Leading into the Spring carnival every website or commentator always has a feature on some horses to follow through the carnival. Here are a few that I think will measure up and be competitive in some of the group races.
(I will re-hash the doubles feature a month or so out from the cups with the horses I like for feature doubles for a more serious betting exercise) But there may be some here can get us some money in the meantime.
SPRING HORSES TO WATCH FOR:
BASE- A very handy Zabeel in the Williams camp. Went through his grades nice last prep with a couple of great runs. Like most Zabeel’s he should improve a hell of a lot this time in, and if they get him peaking at the right time he will be a live lightweight cups horse if they can qualify him!
MOSHEEN– Runner up in the Golden Slipper at only her second race start and can be a real improver this time in work. By Fastnet Rock, she is entered for both the Guineas during the carnival.
LIGHTS OF HEAVEN– Moody does not often have stayers in the stable but has a very handy one here. She is not big, but is by the super staying sire Zabeel. I hadn’t bought into the hype before the Oaks win in S.A, but think she has that much improvement in her that she can be a major player!
SMART MISSILE– The horse that actually rolled Sepoy. Unlucky to be scratched before the slipper when well supported. A really smart sprinter who will try to win the Golden Rose before he heads to Melbourne.
SECRET ADMIRER: A daughter of Dubawi who progressed well and won the Flight Stakes in Sydney defeating More Strawberries and Parables. Has had a long lay off with injury, but if Begg gets her back ready to go she can win nearly anything.
DECEMBER DRAW: We may all be going off a little early as his two from two in Australia have been in the ‘off’ season. But they were very impressive and behind Cummings, Kavanagh is probably the best trainer of stayers in the country. If he qaulify’s him for the cups, this horse can be a good lightweight chance.
WHOBEGOTYOU: He is just a marvel! I love this horse. From his first up run till the Cox plate he will give 100% and will win a couple for sure. I still have a slight query on the Cox plate, but he can win any of the lead up runs.
MALUCKYDAY: This is potentially the star of the carnival. His Sydney campaign was too big of an ask (getting to a wet 2400m in the BMW on his 3rd run back). I expect him to stand up and once we get to the 2000m and beyond he will be ready to show his colours. Not sure of plans, but I would not be surprised if they ran in the Cox plate, and I think that is what I’d do ($51 on TattsBet). May be worth waiting till Hawkes let’s his plans be known. He is a strong horse who could run over them off a hot pace. Probably Australia’s best chance of winning the Melbourne Cup too.
TORIO’S QUEST: (Photo by TARON CLARKE) No matter what this horse does he seems to stay underrated. Loved the QLD Guineas win and would be a great horse for the Emirates 1600m. But the Cox plate is the goal first, and I won’t be underrating him in anything.
THE KIWI’S
SCARLETT LADY: Was super impressive in our Winter carnival and is on a cups campaign. She can settle anywhere and handles all tracks. That will take her a long way, and the Caulfield Cup looks a fantastic target!
JIMMY CHOUX: Another who gives his all every run. Very genuine and will be targeting the Cox plate. With a nice draw he may be one of the better chances the kiwi’s have had for a few years.
THE QUEENSLANDER’S:
WOORIM: Was unlucky not to crack the Group 1 last time in Melbourne and will again target the Sir Rupert Clarke. Just needs dry tracks and a fast pace and he will show them what our horses can do.
SPIRIT OF BOOM: Another horse I really like and don’t think we have seen the best of yet. I will catch up with Tony Gollan to see his plan closer to the carnival, but the 1200m straight races and 1400m around Caulfield would be where I expect to see him.
BUFFERING: Handled the straight racing well last year and he can slip under the southerner’s guard again this year. Don’t be surprised to see him ultra competitive again.
*For more of Taron Clarke’s photo’s visit
http://taronclarkephotography.zenfolio.com/
Of course there are a lot of others, but you can’t pick them all. One thing I am sure of is that between this team there will be plenty of group wins, probably starting this weekend!
**”The Punt” will be up again Friday afternoon and it looks as though we should get a decent racing surface again which is always a bonus. Our blackbookers have been very successful and we will again have more of them for punters to follow, as well as “The Prophet” who is getting quite a following. So remember to check in and get your guide to the Brissyraces and some interstate mail.
