Wow! are we in the middle of a stellar racing season, or what? On Saturday I was a fraction worried about Black Caviar's fitness and quite worried about all the pre race obstacles I saw ahead of More Joyous. My suspicions were not only allayed fairly swiftly but they were shattered in two awesome displays: one of speed, one of fight.Who would you select between Hay List and Black Caviar? Is More Joyous a serious threat to So You Think? How big a hold does Shocking have on the Melbourne Cup after
Wow! are we in the middle of a stellar racing season, or what? On Saturday I was a fraction worried about Black Caviar's fitness and quite worried about all the pre race obstacles I saw ahead of More Joyous. My suspicions were not only allayed fairly swiftly but they were shattered in two awesome displays: one of speed, one of fight.
Who would you select between Hay List and Black Caviar? Is More Joyous a serious threat to So You Think? How big a hold does Shocking have on the Melbourne Cup after his excellent last two runs? He only has to run well in the Caulfield Cup to just about become favourite, ahead of So You Think. Can So You Think win the Cox Plate-Melbourne Cup double? (Speaking directly from the pocket I hope so as I took $14.5 a couple of weeks ago on SYT to win the Cup). What about Linton for the Melbourne Cup? (Again, I speak from the pocket at $44 for the Cup). I haven't even mentioned the overseas raiders who start their campaigns in this Saturdays Caulfield Cup.
None of us really know the abilities of Drunken Sailor, Manigher, Mr Medici or Tokai Trick in the midst of the usual hustle and bustle of a Caulfield Cup but we do know the overseas horses don't fare too badly in Caulfield Cups. However before Saturday we have a real corker tomorrow at Caulfield with the running of the Thousand Guineas.
There are several things to think about, naturally. Can More Strawberries run 1600m as she was beaten at her only start at the distance last start, albeit by a short neck? This is also her first Caulfield run (it did not stop More Joyous, did it?) but she has a fantastic barrier draw and Nash Rawiller will take advantage of that bonus without doubt. Sistine Angel looked great in winning the Edward Manifold Stakes but her get back style demands a good early pace as from barrier 11 she will have to either drop back or look for a lucky break and get in one of the fence. Brazilian Pulse may have reached the lead a fraction too early behind Sistine Angel but she too faces a wide barrier and get back style. Divorces can be forgiven for her last start in the Edward Manifold when she just lucked out and with form around Sistine Angel at Caulfield and Anacheeva over this distance in the AJC Champagnes Stakes she is right in this from barrier 7.
It goes without saying Yosei is in with a chance and it is worth noting Jessie's Girl is backing up from her thrashing by the speedy Solar Charged on Saturday. She finished ahead of Levi's Choice in the Eagle Farm Sires over 1400m and if she can run 1600m why can't she be a contender at good odds?
As I am a forgiving soul I will be backing Divorces at $8 for the win and a place saver in a tougher race than the betting shows. I priced More Strawberries at $4.50 hence the $3.60 is not value, as I see the race, however she doesn't know what price she is, does she?