Super Saturday looms as the crisp easily-downed 'first beer' in what might just prove to be the longest of long weekends. These three days of supposed rest kick off with the timeless Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup at Flemington, as well as the Group 1 Randwick Guineas, interestingly to be run at Warwick Farm after being forced to play 'second synth' to Future Music Festival. Which begs the question, what kind of future are we faced with when noble stars like Ilovethiscity (coincidentally
Super Saturday looms as the crisp easily-downed 'first beer' in what might just prove to be the longest of long weekends. These three days of supposed rest kick off with the timeless Newmarket Handicap and Australian Cup at Flemington, as well as the Group 1 Randwick Guineas, interestingly to be run at Warwick Farm after being forced to play 'second synth' to Future Music Festival. Which begs the question, what kind of future are we faced with when noble stars like Ilovethiscity (coincidentally named after a lyric in a decidedly average Fedde Le Grand song, himself having 'performed' at Future a number of years ago) must take a backseat to fake tan, entire-face-consuming sunglasses and people more interested in performing horrific dance-moves (most commonly in the mistaken belief that they will attract the opposite sex) than watching the main attraction? Although now that I think about it, that last part could actually quite accurately describe a day at the races... *furiously shakes fist at the out of touch youth of Australia*.
The Australian Cup has been robbed of some of its lustre with the withdrawal of pre-post favourite and defending champion Zipping, but it remains an intriguing race nonetheless. In Zipping's absence, perhaps Bart can assume the mantle of honorary defending champion - given how close his runner-up Sirmione came to snatching victory last year - and he looks very well placed to add a staggering 14th Australian Cup to his collection via talented third-up specialist Precedence. As for the Newmarket, as a lover of racing all I can say is I hope Black Caviar wins under her 58kg. She deserves it. And racing deserves it.
Sunday will take me to the cool, chicken-burger rich climes of Stony Creek for their annual Cup. Having been a semi-regular at this delightful track in recent years - thanks to a gruelling association with some of the district's finest drinkers - I am very much looking forward to being baptised anew in the creek's curative waters. Fitoussi stands out as the obvious choice to take the Cup after a bold effort behind Upon at Moonee Valley, and I shall be looking for the bravest on-course bookmaker should connections decide to run him.
And finally Monday - though I will no doubt be under the stick and desperately trying to tack-on to/hitch a ride in the ambulance by this stage - brings us some quality stakes racing in Adelaide and an 8 race card at the Valley. Look for Miss Gai Flyer to fly the Victorian flag in the Yallambee Classic, whilst I hoster my stubby holder and unfurl the restful white flag of sweet surrender...