With the Patinack dispersal sale been and gone, the Buff making me eat my neighs and the Spring Carnival in full bloom; the world of racing has been a constant topic of conversation around here at Eureka.
(pic credit - www.heraldsun.com.au)
Seriously I just can't get away from it. But what a time of the year it truly is .... the fillies on parade both on and off the track, us thoroughbreds battling for riches and recognition, while the trainers and owners are looking for memories that last a lifetime.
Having been a part of the Melbourne Spring Carnival for the past 4 seasons I can tell you it really is the equine finals series, with each of us playing out our own grand finals across the 2-month spectacular. It's times like these I wish I could be out there taking on the Buff and big bro.
Incidentally, the Buff winning another Group 1 last Friday must surely put him up there as the toughest racehorse in Australia. Trying to get past him isn’t an easy task, particularly when left alone out in front, which was the case the other night. I invited a few of my horsey mates around for a few oats and molasses for the race and we all knew that when Buffering led them at the turn he was going to be hard to run down. In all truth though, I just wanted to show the rest of the crew what I’ve been neighing to them about .. in the form of my Angelic Light. They all agreed she is a smashing type and without doubt did herself no harm with her tireless run, beaten by less than a length in a race where the tempo never suited.
No doubting my own tempo though, a month down and I’ve already served 53 mares as I put hoof to paper. I’m now into a fairly regular routine and finding the task at hand quite enjoyable. The very same type of service my father, Sequalo delivered 15 years or so ago. His recent passing was a sad day for all in the racing industry and was one which I struggled with. His impressive record in QLD is undeniable!
Being able to provide tough horses to the industry, that could win Doomben 10,000 Group 1’s, to a vast majority winning on unknown country tracks as older horses, who should have been in retirement is the beauty of his legacy. He provided hope that a special horse was a real possibility, but also one that you knew whatever ability the horse has, it would more often be matched with built-in durability and toughness. If I can instil those same qualities into my progeny it’ll ensure longevity at this highly specialised role … I’m sure you can all understand I’ve gotta talk up my own prowess (NOL).
Finally this weekend sees Temple go around for his second-up run in the Gilgai Stakes. On paper he shapes as a massive chance! I’m sure all the weight believers will have him all but past the winning post first, as he has considerable weight turnarounds with a couple of the other leading chances. Weight has the ability to stop trains, but Chatachuqa in particular is an unexposed horse who beat Temple last start like a potential superstar. This will be the test though, as Temple gets a 6kg weight turnaround, so the challenger will need to be on his game and deliver something special. I rate when Temple previously won the Gilgai Stakes as his best-ever career run; he dead-set went past them after being held up like they were stuck to the fence. A repeat performance can see the big bro once again reign supreme up the tricky Flemington straight. I pulled my own head off a number of times up it, but if the Jock wants to show me daylight from the jump what else did he expect? There were some fine young ladies I needed to impress!!
Neigh for now
Spirit