Another year of layman’s tips for the racing novices to take to the office sweep.
Almandin wins the 2016 Melbourne Cup (photo: Herald Sun)
Official stuff:
Race 7 – 3:00PM Emirates Melbourne Cup (3200 METRES) Times displayed in local time of Race Meeting
Of $6,000,000.1st $3,600,000, 2nd $900,000, 3rd $450,000, 4th $250,000, 5th $175,000, 6th $125,000, 7th $125,000, 8th $125,000, 9th $125,000, 10th $125,000
Prize money contribution totalling 2% will be directed to jockey and equine welfare prior to distribution.
Field Limit: 24
My top six: Rekindling, Boom Time, Almandin, Humidor, Johanees Vermeer, Single Gaze
1: Hartnell (GB) 7YO bay gelding Authorized – Debonnaire, by Anabaa
57.5kg Barrier: 12
Record: 36:11-11-2. Prizemoney:$4,461,499 Prev form: x2822x1229
LS: 14.10.17 – 9 of 11 MRC Caulfield S. Gr.1 2,000m
Dist: 4:1-0-1
Owners: Godolphin
Colours: Royal Blue, Fly Emirates Logo
Trainer: James Cummings (Flemington)
Jockey: Damian Lane
A bridesmaid, Hartnell has been beaten by Winx, Humidor and NZ HOTY Bonneval in his last five starts. Hard to have with top weight, and last start poor performance. Winner over the distance in 2014 at Listed level
- Almandin (GER) 8YO bay gelding Monsun – Anatola, by Tiger Hill
56.5kg Barrier: 14
Record: 15:6-4-1 Prizemoney: $4,262,558 Prev form: 665111×214
LS: 7.10.17 – 4 of 10 Bart Cummings Gr.3 2,500m
Dist: 1:1-0-0
Owners: N C Williams, Mrs & Mrs L J Williams, B N Singer, P Mehrten, A & B Green, J & Mrs F Ingham, V Sammartino & M Gudinski
Colours: Navy Blue, White Armbands And Cap
Trainer: Robert Hickmott
Jockey: Frankie Dettori
Last year’s winner in excellent form. Will be one of the favourites.
- Humidor (NZ) 5YO bay gelding Teofilo – Zalika, by Zabeel
56kg Barrier: 13
Record: 21:6-7-2 Prizemoney: $2,459,915 Prev form: 212×681352
LS: 28.10.17. 2 of 8 WS Cox Plate, Gr.1, 2,040m
Dist: 0:0-0-0
Owners: Forest Lodge Racing, Jomara Bloodstock Ltd, Steeplechasers Flat Synd, M Krauser, Dr P Goel, Mrs P Adams, B Shannon, T Ginnane, D O’Connor, B Sokolski, Walker Racing & Bloodstock, Royjohn Racing & H Bastone
Colours: Light Green, Black Seams, Dark Green Yoke And Sleeves, Quartered Cap
Trainer: Darren Weir
Jockey: Blake Shinn
Punters cry “Back Weir, drink beer” about this trainer, and with Humidor’s tough close second to Winx in the Cox Plate, he has to be worth a tipple. In good form, and beat Hartnell back in Sept in Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes. Hasn’t run the distance, but is bred to do it.
- Tiberian (FR) 6YO bay horse Tiberius Caesar – Toamasina, by Marju
55.5kg Barrier: 23
Record: 17:6-4-0 Prizemoney: $517,000 Prev form: 242x11711x
LS: 27.8.17. 1 of 7 GP De Deauville, Gr.2, 2,500m
Dist: 0:0-0-0
Owners: Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock P/L (Mgr: D Dance), H Volz, Earl Haras du Logis, S Falk, M & Mrs A Whittaker, J Ogle, Waggun Synd, Dorrington Farm, I Hicks, S Bingley, Big Dog Synd, P Gallivan, Brittain Racing Synd, B Danaher, P Treloar, SCG Racing P/L, G Ferguson, S Musson & P Lynch
Colours: Fluorescent Yellow, Navy ATB Logo And Seams
Trainer: Alain Couetil
Jockey: Olivier Peslier
Tiberian made headlines this week because his sire is a teaser pony. It’s a cute story, and is true but not true. His sire isn’t a pony, he’s a registered Thoroughbred used as a teaser (otherwise Tiberian wouldn’t qualify to run). All his form is in France on wetter tracks, where he has been consistent at slightly lower levels than this. He hasn’t run over two miles, but is bred to do. Query on firm track. Throw him in if it rains.
- Marmelo (GB) 5YO bay horse Duke of Marmalade – Capriolla, by In the Wings
55kg Barrier: 16
Record: 11:3-4-1 Prizemoney: $365,165 Prev form: 232x1521x6
LS: 21.10.17 – 6 of 17 Caulfield Cup, Gr.1 2,400m
Dist: 0:0-0-0
Owners: A Kheir, V Kheir, Fairy Story Partnership, P Mehrten & J O’Neill
Colours: Navy Blue, Pale Yellow Spots, Halved Sleeves, Pale Yellow Cap
Trainer: Hughie Morrison
Jockey: Hugh Bowman
Good form in Europe prior to his sixth in Caulfield Cup first up in Aus. Bred to stay, and winner at Gr.2 level over 3,000m. Keep him safe.
- Red Cardinal (IRE) 6YO bay gelding Montjeu – Notable, by Zafonic
55kg Barrier: 24
Record: 10:5-3-1 Prizemoney: $460,572 Prev form: 1132x11x5x
LS: 20.8.17 5 of 10 Prix Kergorlay, Gr.2 3,000m
Dist: 2:2-0-0
Owners: Australian Bloodstock (Mgr: L Murrell), J Lovett, Power Thoroughbreds, C Cropper, B Brogan, A Brogan, Platinum Racing, G & M Barnett Racing, R Butcher, G Van Ameyden, G&Y Racing, T Mitevski, Pepper/Gaffney Synd, Terrace Synd, J Hunter, C Renshaw, S Roth, M Grundmann, S Doring & Powerhouse Synd
Colours: Royal Blue, White Horseshoe, Black And White Checked Sleeves And Cap
Trainer: Andreas Wohler
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
2 starts in group company over distance for 2 wins. Beaten by Marmelo in last start (over 3,000m). Can stay, and on firm-ish surfaces, not the worst.
- Johannes Vermeer (IRE) 5YO bay horse Galileo – Inca Princess, by Holy Roman Emperor
54.5kg Barrier: 3
Record: 14:4-3-3 Prizemoney: $940,080 Prev form: 3x45712x23
LS: 21.10.17. 3 of 17 Caulfield Cup, Gr.1 2,400m
Dist: 0:0-0-0
Owners: N C Williams, Mr & Mrs L J Williams, A L & B A Green, B N Singer, P Mehrten, J & Mrs F Ingham, M Gudinski, V Sammartino, G T Ryan, Bulla Thoroughbreds (Mgr: M Ruff) & Heffernan Bloodstock (Mgr: D Heffernan)
Colours: Navy Blue, White Armbands, Navy Blue Cap
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Jockey: Ben Melham
An excellent prospect. In form in UK, then two starts here this campaign for second behind Gailo Chop, and third in Caulfield Cup.
- Bondi Beach (IRE) 6YO bay gelding Galileo – One Moment in Time, by Danehill
54kg Barrier: 1
Record: 13:4-3-2 Prizemoney: $562,019 Prev form: x11x330x90
LS: 16.9.17 11 of 13 JRA Trophy, L. 2,500m
Dist: 2:0-0-0
Owners: N C Williams, Mr & Mrs L J Williams, A & B Green, B Singer, P Mehrten, J & Mrs F Ingham, G Ryan, V Sammartino & M Gudinski
Colours: Navy Blue, White Armbands, Red Cap
Trainer: Robert Hickmott
Jockey: Michael Walker
Blinkers on first time. Failed twice over 2miles, and currently out of form with only 2 poor starts since he failed in last year’s cup. Nope.
- Max Dynamite (FR) 8YO bay gelding Great Journey -Mascara, by Monsun
54kg Barrier: 2
Record: 23:4-4-3 Prizemoney: $1,306,007 Prev form: 1x2x30x91x
LS: 24.8.17. 1 of 6. Handicap, 3,419m
Dist: 9:1-4-0
Owners: Mrs S Ricci
Colours: Pale Pink, Fluorescent Green Spots
Trainer: William Mullins
Jockey: Zac Purton
Jumper, should be outpaced. Only plus is last start winner over 3,400m, but against must lower company. Watch the stablemates Thomas Hobson instead.
- Ventura Storm (IRE) 5YO bay horse Zoffany – Sarawati, by Haafhd
54kg Barrier: 6
Record: 17:6-2-1 Prizemoney: $774,125 Prev form: 121x5x7620
LS: 21.10.17. 13 of 17 Caulfield Cup, Gr.1, 2,400m
Dist: 0:0-0-0
Owners: D A Hayes, S D & Mrs R J Perrin, B Pang, Dr A Pang, B & Mrs V B Gupta, M Angelini, B & C Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd (B A Dorman), A T Harrison, R & C Legh Racing P/L (R P Legh), Pulitano Thoroughbreds P/L (G Pulitano), G F Austin, R W Hill-Smith, J C Charlton, J F Valmorbida, M A Whiting & B Blundy
Colours: Lime Green, Navy Blue Stripes, Striped Cap
Trainer: D & B Hayes & T Dabernig
Jockey: Glen Boss
Locally trained import that has been knocking around, probably not in good enough form, although did run second to Winx early in Oct over 2,000m. Might surprise if he can repeat that effort.
- Who Shot thebarman (NZ) 9YO bay gelding Yamanin Vital – Ears Carol, by Carolingian
54kg Barrier: 20
Record: 47:10-7-3 Prizemoney:$3,069,071 Prev form: 3642×94491
LS: 28.10.17 1 of 7. Moonee Valley Cup, Gr.2, 2,500m
Dist: 8:1-2-1
Owners: D M O’Leary, H T O’Leary, M J O’Leary, S C O’Leary, Mrs J C Nugent-O’Leary, Mrs A M O’Leary, Mrs F J O’Leary & Mrs L O’Leary
Colours: Tangerine, White Spots, Armbands And Cap
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Tommy Berry
Last start winner with fun name. He’s had a few attempts at this race, and yet to salute. Probably won’t again.
- Wicklow Brave (GB) 9YO bay gelding Beat Hollow – Moraine, by Rainbow Quest
54kg Barrier: 8
Record: 38:10-4-5 Prizemoney: $1,260,788 Prev form: 0x81424440
LS: 21.10.17 12 of 17 Caulfield Cup, Gr.1 2,400m
Dist: 19:7-1-2
Owners: Wicklow Bloodstock (Ireland) Ltd
Colours: Purple And Orange Seams, Star Cap
Trainer: William Mullins
Jockey: Stephen Baster
Lots of good, non-winning wet track in UK over staying distances. Got beaten in Caulfield Cup and the jockey from the Caulfield Cup has switched to a better chance. Place chance in grinding run race.
- Big Duke (IRE) 6YO bay gelding Raven’s Pass – Hazarayna, by Polish Precedent
53.5kg Barrier: 5
Record: 19:7-4-3 Prizemoney: $1,165,274 Prev form: 113×550214
LS: 28.10.17 4 of 7 Moonee Valley Cup, Gr.2 2,500m
Dist: 1:0-0-1
Owners: Australian Bloodstock Power Synd, Buckling, G I Makauskas, G & M Barnett Racing, S L Mcinnes, P R Johnson, Bartholomeusz Racing, Carty Racing, O M Barry, M Makauskas, Ms C P Cook, C S Gall, Get The Dukes Out Racing, D J Mckee, Leroys No 2, C D Renshaw, J P Hunter, J A Shaw & C M R Racing
Colours: Royal Blue, White Horseshoe, Black And White Checked Sleeves, White Cap
Trainer: Darren Weir
Jockey: Brenton Avdulla
He’s coming into form at the right time with nice win two starts ago, and 4th to Who Shot thebarman last start. Place chance.
- US Army Ranger (IRE) 5YO bay horse Galileo – Moonstone, by Dalakhani
53.5kg Barrier: 22
Record: 12:2-3-2 Prizemoney: $856,333 Prev form: 428×320386
LS: 9.9.17. 6 of 6 Enterprise S, Gr.3. 2,400m
Dist: 1:0-0-0
Owners: N C Williams, Mr & Mrs L J Williams, A L & B A Green, B N Singer, P Mehrten, J & Mrs F Ingham, M Gudinski, V Sammartino, G T Ryan, Bulla Thoroughbreds (Mgr: M Ruff) & Heffernan Bloodstock (Mgr: D Heffernan)
Colours: Navy Blue, White Armbands, Royal Blue Cap
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
Out of form. Probably here as pacemaker for light weight stable mate Rekindling. Expect him to lead then fade.
- Boom Time (AUS) 6YO bay horse Flying Spur – Bit of a Ride, by Snippets
53kg Barrier: 9
Record: 32:7-2-7 Prizemoney: $2,459,025 Prev Form: 6510×39341
LS: 21.10.17 1 of 17 Caulfield Cup, Gr.1 2,400m.
Dist: 1: 0-0-0
Owners: D A Hayes
Colours: White, Green Sash, Black Sleeves And Cap
Trainer: D & B Hayes & T Dabernig
Jockey: Cory Parish
Last start winner in tough Caulfield Cup, which is excellent traditional form for this race. A big chance if he gets the two miles.
- Gallante (IRE) 7YO bay gelding Montjeu – Crazy Volume, by Machiavellian
53kg Barrier: 18
Record: 19:4-1-3 Prizemoney:$2,007,794 Prev form: 031x270x07
LS: 25.10.17 7 of 12 Geelong Cup, Gr.3. 2,400m
Dist: 2:1-0-0
Owners: N C Williams, Mr & Mrs L J Williams
Colours: Navy Blue, White Armbands, Gold Cap
Trainer: Robert Hickmott
Jockey: Michael Dee
Out of form. Unlikely.
- Libran (IRE) 7YO bay or brown gelding Lawman – True Crystal, by Sadler’s Wells
53kg Barrier: 7
Record: 29:9-3-1 Prizemoney: $1,038,373 Prev form: 746Px61652
LS: 28.10.17 2 of 7 Moonee Valley Cup, Gr.2 2,500m
Dist: 2:0-1-0
Owners: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing Australia Ltd (Mgr: Hon H M Herbert)
Colours: Sky Blue, Navy Blue Armbands And Cap
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Dwayne Dunn
Excellent effort behind Who shot thebarman last start, but always seems to find one better than him.
- Nakeeta (GB) 7YO bay gelding Sixties Icon – Easy Red, by Hunting Lion
53kg Barrier: 19
Record: 31:5-8-3 Prizemoney: $573,409 Prev form: 202x024x1x
LS: 26.8.17 1 of 19 Ebor H, 2,800m
Dist: 1:0-1-0
Owners: A & Mrs J Card
Colours: Grey And Purple Chevrons, Purple And Grey Hooped Cap
Trainer: Iain Jardine
Jockey: Glyn Schofield
Won the Ebor H last start to earn a place in this. Ok form before that. Hard to have an international horse that hasn’t raced here before. Maybe, maybe not. Who knows.
- Single Gaze (AUS) 5YO chestnut mare Not a Single Doubt – Redaluca’s Gaze, by Intergaze
53kg Barrier: 11
Record: 27:5-6-3 Prizemoney: $2,031,100 Prev form: 2612×05442
LS: 21.10.17 2 of 17 Caulfield Cup, Gr.1 2,400m
Dist:0:0-0-0
Owners: N Olive, M P Hay, D E Tout, W P Oxford, M Notaras, R P Keeley, P Kouvelis, N Keeley, M J Obrien, R A Stuart & Redbank North Pty Ltd
Colours: Royal Blue, Red Spot And Armbands
Trainer: Nick Olive
Jockey: Kathy O’Hara
The only female jockey in the race (a disgrace when 50% of apprentice jockeys are female).
This mare is only small, but is tough. She fell badly in the ATC Oaks as a 3YO, and bounced back to win a Gr1 at her next start. Nothing fears her! A tough effort for 2nd last start, and she’s always consistent. She’ll try her hardest for you. Place chance.
- Wall of Fire (IRE) 5YO bay horse Canford Cliffs – Bright Sapphire, by Galileo
53kg Barrier: 15
Record: 14:4-3-0 Prizemoney: $356,570 Prev form: 11x6248x22
LS: 14.10.17 2 of 10 Herbert Power, Gr.2, 2,400m
Dist: 2:0-0-0
Owners: A Kheir, P Mehrten, V Kheir, J Sourasis, S Lewin, J O’Neill, B Nettlefold, B Carty, A Kirkwood-Scott & A Antonellos
Colours: Navy Blue, Pale Yellow Spots, Halved Sleeves, Quartered Cap
Trainer: Hugo Palmer
Jockey: Craig Williams
Import with one start here for a second placing in Gr2 Herbert Power. Hasn’t won for a while, but is consistent. Other query is two starts at distance for two failures.
- Thomas Hobson (GB) 8YO bay gelding Halling – La Spezia, by Danehill Dancer
52kg Barrier: 21
Record: 24:9-4-2 Prizemoney: $376,218 Prev form: 9P01712x72
LS: 15.9.17 2 of 9 Doncaster Cup, Gr.2. 3,600m
Dist: 5:2-1-0
Owners: Mrs S Ricci
Colours: Pale Pink, Fluorescent Green Spots And Cap
Trainer: William Mullins
Jockey: Joao Moreira
The best chance for the Mullins stable, and they moved Joao Moreira (the magic man) off one of their others and onto Thomas Hobson. He’s a dour stayer from the UK that will be helped by pacemakers from stable. Others in this race have more class. Light weight chance.
- Rekindling (GB) 4YO bay horse High Chaparral – Sitara, by Salse
51.5kg Barrier: 4
Record: 9:3-2-0 Prizemoney: $273,308 Prev form: 210×140124
LS: 16.9.17 4 of 11 St Leger Gr.1. 2,900m
Dist: 0:0-0-0
Owners: N C Williams, Mr & Mrs L J Williams, A L & B A Green, B N Singer, P Mehrten, J & Mrs F Ingham, M Gudinski, V Sammartino, G T Ryan, Bulla Thoroughbreds (Mgr: M Ruff) & Heffernan Bloodstock (Mgr: D Heffernan)
Colours: Navy Blue, White Armbands, Pink Cap
Trainer: Joseph O’Brien
Jockey: Corey Brown
Young stayer, competitive against top class horses, threat.
- Amelie’s Star (AUS) 6YO bay mare Testa Rossa – Zazita, by Zabeel
51kg Barrier: 10
Record: 18:6-2-2 Prizemoney: $573,385 Prev form: 214×839410
LS: 21.10.17 11 of 17 Caulfield Cup Gr.1 2,400m
Dist: 0:0-0-0
Owners: P Hodgens & Mrs Y Hodgens
Colours: Navy Blue, White Stripes And Sleeves, Navy Blue Seams, Seams Cap
Trainer: Darren Weir
Jockey: Dean Yendell
Mixes her form, untried over distance, but nice light weight that beat many of these in the Bart Cummings 2 starts ago.
- Cismontane (NZ) 5YO bay gelding High Chaparral – Viviane, by Volksraad
50kg Barrier: 17
Record: 19:5-5-4 Prizemoney: $425,925 Prev form: 2325210331
LS: 4.11.17 1 of 10 Lexus Gr.3 2,500m
Dist: 0:0-0-0
Owners: Glenvallen Investments Pty Ltd Syndicate (Mgr: F L Li), D H Kobritz, J B Bongiorno, D W Lilley, C Tognolini, S D Gorman & Ms K Waterhouse
Colours: Pale Green, Yellow Chevrons, Yellow And Purple Hooped Cap
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
Jockey: Beau Mertens
Won the Lexus to make the field. Light weight with winning form – a combination always worth looking at.
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