Moonee Valley Friday night
October 10th 2008 06:25
I have never been a big fan of night racing at Moonee Valley. I love the atmosphere and spectacle - it's just the programming that leaves me cold.
I produced a Speedguide for the last Moonee Valley meeting because the three year old feature race was on the Stutt Stakes on the program - but mostly I steer clear because of the lacklustre and problematic programming that produces a race program full of maiden and restricted events.
Tonight - for instance - there is the usual (but thankfully only one) maiden race and 3000m race. But there is the (novelty?) of two heats of the Dr Lewinn's Ladies Championship Trophy. I suppose if we run a race for grey horses over the Flemington Spring carnival there might still be a place for a race for jockeys of a single sex - after all most races are usually still (single sex) male dominated. Looking through the ranks of the female jockeys we have a list of most accomplished jockeys (in general, not gender specific) with Michelle Payne; Clare Lindop; Sally Wynne; Linda Meech; Nikita Beriman among their number. No, not a novelty then - just an opportunity.
It is quite a good program tonight.
In race 4 the Mark Kavanagh trained Tobouggie Woogie looks very well placed to win.
In race 5 La Goulue has a clear speed margin over her rivals.
Race 7 should be a contest between Mock and Soreadyforspring.
I produced a Speedguide for the last Moonee Valley meeting because the three year old feature race was on the Stutt Stakes on the program - but mostly I steer clear because of the lacklustre and problematic programming that produces a race program full of maiden and restricted events.
Tonight - for instance - there is the usual (but thankfully only one) maiden race and 3000m race. But there is the (novelty?) of two heats of the Dr Lewinn's Ladies Championship Trophy. I suppose if we run a race for grey horses over the Flemington Spring carnival there might still be a place for a race for jockeys of a single sex - after all most races are usually still (single sex) male dominated. Looking through the ranks of the female jockeys we have a list of most accomplished jockeys (in general, not gender specific) with Michelle Payne; Clare Lindop; Sally Wynne; Linda Meech; Nikita Beriman among their number. No, not a novelty then - just an opportunity.
It is quite a good program tonight.
In race 4 the Mark Kavanagh trained Tobouggie Woogie looks very well placed to win.
In race 5 La Goulue has a clear speed margin over her rivals.
Race 7 should be a contest between Mock and Soreadyforspring.
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Comment by Leonard Marlborough
Racing Write
Tobouggie Woogie was baulked and checked and boxed-in and still just behind the first 3 placegetters as they crossed the line. Even if we take away just one aspect of this bad luck he would have clearly won. Reminiscent of Mark Kavanagh's earlier lack-of-luck in running with (another unusually named horse) Whobegotyou. He is at his best when allowed to circle the field.
And I have never seen a horse without a jockey win by such a large margin as La Goulue. After jumping something went amiss and the mare dislodged Michelle Payne and then - some fifty metres or more behind - chased the field. She caught them after only 200 metres and circled them as if they were standing still - running right to the outside fence - and winning by 10 lengths easing up.
It was really only a matter of steering her home last night. But that is racing - it was not to be. La Goulue was a horse I nominated to clients of Speedratings. She was definitely expected by all to win last night.