30/11/13 - Doomben

Last week saw the return of The Silk after a freshen up.  It wasn't a bad 1st up run.  Nothing to write home about but still a nice hit out for a 2nd up assault. 

We found 7 winners across 3 meetings and 1 very nice 1st 4 at Eagle Farm.  These being Miss Leibert $7.30, Better Than Ready $2.40 and race 5's 1st 4 $1656 at Eagle Farm, Nautical $3.00 and Zephyron $6.40 at Moonee Valley and Elite Belle $2.60, Petrol Power $3.10 and Buffering $2.10 at Ascot.  

Doomben

Race 1

Checking out the forecast for Saturday doesn't fill me with confidence.  Talk of heavy morning rain is a real worry.  The track is currently rated dead and that's what I'm going to base my form on.  Having said that, I'll have a wet track in the back of my mind.

***Well the rain has come and the track is already rated a slow 6 at 9am.  I think it's safe to say that it's not going to clear in a hurry and we should be looking for wet trackers.  *** 

In race 1, the weather is the least of our concerns with all but 1 of the 10 2 years unraced.  Some haven't trialled so unless your motto is "Involvement is the key" then it would be best to avoid.  I'm going with the Bryan Guy trained Castanita (7).  This filly has had the 1 trial at the Gold Coast which she won in reasonable time.  She gets the services of Michael Cahill and although she's drawn out wide, I think she'll have the necessary pep to get into a good position.  Small interest bets only here as there's so much unknown.  Other hopes to That Pretty Girl (6), Eljetem (2) and Groomed For Glory (4).

Race 2

Who's got the winning raffle ticket this week?  Our weekly edition of the 2000m + race sees some of the familiar faces of the staying ranks.  There's no doubt Poste Restante put the sword to them the last time out but he rises to 59kg.  Although I think he'll run a great race, I'm looking elsewhere.  Gold Cape (6) won 2 starts back and finished a close 2nd last time.  She's hit the line hard in both races over 1800m so the 2200m here looks ideal.  She will carry 55kg and I believe that will be an advantage.  Other hopes to Poste Restante (2), Mr Light Blue (5) and Raeburn (4).

Race 3

There looks to be plenty of speed in this race with at least a handful of runners that will want to push forward.  That will play into the hands of the resuming Caballo Rapido (7).  Although this guy prefers racing over 1600-1800m, he does race well fresh and the strong pace will suit his strong finish.  We saw the potential of this guy last campaign when he won a class 6 in style.  He warmed up for this with some strong work this week.  Michael Cahill takes the ride and will carry 54kg.  Other hopes to Achievements (1), The Black Superman (12) and Isis Devil (4).

Race 4

Emerald Duke (7) stamped itself as a serious racehorse last start when it won in tough circumstances.  I liked that fighting spirit and it will need to demonstrate that again here.  Steps up to 1600m and has drawn wide.  Wide barriers are not foreign to it and as seen in it's last 2 wins, they are not a stopper.  This horse has plenty of improvement unlike a lot of these and think class will go a long way to getting a victory here.  Other hopes to Plumage (13), Danyme (10) and Tail And All (2).

Race 5

This is a great race to kick off the Quaddie.  There's so many good quality sprinters here that you could make a case for half the field.  I'm going with Liesele (2).  She resumed in Melbourne 2 starts ago where she won the Alinghi Stakes.  She then ran just under 3 lengths off Dystopia in the Group 3 G.H Mumm.  At set weight conditions that is terrific form for this.  She races well at the track/distance and will get the gun run from barrier 5.  Other hopes to Jacquetta (7), Discreet (3) and Words Are Weapons (9).

Race 6

Missing Page (6) rises 2kg in the weights following her impressive win last start but I don't think that will be enough to stop her.  She draws the peg here and that should ensure jockey Ric McMahon places her in a beautiful position.  She's won 3 of 4 and has looked good in all wins with strong finishes.  Other hopes to Rudy (5), Neuschwanstein (7) and Choose A Saga (2).

Race 7

Fillydelphia (2) was impressive winning by 3.3 lengths last start.  She carries an extra 3kg here but she's a classy mare that's capable of carrying it to victory.  She draws beautifully on the inside and Michael Cahill will be able to position her nicely in the 1st few before pulling away in the straight.  Her record at the track and distance is excellent running in the quinella 4 out of 5.  Other hopes to Black Cash (3), Dolly Dolly (5) and Absalon (10).

Race 8

Congo (4) has drawn the car park which isn't ideal but with the scratching of Hampden, he should be able to lead or take up a forward position with few problems.  He's been a nice money earner for Silk supporters lately and I'm sticking solid.  He meets Venture On better at the weights for beating that horse twice recently.  The beauty of this guy is that he does it at both ends and to cut to the chase, the way he's won his past 2 is hard to ignore.  Other hopes to Powerful Jet (11), Venture On (1) and Chalupa (16).

Best Bet

Race 7 - Fillydelphia (2)


Best Value Bet

Race 3 - Caballo Rapido (7)              

23/11/13 - Eagle Farm, Moonee Valley and Ascot

The Silk is back after a week off and I'm hitting it hard.  Much like I did last weekend in Sydney but that's a different story.  I'll be taking my usual look at Brisbane racing but I'll also be including Moonee Valley where I have a great record and also Ascot where they have the big Winterbottom Stakes meetings.  Should be a cracker. 

With nothing to discuss from last week, let's get straight into it!  Involvement will be high so 
strap yourself in!

Eagle Farm

Working out what sort of track we'll be racing on is a bit hit and miss.  As of Friday morning it's rated a dead 4.  While the weather is fine and around the 30 degree mark, there is the very real chance of thunderstorms Friday afternoon and also Saturday.  I couldn't see the track be any better than dead but it could also get worse than that.  So I'll be basing my form on a dead/slow track.  

***The track's come up good this morning so I got that completely wrong.  Having said that I really don't think it's going to matter with the horses I've picked.  We'll be covered if it rains throughout the day.*** 

Race 1

As is the case at this time of year, we open with a race for 2 year olds.  Only 4 of these have raced so betting here can be risky.  Particularly when some of the unraced haven't trialled.  Elitist (7) comes out of the Kelso Wood stable with a big wrap.  Kelso has downplayed the horse in today's Courier Mail but I believe he's got a nice type in this horse.  It won it's only trial by close to 2 lengths with plenty in hand.  She's drawn wide but I believe she has the necessary speed to get into a nice position for Chris Munce.  Getting into avoidable even money odds but she does look the one to beat.  Other hopes to Sleep Tight (11), Storming Pleasure (5) and Ruby Soho (10).

Race 2

I had hope they'd canned these 2100m races in my absence but unfortunately not.  Shame Borehole isn't racing, I'd just like him in.  However he's not so I'll take the next best and that's Sadler's Wish (8).  Last start he finished 3 lengths off Borehole but did run 3 wide and put up a reasonable fight in the straight before fading.  She gets in with just 52kg after the claim for Priscilla Schmidt and meets Volkhere so much better at the weights.  Draws nicely to get a great cart into the race.  She won't be fazed if the track is wet on raceday.  Other hopes to Trajet (4), Catalonia (10) and Master Avatar (6).  

Race 3

Speed should be solid here with horses drawn barriers 7-10 all likely to push forward early.  I'm going with Miss Leibert (3).  She enters this on the back of a win over this distance at this track.  She draws in barrier 1 here and Priscilla Schmidt who claims 2kg can position her just off the speed.  Her stocks will go up the track is rain affected but she can handle any going.  She races well at this track with 6 placings from 9 starts.  Schmidt also appears to be a bonus for this horse.  Other hopes in a tough race Chezza's Treasure (8), Some Call Her Wild (7) and For Mia (1). 

Race 4

Shiraz Attack (5) won well last time out for Silk supporters and I think she can repeat the dose here.  Although she's drawn wide, trainer Gillian Heinrich believes she can settle anywhere and still win.  Last start she got back and ran on and you'd have to think the same thing will happen here.  The step up to 1500m will suit based on the way she hit the line with gusto.  With luck in running she'll be hard to hold out.  Other hopes to Sister Souss (7), Friendly Dragon (1) and Flamboyer (2).

Race 5

This looks a tricky way to kick of the Quadrella.  I'm going with Lennie's Choice (8).  He resumed in Sydney a fortnight ago and ran a game 5th by 1.2 lengths after taking up the running.  He'll be all the fitter for that blow out 2nd up here.  He has a great record at the track and distance winning 4 of 6.  Ric McMahon takes the ride and won the only time he was on top.  Ric should be able to scoot across from barrier 7 to take up the running or box seat.  Has a good record on wet tracks so any rain won't harm his chances.  Other hopes to Seek And Find (1), Rocky King (3) and Mr Favulous (4).

Race 6

A good barrier looks crucial in this even affair.  Many of the better chances have drawn wide and may need to burn gas early or go back.  One horse that will get a beautiful run with minimal effort is Cracco (5).  He's drawn barrier 3 for Ric McMahon and will be able to sit in the box seat or not too far off the lead from this great gate.  The horse is racing in good form with a couple of wins over this trip in his past 5 starts.  Last start he was very good after a freshen up when narrowly going down to Emerald Duke which is good form for this.  He'll be fitter and will prove hard to catch.  Other hopes Written Above All (3), Jack's Back (1) and Vacallo (2).

Race 7

A lot of talk has centred around the 60.5kg Better Than Ready (1) has to carry.  I agree that this is a disadvantage but he well and truly earns it given he is a Group 1 performed horse.  He resumed 2 weeks ago in blistering style putting away an open field with relative ease with this weight.  Sure this is a step up in quality but this bloke is all class.  Audacious Spirit will lead but I don't think he'll get it all his own way as some think.  That will help BTR with his powerful finish.  His record at the track is excellent with 4 wins from 7.  Importantly he has his main man Ric McMahon in the saddle who has ridden the horse to all 7 of his wins.  If it rains, it won't worry him at all.  Other hopes to Morning Captain (2), Someday (8) and QFighter (15).

Race 8

Lucky Sound (2) narrowly went down 1st up over this trip when his fitness gave out late.  He'll be all the better for that run and his 2nd up record is excellent winning 2 from 2.  He races well at this track and distance as shown by the fact he's never been in out of the quinella in 4 starts.  Any downgrade in the track will not bother this guy.  Other hopes to The White Hope (7), Casino Card (8) and Simply Smart (10). 


Moonee Valley

Race 1 - Romancingthestone (1)

Race 2 - Jumpin Jack Cash (2)

Race 3 - Nautical (11)

Race 4 - Xavi (9)

Race 5 -Planet Voyage (4)

Race 6 - Zephyron (6)

Race 7 - Such Hope (4)

Race 8 - Sumakaray  (1)


Ascot

Race 1 - Maximus Mak (2)

Race 2 - Elite Belle (9)

Race 3 - Petrol Power (1)

Race 4 - Rohan (4)

Race 5 - Takanori (16)

Race 6 - Vitello (9)

Race 7 - Buffering (1)

Race 8 - Fire Up Fifi (9)

Race 9 - Dark Delight (11)

     

Saturday In Review 09/11/13

Firstly I'd like to pass on my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Desiree Gill who was tragically taken doing the thing she loved.  I'm sure the racing industry will rally around the Gill's at this sad time.       

 

For a few years now, I've put up my tips on a Saturday.  I'm in for the fun but if I can help someone find a winner or 2 then all the better.  Anyway, I've never really reviewed the previous day's racing so I thought it was about time I did.  However this won't be your typical review.  So many sources provide a more professional run down than I could.  To be honest I find that boring.   There will be no who we should be following or who was unlucky.  This will be a review of my day on the punt as a S Team member.

 

Many of you will know me from twitter and facebook.  You may also know The Snorkel, Wayne McGrath.  Over the past year or so, Snorkel and I have used facebook chat on a Saturday to discuss our bets, to encourage each other to "smack 'em"  and generally just having a laugh.  The S Team and a virtual pub TAB was formed!  This has been a godsend for me as I'm stuck working all day and to be honest, it keeps me from going mad.

 

As a rule the S Team start slowly and come home like a train.  Not sure why that is but I have a feeling that it has something to do with the Snork's beer consumption.  The more he drinks, the more confidence he gets which leads him to egging me on.  Anyway yesterday we both got off to a winning start.  The Snork backed his old mate Don's favourite horse Capital Commander who was expertly ridden by Kathy O'hara.  Nice early get Snork!  I then took the $2.50 on offer for Contact at Geelong.  Money for jam and we were away.  

 

As you may or may not know, I'm a newsagent so I'm getting up at 3am each day and working through to 6pm.  I go for a kip between 12 and 2 so on a Saturday I'll put on my bets to cover that time frame.  Before I go for my sleep, I put an Eagle Farm Quadrella on for 100%, a Flemington Quadrella on for 20%, a few placecards, a win multi on Borehole, Setfire To Therain, Stradon, Tail And All and Better Than Ready. I also put a place multi on all my Eagle Farm Silk top picks. I'm feeling pretty good about my Eagle Farm picks so I smack a couple using the Best Fluctuation option.

 

I awake to find Borehole $3.31 (some of these prices seem weird because i've used Sportingbet's best tote +5%), Setfire To Therain $1.63, Foreign Prince $4.78 (Snork's Sydney mail) and  Shiraz Attack $3.80 have won. Unfortunately my Flemington bets are duds.  That was the theme all day!  I'm also devastated to find that Stradon has failed and as it will turn out, a massive collect will go begging.   

 

I'm back in the saddle so it's S Team time now and Snork's about 8 stubbies in so things are starting to get moving.  First bet after the spell, I see an easy target at Newcastle and smack the quinella in race 5.  Sure it only pays $2.50 but it was as close a thing to a certainty as you'll find.  It duly salutes and the punting juices are flowing.  

 

It's time for Better Than Ready to resume and Snork and I discuss whether this is a smack opportunity.  Snork's keen but I'm a little wary.  When doing the form I was worried that the weight might get him and/or they'd be too nippy for him 1st up.  With Bargearse Hanson's words ringing in my ears about class and Snork's enthusiasm, I decide to bite the bullet and go hard at BTR.  What was I worried about?  He wins nicely and I get $3.10 for him.  I'm thinking that's a spoil until I hear Snork got $3.50.  The first mention of a Vodka Vomit comes from Snork.  For  those that don't know, when Snork's winning on the punt he picks up his drinking (changing from beer to vodka) to the point he ends up in Coma City.  It's a magical thing haha.

 

 

After a few dud bets around the traps, Flemington race 8 comes up.  I tip Let's Make A Deal but am worried about Precedence.  I decide to box up 4 horses (Precedence, Forgotten Voice, Sertorius and Let's Make A Deal) in a trifecta.  Collect!  Except I quickly realise they run the 1st 4 and after a few dud 1st 4 attempts earlier, I'm kicking myself I didn't stick with it.  Oh well, I tell myself a collect is a collect.

 

Involvement is picking up and we're betting everywhere.  The metros and also Newcastle, Gold Coast and Geelong now.  It doesn't take long for the next winner to come up.  I don't mind Absalon at Randwick and have a bit of a nibble.  It gets up at $6.25 and I couldn't be happier.  Although Snork doesn't give it a chance, he's pleased that I had a collect.     

 

It's time for Tail and All to go around in race 6 at Eagle Farm.  This is 1 of my best bets of the day and the inevitable call comes from Snork "Let's smack it!" I inform him that I already have but seeing the $5.20 on offer,  I give it some more stick.  I really don't know why it was this price. I would have thought it would have been around $3.50 but I'm not complaining.  Then just to make sure of things, I go hard again.  This could be the end of the day for me or I could be choking on my own vomit.  You little beauty!  Tail And All finishes off well to salute.  It's party time for the S Team and grave concerns are held for the Snork's health! 

 

The last race at Flemington comes around and I'm on Limes.  More importantly I'm alive in the quad with 5 horses.  Although Limes does nothing, Longport wins and I've got it!  I give out a "Nash 4 Cash" (as you do) and then think gee, I wish I had a bit more cash to throw around when I put the quadrella bet on. 

 

We go a few bets without a win and I really like the look of one in race 7 at the Gold Coast.  Top weight Simply Smart gets up for the team, paying $4.36.  Again a surprising price but one I'll gratefully accept.  I probably should say that we do not do form on these non-metro meetings.  Generally what happens is that when we're in heavy involvement mode, I'll quickly scan over the form about 5-10 minutes before the race, come up with one and then ask Snork what he likes.  If we both like the same horse then we smack it.  If different then we go the quinella as well.  We'll never make a living from the punt with this method but by god we have fun!  

 

By this stage Snork is full of piss and bad manners.  Well mainly piss.  He's out of control and just smacking everything.  He gives Terravista an absolute hiding in the last at Randwick.  It gets up and I'm kicking myself as to why I didn't listen and support my mate. 

 

I'm in a bit of a dry spell of some 8 bets when Ascot race 4 comes around.  Celebrity Miss and King Of The Palace look the 2 so I go the quinella.  Turns out I'm correct and it pays $5.60.  I'll take that any day of the week.  Snork also hammers Celebrity Miss.  He can do no wrong at the moment.   

 

Straight after Ascot we're into the last at Morphettville.  I ask Snork what he likes and he quickly replies with confidence, Get Pronto.   Right we're going the smack again.  It easily gets up and we're laughing all the way to the bank.  Snork jokingly requests an ambulance or someone to give him a gut pump but I suspect there was an element of seriousness to it haha.    

 

The days drawing to a close and we just have the last at Eagle Farm to come.  I've got Theft here and the Go Tegs chant starts up between me and Snork.  We're massive Tegan Harrison fans.  I'm alive in the quad with 5 horses running.  When De Dozen Stars gets up to win I give an almighty fist pump.  I've jagged the quaddie.  $700 odd bucks sounds like a bloody good way to finish the day.  However it gets better.  Being new to Sportingbet, I didn't realise you get to choose which tote you put your quad on.  Turns out I was on the Victorian TAB and got an extra $200.  Winning!  

 

Feeling confident after a profitable day on the punt, I decide to quickly put down a quaddie in Perth.  Shouldn't have bothered as I'm out first leg.  A couple other interest bets at Sunny Coast and Ascot result in nothing so I decide it's time to call it a day.  My old mate Snork is by this stage paraletic.  He's talking all sorts of gibberish and praising me for my 5 from 8 effort at Eagle Farm (we both forget how bad Flemington was!).  I last heard from him around 7.30pm at which time I believe he was in Coma City with Vodka dribbling down his chin! 

 

Well there you go.  A day in the punting life of the S Team.  Although we've had a great day on the punt yesterday, we're reminded this morning about the dangers of the sport we love.  RIP Desiree Gill.  The courage and risks jockeys take every time they mount a horse should never be forgotten.     

       

 

  

 

 

 

     

 

 



09/11/13 - Eagle Farm and Flemington

Last Saturday wasn't too bad for The Silk.  We found 6 winners and 4 placings from the 17 races looked at.  At Doomben the winners were Pinch River $1.00 (dead heat), Elmantosh $2.70, Rare Ruby $2.20 and Morning Captain $2.80.  While the Flemington winners were Polanski $5.30 and Zoustar $2.10.  Notable placegetters were Let's Make A Deal and Spirit Of Boom who paid upwards of $3 for the place.  

As already highlighted in my last post, Melbourne Cup day was forgettable.  We hit back to some degree on Thursday's Oaks day meeting.  We found 3 winners on the card.  These being Marmelo $3.10, Dystopia $5.10 and Kirramosa $2.70.  2 narrow 2nds to Snitzerland and Espirit Rossa could have sent us into Vodka Vomit territory if they'd lifted just that little bit extra.  

With the housekeeping out of the way, let's get involved in Emirates Stakes Day!

Eagle Farm

Race 1

Nothing has changed weather wise with perfect blue skies and 30 degree days.  Track rated good obviously.  We kick off things with a 2200m race with just 6 engaged.  Perhaps trainers are getting sick of these races like The Silk!  Borehole (1) is racing in good form and I'll have it on top.  It's got a lot of weight to carry but it showed last start that didn't worry it.  It's record over the trip is a good 1 with 3 wins from 10 and Eagle Farm is obviously his track.  He'll be able to lead or boxseat and prove hard to hold out in the straight.  Hardest to beat Volkhere (2). 

Race 2

The 2 year old fillies go around here with almost half the field 1st starters.  We'll stick with what we know and support Setfire To Therain (1).  This lass trialed well behind fellow 1st start winner Pinch River and then came out and won fairly comfortably herself a few weeks ago.  I suspect she'll do the same thing by pinging the lids and taking up the running.  Given she's got race fitness on her side, she'll be even harder to pass in the straight.  Other hopes to Wicked Temptation (8), Kai Hayyler (5) and Storming Pleasure (7).

Race 3

This is a competitive race for 3 year olds over 1400m.  I'm going with the Gillian Heinrich trained Shiraz Attack (7).  This filly broke through last start for her 1st win in impressive style over the 1350m.  The run before that she narrowly lost to Splendora who came out last week and won.  At her debut she ran 2nd to Friendly Dragon but that horse had the benefit of a race prior and Shiraz Attack meets him better at the weights here.  Jockey Tim Bell will be able to boxseat from barrier 5.  Other hopes to Friendly Dragon (2), Hopfgarten (4) and Flamboyer (3).

***With the scratching of Flamboyer, I'll promote Octane Flyer (1) to the other hopes***

Race 4

Stradon (3) resumes here and looks to have a class edge over this field.  He's never won 1st up but he has run 3rd a couple of times.  He has had 2 trials and admittedly the last of these was a month ago, he did win it by 5 lengths.  Looking through his prior form he has competed strongly with the likes of Vintage Moss, Show Affection and Howmuchdoyouloveme.  Those horses would put the sword to this mob.  Stradon will be helped by a strong speed and I can see him coming over the top to win.  Other hopes to County Commands (10), Love Rocks (8) and Lisa Fashionista (6).

Race 5

This looks like a real danger race to me.  Better Than Ready (1) has the class over these but also has to carry 60.5kg.  Over 1000m 1st up could the likes of Rocket To Glory (5) be too nippy?  It's quite the conundrum!  Then again I could be putting way too much thought into it.  When it's all said and done, Better Than Ready (1) is a superior horse and that needs to be respected.  With a decent speed set up front he'll be able to storm home.  We just won't want him settling too far back as Rocket To Glory is a real chance of skipping away and not being caught.  BTR races well 1st up and loves this track and distance.  If he's $2 or more I'll be getting on.  To cover myself I'll be taking a quinella with Rocket To Glory (4).

Race 6

Gee if Tail And All (4) doesn't win today then it's time for it to give the game away.  This guy has been around the mark in his last 3 starts and gets a lot of favours here.  He will race with just 52kg after the claim for apprentice Holt. That's a big advantage over Arctic who narrowly beat TAA last start.  He loves this track with 7 quinellas from 10 starts.  Unfortunately only 1 of those was a win.  He'll get a great run from the nice draw and should be hard to hold out in the straight.  Other hopes to Arctic (10), Hush Power (7) and Faint Praise (9).

Race 7

Congo (3) has been a gem for us lately, winning his past 2 starts.  I'm sticking solid and backing him in for the hattrick.  I really think the penny has dropped for this bloke and he's fulfilling his potential.  He's drawn nicely in barrier 6 and Ryan Wiggins will be able to get him into the lead or box seat with relative ease.  He's proved very hard to catch in his past 2 and I don't think the extra 1kg will stop that happening again.  Other hopes to Venture On (1), Skating Away (11) and Vacallo (3).

***Disappointed that Congo has been scratched but obviously we don't want to be backing him if he's not right.  Venture On (1) becomes the top pick with Emerald Duke (13) coming in as another hope***

Race 8

Theft (5) has been in the placings all 4 runs back from a spell.  In the last 3 he's gone down by the narrowest of margins.  He has a good record at this track and distance and always puts himself in a race.  He's drawn out a bit but should have the necessary speed to cross and lead.  He's shown that he can settle in for the fight which he'll need to do here.  He put in some nice work this week and looks ready to roll.  Gets 1.5kg relief for the claiming Tegan Harrison. Lift Tegs!  Other hopes to De Dozen Stars (3), Essington (6) and Outstandingly (7).

Best Bets

Race 4 - Stradon (3)

Race 6 - Tail And All (4)

Flemington

Race 1 - Pass

Race 2 - Electric Fusion (8)

Race 3 - Sharalam (10)

Race 4 - Barbed (1)

Race 5 - Lake Sententia (4)

Race 6 - Lucky Nine (1)

Race 7 - Toydini (4)

Race 8 - Let's Make A Deal (5)

Race 9 - Limes (7)

         

  

07/11/13 - Oaks Day Flemington

Well Melbourne Cup day was a complete bludger for The Silk.  It's always been a day I've struggled with and this year's edition was no exception.  Not a single top pick saluted and to rub salt into the wounds a number of our 2nd and 3rd selections got up.  These being Wistful $4.80 (3rd pick), Plucky Belle $17 (2nd pick), Moderate $2.15 (2nd pick), Fiorente $7.50 (3rd pick) and Salon Soldier $3.20 (2nd pick).   In drawing a long bow, we weren't far off getting it right haha.

Anyway as is always the case, we're given another chance to redeem ourselves.  Apparently this week's Silk is brought you by the number 3!  

Race 1 - Marmelo (1)

Race 2 - Mintaro (6)

Race 3 - More Than Faith (6)

Race 4 - Dystopia (3)

Race 5 - Freshwater Storm (3)

Race 6 - Kirramosa (3)

Race 7 - Gallatin (4)

Race 8 - Snitzerland (3)

Race 9 - Espirit Rossa (3)

05/11/13 - Melbourne Cup Flemington

Given that the majority of people reading this will only want to know who I'm backing in each race, I've decided to keep it simple and just include my picks.  I'll provide my top 4 for each race at Flemington with my top pick in bold.  Let's get amongst it!

If I get the time Tuesday morning, I'll throw in my Doomben selections for those heading to the track.

Flemington

Race 1 - Italian Storm (5), Kristofferson (7), Top Dolly (12) and House Of Hingis (4) 

Race 2 - Crimson Lady (15), Minnie Downs (8), Wistful (13) and Lady Dynamo (2)

Race 3 - Opinion (1), Caravan Rolls On (3), Like A Carousel (20) and Junoob (7)

Race 4 - Koonoomoo (3), Plucky Belle (13), Winta Chiller (16) and Golden Penny (5)

Race 5 - Selectify (12), Ruud Awakening (4), Diamond Oasis (7) and Kuroshio (1)

Race 6 - Politeness (5), Moderate (3), Bulbula (1) and Roop All (8)

Race 7 Melbourne Cup - Verema (21), Fawkner (10), Fiorente (6) and Dandino (8)  Don't be                                        afraid to back multiple horses as the prices on offer allow it.  

Race 8 - Rain Drum (3), Salon Soldier (5), Mull Of Killough (1) and Gris Caro (4)

Race 9 - Pago Rock (3), Amaethon (4), Mahisara (5) and Avoid Lightning (13)

Race 10 - Hosting (4), Soros (5) and Lampedusa (6) and Counted (14)

02/11/13 - Eagle Farm and Flemington

Last week saw 7 winners found for Silk supporters.  Once again it was Brisbane that provided the best results.  Maybe there's something in that I should be heeding!  No doubt about that but where's the fun in not getting involved? 

The winners found last week were La Tikka Rosa $4.10, Flying Jet $4.10 and Congo $4.60 at Eagle Farm, Vibrant Rouge $8.00, Savvy Nature $1.70 and Toydini $3.30 at Moonee Valley and Chateau Lafaite at $2.00 the sole Rosehill winner.  With that in mind, I'm dropping Sydney this week.

This week I'll put down my usual Brisbane summary plus my top picks from the Victoria Derby meeting at Flemington.  Involvement will be high so let's get into it!

Eagle Farm

Race1

Once again we're blessed with sensational weather in Brisbane and the track will be rated Good.  We kick things off with a 2200m race with just 6 runners.  Last week I was convinced Poste Restante would wallop them and was left with my tail between my legs when it got too far back in the run.  The same thing could happen here in this small field and I'm prepared to take her on.  Epic Terra (1) will not have any dramas with getting back as he'll be leading and controlling proceedings.  Although this distance is foreign to the horse, the fact Tegan Harrison will be able to set the tempo in front will help the horse.  Last start over 2000m he was narrowly beaten in the Port Macquarie Cup.  From the Dunn stable which is flying.  Hardest to beat Poste Restante (5).

Race 2

The 2 year old colts and geldings go around here with only 1 of the 7 having had race experience.  Making the waters murkier is the fact that 2 haven't been since the trials.  If you're getting involved I'd be very careful.  For the sake of involvement, I'll support the Rob Heathcote trained Pinch River (6).  This guy won a trial recently where it defeated Setfire To Therain which won well last week.  I won't be getting carried away here but this guy is worth a ticket.  Hardest to beat is I'm Alone (1).

Race 3

Going with Elmantosh (4) here.  This guy is a model of consistency as shown by his record of 
being out of the placings just twice in 11 starts.  He drops back in grade here after running a 1.3 length 2nd to the in form Regular over this trip.  He won his only start at this track and loves a dry track.  Ric McMahon takes the ride and will need to be at his best to navigate the horse into a good position from the wide gate.  It would be fantastic for Ric to get a winner up here for his biggest supporter John Wilson who is having his engagement party this weekend.  Other hopes to Art Thou Ready (8), Ferment (1) and Danyme (9).

Race 4

Rare Ruby (10) looks a mare on the way up.  She's won 3 of 5 starts but has brained her opposition her past 2 starts since resuming.  She's hit the line impressively in those races and a repeat of those efforts will see her being very hard to beat.  She steps up in grade here but I think she's more than up to it.  Ric McMahon will be able to get her into a nice position maybe 4 horses back.  Other hopes to Leviosa (4), Divine City (3) and Ticket To Dream (6).

Race 5

As the Snorkel would say, Tax Evader (5) needs to "LIFT!" after missing the start horrendously and playing no part in the race last time out.  He has since trialled and absolutely brained the opposition (some engaged here) by some 6 lengths.  His form last campaign was excellent and a return to that will see him hard to hold out.  He races well at this track and has drawn the peg so young Ash Butler should be able to give him a great run.  Other hopes to Lucky Sound (6), Sinister Prince (8) and Hampden (2).

Race 6

Many of these 3 year olds raced each other last start and I'm predicting the same result.  That's an Enquare (3) win.  I was dirty on myself for not supporting her as I really like the horse but was caught up in the Whiskey Allround Melbourne form.  Anyway, Enquare was really strong at the end of the 1110m last time out so the 1200m will definitely suit 2nd up.  Her record at the track is a good one and her close 2nd behind Missy Longstocking last prep can't be forgotten.  She'll sit off a decent speed and prove hard to hold out in the straight.  Other hopes to Sammi Jain (6), Whiskey Allround (1) and Splendora (8).

***Looks like I'm filthy again as Enquare has been scratched.  I'll promote Sammi Jain (6) to the top pick and promote Octane Flyer (4) to the other hopes***

Race 7

I'm either incredibly loyal or incredibly stupid here with my support for Morning Captain (3).  I've been on him in his 2 starts since resuming where he's ran 2nd by the narrowest of margins.  Apprentice Geoff Goold gets on which brings the weight to carry down to 54.5kg which is a considerable drop from it's most recent starts.  He'll be able to box seat from the nice gate.  Other hopes to Listen Son (2), Signified (5) and Belltone (1).

Race 8

Tough way to finish the day.  I'm going with Caellum (5) as from my point of view, it has the best form and against better quality opposition.  He will be fitter for his 1st up run and has performed 2nd up in the past.  He races particularly well at this track and distance.  Vinnie Colgan should be able to give him a nice run a couple pairs back.  Basically I just think this guy's Brisbane form stumps the horses that have been racing up north or out west.  Other hopes to Jack's Back (1), Lightning Vault (9) and Dienekes (2).


Flemington

Race 1 - Saintly Lad (9) 

Race 2 - May's Dream (3)

Race 3 - Let's Make A Deal (11)

Race 4 - Zoustar (1)

Race 5 - Solzhenitsyn (4)

Race 6 - Polanski (4)

Race 7 - Sharnee Rose (4)

Race 8 - Spirit Of Boom (1)

Race 9 - Riva De Lago (1)  

   



01/11/13 - Moonee Valley

Race 1 - Alfa Sentura (1)

Race 2 - Leverock (3)

Race 3 - Hannaford (4)

Race 4 - Use The Lot (10)

Race 5 - Stick On (5)

Race 6 - Jiggle It (6)

Race 7 - White Sambuca (11)

Race 8 - Stella Lante (1)