Horse Racing in OZ

[Charles49]

Thanks PDC for your update on the situation in the UK. I must admit that Covid is fast moving off the front pages here as we get back to normality. Still there are odd things happening. For example there will be a capacity crowd at the State of Origin football match here on Wednesday at Suncorp stadium yet in Melbourne there are no crowds at the races. A few minutes ago I did receive a note from a Melbourne friend who told me that Sandown race officials will today permit owners to attend the meeting there. Just owners. Well I guess that's a small start there but it does show the contradictions that we have regarding rules on a State by State basis.
We are not really concerned here that the young will receive the first batch of Covid vaccines as these are likely to be the Pfizer vaccines, which are really unsuited to Australia as a whole. That's because they need a temp of around minus 70deg to survive and that's going to make it very hard to distribute widely as Australia is a big continent and there's not that many places that could successfully handle the storage and distribution of this vaccine.
We know from our local sources that the vaccine created by the University of Queensland is a good one. It doesn't need extreme refrigeration requirements, and it will be distributed out to the general public via local medical practitioners and pharmacies, exactly the same method as the annual flu jab is done. That will be quick, painless and free which is exactly what our elderly like. We also know that trial results show that that this vaccine is particularly effective in the elderly category. Yes it may be unavailable for the next six months but its the preferred option for our elderly.
I wouldn't rule out Oxford University producing an effective vaccine shortly either as they have been front runners in the race to find effective preventive solutions.
It's awful news that the UK is enduring some 600 deaths per day from Covid.
The release of a vaccine therefore is desperately needed to counter these losses so I hope and pray that this occurs very very shortly so life can return to some semblance of normaility for you all.
Best wishes and do stay safe.

[PDC]

Good to read the updates, it is interesting to hear how Oz are planning to roll out the vaccine. It is the opposite to the UK where they are basing it on those who are most at risk of the illness and the impact it is likely to have. So it is first going to those 80+ and in care homes and the staff, then it basically drops in bands of 10 years, so next is 70-80 plus NHS frontline staff, then 60-70 and so on but with the limited supply and the need for 2 doses per patient it is unlikely that anyone bar the older in society will get it in the first wave.

Until then we have the winter to get through and just yesterday we passed the 50,000 death mark (to have died and tested +'ve in the last 28 days) which got some coverage but we also had almost 600 deaths in a day which as a country we seem to have grown used to amazingly. The daily death figures seem to be just be something mentioned in passing now. Then today we had our highest ever number of positive cases recorded at 33,470. When you consider the death figure will be the last to go down it is a bit scary that we are still seeing increases in the daily cases as that means there are a lot of deaths already baked into the future figures.

Though we are in a second 'lockdown' it really feels nothing like the first time around. People seem to largely be going about life/work in the 'new normal' way, the roads are very busy, the shops that are open seem to be busy as normal, people stop in the street for a chat.

We seem as a country to have just kind of got bored of it. At least that is the impression I get. I could be wrong about how it is elsewhere but it really doesn't feel anything like March's lockdown.

The hospitals however are getting very busy and pushed to having to stop non urgent surgery in a lot of places and the number of people waiting over a year for treatment in England hospitals has hit a 12 year high.

And it still isn't even mid-November!

Really liked the joke on a happier note!

Good luck with the punting.

[Charles49]

Racing this weekend in Australia takes an usual step in New South Wales at least where the main races are moved away from their normal home in Sydney and transferred out to the coastal town of Newcastle. Its a big shot in the arm for this area and great to see they are receiving support from the Sydney hub.
In Melbourne the Carnival is now over and Flemington will be rested in favour of Sandown. Still no attendances at races in the Melbourne area but it must be getting close as Melbourne or/and Victoria have recorded zero cases for a couple of weeks now.
On a personal note I have had just 19 bets this week resulting in only 6 wins, 3 seconds, 2 thirds and the rest were unplaced. Not enough winners to finish ahead so its been a losing week with a small loss.
Racing on Saturday will kick off at 12.15pm, AEDT, which is 1.15am in London.
The last race will be at Ascot at 8.35pm, AEDT, which is 9.35 am in London.
As usual the early selections will be posted shortly which will updated once the scratchings and late mail are known.
I trust your weekend will be a good one and please stay safe.

SANDOWN:
R1 no 4 Brazen Boy Late Scr.
R2 no 1 La Mexicana 2nd
R3 no 3 Order of Command 2nd
R4 no 3 Humma Humma
R5 no 6 Kenya 2nd
R6 no 1 Aysar Late Scr
R9 no 4 All too Huiying 4th
R10 no 4 Missile Mantra Won $4.60

NEWCASTLE:
R3 no 7 Vadiyann
R4 no 1 Superium
R5 no 12 On The White Turf is an each way chance at 20/1 or better. Late Scr
R9 no 7 Hilo

DOOMBEN:
R2 no 3 He Runs Away Won $2.60
R3 no 6 Hard Labour Won
R5 no 2 Dusty Tycoon Won $2.30
R6 no 8 Garibaldi 2nd
R7 no 2 Plitvice Won $8
R8 no 7 Niedorp 2nd
R9 no 11 Master Jamie is a rough each way chance at $15....Ran 3rd at $21

ASCOT:
R3 no 2 Eeyore Wayz
R5 no 9 Truly Great Won $2
R6 no 2 Too Close The Sun Won $2.40
R7 no 2 Snickerdoodledandy

LAY BETS:
MR6 no 8 Sweet Reply Started Fav. Ran 2nd. Lay Bet Won
MR10 no 7 Tricky Gal Ran 2nd. Lay Bet Won

Cheers'n'Beers

JOKE:
A woman goes shopping with her husband and sees a pair of boots that she loves and wants to buy.
The husband says "No chance sweetheart...they are way too expensive."
Later on that night they are in bed, and the wife is falling asleep, so the husband tries his luck and slips his hand on her hip and then lower onto her thigh.
She turns to him and says "I dont think so mate. If you are not prepared to shoe the horse then you sure as hell ain't riding it!!"

[Charles49]

Biggest news story here and for that matter world wide is around Covid-19. Its distressing to hear reports of what is and what may happen in the UK and of course that also applies in many other northern hemisphere areas as winter increases the chances of contracting the virus.
The good news is that progress is being made on several fronts in respect of a virus. The optimistic reports have a suitable virus being available before the fat fellow in the red suit slides down chimneys with a sack full of presents. Pessimistic reports suggest March 2021 will be when it will really happen.
The sad part about that is here in Australia the elderly who are most at risk will be at the far end of the queue as preference will be given to the young, healthy and fit and those likely to be around for a few decades. Some will see this as elder abuse but I guess the facts are that the young are the next generation and as there will be only 10 million doses in the first tranche then decisions have to be made about priority and the elderly are the group that's least likely to protest in masses, and most of them here are pretty patient so they will accept this in the knowledge their turn will come shortly thereafter.
In Australia we are almost back to normality in that State borders are slowly opening and covid infections are now rare. The economy has taken one almighty whack and unemployment is still above average but slowly the virus info is disappearing off our screens so there's a bright light on the horizon. We just hope that its not another train load of infections on the way!!
Our prayers are with you all in these awful times.

[Charles49]

Well Flemington again has the spotlight this weekend with the running of the Mackinnon Stakes. Yesterday it was Oaks Day there so with the Cup on Tuesday, the Oaks on Thursday and the Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday then clearly its been a busy time for everyone associated with this historical racecourse. Its unfortunate that silly laws still exist in the Melbourne area which prohibit attendance at these events. Even social distancing would have permitted say 25,000 to attend each day but no Chairman Dan who runs Victoria with an iron fist has decreed that thou shalt not go to the races until I say so.
Whilst on the subject we are hearing some awful stories about the spread of Covid-19 not only throughout the UK but also throughout Europe. Figures that I have seen seem to indicate that the death rate per person who has contracted the virus is now lower percentage wise, but whilst that's encouraging in one way its also distressing to see such high numbers and the prospect of many areas being subject to lockdown laws. Our prayers are with you all in the hope that this virus is halted quickly by the production and speedy distribution of a suitable vaccine.
On a personal note I have had 29 bets this week resulting in 8 winners, 9 seconds, 3 thirds, and the other 9 failed to produce a return.
Worst moment for me this week is having to listen to the missus bragging about backing several winners including a 40/1 shot and collecting several nice trifecta's. Thankfully there is a lock on the door to my office so I have enjoyed some relief from the persecution.
Has anyone noticed the turnover figure on Betfair in respect of the betting on the US Elections. Last time I looked the matched figure on the Next President market was AUD $900m. Even with a high proportion of market players being traders that's still a nice commission sum for Betfair on just one event.
Racing this Saturday commences at Flemington at 12.25pm AEDT which is 1.25am London time and,
the Last race will be at Ascot at 8.30pm AEDT at Ascot which is 11.00am London time.
As per the norm the early selections will go up shortly and these will be amended and changed as the scratchings and late mail are discovered.
I hope your punting day is a good one and please stay safe.
UPDATE: National Totes are all down today so dividends are not available except from Bookmakers Fixed price betting. Reason for the outing has not yet been advised.

FLEMINGTON:
R2 no 4 Tommy Gold. 2nd..throw in numbers 2 Deep Speed 3rd and no 8 Shelby Cobra Won $4 for the trifecta
R3 no 7 Sansom Won $6
R4 no 5 Right You Are 3rd
R5 no 2 Pondus 2nd
R6 no 3 Bivouvac Won $3.70
R7 no 13 Chaillot
R8 no 9 Arcadia Queen Won $2.60
R9 no 11 Metorite...looks a good thing in the lucky last. Gave no 9 Messerschmitt a chance here at 25/1.


ROSEHILL:
R2 no 1 Wichita Warrior
R3 no 4 Petronis 3rd
R4 no 1 Express Courier.....no 9 Total Recall 4th is the late mail
R5 no 2 Stockman 2nd
R6 no 2 Captivant 4th
R8 no 1 Frosty Rocks Won $2.60


DOOMBEN:
R1 no 1 Alert and Ready 3rd
R2 no 1 Isotope 2nd
R3 no 8 Fields of Yulong 4th
R6 no 3 Starosa Won $4.60
R7 no 5 Desert Lord. Won $2.60...rough chance to no 8 Sea Raider...currently 20/1
R8 no 4 Emerald Kingdom
R9 no 6 Command 'n' Conquer Won $2.40

ASCOT:
R1 no 1 Sassy Trader 3rd
R3 no 3 Come Right Back 2nd
R5 no 6 Notorious One 4th
R6 no 14 Angelic Miss
R8 no 1 Kementari 3rd
R9 no 9 Elite Street Won $2.90


LAY BETS:
MR6 no 2 Nature Strip Ran 2nd. Lay Bet Won
MR7 no 3 Vanna Girl Ran unplaced. Lay Bet Won

Cheers n Beers

JOKE:

A Dad buys a lie detector robot that slaps you if you lie.

Dad: Son, where were you today during school hours of 8:30am to 3:30pm?
Son: At school Dad – The robot then slaps the son.
Son: Okay I was watching Iron Man 1, 2, 3 and 4 at home while you and Mum were at work – The robot slaps his son again.
Son: Okay I was watching extremely, violent movies.
Dad: What?! When I was your age I never watched those kinds of movies – The robot slaps the dad.
Mum: Haha, after all, he is your son – The robot then slaps the mum…!!

[Charles49]

Yes its an awful sight when a horse breaks a leg in a race and has to be put down. It happened a couple of years ago at the Melbourne Cup when the wife and I were seated right near the winning post watching Cross Counter win the Cup. Again it was a UK visitor in The CliffsofMoher that suffered a fractured right shoulder and had to be euthanised right in front of us with a large number of women around crying and clearly upset. Not a good look for racing.
Anthony Van Dyck was a class horse with an outstanding record who would have commanded a considerable sum at stud irrespective how it finished in the Cup.
Very sad day for all concerned and lets hope we don't see any more such incidents in racing here again.

[Bog]

Very sad news about Anthony Van Dyk

[PDC]

Good luck.

P.S. Our clocks changed the other week so the Cup runs at 4am UK time.

[Charles49]

Well tomorrow sees the running of Australia's premier race in the form of the time honoured Melbourne Cup. There is around 160 years of history with this race so whoever wins it will have their name carved into history for all to see. Its the race that stops a nation. Office workers will stop work to watch the race as will those who managed to sneek a long lunch. Many will simply head home after the race with some rewarded by winning something from the obligatory office sweep, or better still by backing the winner, which will return at least $9 as that is around what the lowest odds will be.
Personally I don't have a good Melbourne Cup record, preferring to trade the disparities with the place market as that area has proven to be fruitful over the years, probably because it doesn't have concentrated eyes on it like the Win market does. Notwithstanding that I will declare that I have had two shots at the First Four divvy, both with Anthony Van Dyck as anchors, so if he manages to run in the first four then I'm a good chance of collecting a nice return.
The race is run at Flemington in Victoria at 15.00 AEST which converts to 4.00am London time so you will need to set your alarm clock for the early time if you want to witness Australia's greatest race.
Unfortunately this year there wont be 110,000 folk there as is the norm. Rather there will only be jockeys, handlers, stewards, and essential staff as the Covid-19 restrictions in the State of Victoria have not yet been lifted in respect of large gatherings. Not even owners will be allowed to attend.
So if you are having a bet here are my selections, and may I wish you the best of British luck with your investments.
Stay safe.

MELBOURNE CUP:

WIN SELECTION: No 1 Anthony Van Dyck ....currently $9 Unfortunately broke down at the 3 furlong mark

PLACE CHANCES: no 5 Sir Dragonet, no 11 Finche, no 21 Tiger Moth 2nd

ROUGHIE: no 17 The Chosen One..4th..currently 50/1


Cheers n Beers.

[Charles49]

Thanks Bog and best wishes for a safe time in Romania. Always optimistic about trading in the Melb Cup as there is always divided opinion around and that helps. Glad you liked the joke.! Cheers

[Bog]

I hope it will be a GREEN Melbourne Cup for you Charles Good luck!

It's 3.30 AM here in Bucharest, I hope I can stay awake for some trading . NSW markets are also interesting. Cheers & stay safe and positive.

Nice one, joke with the clock

[Charles49]

Firstly our thoughts and prayers go to all of you who are experiencing lockdowns as a result of Covid-19.
In the State of Victoria in Australia, residents there were locked down for a total of 111 days. Most of us would go stir crazy after just a couple of days so you can imagine what it must have been like for Victorians to experience what is to date the world's longest covid-19 lockdown. We trust any lockdowns that you may experience are short and you are able to return to as close to normality as is possible thereafter.
We are less than a week away from Australia's no 1 race in the Melbourne Cup but the Government has ruled that only horses and jockeys will be allowed on course. Interestingly the same Government has ruled that 25,000 residents can go to the Boxing Day cricket match. The world in Victoria is simply crazy.
On a personal note I have had 17 bets to date this week resulting in 7 winners,4 seconds, one third, and the rest didn't make it in time to worry the judge.
Highlight this Saturday will be the Group One Victoria Derby which is run over 2,500m. The drifting favourite is Young Werther at around $4.
This Saturday sees the first race commence at Flemington at 11.40 AEST which is 1.40am London time.
The last race will be run at Ascot at 20.35pm AEST which is 10.35am London time.
The early selections will go up shortly and these will be updated before the first race once scratchings and late mail are discovered.
There wont be regular updates today as the meetings progress due to commitments I have at polling booths, where our local member Tim Mander is seeking reelection, and I'll be out there to support him as he is a good genuine guy.
Hope your day is a good one and please stay safe and healthy.


FLEMINGTON:
R1 no 3 Aysar 2nd
R2 no 1 Personal 2nd
R3 no 9 Octane
R4 no 1 Ashrun Won $6
R5 no 1 Mystic Journey...no 12 Odeum 2nd is the late mail
R7 no 1 Cherry Tortini 4th
R9 no 3 Diamond Effect......no 10 From Within @40/1 is the get out each way bet

ROSEHILL:
R1 no 7 Art Cadeau Won $6.50
R2 no 10 Elsberg 2nd
R6 no 3 Wu Gok
R7 no 1 Gytrash... Won $4..no 7 Star of the Seas has place claims @ $25.


DOOMBEN:
R1 no 1 Mishani Scandal 2nd
R2 no 1 Magic Conqueror Won $2.40
R3 no 1 Lyrical Girl Won $2
R5 no 1 Top Prospect
R6 no 1 The Harrovian Won $3
R9 no 7 Prospectus.. 2nd....late mail suggests no 10 Okanagan Miss is a chance at 20/1


ASCOT:
R1 no 2 Clairvoyance Scr
R3 no 5 Truly Great Won
R4 no 4 Heaven's Gift
R8 no 9 Inspirational Girl Won $2.30
R9 no 5 Spillinova

LAY BETS:
R7 no 5 Young Werther Started Fav. Ran 3rd. Lay Bet Won
Ascot R6 no 4 Niccovi Started Fav. Ran unplaced. Lay Bet Won

Cheers n Beers

JOKE:
Why should you never believe a clock?
Because its usually second hand information!!

[Charles49]

Firstly, our best wishes go to all of you in the UK that are enduring the hardships that the Covid-19 virus has thrust upon you. Now that winter has arrived, which unfortunately the virus seems to prefer, the limitations to your basic freedoms and rights of movement will be tested. Lets hope that the Oxford University who are world leaders in the race to provide us all with a proven and thoroughly tested vaccine is successful before Santa arrives.
Secondly, racing in Australia marches on towards the pinnacle race on our calendar which is the Melbourne Cup run on the first Tuesday of November. This Saturday sees the running of the WFA Cox Plate which is arguably one of our top handful of races on the annual calendar. There wont be a crowd there on course to watch the event this year as Melbourne is still in serious lockdown despite the nil death rate of late and the very low daily case rate of around 6. Yes when you look at other areas in the world its crazy to think Melbourne Victoria is still in lockdown.
On a personal note I have had 23 bets this week for 9 winners,4 seconds 3 thirds and 7 simply weren't quick enough to bother the judge.
This Saturday the First Race will be at Moonee Valley commencing at 11.40 AEST which converts to 2.40am in London.
The Last race this Saturday will be at Ascot commencing at 7.45pm AEST which converts to 10.45am in London UK.
Please stay safe and I trust the punting gods will be kind to you with your weekend investments.

MOONEE VALLEY:
R1 no 1 Ancestry Won
R2 no 7 Son of Mercury
R3 no 7 Bella Nipotina 2nd
R4 no 2 Ecumenical 2nd
R5 no 2 Greyful Glamour...late mail is no 3 Sovereign Award Won $3.30


RANDWICK:
R1 no 5 Total Babe 4th
R3 no 3 The Bopper Won $5.40
R4 no 8 Criaderas 2nd
R6 no 1 Peltzer Won $2.80
R8 no 5 Hilo Won $3


DOOMBEN:
R1 no 6 Niedorp Won
R2 no 2 Rollwiththeflow
R3 no 2 Ziemba
R6 no 9 Glitter Strip 4th
R10 no 4 Le Palmier Race Abandoned

ASCOT:
R2 no 11 Doowahdiddy Late Scr
R7 no 4 Clairvoyance Scratched.
R8 no 8 Celebrity Queen 2nd
R9 no 5 Cuban Twist...3rd...no 8 Great Waters is a chance at $18.

LAY BETS:
R9 no 11 Russian Camelot Ran 3rd. Lay Bet Won

Cheers n Beers

JOKE:
A woman walks into a Pharmacy and asked the Pharmacist if he had any cyanide. The Pharmacist a little taken aback with the request says, “Why in the world would you need cyanide?” The woman then explained she needed it to poison her husband. The Pharmacist’s eyes got big and he said, “Lord, have mercy — I can’t give you cyanide to kill your husband. That’s against the law! I’ll lose my license, they’ll throw you and me in jail. Just leave and forget you ever came here before I call the police. The woman reached into her purse and pulled out a picture of her husband in bed with the Pharmacist’s wife. The pharmacist looked at the picture and replied, “well, now.
You didn’t tell me you had a prescription.”

[PDC]

Good luck this weekend with your bets and thanks for your various updates! It is crazy that Melbourne is under such restrictions where as in the UK we have a country arguing over much more lax restrictions when it has just been announced that we have around 30-40,000 cases a day according to the various surveys (the daily testing figures don't give a proper picture, they show around 15-20,000 +'ves a day). Not that it is worth anything but my view is the UK is in for a very messy winter and it won't be very pretty, every area seems to want to do its own thing and what everyone else wants to do is wrong. Chuck in Brexit very much on the horizon and it could get very messy!

Hopefully the weekend's racing will be a happy distraction with great action both in Australia and the UK at Champions Day.

Best of luck!

[Charles49]

Highlight this Saturday is the Caulfield Cup run over 2400m for prizemoney of AUD $5m.
Its one of a handful of major races in Australia and attracts visitors (sometimes referred to as raiders!) from around the globe. Of course this year is an exception as Covid-19 has halted plans for many, however my first pick in the race is an English raider named Anthony Van Dyck, who is a classy racehorse and is expected to give this a big shake despite drawing the visitors barrier in 21.
I'm sure racing enthusiasts domiciled in the UK are familiar with his accomplishments.
Of course there are other races around on Saturday besides the Caulfield Cup with the most important being the running of the Everest at Randwick. Prizemoney is a mere $15m AUD....Yes thats right, fifteen million Australian dollars is up for grabs for a race that will be run and won in just over one minute. Incredible purse for a sprinting race!! And also at Randwick is the Kosciuszko, also over 1200m, and this time they race for AUD$1.3m.
On a personal note this week I have had 21 bets resulting in 9 winners, 5 seconds, 2 thirds, and 5 unplaced.
First race on Saturday will be at Caulfield at 11.15am Brisbane time.
This converts to 2.15am London time.
The last race will be run at Ascot at 7.05pm Brisbane time which converts to
10.05am London time.
Here are the selections for Saturday's racing which will be updated once the scratchings are known and the late mail is discovered.
Hope your day is a winning one and you are staying safe from the unfriendly virus that seems to permeate our lives daily.

CAULFIELD:
R2 no 1 Yes Baby Yes.. 2nd...No 2 Rainbel 3rd is the late mail
R3 no 2 Osamu 2nd
R4 no 2 Albarado.. Won $5.25..no 10 Lets Kracka Deal 2nd is a good chance here
R5 no 3 Starelle
R6 no 3 Fituese. 2nd..No 2 California Zimbol Won $4 is the late mail
R7 no 6 Alfa Oro
R8 no 9 Windstorm
R9 no 1 Anthony Van Dyck..2nd..thought no 9 Finche was value each way at $12. Put in no 14 Dalasan for the trifecta
R10 no 4 Felicia 3rd


DOOMBEN:
R1 no 1 Sugar Boom Won $2.20
R2 no 1 Mass Destruction Won $3.50
R4 no 1 Fastnet Cyclone 3rd
R5 no 4 Oh Five Glory 2nd
R7 no 1 Glenall
R8 no 6 Royal Hale Won $4.80
R9 no 10 Plenty is an each way chance @ $16 Scr



RANDWICK:
R1 no 6 Kalashikov
R4 no 2 Joviality....No 1 Forbidden Love Won $8 is a definite chance here
R5 no 3 Redouble 2nd is a rough hope at $31 or better
R6 no 1 Deprive 4th
R7 no 1 Nature Strip
R8 no 2 Star of the Seas
R9 no 7 Paths of Glory


ASCOT:
R3 no 1 Sassy Trader 3rd
R4 no 8 Notorious One
R8 no 6 Massimo 3rd

LAY BETS:
R9 no 7 Verry Eleegant Won $5.50, Lay bet Lost


Cheers n Beers

JOKE:
A woman, cranky because her husband was late coming home again, decided to leave a note, saying, “I’ve had enough and have left you. Don’t bother coming after me.” Then she hid under the bed to see his reaction. After a short while, the husband comes home and she could hear him in the kitchen before he comes into the bedroom. She could see him walk towards the dresser and pick up the note. After a few minutes, he wrote something on it before picking up the phone and calling someone. “She’s finally gone. Yeah I know, it is about time. I’m coming to see you. Put on that sexy French nightie. I love you. Can’t wait to see you. We’ll do all the naughty things you like.” He hung up, grabbed his keys, and left. She heard the car drive off as she came out from under the bed, seething with rage and with tears in her eyes. She grabbed the note to see what he wrote….
“I can see your feet. We’re out of bread and milk, be back in five minutes.”