Gai Waterhouse: Like no other trainer in the world
Is there any other trainer in Australia or wider that sticks to a style so pure, so unyielding, other than Gai Waterhouse? For decades,…
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Former Editor of The Roar, now freelancing from Berlin. Alles gut! I like a bit of everything - from big moments in sport to unusual stats and I don't mind a first four. I love beautifully written, hard-hitting sports opinion.
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Is there any other trainer in Australia or wider that sticks to a style so pure, so unyielding, other than Gai Waterhouse? For decades,…
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Almandin was our 2017 Melbourne Cup tip, but after a shocking ride in that race, the ex-German stayer finds himself in the Group 2…
The 2017 Melbourne Cup was taken out by Rekindling in another two-horse duel down the straight, narrowly overcoming Johannes Vermeer. On the turn there…
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Sheek, great talking point. I don’t know if I agree, mind!
I’m ok with dropping back from 2500m to 2400m as that’s more a classic distance but of course there’s the layout/shute problems mentioned.
Not 2000 or 2200m, though, I don’t think.
What I like about the distance is that it separates the true staying horses from the middle-distance runners. I tend to think the 2500m doesn’t hurt them, the problem is our staying stocks are so inferior that as these horses progress (IF they progress!) they are then in open-class and face real troubles.
Efficient was the last great winner of the Derby in 2006, not many get to that class.
One last point, Rekindling was foaled 23 March 2014, making him a three-year old (& nine months) and clearly the 3200m was lapped up.
I wonder if attrition is more just down to our harder tracks than Europe. Here, staying races are more likely to jar you up unless you have a very good constitution.
It's time to change the distance of the Victorian Derby and Oaks
Same to you Scott mate!
Hmmm! Certainly makes a case… a classic Aussie/Kiwi local 🙂
Highland Reel: The best ever international raider to come to Australia?
Fair enough – I am very fond of Dunaden!
Highland Reel: The best ever international raider to come to Australia?
He’s in with a shout I think – probably ineligible on the distinction but he was a good one. 3/4 in his runs in Australia.
Highland Reel: The best ever international raider to come to Australia?
That’s a great stat on Bettors Delight. Amazing really.
Inter Dominion Grand Final buzz, and Lloyd Williams reloads for the Melbourne Cup yet again
Great post as always Griffo.
Matildas vs China: Football international friendly live scores, blog
Yep I agree there on the race pattern – of course Taj, in retrospect, had those pace making duties back home but it was a great ride to kick him away, and sustained over 1000m+… I’m guessing he’ll get 3200m based on that too….!
Zipping Classic: Almandin on class, Big Duke on form, or The Taj?
Almandin wasn’t bad but certainly not going at his best.
Zipping Classic: Almandin on class, Big Duke on form, or The Taj?
I always like to think the trainer knows better than I do, but it is highly unusual. And he does run so well so often!
Zipping Classic: Almandin on class, Big Duke on form, or The Taj?
Thanks for the thoughts across the day Razzar as always. Good punting!
Zipping Classic: Almandin on class, Big Duke on form, or The Taj?
Danke Max! I agree that it’s a tricky race and we should always remember not to chase, in any sort of investing indeed! 🙂
I look forward to those Donald tips 😉
Zipping Classic: Almandin on class, Big Duke on form, or The Taj?
Good piece! Arrogate, we all know, isn’t going as good as he was.
Form has Winx as the best racehorse in the world – even if the rankings don't
Thanks KV, another good read and you’re in form! In Her Time scratched this morning so that’ll shake things up. I welcome your 3rd pick replacement 😉
Handicapping the Darley Classic
Cam, I just saw the sectionals are up.
Quite right about Tiberian, running an extra 21m. Almandin ran an extra 22.
Poor old Frankie Detorri, another shocker – I said as much in my column, and Peslier deserves the same treatment although at least he didn’t do that after already failing 15 times…
Pulling apart the 2017 Melbourne Cup
Sheek! It pains me when these things happen! Always more to learn, which is both the secret of the success of the great game and the battle we face.
Melbourne Cup 2017: Exotic bet help – quinellas, trifectas, first fours and more!
Fabulous, great explanations and wonderful to have a different side of the Cup that’s so important explained.
The well-weighted five in the Melbourne Cup
I think that’s about right on face value – but he was good in the Herbert Power too, so I think while flattered, I can’t leave him out of exotics … the old just in case inclusion.
Best of luck mate.
Melbourne Cup 2017: Preview and top tips
Good summary mate – I like listening to Weiry too. Racing has plenty of straight-shooters and he’s right up for mine with his approach.
Melbourne Cup 2017: Preview and top tips
What are your top country cups mate?
The best racing win of 2017