Races

The Weekly A-Z

Posted on | Posted by Digby Beacham

A – ABOUT BLOODY TIME

If anyone associated with Pinjarra Race Club uttered those words over the past couple of years, nobody would think any less of them. Unfriendly weather and COVID-19 have wreaked havoc with their premier race days, a case in point being the recent Magic Millions meeting. Barring something unforeseen between now and Sunday however, the Peel club will well and truly have its moment in the su n thanks to a bumper 10-race card headlined by what is a cracking edition of the Listed TABtouch Pinjarra Classic (1300m) worth $150,000. It is a progressive club deserving of some good fortune.

B – BEST OF THE BEST

The title of the premier three-year-old in the country is up for grabs this weekend when sprinting pair Home Affairs and Profiteer take on the big dogs in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington and Anamoe has his second run this time around in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill. Anamoe is the clubhouse leader by virtue of his Caulfield Guineas victory in the spring and almighty effort when runner-up in the Cox Plate. He is a proper colt and lost no admirers when third over an unsuitable 1200m first-up. In saying that, you’d love to own any of the three. And I haven’t forgotten about you either, Profondo.

C – CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

Has Trix Of The Trade’s price tag gone up? Maybe. Maybe not. But when you win a second Listed event inside a fortnight as a raging odds-on favourite like he did in last Saturday’s Challenge Stakes (1500m) at Ascot, it certainly doesn’t go down. Colin Webster has done a terrific job with the Trade Fair gelding and Troy Turner, as you would expect from someone of his experience and quality in the saddle, knows exactly what he has underneath him. Exciting times ahead.

D – DOOZY OF A DETONATOR

It shouldn’t come as a shock given what is in store for many of the runners, but tomorrow’s Detonator Stakes (1800m) at Ascot is a ripper. Group and Listed winners are littered throughout a capacity field, even more reason to ensure this is must viewing from a local perspective over what is an excellent weekend of racing. Fingers crossed many of these progress to the Bunbury and Pinjarra Cups over the next few weeks.

E – EXCITING ELEVATION

Congratulations to all involved at Fremantle who had a hand in the elevation of Caleb Serong to the club’s leadership group. He is a ripper, a captain in the making who challenges his teammates every day of the week and expects excellence on game day. Serong only turned 21 last month and is a critical component of a midfield that will look different to the 2021 version, yet still has the ability to wreak havoc.

F – FINALLY

It took longer than many had hoped, but it was somewhat refreshing to hear Novak Djokovic speak from the heart in an interview with the BBC this week. Djokovic was open about his resistance to being vaccinated. So much so that he declared he was prepared to bypass grand slams in the future, even if it meant he could lose out in his battle with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer to win the most singles majors of anyone and therefore be regarded as the GOAT. Whether he holds his line remains to be seen, but he appeared steadfast in his beliefs.

G – GIDDEY ABOUT JOSH

Josh Giddey is on his way to becoming the greatest male basketballer this country has ever produced. And that is a comment that in no way diminishes the accomplishments of Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze and Patty Mills. He is that good. Taken as a first-round draft pick last year by OKC, Giddey became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple double. Now, the 19-year-old has become the first rookie since Oscar Robertson more than 40 years ago to record three triple doubles in successive games. Unlike the great Robertson, Giddey has achieved the milestone as a teenager.

H – HEAVYWEIGHT STOUSH

The All-Star Mile has its admirers. It has its detractors, too. Regardless of which side the fence you sit on, it’s hard to turn your nose up at a rich race that contains the likes of Verry Elleegant, Zaaki, I’m Thunderstruck and Espiona, not to mention Behemoth. Admittedly, a little bit of water needs to flow under the bridge before they all square off on March 19, but it promises to be a quality race if all start … and that is even before you factor in the five wildcards.

I – INTER THE MIX

Debate rages to this day over whether the protest in last year’s Inter Dominion championship should have been upheld. What cannot be disputed though is Boncel Benjamin was adjudged the winner at the expense of Expensive Ego. Tonight we get to see the pair square off again in the Group 1 Newcastle Mile, with the victor of the $100,000 feature assured of a berth in the $1 million Miracle Mile at Menangle on March 5. Cannot wait.

J – JUKEBOX HITS RIGHT NOTE

It was only a Thursday 800m maiden at Ipwsich, but young Aquis stallion Jukebox is off and running. Bred by Oakland Park’s Neville Duncan, Jukebox raced exclusively in Melbourne and performed well, highlighted by his triumph in the Group 3 Vain Stakes (1100m).  And thanks to Cabrinella’s win on debut at yesterday, the son of Snitzel was back in the headlines. No doubt that is music to the ears of all concerned.

K – KUPP’S KING

The exclamation mark on one of the great NFL seasons turned in by a wide receiver came late in Monday morning’s Super Bowl between the LA Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. Cooper Kupp, who rushed for seven critical yards on a fourth down during the Rams’ match-winning drive during the fourth quarter, finished with two touchdowns and 92 yards receiving to lift the Rams to an historic victory inside SoFi Stadium. His brilliant post-season followed a regular season that saw him lead the league in touchdowns, receiving yards and receptions. All this from a 2017 third-round draft choice from Eastern Washington. A great story.

L – LIGHTNING STRIKE

Strap yourself in and prepare to witness some of the fastest horses on the planet go about their business in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington tomorrow. The world’s best sprinter, Nature Strip, will be there, as will Eduardo, who knows only one way, along with Masked Crusader, who is apparently working the house down. Throw in two exciting colts in Home Affairs and Profiteer, not to mention Gytrash and The Inferno, and you have a field that is dripping in brilliance.

M – MILESTONE OF NOTE

WA jockeys churning out big numbers of winners in recent times have gone together like a Sunday evening and roast meal. William Pike has been the flagbearer during his decorated career, while Chris Parnham last season was crowned the country’s leading rider. Clint Johnston-Porter this week achieved a special moment in his own career, chalking up winner No.100 when successful aboard Harmika at Belmont Park. It was the first time CJP had reached triple figures as a senior rider and with the support of Adam Durrant and more than five months of the season remaining, it’s not unrealistic to think he could be hovering around the 200-winner mark by the time the 2021-22 campaign concludes.

N – NO EXCUSES

Ben Simmons wanted out of Philadelphia and James Harden wanted out of Brooklyn. Last week they were granted their wish and found themselves at the Nets and 76ers respectively. It is now time for both to put up or shut up. Unsurprisingly, the contrasting guards said all the right things when wheeled out in front of the media at their new teams and there is genuine belief from Brooklyn fans and Philadelphia supporters that the free agent acquisitions can deliver a title. We will have to wait and see.

O – ONLY IN AMERICA

Could a senior figure violate the rights of cheerleaders at his NFL franchise. And it didn’t occur at any team. Rather, the Dallas Cowboys. Yes, the Cowboys … aka America’s Team. It was reported this week that the Cowboys paid out $3.33 million as part of a confidential settlement after Richard Dalrymple, the team’s long-time senior vice-president for PR and communications, stood behind a partial wall in the locker room with his IPhone extended towards members of the cheerleading squad as they were changing clothes. Hmmmm.

P – PATIENCE REWARDED

From a very young age, This’ll Testya displayed a level of ability out of reach for a fair percentage of thoroughbreds. But she also displayed a temperament befitting a recalcitrant child. To put it mildly, she was a headcase and a pain in the backside to train. Adam Durrant did all he could to maximise the skillset of the Testa Rossa mare before Mitchell Pateman took over the training duties. And Pateman’s persistence was rewarded last weekend when This’ll Testya took out the Listed Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) at Ascot following a textbook ride by Lucy Warwick. 

Q – QUALITY AT CANNINGTON

An excellent night of chasing at WA greyhound headquarters, featuring the final of the $28,500 Puppy Classic (520m), launches with a 7.08pm start tomorrow. West On Cider (box six) and Mick Flash (four) will have their share of admirers in the Puppy Classic, while it is terrific to also see Vice Grip and We The People back in action on home soil after flying the WA flag proudly interstate recently. We The People will know she is in a race given the presence of Casus Belli. 

R – RUSSIANS ARE COMING

Newgate Stud Farm are tickled pink with how the first crop of Russian Revolutions is faring on the track. And why wouldn’t they be? He has had four winners from 15 runners, including Revolutionary Miss, who was victorious in last Saturday’s Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield. And after having the sale-topper at last year’s Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, don’t be surprised if the Russian Revolution filly out of Samovare is the most expensive offering next week out at the Swan Valley.

S – SHOW ME THE MONEY

Jaws dropped around the world when it was revealed that former Perth Scorchers batsman Tim David, who now plies his trade in the BBL with the Hobart Hurricanes, was signed by the Mumbai Indians for $1.53 million for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. You read correctly. A tidy $1.53 million. Singapore-born and WA-raised David has made a name for himself in T20 competitions and his ability to clear the fence when coming in down the order can change a game in an instant. 

T – THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

No. That was the quick answer to the question “Could Think It Over be competitive against the best 2000m weight-for-age horses in this country in the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick during The Championships?” It is a natural response when you consider the feature is going to contain the likes of Zaaki and Verry Elleegant and boom colts Anamoe and Profondo. But Think It Over is the real deal. He was beaten less than a length by Verry Elleegant in the George Main Stakes (1600m) last spring, a brave effort that has been followed by four straight wins either side of a spell. His first-up success in last Saturday’s Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) reeked of arrogance. Disrespect him at your peril.

U – UNFAIR

Perth Glory owner Tony Sage told it like it is when he appeared on The Sports Daily this week. And it made for hard listening. Extended quarantine stints, a lack of home games, the grind on the wellbeing, physically and mentally, for several players, including prized recruit Daniel Sturridge, not to mention the lack of attendance at school back here that is  impacting teenage players in the women’s side. Sage admits he is leaking money each time a weekend passes and no matches are staged here at HBF Park. Sage and his players and staff are overdue for some good news.

V – VINDICATED

All-in. Now or never. Boom or bust. All the sayings, plus countless others, were used to describe the Los Angeles Rams’ recruiting policy ahead of — and during — the NFL season that concluded with their 23-20 Super Bowl victory over Cincinnati. The Rams traded out a battery of draft selections, including three first-rounders, and one-time key players to acquire proven performers Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey and Von Miller, along with some unheralded pieces of the puzzle. It was a bold move and ultimately one that was vindicated. What’s that saying about fortune and the brave?

W – WAITING GAME

The West Coast Eagles are waiting and waiting and waiting. For Jack Darling to give them an indication that he is willing to be vaccinated and have a role to play in the 2022 season. His medical exemption request denied by the AFL, Darling has been linked to Novavax for some time, yet it is believed he has not received the jab. His reluctance to follow the lead set by his teammates could leave the Eagles undermanned and undersized in attack, especially with fitness concerns surrounding Oscar Allen.

X – XTRAVAGANZA

We mentioned the deeds of Xtravagant Star in last week’s A to Z column after her brilliant win in the $2 million Inglis Millenium at Randwick. Those who were paying close attention to Wednesday’s card at the Kensington track would have witnessed a lightly-raced son of the dual Group 1-winning stallion win in style. Sinba mowed down Easy Campese inside the final 100m to post win No.3 from just five starts, with co-trainer Gerald Ryan admitting the gelding would be aimed up at some autumn riches.

Y – YEARNING FOR A YEARLING

If you are, head out to the Swan Valley on Tuesday and Wednesday when more than 300 youngsters go through the ring at the annual Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale. The vendors and breeders have done a wonderful job in compiling the catalogue, with the sacrifices of certain Magic Millions staff to ensure the sale could be staged as close as possible to the original date, deserving of recognition also. If you haven’t got skin in the game, now is the time.  

Z – ZAHRA TIMES HIS RUN

The popular jockey was a man in a hurry last weekend. His ride aboard Argentia enabled the daughter of Frankel to arrive in the nick of time to win the Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) before he sent Tofane to the top in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) soon after and never gave anything else a chance to claim the year’s first Group 1 feature. Upon arriving back to scale, Zahra quickly headed for the jockeys’ room where he showered and bolted to the airport in order to catch his flight to California for the Super Bowl.




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