Social Icons


Friday, April 3, 2009

Golden Slipper Day

It’s a huge day for racing in Australia later with the running of the world’s premier 2-year-old race, the $3.5 million G1 Golden Slipper. I’m also looking forward to the G1 BMW, G1 George Ryder, G1 Storm Queen, and G1 Queen of the Turf—in all, nearly $7.5 million in prizes will be awarded in 9 races at Rosehill. A complete form guide for the races is available here.

Later today I’ll evaluate and put forth opinions on each race, but feel free to post your insights here now. Apparently the track will be a true Heavy, so look for those who love the wet. With that in mind, I think today is—finally—the day that Glowlamp breaks her maiden in the G1 Storm Queen. Who do you like or dislike?

27 comments:

Anne S said...

Hi Valerie,

Just about to turn on the TV for the Vinery Stud stakes.

I hope Gallica can win, but I'll be cursing if Purple comes in.

Anne S said...

Curses! Gallica obviously couldn't handle the heavy track.

Valerie Grash said...

And you liked Purple for her name! This game nevers make sense :)

I just wish Glowlamp could get it done one of these days soon!

Anne S said...

Oh yeah - should follow one's hunches. My friend Bernie who accompanies to the races always bets on names - and wins big time

Valerie Grash said...

I knew a pretty successful punter who only played numbers, particularly 4 and 8.

Anne S said...

I think Hot Danish is the pick in the Queen of the Turf. Forensics form in the wet is iffy, though I'd love her to win.

Valerie Grash said...

Hot Danish does look tough, but I'm thinking maybe the Kiwi Culminate looks good.

Anne S said...

Yes indeed Culminate looks a definite chance and I sentimentally fancy her because of her trainer's association with Sunline.

Anne S said...

WOW - Neroli stole it. The Darren Beadman factor wins again

Valerie Grash said...

Urgh, I hate when I don't bet on a gut-feeling. Darley exacta.

How are you leaning in the BMW? I don't think Theseo likes the wet much, and I'm hoping Viewed is ready. What about Mr. Tipsy, though, coming in off a second in the Auckland Cup? He's 3 for 3 in the heavy.

Anne S said...

I reckon Viewed has this one in the bag - it seems perfect for him and he doesn't mind the wet. Theseo is a wonderful horse, but I have doubts about him at the distance.

Haven't even considered Mr Tipsy - his form looks good I must admit.

I wonder if Newport will ditch his rider again.

Valerie Grash said...

Mr Tipsy's trainer Baker won race 2 with Harris Tweed; I'm think he could be a nice place bet, as he's currently 40-1 on the international tab.

Anne S said...

He's much shorter on Aussie TABs - about $7.00to $8.00

Valerie Grash said...

Guess it's a moot point, as it's obviously Darren Beadman's day. Not happy with Blake taking Viewed so wide there on the turn. Urgh!

Anne S said...

A day of surprises... who would have thought Fiumicino could come back like that - he hasn't won anything for ages. His owner nick Moraitis was overcome with emotion. Brings back memories of when Might & Power won the Cox Plate. I shook Mr Moraitis' hand that day as he went along the fence after the race acknowledging the crowd.

Anne S said...

Well, other jockeys get a chance to win in the Ryder as Darren's mount Mentality has been scratched.

I'd love Light Fantastic to win, but is he good enough? It's a class field - very hard to pick a winner.

Valerie Grash said...

That's so cool.

You're right, this next one looks too tough to call. I've always like Vision and Power, though, and Fravashi.

Anne S said...

All Silent is probably the top class horse in the field. Vision & Power apparently goes well in the wet and there is that NZ runner King Mufhasa.

Whobegotyou is never far away and has a weight advantage over the older horses.

Anne S said...

Well, Vision & Power after all. Another Nick Moraitis horse - he's having a good day. A pity about Light Fantastic - not good enough, though the horrid track conditions were not in any horse's favour except for those that thrive on it.

Anne S said...

And so to the Slipper - a hard one to pick, though I'd love one of the fillies to win - Rostova or More Joyous. Real Saga looks good on form, but the fillies with the weight advantage have very good chance.

It's always a great race to watch, rather than bet on.

Valerie Grash said...

Totally agree about being too hard to bet on, especially with no heavy form. What stallions have reputation for wet trackers?

I love More Joyous too.

Anne S said...

Haven't a clue about stallion wet form, though I read somewhere that Rostova's sire Testa Rossa won in heavy going. He was a lovely horse, remember him well. He and Redoute's Choice used to fight out races together, way back when. Encosta De Lago may have wet form, can't remember.

Valerie Grash said...

Wow!! Phelan Ready, I can't believe it! Too cool. And Glen Boss, the man, getting Headway in there for second.

Anne S said...

Congrats on your calling on Phelan Ready - he won very well. More Joyous probably ruined her chances taking the lead early. Oh well, it's been a funny day of racing what with the heavy track and all.

Anne S said...

The TV coverage is over, so it's back to online viewing for the rest of the card.

I hope Racing To Win can actually win the next. He's a class horse and nothing much else stands out as beating him.

Anne S said...

oops, wrong call on Racing To Win, your picks were spot on.

I give up, I haven't even looked at the last race.

What time is it where you are? It must be late.

It's currently 5.13pm (daylight saving time) here.

Anyway, it has been enjoyable live blogging the afternoon away with you Valerie. Must do it again soon.

Valerie Grash said...

It's 2:19 a.m. here, and I'm exhausted. Don't know if I'll be able to get up and watch the Grand National steeplechase--it's on around 11 a.m. here. And of course, it's Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Derby day to boot!

Definitely fun. We'll have to do this on the big days. Night (or good day to you!)