Derby Day was a damp but we did see a great day's racing. Damien Oliver broke the all time wins at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Won the derby on Warning Exceedance Coolmore win was a thriller Champion New Zealand Mare Melody Belle 10th Group 1 victory her first in Australia winning the Empire Rose.
The last 24 hours Social Media has gone crazy the Dumping of Linda Meech in favour of Mark Zahra to ride Thought Of That in the Victoria Derby on Saturday at Flemington. Meech rode a great tactical ride on him in the Caulfield Classic sprinted away for an easy win. But Owner Brae Sokolski made the decision to engaged Mark Zahra sure its the owners right who they want to ride their horses goodwill gesture would be to give Linda Meech a sling if Thought Of That wins the derby.
Saturday Japanese Galloper Mer De Glace won the Caulfield Cup. This Saturday we see the Running of Ladbrokes Cox Plate where legends are made Another Japan horse LYS GRACIEUX is rated 6 lengths better horse. She has a great record and just beaten in the Hong Kong Vase last december. Has drawn out gate 10 derserves to be Favourite. Another from Japan KLUGER does thrive in Australian Conditions he off course was 2nd To Winx in the Queen Elizabeth at Randwick.
Caulfield Cup the toughest 2400m Handicap in the World The Field has dropped away but its always such a great race to watch. Headed by the Old Warrior HARTNELL being placed Melbourne Cup. His form is good placed in the Turnbull 58 ? MIRAGE DANCER UK horse now Busuttin Young team who are going great guns being going well 2400 should be fine can run a race. MER DE GLACE japanese horse has great form hasn't run 2400 has a wide gate to overcome Japan Staying form is very strong so left him out at your own peril.
A great days racing it was Caulfield Guineas Day four Group 1 races and all thrilling races Super Seth getting up on the Post Flit 1000 Guineas Cape Of Good Hope imported to the Hayes Dabering winning the Stakes Fierce Impact and trekking sealing his place in the Everest getting the last slot Melbourne Racing Club.
Everest a new race in its third year has really gained lots of media spotlight and I will preview all runners.
Triple Crown Races were announced by New Zealand Bloodstock couple of weeks ago. I think its a positive step in getting some exposure in the media especially mainstream TV.
They include a sprinting series Railway Telegraph Waikato Sprint WFA Zabeel Classic Herbie Dyke Stakes Bonecrusher Stakes Mares Cuddle Stakes New Thoroughbred Breeders Travis Stakes.
Saturday New Zealand had its first runner in the Jericho Cup which will be run at Warmambool on December 1. Was run last year the race is for only Australian and New Zealand breds. Run over the Extreme distance of 4600m
Aigne won the the Road to the Jericho at New Plynouth on Saturday distance off 3210. off course New Zealand is renowed for Staying horses. There was a race at Avondale which was run over 3400m Maybe good idea would be to have long distance races for horses to get ready for the Jericho in future years.
There has been some debate about banning the Whip in Thoroughbred Racing. Maybe might happen but before this any decision is made. There must be discussion with Jockeys Trainers and owners. Animal Welfare have been quite loud about Whip Use on Horses in racing.
This week I thought I would write about the Melbourne Cup and for horses who a way down the Order of Entry. The influx and domination Of the European invaders which has now made the Cup a race that the Whole World wants to race in
Off Course back in the 70s 80s the Cup was a Trans Tasman clash then Victoria Racing Club had an idea getting entries from Europe and when Vintage Crop won the 93 it can be done then we had invasion of entries.
With the influx of International horses coming to Australia for all the big races namely the Caulfield Melbourne Cups. The Moonee Valley Racing Club have given out invites to internationals for the Cox Plate with payments to entice them to race.
Mystic Journey owner was concerned that his mare wouldn't get paid for taking part in the WFA Championship and other local horses could miss out on getting a run. Danceteria Lyns Gracieux have already accepted to come to Moonee Valley.