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Wow, Gold Rush! I didn't expect that, but it was a heck of a gutsy performance.
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Volkstok'n'barrell! Welcome back big guy.
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THRILLED!!!!! Good Lord the Derby..... coming up way too fast! :) |
RAGHU
 colt, Showcasing-Fantasy World Trainer: Tony Pike (no Derby wins) Jockey: Michael McNab (no Derby wins) 8 starts 2 wins 3 seconds 2 thirds NZ$178,050 1st Karaka 3YO Mile 2nd Waikato Guineas 3rd Avondale Guineas What a tough horse. When he comes around the home turn and the others start running at him, it always looks like he's going to drop out and finish way back. But he never does. He refuses to surrender, he keeps fighting and he comes back. He is sensational to watch. But there has to be some doubt over his stamina. His sire Showcasing is known for very speedy two-year-olds, and his running style doesn't lend itself to such a gruelling trip. But he's another horse who keeps proving us wrong. Odds: 12 |
TAVAGO
 gelding, Tavastock-Sara Ann Trainer: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young (no Derby wins) Jockey: Noel Callow (AUS) (no Derby wins) 5 starts 2 wins 1 seconds 1 thirds NZ$66,275 1st Wellington Stakes 3rd Karaka Mile 13th Waikato Guineas For most of the season he's been my Derby horse, but his run in the Waikato Guineas was just terrible. Obviously he's a much better horse than that, but he's going to have to turn things around big time. Odds: 12 |
WHAT'S THE STORY
 colt, Savabeel-Tall Story Trainer: Stephen McKee & Eddie Chippendale (no Derby wins) Jockey: Sam Spratt (no Derby wins) 6 starts 2 wins 0 seconds 0 thirds NZ$18,725 6th Trevor Eagle Memorial 7th Great Northern Guineas It's been an up-and-down season. He scored a brilliant win on debut, then struggled in his next few starts including a couple of strong stakes races. But then, in his most recent race, he was an unbelievable winner. If he can repeat that performance he's got a really good chance to win this. Odds: 12 |
HUMIDOR
 gelding, Teofilo-Zalika Trainer: Johno Benner & Hollie Wynyard (no Derby wins) Jockey: Mark Du Plessis (no Derby wins) 3 starts 1 wins 2 seconds 0 thirds NZ$11,775 No stakes races This is one of the most exciting three-year-olds in NZ. He has incredible talent. His acceleration is amazing. But it's possible that the Derby is just a bit too soon for him. It's only his fourth start. He should have won his last race, but his head was sideways all the way down the stretch. He's got a lot of growing up to do and he's got a lot to learn. I don't know if he'll do it by Saturday. But he's in my top three. Odds: 16 |
THE HASSLER
 gelding, Shocking-Zaquabeel Trainer: Roger James (Tidal Light 1986, Roysyn 1995, Zonda 1997, Hades 1999, Silent Achiever 2012) Jockey: Michael Coleman (Cut The Cake 2003, Xcellent 2004) 8 starts 2 wins 0 seconds 0 thirds NZ$26,150 5th Avondale Guineas He didn't do much in his first few starts, but he has been fantastic since he started running over longer distances. I liked the way he finished in the Avondale Guineas. He's a son of the Melbourne Cup winner Shocking, and there is no doubt he'll have the stamina for this race. Plus his trainer and jockey know how to win a Derby! Odds: 16 |
Noms for Derby day are up. :)
What an amazing line-up for the Darley Plate! I love the Sunline Vase too. |
Big changes in the Derby - Provocative out (slight injury), Capella in!
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So the next one obviously has to be...
CAPELLA  filly, Rip Van Winkle-Limerick Trainer: Danica Guy (no Derby wins) Jockey: Leith Innes (Wahid 2006) 6 starts 3 wins 0 seconds 1 third NZ$82,225 1st Eight Carat Classic 3rd Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic Unexpectedly entered for the Derby today, sending her odds plummeting from 26 to 7.5. She was exceptional in the Eight Carat on Boxing Day, but then bad weather and slight injuries ruled her out of the Royal Stakes, Levin Classic and Desert Gold Stakes. She's only had one race since the Eight Carat, an unlucky third in the Sir Tristram. She's obviously good enough to do this, but I'm just not sure if she's had enough racing to prepare her. She adds a TON of interest and mystery to this race. Odds: 7.5 |
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Had to do a double take... that is awesome!!!!! |
I had to stare at the field for a few minutes first, but I've finally submitted my four picks for the newspaper:
Valley Girl Rangipo Humidor Capella But not with any confidence! |
PREDATOR
 gelding, Savabeel-Bird Trainer: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young (no Derby wins) Jockey: Jonathan Riddell (Jimmy Choux 2011) 4 starts 2 wins 1 second 0 third NZ$19,500 7th Avondale Guineas He was so impressive in his first three starts, winning twice and finishing second in the other one to Valley Girl. But his first try in a stakes race was only okay, finishing seventh in the Avondale Guineas. I think he will appreciate the distance more than some of the others, so he could be an improver. Odds: 26 |
SON OF MAHER
 colt, Al Maher-Dance Hit Trainer: Michael & Matthew Pitman (no Derby wins) Jockey: Chris Johnson (no Derby wins) 11 starts 3 wins 4 seconds 0 third NZ$109,125 1st Dunedin Guineas 2nd Levin Classic 6th NZ 2000 Guineas 9th Avondale Guineas A South Island visitor who was very disappointing in the Avondale Guineas last time. Before that he had been excellent, dominating races in the South Island and producing a huge performance for second in the Levin Classic. If he can perform to that level again he could be a live longshot. Odds: 41 |
THUNDER DOWN UNDER
 colt, Street Sense-River Dreaming Trainer: Stephen Ralph (no Derby wins) Jockey: Johnathan Parkes (no Derby wins) 11 starts 1 wins 1 second 1 third NZ$48,400 1st 3YO Salver 3rd Bonecrusher Stakes 5th Karaka Mile 7th Trevor Eagle Memorial 9th Waikato Guineas 11th Avondale Guineas His win in the 3YO Salver in December was excellent, and that's a race that Mongolian Khan won last year. He hasn't been placed in four starts since then, although his performances haven't been bad in any of them. But I just think he has a few too many lengths to make up on some of these rivals. Odds: 61 |
And the rest, who I don't have pictures of.
SPLENDIDO gelding, O'Reilly-Vickezzchardonnay Trainer: Bruce Wallace (no Derby wins) Jockey: Grant Cooksley (Tidal Light 1986, Cavallieri 1991, Look Who's Talking 1994) 8 starts 0 wins 4 seconds 2 thirds A maiden, but he's competed well against strong opposition. Odds: 41 EN SUITE filly, Shocking-Pentrose Trainer: Kevin Myers (C'est La Guerre 2008) Jockey: Rosie Myers (no Derby wins) 6 starts 1 win 1 second 0 third A good win two starts ago, but only ninth in her most recent start. She needed to run better than that. Odds: 61 GOBSTOPPER gelding, Tavastock-Bagalollies Trainer: Andrew Campbell (no Derby wins) Jockey: Craig Grylls (no Derby wins) 7 starts 1 win 0 seconds 0 thirds A full-brother to Werther, but so far it doesn't look like he quite has the same ability. Odds: 81 PRODIGAL SON gelding, Duelled-Maybe Yes Trainer: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson (no Derby wins) Jockey: Trudy Thornton (no Derby wins) 11 starts 1 win 3 seconds 2 thirds He has been running good races, but in much lower grades than this. Odds: 121 PIECE OF KATE filly, Ekraar-Katie's Girl Trainer: Gavin Sharrock (no Derby wins) Jockey: Shaun McKay (no Derby wins) 6 starts 1 win 2 seconds 1 third A good win last week, but this is a massive step up. Odds: 121 |
It's Derby Day! The sun's shining and the track looks perfect.
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Wondering if Tavago might suddenly remember how good he is and take it (?). I don't know, ed.. I think I will not play BUT might check the odds on What's The Story in a while, just for fun. Good luck to you, come home safe everyone and THANK YOU for all your insight, time spent... I have checked back and am caught up now and more confused then ever. :D HAPPY DERBY DAY! Quote:
edit - Oh well just for fun although I shoulda just put everything on Duchess Kate in her race instead! Mar. 4, 2016 04:21 PM 1FB20170D6E6 Online Gaming NZ B Ellerslie 8 $4.00 WN 2 $4.00 Mar. 4, 2016 04:17 PM 58BA36591F81 Online Gaming NZ B Ellerslie 9 $1.00 QN BX,1,5,7,10,15,17 $15.00 Mar. 4, 2016 04:16 PM 18E5B087D5A8 Online Gaming NZ B Ellerslie 9 $10.00 WN 10 $10.00 |
Emily Monk and Go Nicholas have been the two most impressive winners for me so far today. Cancellara at 50-1 was unexpected!
Now we're getting serious with the Mr Tiz Trophy. Two hours to go until the Derby. |
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