Photo Finish Thoughts

Melbourne Cup Thoughts

2011-10-31T17:08:00.005+11:00

1- Americain (15) 58kg

2- Jukebox Jury (6) 57kg

3- Dunaden (13) 54.5kg

4- Drunken Sailor (8) 54kg

5- Glass Harmonium (23) 54kg

6- Manighar (21) 54kg

7- Unusual Suspect (7) 54kg

8- Fox Hunt (19) 53.5kg

9- Lucas Cranach (11) 53.5kg

10- Mourayan (14) 53.5kg

11- Precedence (2) 53.5kg

12- Red Cadeaux (16) 53.5kg

13- Hawk Island (18) 53kg

14- Illo (1) 53kg

15- Lost In The Moment (3) 53kg

16- Modun (5) 53kg

17- At First Sight (10) 52.5kg

18- Moyenne Corniche (17) 52kg

19- Saptapadi (22) 52kg

20- Shamrocker (24) 52kg

21- The Verminator (4) 52kg

22- Tullamore (12) 52kg

23- Niwot (9) 51kg

24- Older Than Time (20) 51kg

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Can Win: Americain, Dunaden, Lucas Cranach, Mourayan, At First Sight, Moyenne Corniche, Tullamore, Niwot

Can Place: Jukebox Jury, Manighar, Unusual Suspect, Fox Hunt, Red Cadeaux, Illo, Modun, Shamrocker

Can’t Win: Drunken Sailor, Glass Harmonium, Precedence, Hawk Island, Lost In The Moment, Saptapadi, The Verminator, Older Than Time

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1- Americain (15) 58kg. Reigning champ who beat better field 2010. Average in France before top MV Cup win. Back-to-back looks within reach.

2- Jukebox Jury (6) 57kg. Best stayer in Europe. Kergolay breathtaking win! Irish St.Leger brave. Trainer has doubts over tempo. V. classy.

3- Dunaden (13) 54.5kg. Awesome Geelong Cup, v. arrogant. Poor in Kergolay before that, although excuses. Loses Williams, may be difference?

4- Drunken Sailor (8) 54kg. Keeps improving. Poor in Aus last season, but has came back with a decent Caul Cup run. Trip may suit. Perhaps.

5- Glass Harmonium (23) 54kg. Revelation! Excuses in Plate but tough on Saturday, kept finding! 2400m placed behind (22) but 3200m? Too far.

6- Manighar (21) 54kg. Always running well but lacks killer punch. Good in Europe this season. Had chance in Caul Cup but didn't win. Place.

7- Unusual Suspect (7) 54kg. First US runner in Cup, 1st Hollywood Cup. Problems before Caul Cup but was excellent. Might get too far back?

8- Fox Hunt (19) 53.5kg. German St Leger winner last start, good win. Climbing over backs in Ebor before that, very unlucky. Good roughie.

9- Lucas Cranach (11) 53.5kg. German import. Well documented problems into Caul Cup but was run of race. Barnstorming turn of foot. My tip.

10- Mourayan (14) 53.5kg. Import who has turned corner. Good win in Cummings before ripper 2nd in Mackinnon. Tough and will keep finding.

11- Precedence (2) 53.5kg. Excellent 8th last year. Plain all campaign however. Prefer without blinkers, don't think he is going well, Bart?

12- Red Cadeaux (16) 53.5kg. Curragh Cup winner in June. Sound in Kergolay before tough effort in Irish St.Leger. Perhaps too dour? Place.

13- Hawk Island (18) 53kg. Consistent Waller import. Good Sydney record before plain Caul Cup. Will run trip, but needs a bog to be chance.

14- Illo (1) 53kg. German import. Cummings has wanted more time with him, despite good on pace MV Cup effort. Good gate, run of race? Place.

15- Lost In The Moment (3) 53kg. G2 placed at Goodwood. Form tapered off since. Ok in Ebor, Plain at Ascot. Gets 3200m, but I prefer Modun.

16- Modun (5) 53kg. Godolphin acquisition. Sound Ebor before excellent September win. Has a good turn of foot. Prefer a lead up run though.

17- At First Sight (10) 52.5kg. Eng Derby runner-up. Showing promise before setback. Sound Bendigo Cup. Has tactical speed to win this.

18- Moyenne Corniche (17) 52kg. Ebor winner over good field. Excelled since out to trip. Excellent in Herbert Power. Trip no issue. Chance!

19- Saptapadi (22) 52kg. Surprised got run. Only Maiden (2400m) to credit. Ok in Herbert Power, average in Caul Cup. Looks too dour.

20- Shamrocker (24) 52kg. Best 3yo of 2011. Hasn't had chance to show form spring. Turnbull sound before average in Plate. 3200m, Flem plus.

21- The Verminator (4) 52kg. Staying pedigree. Excellent Metrop win, Mackinnon just ok. Will get trip, class the issue? Perhaps a place.

22- Tullamore (12) 52kg. Brisbane Cup winner. Excellent in Caul/MV Cups. Gets 5 kilo turnaround on winner. 3200m looks no problem. Chance.

23- Niwot (9) 51kg. 3200m L winner. Run much better than it looked in Caul Cup, no luck. Magnificent in Lexus. No weight gets trip. Can win.

24- Older Than Time (20) 51kg. Placed in Sydney Cup on a bog. Plain this campaign until good Tatts Cup run. Lacklustre in Lexus. No chance.

Lucas Cranach 1, Niwot 2, Americain 3, Moyenne Corniche 4

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J.Kayll

The Dilemma

2011-08-29T15:10:00.010+10:00

Zagreb (middle) on the way to maiden success.

I have a dilemma. Should I continue with my reliable formula of buying tried horses for cheap prices, or refocus on youth to try to make my way up the PF stable list?

Photo Finish is a game dictated by great stables who have built up dynasties over the years they have played. With great racers comes great results in the breeding shed- and many leading stables have asserted their dominance over the years with well bred racehorses.

Seeing that stables winning the major races typically breed their own stock, I have began to try and build up a breeding side of my stable to try and keep up. Untried broodmares like Quarterview have been bought on the promise of their early racing careers. Proven broodmares like Lady Lava have been bought, on the premise of her established foals consistency. Others like Genuine Belle & Little Miss Pump, whilst not setting the world alight were horses I thought had the chance to their better traits to their foals.

While I was building up my breeding stock, my racing stable suffered. It was due to happen after a few years of success with stable buys Trigun & Fireball, but after getting acquainted with reasonable success it is a big ask to let it go lightly. JD Kayll Race Club won only one Group 1 for the season, albeit a decent one- the former Hopeful Farm champ For You To Envy prevailing in the Godolphin Mile. The first homebreds also raced last season and whilst they looked promising- none have looked liked becoming a star.

The mixed results of last season urged me to ask myself a question- should I ramp up my assault on buying tried horses again like I used to, or should I take a risk and try going back to square one and concentrating solely on breeding?

Taking the first option can guarantee short-term success, but without a huge bank and a great amount of luck it can come back to bite you on the ass. With tried racehorses also you cannot enjoy a long term of success like you would with a champion home bred. Quite often a tried horse is past its peak when bought but at least you get a guide to where it is at and what races you can target with the racehorse. This is in contrast to homebreds, even a horse with the greatest breeding in the world can prove a failure.

The latter option is a more risky move. If implemented properly however it can create dividends. Champions can be bought, but it is very expensive. For stables that don't have millions of dollars, breeding is their best chance of owning a champion. If you do by chance breed a champion, you also get the longer lasting benefits of that horses' offspring and so on. Not to mention the value of the sire and dam of the champion's value also rise. Breeding can be an expensive and low-reward exercise, but if you succeed your stable can be set up for life.

Last season I decided to take the matters into my own hands. After buying basically half the Chiquita Lodge stable I have ended up with 5 proven established racehorses: Awesome Assassin, champion sprinter D-Day, evergreen stayer November Rain, Rightwing & Zagreb. Awesome Assassin is a horse I think can string a few wins together in lower class races. D-Day's record speaks for itself and he was bought after a few years of pestering Donny. November Rain was a bit of an impulse buy for me being a person who loves stayers, Rightwing was another who had had good results in staying races in the past and Zagreb. Of the five I have had Rightwing the longest.

Rightwing looked gone after his lacklustre run in the G2 San Bernandino Handicap, but I believed the horse still had something to offer, and promptly dropped him down in class. Rightwing went on to win 3 of his next 4 starts, earning a profit upwards of $120,000. A nice return that mightn't look massive in the scheme of things- but can be something that helps build the coffers up for better successes.

Having a bit of pocket money at the end of last season, I decided to look out for a horse I think could be my next money spinner. Perhaps I went a bit overboard trying to acquire this one horse, but after getting Zagreb for $500,000 I was happy.

The horse was still a maiden, but I was impressed with his runs in some big races. Zagreb ran seventh in the Japan Cup in just his first start, and almost created the upset of the season when a close second in the Cox Plate at 30/1 behind Krazy Shiekh. The horse has immaculate breeding, both its parents being Cox Plate winners. I just believe the horse needed a drop in class- and as a result I entered him in the $50,000 Lord Mayors Mile at Victoria Park.

Starting at 6/1, Zagreb wasn't the favourite but he prevailed in a good finish over Blue Light. Zagreb left behind two Group 1 winners in Fanfulla da Lodi & Arsenic, both G1 winners at 2.

Whilst Zagreb has a long way to go before reclaiming his purchase price, perhaps he could become the next tried horse to win me a Group 1. I'm hoping the horse could be up to the Caulfield Stakes (G1, 2000m) or something similar.

Perhaps Zagreb and a few of his stablemates can keep the ball rolling whilst I continue to experiment with breeding, maybe it could even lead to the champion I've been waiting for.

Now here's a question for any readers, which move do you recommend- Should I continue buying tried racehorses or move my focus onto breeding good racehorses?

Strange Brew!

2009-10-17T20:33:00.003+11:00

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!

2009-04-15T20:58:00.007+10:00

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

2009-04-12T18:24:00.004+10:00

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

2009-03-15T00:13:00.005+11:00

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?

2009-03-13T19:52:00.005+11:00

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

2009-03-12T18:50:00.002+11:00

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

2009-03-10T17:11:00.006+11:00

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

2008-12-14T11:30:00.005+11:00

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.

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

2008-10-29T22:20:00.003+11:00

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

2008-10-28T19:14:00.003+11:00

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

2008-10-28T18:46:00.002+11:00

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.