More Joyous looks the top pick for Doncaster

 

Roar Rookie

By cowcorner, 21 Apr 2012 cowcorner is a Roar Rookie

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 Chris Waller, Doncaster Handicap, Gai Waterhouse, Horse Racing, John Singleton, More Joyous, Streama

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Today is Doncaster Day at Randwick. This high pressure race over the mile was first run in 1865, with horses such as Wakeful, Fine and Dandy (2) , Gunsynd, Emancipation, Super Impose (2) , Pharoah (2) and Sunline (2) all winning the race.

In 1974, two streakers Allana Kereopa and David Cook ran down the track just after the race had started.

Ron Bickley captured the event in his famous photo. Watched by over 50,000 punters, Allana tried to escape via the member’s enclosure and the gatekeeper said, “You can’t come in here, you haven’t got a badge on!”

Bickley explained to the attendant that she was not wearing a stitch let alone a badge and helped her over the fence.

Bickley’s photo sold widely with the caption “This streaking event for colts and fillies took place during the running of the Doncaster Handicap before a crowd of 57,000 people.”

Although no photo finish was called for, many good judges in the crowd considered the colt had won by a good length.

Tontonan ridden by Roy Higgins won the race and the streakers were both fined for their nude run. Alanna’s excuse to the magistrate that “it seemed like a good idea at the time,” thereafter became known as ‘The Streaker’s Defence’.

Recent winners include Rangirangdoo (2010) and Sacred Choice (2011). Rangirangdoo is topweight this year. Favourite for the race is John Singleton’s More Joyous trained by Gai Waterhouse who was quoted yesterday as saying “she will bolt in.”

Last year she finished 11th in the race. More Joyous has won both starts this campaign, including the Group One Queen of the Turf over 1500 metres two weeks ago.

The Classic lead-up race is the George Ryder which was won by Metal Bender from Rekindled Interest and Secret Admirer, with the latter two contesting the race today.

Some punters noticed Sincero’s wide run and strong finish last start as a strong indicator for this race. Most of the favoured runners are trained by Chris Waller and Waterhouse who both have a great record in the Doncaster.

I subscribe to two rating services and both have More Joyous clearly ahead so I will be having a bet on her and hoping she can dictate terms in the race. I will save on three of the ligher weighted horses Niagara, Fast Clip and Happy Trails.

Also on the program are two other Group One events: The Australian Oaks for 3 year-old fillies with set weights over 2400 metres and the Galaxy over 1100 metres.

In the Oaks, Streama is odds on and is well on top for both raters ahead of Full of Spirit. Streama should win but I do not like the $1.69 odds on offer. Odds on, look on is a wise racing adage.

In the Galaxy, Bel Sprinter is my bet at $6.20 this morning and I may save on Thankgodyou’rehere, Nobby Snip, Elite Falls and Satin Shoes.

Whatever the results, it looks a great day of racing. Good luck if you are having a bet.

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