26/10/13 - Eagle Farm, Moonee Valley and Rosehill

Last Saturday was one to forget and that's what The Silk went about doing Saturday night.  Unfortunately excessive partying only managed to wipe out the hours between midnight and 5am.  In the bright hours of Sunday nothing had changed...only a handful or so of winners were found. 

These being Totally Sure $1.30, Trajet $3.60, Anna Lizzie $2.20 and Cape Kidnappers $1.70 at Doomben, Arabian Gold $3.20 at Caulfield and Alpha Miss $2.10 at Randwick.  Just deplorable but as always we're given another opportunity to redeem ourselves and what a day we have.

Let's get involved in Cox Plate day 2013!

Eagle Farm

Race 1

We're blessed with perfect weather and a good track.  This opening event is a tough betting proposition given that 8 of the 9 two year old fillies are on debut.  The wise thing would be to watch and learn but for the sake of involvement I'll be going with Runway Angel (6).  It trialled over 850m this week and belted the opposition.  2nd was 11.8 lengths away with 3rd a further 8 back.  Now it's a decent horse or the opposition were absolute duffers.  I'll take the punt that this horse is alright and the fact that jockey Chris Munce has been engaged backs that theory up.  Draws barrier 4 and with blinkers on, I think this filly is ready to win first up.  Other hopes to Setfire To Therain (8), Aster Bloom (1) and I'm Chillin' (4).

Race 2

A field of 7 go around in this week's edition of the 2100m race.  The odds won't be flash but Poste Restante (2) should be winning this and winning well.  This horse has a handicap rating superior to anything in this race. In fact it's 6.5 points better than Volkhere and meets it at the same weight.  It's record over the trip is excellent winning 2 and placing 3rd from 4 attempts.  Enters this on narrow 3rd in the Port Macquarie Cup a few weeks ago.  She's drawn the peg and jockey Michael Cahill can box seat.  If I can get $2 or more then I'll be smackin' it!  

Race 3

La Tikka Rosa (6) has a poor record over the 1200m with just 2 2nds from 7 starts.  However I think she is flying at the moment and the way she's been finishing off her races suggests she'll eat the 1200m up here.  She's won her past 2 starts with a relative amount of ease.  The eye catching part has been that she's been hitting the line with gusto.  There should be a reasonable speed set and Colless will be able to sit off it and pounce in the straight with her lighter weight.  Other hopes to The Storeman (1), San Jose (3) and Jopa (5).

Race 4

Vis A Tergo is going gangbusters at the moment but I'm not sold on the fact that it can handle 1400m here.  Particularly with a number of horses vying for the lead early.  That will help the chance of Flying Jet (1) who likes to park himself at the back and come home like a, well a flying jet.  He races well over this distance and particularly at this track.  He meets Vis A Tergo better at the weights after taking ground off that horse in the straight last start.  That race wasn't run to suit but this will be.  Other hopes to Platinum Mint (9), Vis A Tergo (3) and Leviosa (2).

***Leviosa has been scratched****

Race 5

Morning Captain (3) came oh so close to getting us the chocolates 1st up and I'm sticking with him here to repay the faith 2nd up.  He'll be able to stalk the leader Audacious Spirit and hopefully get over the top in the run home.  His record over this trip is a good one with 8 wins or placings from 10 starts.  Other hopes to Audacious Spirit (4), QFighter (8) and Fillydelphia (2).

Race 6

I'm really not a fan of this race but for the sake of involvement I'll put my thoughts forward.  I'm putting What About Me (7) on top.  This guy won his only start over this distance and I would suggest he's wanting the 1600m now.  His 1st 2 starts after a spell were good where he ran on strongly.  Last start he got too far back.  With a reasonable speed he'll be coming hard at them in the straight.  Other hopes to Tail And All (6), Slim Henry (4) and Arctic (10).

Race 7

I'm assuming that the price available for Bodega Negra (2) is because of the wide barrier.  I may be a poor judge (don't answer that) but $12 seems a bit over the top.  He got the cash for us last time and I'm sticking solid.  Some of his more fancied rivals are stepping up to 1400m here whereas this guy has won 1350m and last start over 1600m.  I think he worked out what it's all about last start and will go on with it.  I think he can get across from the wide gate with reasonable ease to take a position in the 2nd pairing.  In an open race I think he offers great value.  Other hopes to Friendly Dragon (5), Queen Of the Lochs (4) and Hopfgarten (7).

Race 8

This meeting has deadset done my head in and now they want to finish me off completely with this doozy.  Thanks guys.  I'm going to go with Congo (11).  This guy slayed inferior opposition last start by 3 lengths.  Prior to that he went close to Regular who would win here.  He's from the in form Dunn stable who are flying.  Wiggins will be able to get the horse in a forward position and will be able to get home strongly.  Other hopes to Vacallo (8), Hludowig (5) and Arado (1).

Best Bets

The only good thing I see is Poste Restante in race 2.  Otherwise the best bet is just get involved and have some fun.  

Moonee Valley

Race 1 - No Trials means no interest

Race 2 - Vatican (1)

Race 3 - Vibrant Rouge (6)

Race 4 - Opinion (6)

Race 5 - Savvy Nature (1)

Race 6 - Diamond Oasis (3)

Race 7 - Sneak A Peek (2)

Race 8 - Toydini (10)

Race 9 - Lake Sententia (2)

Race 10 - It's A Dundeel (11)


Rosehill

Race 1 - Sheer Style (10)

Race 2 - Chateau Lafaite (2)

Race 3 - No Interest

Race 4 - Marden (2)

Race 5 - Chatham House (6)

Race 6 - Landing (3)

Race 7 - Angel Bee (8)

Race 8 - Heart Testa (5)

 

 



25/10/13 - Moonee Valley Manikato Stakes

Race 1 - North Lodge (7) win

Race 2 - Black Cash (1), Auld Burns (2), Dance For Cash (5) and High Kingczar
             (6) exotics
             
Race 3 - Scratchy Bottom (6) win
             Scratchy Bottom (6) and Gregers (1) quinella

Race 4 - Montsegur (1)  e/w
             Montsegur (1), Bulbula (2), Romancingthestone (6) and Holy Cow (13)
             exotics

Race 5 - Lankan Rupee (7) win
             Lankan Rupee (7) and Rifleman (8) quinella

Race 6 - Queenstown (4) win

Race 7 - Post D'France (7) e/w

Race 8 - Samaready (10) win
             Samaready (10), Lucky Nine (1), Buffering (2) and Rebel Dane (7) 
             exotics

19/10/13 - Doomben, Caulfield and Randwick

Last week was a welcome return to form for The Silk.  It was a profitable day with 9 winners found at the 3 meetings.  These being Stroak $3.00, Bodega Negra $6.00 and QFighter $3.30 at Doomben; Missy Longstocking $3.70, Unpretentious $3.70, Sea Moon $3.20 and Solzhenitsyn $6.80 at Caulfield and Multilateral $1.90, That's A Good Idea $2.30 at Randwick.

To encourage the winners to continue coming, I'll once again have a bit of a write up for Doomben and list my top picks for Caulfield and Randwick.  Caulfield Cup day dictates that involvement will be high so let's get amongst it!  Best of luck! 

Doomben

Unlike the past month or so, the weather isn't fine and sunny.  Forecasts for Friday and Saturday morning suggest showers/rain could occur.  If this eventuates, I don't think the track will race any worse than dead.  

Race 1

A small field of 6 two year olds go around here over 1110m.  Totally Sure (5) narrowly lost to Grapevine in it's debut run 2 weeks ago.  Gets the gun run from barrier 1 and will be further improved 2nd up.  It looks the likely winner here but at $1.55, I won't be getting involved.  If for some strange reason it gets out to backable odds then I will get on.  Hardest to beat is I'm Alone (3).

Race 2

We get the obligatory 2200m race out of the way early this week.  Thank god for small miracles!  Who drew the winning number this week?  I'm going with Trajet (5).   I thought he raced quite well last start when he ran on for 3rd to Raeburn.  He lost ground 1000m from home which added merit to his performance.  He has form around the likes of Mr O'Ceirin and has been competitive in better quality races than this.  Michael Cahill guides the horse.  OTher hopes to Borehole (2), Soul Crusade (8) and Sam's Town (4). 

Race 3

I've hummed and harred over this race for some time and that's never a good thing.  Again it's a small field with just the 7 horses.  Speed will be critical and the likely leader will be Listen Son.  I don't think he'll get things his own way which could help Signified (3) avoid getting a difficult run from the awkward barrier.  This horse is 3rd up and after two 2nds leading up to this looks ready to handle the 1350m.  Will race with 54kg after the claim for Tegan Harrison.  I also suspect that this horse will handle a damper track better than the others engaged here.  Other hopes to Belltone (1), Listen Son (2) and Pellegrini (7). 

***With the scratching of Listen Son, I'll promote De Dozen Stars (6) to the other hopes***

Race 4

Whiskey Allround (2) comes home after 2 races in Melbourne.  This guy won all 3 of his races in Brisbane before trying his hand in much tougher races down south.  Some of those races were of Group standard.  He has a class edge over the rest of these.  He has had a month off since his last start 3rd at Caulfield.  In that race he went down by 3.5 lengths to Iconic and Villa Verde (no slouches) but he did race wide.  Gets a gun run from barrier 2 and gets Cahill in the saddle.  Other hopes to Sammi Jain (7), Enquare (5) and Hallside Rose (6).

Race 5

I was really taken by Tax Evader (3) last campaign.  He really came on and was competitive in decent races.  He resumes here and has a decent 1st up record with 2 wins and a 3rd from 5 races.  He'll get back but there appears to be sufficient speed up front to give him a nice cart into it and we know he'll be finishing off strongly.  He won his only start at this track and distance.  Any moisture in the track will be too his advantage as he showed a real liking for it.  Gets 2kg relief for the claiming Ash Butler.  Other hopes to Theft (1), Lucky Sound (4) and Caellum (8).

***With the scratching of Lucky Sound, I'll promote Destruction (10) to the other hopes***

Race 6

This could be a trap race with speed being crucial to my pick Annie Lizzie (6).  Last start she was disadvantaged by the pedestrian pace and that could be a definite danger of happening here again.  Having said that, this race is over 1600m and also the likely leaders will come from the outside which may force them to go a little quicker than they would have liked.  She showed her powerful finish in wins at Ipswich over 1680m and here over 1350m.  If she's in striking distance entering the straight, I doubt she'll be able to be stopped.  I won't want to be taking a ridiculous price about her though.  Other hopes to Danyme (8), Write Cheek (4) and Leviosa (3).

Race 7

Elmantosh (10) is one of mine.  I really like this horse and I think he can win here.  He's been racing in excellent form this campaign with 2 wins and a couple of placings from 4 starts.  He races well over this trip and won't mind if the track is dead or worse.  I really like the way he hits the line and even after a tough run last start, he was still attacking the line.  He's still well weight at 54kg and will be given a nice run from Ric McMahon.  Other hopes to Billy Aucash (8), Magic In Motion (9) and Sir Knox (11).

Race 8

Cape Kidnappers (1) has to lump 59kg but the fact of the matter is that it deserves it.  It has won 6 from 8 and the 2 "failures" it ran 2nd.  It resumes here and goes particularly well fresh winning 3 of 4.  He loves this track and distance and can handle any going.  He's drawn the inside gate and Ric McMahon will be able to give him the gun run.  Other hopes to Stradon (8), Sinister Prince (6) and Rocky King (3).

***With the scratching of Stradon, I'll promote Leealan (5) to the other hopes***


Caulfield

Race 1 - Tango's Daughter (4)

Race 2 - Paximadia (1)

Race 3 - Arabian Gold (2)

Race 4 - Famechon (9)

Race 5 - She Can Skate (6)

Race 6 - Pinwheel (2)

Race 7 - Chiaramonte (11)

Race 8 - Honorius (1)

Race 9 - Peron (14)

Race 10 - Royal Descent (16)



Randwick

Race 1 - Alpha Miss (6)

Race 2 - Kirramosa (3)

Race 3 - Barbed (2)

Race 4 - Leebaz (8)

Race 5 - Ichihara (4)

Race 6 - Vaquera (4)

Race 7 - Riva De Lago (1)

Race 8 - She's Clean (3)


Best Bets

Doomben Race 4 - Whiskey Allround (2)

Doomben Race 8 - Cape Kidnappers (1)

Caulfield Race 5 - She Can Skate (6)

Caulfield Race 8 - Honorius (1)

Randwick Race 8 - She's Clean (3)



          

         



12/10/13 - Doomben, Caulfield and Randwick

Last Saturday the Silk should have kept his punting to Brisbane.  It was a successful day in the Sunshine State with 4 winners found on the 8 race card.  These being Grapevine $2.80, Vienna Royale $1.50, Pickabee $3.00 and Londehero $3.80.  Unfortunately the good work was undone with a poor showing down south.  We had a handful of selections that paid nicely for the place so I guess if they'd lifted just that little bit extra, the day could have been excellent.

A number of you are probably wondering how I went in the Melbourne Cup blog competition I plugged heavily on this page.  I didn't win (despite holding a commanding lead) and I won't be going into detail about it but it wasn't a great experience.  The end result was that I closed my Sportsbet account as did a number of my friends due to the lack of professionalism shown in the organisation of the competition.  I'd like to thank those people that took the time to vote for my entry.  Your support was greatly appreciated.

I'll stick to the same format as last Saturday with a bit of a write up on Doomben and then my top selections for Caulfield and Randwick.  Let's get involved!

Doomben

Once again we're blessed with clear skies and warm temperatures.  The track will be hard and fast courtesy of some very warm days particulary Friday.  The weather bureau have mentioned showers but I'd doubt they'll eventuate and if anything they'll just take the edge off a good 3 track.  

Race 1

We kick things off with a race for 2 year olds where all runners are on debut.  That makes things difficult with most having had just the 1 trial leading into this.  I'll go with the Bryan Guy trained Stroak (8).  This filly won her only trial over stablemate I'm Alone.  She's drawn nicely in barrier 3 and gets the services of Michael Cahill.  She is out of the same sire as last year's Magic Millions winner Real Surreal.   Hardest to beat are Shadowside (2).

Race 2

This isn't a race I'll be jumping from trees to get involved in.  Having said that, Tail And All (1) looks a very good chance.  Last start at Eagle Farm over 1600m he was held up for quite some time in the straight before finally getting out and charging to the line.  On that performance you'd think he'd be hard to beat here.  He rises 3kg in the weights but to be brutally honest this isn't the strongest race.  In a race devoid of any speed, jockey Ryan Wiggins will be able to push him forward into a prominent position.  I wouldn't be taking silly odds here but I think he'll be winning.  Other hopes to Elusive Storm (5), Flying Fuji (3) and Arctic (4).

Race 3

Gypsy Pearl (6) enters this race 2nd up and looks in good shape.  1st up she ran 2nd to La Tikka Rosa over 1010m which is a tad too short.  That form was then franked with La Tikka Rosa coming out and winning it's next start.  Gypsy Pearl really loves this track and distance with a record of 2 wins and a 2nd from 3 starts.  She will race with 54kg after the claim for Anthony Allen.  She's drawn nicely to be in the box seat entering the straight.  Other hopes to Vis A Tergo (3), Ticket To Dream (4) and Urgent Bells (5).

Race 4

I'll be playing a quinella here with Vacallo (5) and What About Me (6).  I've found it hard to split the pair but I've put What About Me (6) narrowly on top.  He looks primed 3rd up to get a win after fast finishing placings to Regular and Magic In Motion.  He has a great overall record and races particularly well at this distance.  Gets the services of Chris Munce which can only be a positive.  Other hopes to Vacallo (5), Black Cash (2) and Lady Agulhas (2). 

***With the scratching of Lady Agulhas, I'll promote Tapakeg (8) to the other hopes***

Race 5

A lot of these 3 year olds have been racing each other recently but that doesn't make this any easier to pick.  I'm going with Bodega Negra (4).  The connections of this guy must have an opinion of him as they took him to Sydney for the Group 2 Stan Fox last start.  Sure he failed to beat a runner home but I like the confidence to send him there for a crack.  The start prior he ran 3rd over this trip but he really should have won given he was all over the place in the straight like a mad dog s$%t.  If he can knuckle down to the task then I think he'll go very close here.  Other hopes to Elite Echelon (5), Tornado Miss (3) and Hopfgarten (6).

Race 6

Arghhhh!  Enough already of these 2000+m races in Brisbane.  Could I interest you in a lotto ticket?  But seriously we have a 2030m race here where anything could happen.  Volkhere comes up as favourite but I'm prepared to risk him.  I'll be with the up and comer Quick Witted (7).  In her brief career she's won 3 from 4.  She's won her last 2 starts easily over 1800m at the Gold Coast in class 2 company.  This is a big step up but I think she's ready for it and there's not a great deal of talent here.  Chris Munce is a key appointment and he'll be able to go forward and control things.  Other hopes to Special Miss (8), Volkhere (1) and Hush Power (5).

Race 7

This is a very competitive race over 1200m.  The speed should be reasonably quick with the 3 horses drawn the widest all having a liking of going forward.  I'm going with Morning Captain (3) who will get the gun run from barrier 1 and will be able to settle 4th.  He resumes here and he has shown that he goes particularly well after a spell.  He has a liking for this track as shown by his 7 quinella finishes from 9 starts.  Other hopes to Vintage Moss (5), Excellantes (2) and Facile Tigre (1).

Race 8

Qfighter (8) is a horse that needs a luck and importantly a strong pace.  I think he'll get that pace here with possibly 4 horses pushing forward wanting to lead.  This guy is going really well at the moment and hitting the line with gusto.  Gets in with just 52.5kg after the claim for Tegan Harrison.  Last start in a race run not to suit, he was terrific so imagine what he'll be like when he gets the conditions to suit?  I can hear The Snorkel yelling "Go Tegs" from Vegas now!  Other hopes to The Storeman (5), Oakfield Command (1) and Sir Luminar (11).


Caulfield

Race 1 - Stingray (9) 

Race 2 - Missy Longstocking (1)

Race 3 - Villa Verde (7)

Race 4 - Unpretentious (6)

Race 5 - Shamal Wind (5)

Race 6 - Super Cool (5)

Race 7 - Floria (6)

Race 8 - Sea Moon (1) 

Race 9 - Solzhenitsyn (2)  

Race 10 - Dissident (1)



Randwick

Race 1- Multilateral (6)

Race 2 - Taraneem (11)

Race 3 - Surge Ahead (5)

Race 4 - Shelford (3)

Race 5 - That's A Good Idea (5)

Race 6 - Savvy Nature (4)

Race 7 - Our Desert Warrior (6)

Race 8 - Lilliburlero (5)


Best Bets

Doomben Race 3 - Gypsy Pearl (6)

Doomben Race 8 - Qfighter (8)

Randwick Race 7 - Our Desert Warrior (6)

    



05/10/13 - Doomben, Flemington and Randwick

Last Saturday was quite a good day for the Silk.  We found 3 winners in Missy Longstocking $2.70, Vintage Moss $2.80 and Gotta Be Lucky at $11.  It was nice to get back in the winner's circle. 

This week the main action is down south.  It's a massive days racing with the Epsom Handicap, The Metropolitan, Flight Stakes and Turnbull Stakes being the highlights.  I'll do my usual write up on Brisbane racing but will also include my top picks for Flemington and Randwick.  Involvement will be high!

As I have asked in my previous entries, could you please visit http://www.sportsbet.com.au/blog/guest-blogger-competition/melbourne-cup-the-race-that-stops-a-nation and click on the "like" button.  Every vote will help the Silk get to the Melbourne Cup and will be appreciated! 

Doomben

Race 1

Once again we're blessed with beautiful weather in Brisbane.  Racing will be on a good track with the rail out 1 metre.  The opening 2 races are for the debutantes.  This makes betting a tricky proposition with only limited trial for these 2 year olds to go on.  This is for the fillies.  I'm putting Grapevine (4) on top but will be taking a quinella with Freezethemillions (3) as well.  These 2 look the main hopes here after some excellent trial form.  In Grapevine's case it ran quick time and looked to have a bit in hand.  Gets the services of Chris Munce and has drawn well.  Other hopes to Freezethemillions (3), Aimee (1) and Totally Sure (9).

**With the scratching of Freezethemillions, I'll promote All The Angels (2) to the other hopes**

Race 2

The 2 year old colts and geldings go around here and again we're basing our form on the trials.  Vienna Royale (10) looks the clear pick here.  He won his only trial by 7.5 lengths and ran at a decent clip.  Michael Cahill rides and has drawn beautifully in barrier 2.  I wouldn't be interested in taking a ridiculous price however.  Other hopes to Feelin' The Heat (5), Just Lucky (7) and A Bit Wicked (1).

Race 3

A small but competitive field of 6 go around here over 1350m.  Tactics will be the key.  There doesn't look to be a lot of pace here and that could play into the hands of Pickabee (2).  She'll roll forward and will either lead or sit just off Lady Colours. Either way she'll be in a commanding position.  She has a good overall record winning 4 from 9.  She won last start but the start prior was a tad unlucky when going down to Anna Lizzie by 1.6 lengths.  That time out she was held up for a run before getting out late.  With trouble free run here she'll be tough to pass.  Hardest to beat Anna Lizzie (5) and Magic In Motion (1).

Race 4

Again not the biggest field here with just the 7 engaged.  Billy Aucash (5) won here 2 starts ago in strong fashion.  This race is the same class and distance as that day yet he rises just 1kg.  He reunites with jockey Ryan Wiggins who has a tremendous record on the horse winning 5 of 8.  He should be able to position in the box seat and come charging home.  Other hopes to Arado (6), Regular (4) and Falino (3).

Race 5

It's poor form to start the quadrella with this race over 2200m.  The majority of these race each other often and mix the results up.  Who turns up today?  With little confidence I'll put Maling (2) on top.  He won last start when he narrowly hung on to defeat Mukaddamah Son.  He's drawn better today so he shouldn't have to expend too much energy to take up the box seat.  He has a good record over this trip.  The stable is in form and the 3kg claim for the apprentice will help.  Other hopes to Raeburn (3), Mukaddamah Son (1) and Sam's Town (4).

Race 6

Speed should be solid here with a number horses vying for the lead.  That should suit last start winner Londehero (2).  He hit the line hard when resuming and will be further improved for that run.  He rises 2kg but does get Michael Cahill in the saddle.  He's never run a bad race in his 5 starts and I can't see that changing here.  Other hopes to Queen Of The Lochs (5), Hallside Rose (4) and Mythologist (1).

Race 7

Winning form is good form and Elmantosh (9) couldn't be racing better.  He rises in class here but he's racing so well that deserves a crack at these.  He has won his past 2 starts over 1400m and the way he hit the line suggests he's capable of running 1600m.  Beat Peron earlier in the year over this trip and that horse is being talked about as a major hope in Melbourne.  Other hopes to Dolly Dolly (5), Hour Of Peril (3) and Equissential (6).  

Race 8

A tough day comes to a close with this scamper over 1110m.  I'm going with the old fella Come Said The Boy (2).  This bloke is 3rd up and has raced well in his past 2 starts since a spell.  Won well beating Bradbury Chocolate at Warwick and then ran 3rd to Memorable Moment and Bribie last start when weakening late over 1200m.  Gets barrier 1 here which will enable him to get a lovely run.  The claim certainly helps.  Other hopes to Spot The Rock (3), Quick's The Word (9) and La Tika Rossa (12).

Best Bets

Race 2 - Vienna Royale (10)
Race 7 - Elmantosh (9)


Flemington

Race 1 - Watch and learn

Race 2 - Orion (5)

Race 3 - Paximadia (3)

Race 4 - Chloe In Paris (12)

Race 5 - Don't Get Excited (8)

Race 6 - Sea Moon (1)

Race 7 - Wordplay (4)

Race 8 - Royal Descent (16)

Race 9 - Steps In Time (13)

Race 10 - Peron (9)


Randwick

  Race 1 - Tetsuko (13)

Race 2 - Ghibellines (5)

Race 3 - Masked Marvel (1)

Race 4 - Guelph (1)

Race 5 - Zoustar (1)

Race 6 - Thunder Fantasy (5)

Race 7 - Toydini (6)

Race 8 - She's Clean (14)

Race 9 - Prince Cheri (7)  

 

   

04/10/13 - Moonee Valley

The good times at Moonee Valley continued last Friday night with the Silk finding 3 winners on the 8 race card.  These being Vibrant Rouge $3.30, Divine Calling $3.60 and Samaready $7.00.  Amazingly all picks from the Silk ran a place.  On a personal note I had a place all up on races 2 to 8 which paid around the $42 mark.  It was quite a good night out!

 

We are faced with a dead 4 track with the rail out 7m.  That's just how we like it as it usually makes it easier to find winners with the on pace bias that is in effect.  I'm not as confident as last week but I think we'll be around the mark if not on it.   

Before we get involved, please go to http://www.sportsbet.com.au/blog/guest-blogger-competition/melbourne-cup-the-race-that-stops-a-nation and click like on my Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Blog. 

 

Race 1 - Astro Miss (3)

Race 2 - Lord Da Vinci (4)

Race 3 - Accord (9) (I really don't like this race)

Race 4 - Caroun (4)

Race 5 - Ready As Elle (6)

Race 6 - Holder Sunset (9)

Race 7 - Princess Rock (9)

Race 8 - Xavi (4)

Best Bets

Race 2 - Lord Da Vinci (4)

Race 8 - Xavi (4)  

02/10/13 - Eagle Farm

Before I get into the business of giving my top selections for Eagle Farm today, I'd like to take a few minutes of your time.  As you may or may not know I was invited to write a blog entry for Sportsbet's Melbourne Cup Blog Competition.  With 2 tickets to the Cup in the Precinct Area on offer, I couldn't refuse. 

 

I don't charge for my thoughts on race meetings and I don't plan on doing so.  I don't even expect thanks although a "good stuff shep" means a lot.  The time has come for me to call in a favour from the loyal readers of The Silk.  It will take no more than 30 seconds of your time. 

 

Could you please click on the following link http://www.sportsbet.com.au/blog/guest-blogger-competition/melbourne-cup-the-race-that-stops-a-nation  and then click on the "Like" button. 

 

The reason I've been and will continue to push this is that I'm well overdue for some time off work.  As you know I'm a newsagent that works 100 hours a week and gets 1 day off every 3 weeks.  I haven't had a holiday in over 10 years!  A few days in Melbourne on the punt with my best mate is just the tonic I need!  So please do me a favour and support me in this quest!

 

Right you're here for Eagle Farm selections so here they are:

 

Race 1 - Eastern Prince (1)

 

Race 2 - Unbowed (3)

 

Race 3 - Rock With The Star (5)

 

Race 4 - Leealan (2)

 

Race 5 - Bevico Girl (5)

 

Race 6 - Platinum Mint (1)

 

Race 7 - Royal Jester (3)

 

Race 8 - Skating Away (9)