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Friday, 9 November 2007
CROWN OAKS REVIEW/STAKES DAY PREVIEW
Unforgettable.
That's what the carnival has been so far. Yesterday trainer Pat Carey won his first major Group 1 race by claiming the Crown Oaks with Arapoho Miss who was ridden perfectly by Corey Brown. Arapoho Miss just simply outstayed her rivals over the 2500 metre test.
In 2nd place was Serious Speed with her jockey Danny Nikolic holding on to her at the top of the straight as long as he could, however she just didn't run out the 2500 metres. Look for her back to the 1600 metres next Autumn.
What about Bart Cummings- he pulled another rabbit out of his hat with the winless Marjorie putting in a great performance to run third- ah Bart you have done it again!
Horses to watch from the meeting are from Race 2, Gallopin, trained be Danny O'Brien. Watch out for him winning again in a couple of weeks when he steps up to 2000 metres.
In Race 7, Miss Marielle beat the boys with the top weight of 57kg with David Hayes claiming she can win the Adelaide Oaks next Autumn.
Now to the final day on the Melbournce Cup Carnival, Emirates Stakes Day.
The Emirates Stakes tomorrow, is the last big Group 1 of the carnival at 1600 metres Handicap conditions.
Weekend Hustler, the three year old boom super star of this spring takes on the older horses for the first time. Jumping to 1600 metres from his effortless win last Saturday over 1200 metres will be a massive task for the gun.
He drops from 55.5kg to 51kg and has a new jockey in Danny Nikolic who can ride the weight taking over from his regular rider Brad Rawiller. It will be hard to pick against him.
Wonderful World looks the danger after his second in the Cox Plate, although he is carrying the 57kg.
Sonic Quest has been very impressive leading up to his grand final in this race. He should get the run of the race from barrier two with Luke Nolen aboard and he gets in well with 54.5 kg.
Don't forget about the third best miler in Australia, Niconero, who has been a model of consistency once again leading up to this event.
I won this race back in 1987 on an outsider called Warned who carried 48kg, trained be Lee Freedman.
I know this race can throw up a surprise due to the Handicap conditions, so be sure to pick a light weight for your multiple bets.
I am looking forward to Race 5 on the program and the clash between Gold Edition and Miss Andretti in a six horse field. Could Bart produce some magic again with Swick and blow them all away.
Race 7 should be a great clash between the mares. At this stage I'm liking Anamato, Maslines Beach and also Red For Lou. Throw in Lee Freedman's Post Thyme who has won her last three. It's a Group 2 over 2000 metres with $302,000 up for grabs.
I like Race 8 as well, with the Melbourne cup contenders that never got a run in the big one. Desert Master, Reggie, Emerald Jack, Dracs Back and Cefalu all to run over 2500 metres at Group 3 level.
It has been a long and tough Carnival; but definitely unforgettable- hope you have backed a winner.
Simon Marshall