Thursday, May 01, 2008

Autumn Racing Carnival – Week 14

This weekend marks the end of the Sydney racing carnival, but after that the action moves to Brisbane.

Yesterday saw the Group One Oaks being taken out by Heavenly Glow. My pick was the classy Zarita who failed to get a place. New Zealand filly Boundless came second.

It now appears that New Zealand horses are to be taken seriously again. In the past they had a great reputation and won many of Australia’s top races. But for the past decade they have hardly challenged Aussie runners, excepting of course the great Sunline who was a freak.

The AJC Derby last Saturday was won by New Zealand colt Nom de Jeu and another New Zealander, Red Ruler, was runner up.

Melbourne’s favourite horse, Apache Cat, won the TJ Smith Stakes in sterling fashion last Saturday. He will be competing in the Group One sprints in Queensland and there is a possibility he will be challenging the world and be set for races in Japan later this year. He remains unbeaten in all the races he has contested this year.

This coming Saturday sees the running of the Sydney Cup over 3200 metres and three other Grouo One races including the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000metres), Champagne Stakes (1600 metres) for two year olds, and the All Aged Stakes (1400 metres).

Sebring will be vying for the triple crown of the Golden Slipper, Sires Produce and the Champagne. He won the Sire’s Produce last weekend, marking him as the best two year old performer in the country. As long as he’s not worn out from racing three weeks in a row, he should win the Champagne Stakes.

As for the other races on the cards, I fancy Tuesday Joy in the Queen Elizabeth, Racing to Win, who was beaten by Weekend Hussler at his last outing, in the All Aged, and haven’t a clue on the Sydney Cup though I do like Lacey Underall who won the Adelaide Cup over the distance. Also, No Wine No Song is worth consideration as he’s been performing well of late.

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