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Wednesday, 7 November 2007
MELBOURNE CUP REVIEW/CROWN OAKS PREVIEW
The race that stops the nation has been run and won for another year.
Last year it went to the Japanese raiders with Delta Blues winning. This year with just 300 meters to go it looked like the English with Purple Moon was going to win after kicking clear with Damien Oliver on board.
Shortly after, in the corner of my eye, the blue colours of Efficient with Michael Rodd steering him to the outside sprouted wings and burst through.
What a victory to get up and win the Cup by a long neck in a similar fashion to his Victoria Derby win 12 months ago. In doing so he became the only horse in 51 years since the great Phar Lap, to complete the Derby, Cup double.
The two internationals were brave in defeat with Purple Moon having every chance. What a top run by Mahler to finish third after leading into the straight and toughing it out. Fourth in the race for the second year in a row was Zipping; stablemate to the winner who just can't seem to run out the 3200 metres.
The favourite Master O'Rielly was disappointing in 8th place; clearing struggling 800 metre's from home.
So all in all, the Cup stays in Melbourne and we just might have another champion stayer in Efficient with years to come, remembering he is only four years of age.
Now for the big Oaks Day tomorrow.
The best lead up form has come from the Wakefield Stakes run last Saturday, where the winner Zarita stamped herself as the one to beat after handling the stop-start slow tempo to win comfortably.
The favourite in that race was Serious Speed. She carried top weight of 57kg and struggled. Back to the set weights at 55.5kg and barrier three, jockey Danny Nikolic will give her every chance.
David Hayes has two very good chances with number 3, El Daana also drawn well in barrier 7. She was a winner two starts back at Flemington over 1600 metres which was a good lead up to this race.
Diana's Secret, number 8, is also a great chance with her 2nd two starts back behind Derby winner Kibbutz.
A roughie that caught the eye at Flemington last start was Royal Harmony, so watch out for her. It's a tough race this year with no real stand outs.
Race 1 on the program, to get some early money, look for Le Chasseure, Zipanese, Mistake Creek and Reshuffles to be competitive.
I have to mention my favourite race for the day is Race 5 for the grey horses. The ones to beat in that race will be Guild and Luciano, both horses are in good form.
Race 8, the sprint throws up some excitement with the return of top class sprinter Lucky Secret, who is undefeated in seven starts. Another with loads of potential is Zupaone, with a chance also to Let Go Thommo and Kaphero.
Ladies Day is always a great days racing, so good luck & happy punting.
All the best.
Simon Marshall
