We underrate our own horses. Gold Trip winning the 2023 Group One Turnbull Stakes at Flemington is a great example.
The Irish horse, West Wing Blows, ran a great second, but Gold Trip was dynamic and is in pristine condition according to the trainers, Maher and Eustace.
They offered great credit to the farrier, saying his feet were perfect.
Mark Zahra enjoying the spoils of the Victory: “If you leave him alone and don’t annoy him and let him find his feet early, he will give you his best. He was flying”. Zahra not wanting to get off the horse was suggesting it was set for the Cox Plate. Gold Trip wasn’t allowed to run in the 2021 Cox Plate after failing to pass the vet check due to lameness, but he may well have another one in his grasp.
Romantic Warrior, the Turnbull favourite, was a bit keen and maybe he will improve from that race to go into the Cox Plate. His trainer assured all that he will be ready on the day.
Bit of a spring in the step of the Esskay gang after a very good run at Flemington on Saturday. After missing the kick by three/four lengths and being a clear last at the turn, he finished less than two lengths from third. Big effort in the straight. Watch out for him next in either Moonee Valley Vase on Cox Plate Day, or the Geelong Classic enroute to the VRC Derby.
After the race he firmed in from 100-1 to 33-1. God help me if he wins a good race, I’ll hear about it for the next 10 years. But I must say, the winner of the race. Riff Rocket, is in another league, and what a rocket of a win it was! Another Chris Waller trained beauty with a 5.5 length win and of course one we
will all be watching!
The master trained another winner with Montefilia in the Petaluma Hill Stakes at Rosehill, another one on which to use a bit of the biscuit tin cash going forward.
The result in Flemington race nine was no surprises really, with Star Patrol just too good for the field. A very smart sprinter on his day, he showed his versatility from the slower start in this race, travelled, then hit the button and zoom! Hold the phone, he might be off to Hong Kong.
The ever-effervescent Gai Waterhouse had something to say during the week that wasn’t related to the legends of the turf but more so about the cost of the beer on race day! “$11.50 for a beer it’s ridiculous!” That’s after she said race day entry fees should be abolished. Food for thought.
Chris Waller has announced his mare Espoina will fill the owner’s slot for the richest race on turf. The field make up for the richest race is just about settled after Chris has selected one of my favourites, the Golden Pennant winner, to run in the Everest. Coolmore, likewise has advised that
Shinzo will race in their spot for the Everest. This development may see some changes in the market.
The Old Coat Tugger thinks one of Joe Pride’s two horses in the Everest, Think About It and Private Eye will be up there and hard to beat. Pride has them ready to go on the day.
And here is a heart-warming one with a comeback. Think it Over had serious tendon troubles over a year ago and it was touch and go as to whether he would race again. Trainer Kerry Parker insists that he is fit, and they are setting their sights for the King Charles III Stakes. Let’s all hope this goes well
for him and it’s a Cinderella story.
In another heart-warmer Hartnetll, multiple Group One winner for Godolphin, has won Royal Agricultural Show Victoria’s, Off the Track Gentleman’s Spring Fashion , best in class at the Show Class. He was prepared by Bart Cumming’s old foreman and the Tugger’s old mate, Reg Fleming. Great
to see that despite age you can still be a winner!
Paddy said to Mick: ”Paddy what’s grey and hangs out yer shorts?”, Mick looked shocked, Paddy replied with a twinkle, “Granny!”. AND what about old Sheamus the weather reader? Mick replied, “what’s the trouble?” “Well he has cataracts. The daily weather is cloudy!”
