot, 3200m (Group 2 Perth Cup, firm), May 26, behind Kingston Dawn. Led but got beaten by a better horse on this surface. $4.50 (124)   Pedigree   Islegetrevenge $859,000 9-1-4-0 Revenge $9,960,000 18-14-1-1 Stephen Got Even Serena's Song Islington No information available Sadlers Wells Hellenic

 

Royal Gold Barrier: 8 Weight: 52kg Trainer: Golden Acres Bred By: Rainbow     Background Royal Gold is a top class mare. She is by the stayer All Gold, who had won one race in his career but that was in a Group 1. Her mother won a listed race over 2300m as a 3yo. The trainer Steven has commented that Royal Gold is effective to 2800m but not at the 3200. Royal Gold was a handy 2yo, never running further back than sixth in good races. But as a 3yo filly, the was when Royal Gold really matured. Royal Gold had two promising results as a 3yo stepping up in distance before winning the VRC Oaks. She won her next start in the WA Oaks before running third in the English Oaks. Royal Gold won one more race in the season, in the Belmont Oaks. Royal Gold has really improved this campaign and has only been out of the money once but the worrying thing was that that was over 2 miles in the Ascot Gold Cup. According to Racing Post she was unlucky that day. Last start, Royal Gold beat Lovely To See You and Retribution. She is a good chance if given a cushy ride. Form Career: 22 starts, 7 wins, 2 seconds, 2 third. This time in: 7-3-2-0 Distances won: 2500 (2), 2400 (4), 1100 (1) FIRST: Royal Randwick, 2400m (Group 3 Summer Cup, firm), May 20, beating Tension. Settled in the lead and was too good. $7.00. (115) LAST: Royal Ascot, 3200m (Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, good), June 16, behind Tago Lad. Settledw wide near the lead and was gone when the pressure went on. $10.00 (121) FOURTH: Arlington, 2000m (Group 3 Arlington Handicap, good), July 12, behind Dalatombe. Raced second and got outsprinted late. $9.00 (121) FIRST: Saratoga, 2400m (Group 2 Sword Dancer Handicap, good), August 6, beating Wall Street. Raced third and fourth off a hot pace before outstaying them in a surprise. $8.00 (105)   Pedigree   Royal Gold $1,011,250 22-7-2-2 All Gold $1,006,000 27-1-4-6 Alydar Heritage Of Gold Shadow Dancing No information available Unfuwain Salchow

 

WinWinWin Barrier: 10 Weight: 52kg Trainer: JD Kayll Race Club Bred By: Zippy Chippy Stables     Background WinWinWin is an honest racehorse. His dad was a Group 1 winner over 1800m in America and his mum won over 1800 in Western Australia. He should be a middle distance galloper but has indicated he loves the longer ground. WinWinWin ran three times as a 2yo with third and fifth at stakes level before fifth at Group 1 level in the Futurity. As a 3yo he ran a further two fifths before winning his first race in the Christmas Cup. After that he got sent to Endless Vista but I bought it for $10,000 and he ran second first up. He ran some consistent results before getting to some ground and as a major surprise won the Sagaro Stakes at Royal Ascot. Form since that has been handy. Go well. Form Career: 14 starts, 2 wins, 1 seconds, 3 thirds. This time in: 8-1-1-2 Distances won: 3200 (1), 2400 (1) FIRST: Royal Ascot, 3200m (Group 3 Sagaro Stakes, dead), April 22, beating Gorad Gomel. Settled back before making up ground and outsprinted them. $12.00. (121) LAST: Ascot, 3200m (Group 2 Perth Cup, firm), May 26, behind Kingston Dawn. Settled back and stayed there. Not a good run at all. $14.00 (115) THIRD: Rosehill Gardens, 2000m (Underwood Cup, good), July 7, behind Nitrous. Settled forward but couldn't peg back the leader. Pulled up sore. $5.50 (120) FIFTH: Flemington, 3200m (Andrew Ramsden Stakes, good), August 8, behind Tago Lad. Raced midfield and ran on well. $14.00 (118)   Pedigree   WinWinWin $111,500 14-2-1-3 The Cliff's Edge $1,265,258 13-4-5-2 Gulch Zigember Lizzy Long Legs $31,250 8-0-0-2 Steel Glow Tropical Dream

 

Danio Barrier: 10 Weight: 50kg Trainer: JD Kayll Race Club Bred By: Zippy Chippy Stables     Background Danio is a warhorse. His mum was Zoshka, and to be honest was a horrible race horse, and his dad San Sebastian was a Group 1 winner over 4000m and later a winner over the jumps in New Zealand so he's got a lot of staying stoutness on his dad's side. Danio was Group 1 placed as a 2yo behind Sitio Estrategico. As a 3yo Danio was very good, winning five races, including 3 at Group level. As a 4yo, Danio stood up to older class, his best results being a second to champion Scenic Sheba at Group 1 level at Royal Ascot and getting a win. I think his peak was around that time though, because although last years form was good he wasn't as good as he was but he may be looking for more ground. His best result this year was a 3rd behind WinWinWin over 3200m. In terrible form and can't enthuse. Form Career: 62 starts, 8 wins, 12 seconds, 8 thirds. This time in: 8-0-1-1 Distances won: 2000 (1), 1800 (3), 1600 (2), 1500 (1), 1000 (1) LAST: Royal Randwick, 2400m (Group 3 Summer Cup, firm), May 20, behind Royal Gold. Settled back and stayed there. $10.00. (118) NINTH: Royal Ascot, 3200m (Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, good), June 16, behind Tago Lad. Settled back and stayed there. Not a good run at all. $11.00 (126) FIFTH: Victoria Park, 1600m (Tattersall's Cup, dead), July 14, behind Storm Flyer. Settled back again but did run on okay. Pulled up sore. $6.00 (120) LAST: Rosehill Gardens, 2000m (Group 1 Ranvet Stakes, good), August 7, behind Hold That Train. $18.00 (126)   Pedigree   Danio $1,185,500 62-8-12-8 San Sebastian No information available Niniski Top Of The League Zoshka $0 6-0-0-0 With Approval Meadow Star

 

Latin Jewel Barrier: 6 Weight: 50kg Trainer: Olmo Dorato Bred By: Endless Vista Stud Farm     Background Latin Jewel is one of the best 2 mile mares on Photo Finish. Her dad Argentina was a 1400m less dirt sprinter while her mum I have no idea about. Her mum must have some stoutness because if she doesn't well then it's a freak pair. Latin Jewel didn't do much as a 2yo but as a 3yo she was close up in some of the good 3yo filly races, including a win over 2 miles. Her second win was at the end of that season over the flying C.T.'s Pizza at that point. She has only had won win since, in a 3200m allowance over the very very good mare Valkyrie. Latin Jewel perhaps isn't good enough for this race but she does guarantee an honest performance and she gets the 2 miles. Form Career: 22 starts, 3 wins, 2 seconds, 3 thirds. This time in: 5-1-2-1 Distances won: 3200 (2), 2400 (1) LAST: Royal Randwick, 2400m (Group 3 Summer Cup, firm), May 20, behind Royal Gold. Settled back and stayed there. $10.00. (118) NINTH: Royal Ascot, 3200m (Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup, good), June 16, behind Tago Lad. Settled back and stayed there. Not a good run at all. $11.00 (126) FIFTH: Victoria Park, 1600m (Tattersall's Cup, dead), July 14, behind Storm Flyer. Settled back again but did run on okay. Pulled up sore. $6.00 (120) LAST: Rosehill Gardens, 2000m (Group 1 Ranvet Stakes, good), August 7, behind Hold That Train. $18.00 (126)   Pedigree   Latin Jewel $306,600 22-3-2-3 Argentina $280,000 28-2-1-0 Dust On The Bottle Paseana Onyx No information available Sri Pekan Black Jewel

 

Nitrius Barrier: 11 Weight: 50kg Trainer: Eureka Racing Stables Bred By: Eureka Racing Stables     Background Nitrous is a twice Craven Plate winner who has really gone well this season. Nitrous is the son of the underrated sire Tom Cat, who is an out-and-out sprinter. His mum was a dirt sprinter as well. Nitrous had 3 runs as a 2yo and was close up each time. As a 3yo he improved to win his first race, the Craven Plate over Gorad Gomel. 2 starts later he had a run over 3200 metres in the Queens Vase and didn't run it out beaten 40 lengths. By the end of that year he had another 2 wins over 2000m. This year he has been out of the placings twice at G1 and G2 level before winning another Craven Plate. It's hard to see Nitrous having the class or the stoutness to win against this field over 3200m. Form Career: 17 starts, 5 wins, 1 seconds, 2 thirds. This time in: 7-2-1-2 Distances won: 2000 (5) THIRD: Morphettville, 2000m (Group 3 Queens Cup, firm), May 13, behind Faldo. Raced forward and fought on well. Good run. $2.80ef. (123) SECOND: Rosehill Gardens, 2000m (Parramatta Cup, dead), June 10, behind Silver Sword. Led until got ran straight past by a good horse. $2.80 (124) FIRST: Rosehill Gardens, 2000m (Underwood Cup, good), July 7, beating Roll Of Thunder.Led and fairly pinched the race. $2.00f (124) SEVENTH: Rosehill Gardens, 2000m (Group 1 Ranvet Stakes, good), August 7, behind Hold That Train. Again settled forward and fought on fairly. Doubt about his class at this level. $6.00 (126)   Pedigree   Nitrous $389,300 17-5-1-2 Tom Cat $240,000 10-1-0-2 Tabasco Cat Flawlessly No Treaty $2,500 10-0-0-0 Deputy Commander Versailles Treaty

 

SYDNEY CUP ODDS:

3.60f CAMENA"S THUNDER

4.00 LOVELY TO SEE YOU

5.50 ISLEGETREVENGE

9.00 TAGO LAD

12.00 ROYAL GOLD

15.00 RIDE THE SUN

21.00 ARCTIC SLICKER

 26.00 DALAL

41.00 NITROUS

61.00 LATIN JEWEL

81.00 WINWINWIN

151.00 DANIO

GEORGE RYDER STAKES

All For Dansilver

Castle Rock

Felix Of France

Maroon Lodge

Midway

St Cay

Wanna Be A Fox

MELBOURNE CUP REAL LIFE AGAIN AGAIN AND AGAIN

1- Septimus 5.50

2-Master O'Reilly 21.00

3-Honolulu 26.00

4-C'est La Guerre 18.00

5-Nom De Jeu 9.00

6-Yellowstone 101.00

MELBOURNE CUP REAL LIFE AGAIN AND AGAIN

7- Zipping 18.00

8- Mad Rush 5.00

9-Ice Chariot 71.00

10- Viewed 31.00

11- Littorio 31.00

12-Bauer 21.00

MELBOURNE CUP REAL LIFE AGAIN

13. Boundless 101.00

14. Gallopin 41.00

15. Guyno 126.00

16. Zarita 71.00

17. Newport 71.00

18. Profound Beauty 9.00

MELBOURNE CUP REAL LIFE

19-Red Lord 101.00

20-Varevees 126.00

21- Prize Lady 126.00

22-Alessandro Volta 51.00

23- Barbaricus 21.00

24- Moatize 35.00

COULD PRESTO WIN ANOTHER GROUP 1? INTERVIEW WITH HIS TRAINER BEN..

Josh: (JD Kayll Race Club) Well hello mate, your recent auction buy Presto is running this weekend, how did you come across him?
Ben: (Victorian Racing Stables) Hi Josh. Well back when he was at brownfoal I come across him just searching horses and he had one start and won it. I thought that’s a horse I gotta have so I emailed the owner but never received a response, but then I saw him on auction page not long ago and went all out for him.
Josh: Good, good.. Did you know about his recent form at Royal Flush Farms
Ben: Yes I’d been following him alot. And I saw the g1 win and when I saw him on sales page I thought this is a horse I gotta get
Josh: Yeah, the 1.2 million price tag did raise a few eyebrows though, was there any private deals involved?
Ben says: yes you can say that, but we not going to go into too much detail
Josh: Yes yes, so how do you think Presto will go this weekend
Ben: Well it really depends on who is in the race. It’s his first step up in distance, but I believe he can handle it. if he runs well in this race I will most likely step him up more
Josh: Yeah, there's one other runner in the race named Riskachamp, have you studied his form?
Ben: Yes and his form does not compare against presto, I wouldn’t imagine he could beat presto
Josh: Yes but he is a progressive type, could be a horse like a Largo Lad who ran so well in this this year in real life coming off similar form
Ben: Well I still don’t think he’s much of a chance. Maybe next year but not now
Ben: Let me just say I will be very surprised if he does win
Josh: Well mate you would certainly have egg on your face if you lose to him!
Josh: Any plans after this race for Presto?
Ben: No, I’ll just see how he handles the trip and if he doesn’t make it. Well its back to 8f
Josh: Well his form has been good but if there's a horse like a Daredevil, a Sinking Fear, I don't think Heat Seekers going for it.. I can't see him beating those star 3yos.. Are there any alternatives for him if they run? Perhaps the AJC Derby next week?
Ben: Possibly. but that’s the race I think they will go for. If not it might be a possibility
Josh: Yeah but remember the Rosehill Guineas is worth half a million, there's sure to be a Group 1 winner up against your champ
Ben: Well who’s to say he won’t beat one of these horses
Josh: Well I don't think he may be classy enough, he's been beaten by horses like Splash, who’s only win before the Liverpool Cup was a Stakes race, Missing Hour, who is a good horse but disposed of your horse pretty easily, and then there's All For Dansilver who hasn't really stood up to Group 1 this season
Ben: Well racing is a rollercoaster you never know what’s going to happen next
Josh: Yeah it is and by the way how’s the Greyhound plan going along?
Ben: Umm greyhound planning? What’s this got to do with pf
Josh: It's more interesting than PF seeming we are about to own a champion greyhound
Ben: We are? Mate I’m on a tight schedule. Let’s rap it up?
Josh: Well just one more question.. Are you running any other horses this week?
Ben: Yup handsome problem my other new buy and Atlantic yacht
Josh: How do you rate their chances?
Ben:Both good chances I like to think
Ben says:My stables flying along at the moment
Ben: Hopefully these horses continue
Josh: Yeah but they will have a tough job beating All For Dansilver :) so I'll let you go best of luck and hopefully you win all 3 races
Ben Ok thanks josh. Bye

ERUPT GIVES THEM A COLD IN THE AUSTRALIAN CUP

Erupt, a 4yo bay horse by Thunder Arctic and Timarida and trained by Bonai Farms, showed his great class in winning the Australian Cup. Erupt has been in great form this season, with only one unplaced effort in the Diamond Stakes. Erupt has won the one Group 1 this season, in the Dubai Sheema Classic in front of some very classy horses. Erupt's latest form was a 3rd in Italy before his average run in the Diamond Stakes.

Up against him was the Emirates Stakes winner Garson De Garcia, the Breeders Cup Filly/Mare winner Princess Royale, the Doomben Cup winner Trigun, the consistent Trail Finder, the Colin Stephen Quality winner Far Horizons and the Group 2 winner Cyberstar.

There was a frantic pace set by Trail Finder, and the field was strung out many lengths. Erupt was always close in the run and around the corner he extended away from the pack reminiscent of Sirmione in his barnstorming Flemington Group 1 wins and won by 4 lengths over Princess Royale and the brave Trail Finder. The media was understandably excited after the win and ask whether he's up to Breeders Cup Standard. I have no doubt he is... End of story. He's a top class racehorse who could win the BMW Stakes if he backs up.

HANDSOME POLITICS OUTCLASSES CANTERBURY RIVALS

Handsome Politics, the 5yo bay horse by Handsome Man and Vice President, backed up his recent good form with another win in the G 2 Canterbury Stakes at Canterbury. Before his run in the Maryland Breeders Cup Handicap (G 3) he was sold from Hopeful Farm to Victorian Racing Stables for $200,000. It was a very good buy benefiting both stables as Hopeful Farms were looking to sell a few of there horses for room while Victorian Racing Stables wanted a genuine Group class performer. Handsome Politics' recent form was a close fourth in the Maryland Breeders Cup behind Arctic Silver, a win in the Shoemaker Breeders Cup Mile from Butterfly Sneeze. At his next start he ran a very close third in the Orr Stakes behind the Cox Plate champion Camena's Thunder before winning this.

The major contenders against Handsome Politics this week were Skasey, the well performed 3yo from Olmo Dorato. Arod, the Christmas Handicap winner over horses like Misty Royal. Alycay, a recent Group winner over El Pais and Volcan. If The Crown Fits, a horse with great form through Doomsday, and Pasta Fazul, who had ran fourth in the G2 Neartic Stakes.

Handsome Politics fairly out classed this field, saluting at $2.80 by 2 lengths, over Arod and Skasey. I don't know the plans for Handsome Politics, but a logical race for him would be the Galaxy Stakes, but an alternative could be the Doncaster Handicap if he indicates he wants more ground.