Ten thousand and two thousand equal?
May 25th 2008 01:42
In by far his easiest victory of this campaign, Apache Cat emulated the mighty Tulloch with his fifth consecutive win at Group One level. Although the Group and Listed classification system has only been operating since 1978, the status and (extra) prizemoney of the feature races allows us to work backwards with confidence. In fact, as impressive as Apache Cat has been, his five consecutive Group One wins (Lightning Stakes; Australia Stakes; AJC TJ Smith; BTC Cup and Doomben 10,000) do not quite match the Tulloch five of: Rosehill Guineas; AJC Derby; Caulfield Guineas; Caulfield Cup and Victoria Derby (yes, I know that four of them were restricted to 3 year olds, but their status is timeless). Champion gallopers to win four (in succession) include the gliterati of: Kingston Town; Northerly; Octagonal; Sunline and Weekend Hussler.
(photo: Paul Harris The Age)
Most pleasing is to hear trainer Greg Eurell making some positive decisions for his horse and racing fans. The first being that Apache Cat immediately goes for a spell (no extra run, no extra distance). The second being that after a very light Spring with one run in Melbourne (The Group One Age Classic down the Flemington straight) and the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1200m also) at Sha Tin in December - this followed by the very strong possibility of a European campaign next year (Greg, his speedfigures from Speedratings indicate that he will do exceptionally well. Go....go please!).
A poll being conducted on Racenet as to the favourite racehorse in Australia has Takeover Target (59%) leading Apache Cat (23%) and Weekend Hussler (18%). The percentage points for Apache Cat may increase after this win, or there may be another surge for Takeover Target should he run well again in England. While Weekend Hussler is spelling his popularity is also likely to hibernate. But he will stir again in the Spring. We are lucky to have such a unique and popular trio at this time.
Not surprising that we return to talk about the elite horses each week. Same principal as Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal getting more press than Dominic Hbarty (not enough vowels in that name) or Tommy Robredo in tennis talk past, present and future.
Henrythenavigator (I don't normally like names stringed together - butilikehis) won the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh in a repeat of the result in the Newmarket equivalent in England, defeating New Approach with Stubbs Art third (again, a replica of all three placings at Newmarket).
His trainer Aiden O'Brien has surprised by now declaring the Epsom Derby a possibility. Jockey Johnny Murtagh is taken by the way this horse stays relaxed and comfortable in running until unleashing a devastating sprint when asked. The original thoughts were that he may be too brilliant to also stay a Derby trip, but being by sire of stayers Kingmambo, and out of a Sadler's Wells mare, his pedigree gives every indication that he could run the trip. And his arch rival New Approach is not heading for the Derby (haven't heard a whisper of a change of plan for him - and don't expect to).
If you watch the video you will see the obvious improvement Henrythenavigator has made from his victory at Newmarket where New Approach was able to stay with him right to the line in a close finish. This time he coasted until moved into clear running when he quickly put paid to his opposition. His manner in trackwork and races suggest that he should get longer distances. As does his breeding. But it is no easy thing to expect a horse to replicate success through a range of distances. If Henrythenavigator can run the mile and a half his explosive finishing burst will make him very hard to beat.
Apache Cat wins 10,000
(photo: Paul Harris The Age)
Most pleasing is to hear trainer Greg Eurell making some positive decisions for his horse and racing fans. The first being that Apache Cat immediately goes for a spell (no extra run, no extra distance). The second being that after a very light Spring with one run in Melbourne (The Group One Age Classic down the Flemington straight) and the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1200m also) at Sha Tin in December - this followed by the very strong possibility of a European campaign next year (Greg, his speedfigures from Speedratings indicate that he will do exceptionally well. Go....go please!).
A poll being conducted on Racenet as to the favourite racehorse in Australia has Takeover Target (59%) leading Apache Cat (23%) and Weekend Hussler (18%). The percentage points for Apache Cat may increase after this win, or there may be another surge for Takeover Target should he run well again in England. While Weekend Hussler is spelling his popularity is also likely to hibernate. But he will stir again in the Spring. We are lucky to have such a unique and popular trio at this time.
Not surprising that we return to talk about the elite horses each week. Same principal as Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal getting more press than Dominic Hbarty (not enough vowels in that name) or Tommy Robredo in tennis talk past, present and future.
Henrythenavigator (I don't normally like names stringed together - butilikehis) won the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh in a repeat of the result in the Newmarket equivalent in England, defeating New Approach with Stubbs Art third (again, a replica of all three placings at Newmarket).
His trainer Aiden O'Brien has surprised by now declaring the Epsom Derby a possibility. Jockey Johnny Murtagh is taken by the way this horse stays relaxed and comfortable in running until unleashing a devastating sprint when asked. The original thoughts were that he may be too brilliant to also stay a Derby trip, but being by sire of stayers Kingmambo, and out of a Sadler's Wells mare, his pedigree gives every indication that he could run the trip. And his arch rival New Approach is not heading for the Derby (haven't heard a whisper of a change of plan for him - and don't expect to).
If you watch the video you will see the obvious improvement Henrythenavigator has made from his victory at Newmarket where New Approach was able to stay with him right to the line in a close finish. This time he coasted until moved into clear running when he quickly put paid to his opposition. His manner in trackwork and races suggest that he should get longer distances. As does his breeding. But it is no easy thing to expect a horse to replicate success through a range of distances. If Henrythenavigator can run the mile and a half his explosive finishing burst will make him very hard to beat.
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Comment by Brad Waters
Punters Daily
And He's a Victorian!!! - Victoria's Sporting stars
Brad
Comment by Leonard Marlborough
Racing Write
Thanks for your comments. Not so much a plug for Racenet, but a deserved mention in context (are you connected with Racenet?). I have made mention of my own racing business (Speedratings), but that too in context with a story.
I think horse racing is still a minor sport on Orble at this stage. A lot of people only see the gambling dimension and miss the main reason why we stay involved: the horses. I see from your blog that you are a fan of jumping races. And no, the champion horse (of the same name) has no connection to me...
Comment by Brad Waters
Punters Daily
And He's a Victorian!!! - Victoria's Sporting stars
Yes I am connected with Racenet as their Melbourne correspondent who is moonlighting as a Brisbane correspondent for the next couple of weeks.
I get to the races every Saturday and if you are in Melbourne would love to catch up for an ale after the last one Saturday.
Will have a look at Speedratings, perhaps I can get the boys at Racenet to give you a bit of a plug as well.
Brad
Comment by Leonard Marlborough
Racing Write
I hope they are sending you to Brisbane to check first hand (starting to get a bit cold in Melbourne again).
I am a bit like John Hawkes now, gravitating from cable tv to computer all Saturday afternoon. I can get more done at home. That's one of the problems to overcome with racing I suppose, to keep attendances up (all year, not just in Spring) and keep people in touch with the horses.
Of course before I started Speedratings I would go every week to the races (well, apart from when Collingwood was playing...or my kids tennis tournaments...). For me it is a matter of balancing workload, but I really should go more often. I miss it.
We'll stay in touch and I'll give you a yell when I get back on course.