New Zealand Racing, 2009-10

[_ed_]

SMOKIN' GUN

3 g High Chaparral - Rapida
7 starts - 2 wins, 1 second
Trainer: Craig Thornton
Odds: 60-1

Replays:

Woodville Rating 70 (1st): http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcf...oodville_sport
Last start: Waikato Guineas (13th): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJMqU75285M

+ Excellent pedigree - High Chaparral is having an amazing season, and Rapida is the dam of several horses that have done well in stakes races over long distances (Gin Dartre, Courtney, Ivy's League)
+ Stylish win at Woodville
+ Had excuses when he finished 12th, 8 lengths behind Katie Lee, in the 2000 Guineas

- Last in the Waikato Guineas last start. Didn't have a perfect trip, but should have done much better.

Verdict: This is a talented 3yo, but his last-start performance in the Waikato Guineas was too bad for him to be a legitimate contender here. He'd have to improve by at least 15 lengths. Should be closer to 100-1.

[_ed_]

Last one!

VOLGUS

3 c Volksraad - Gussy Godiva
10 starts - 1 win, 3 seconds, 1 third
Trainer: Allan Sharrock
Odds: 100-1

Replays:
2yo win: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcf...hastings_sport
Last start: Rating 70 (2nd): http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcf...lgus-2nd_sport

+ Half-brother to Rios and Roman Emperor. Roman Emperor won the AJC Derby in Sydney.
+ Very good win against a good field as a 2yo
+ Strong 2nd (against a poor field) over 2000m last time

- No wins as a 3yo

Verdict: I actually really like this horse. He's beautifully bred, and he hasn't done much wrong in his racing career - he's finished in the first five 7 times out of 10. But he hasn't been racing against strong company this year, and hasn't won a race since he was 2. The Derby might be too soon for him, but I still don't think he should be at 100-1. Legitimate chance of finishing in the money.

[_ed_]

And here's the field:

1 MONACO CONSUL
Draw: 8
Trainer: Mike & Paul Moroney
Jockey: Leith Innes
Odds: 5-1

2 MILITARY MOVE
Draw: 4
Trainer: Shaune Ritchie
Jockey: Michael Walker
Odds: 25-1

3 KING RAEDWALD
Draw: 15
Trainer: Kevin Gray
Jockey: Hayden Tinsley
Odds: 11-1

4 MARTIAL ART
Draw: 7
Trainer: Mark Walker
Jockey: Vinnie Colgan
Odds: 60-1

5 TIME KEEPER
Draw: 9
Trainer: Graeme Nicholson & Paul Allbon
Jockey: Andrew Calder
Odds: 30-1

6 CORPORAL JONES
Draw: 11
Trainer: Andrew Scott
Jockey: Zac Purton
Odds: 4-1

7 SMOKIN' GUN
Draw: 5
Trainer: Craig Thornton
Jockey: Lisa Allpress
Odds: 40-1

8 BALLYBIT
Draw: 6
Trainer: Allan Sharrock
Jockey: Matthew Cameron
Odds: 30-1

9 IMABAYBOY
Draw: 14
Trainer: Trent Busuttin
Jockey: Michael Coleman
Odds: 20-1

10 HANDSOME ZULU
Draw: 3
Trainer: John Sargent
Jockey: Mark Du Plessis
Odds: 13-1

11 VOLGUS
Draw: 1
Trainer: Allan Sharrock
Jockey: Allan Peard
Odds: 100-1

12 NO EMOTION
Draw: 2
Trainer: John Sargent
Jockey: Jonathan Riddell

13 KATIE LEE
Draw: 10
Trainer: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson
Jockey: Opie Bosson
Odds: 6-1

14 ZARZUELA
Draw: 13
Trainer: Mark Walker
Jockey: James McDonald
Odds: 2.8-1

15 JUNGLE JUICE
Draw: 12
Trainer: Donna, Dean Logan & Chris Gibbs
Jockey: Troy Harris
Odds: 60-1

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

And here's the field:

OHMYGODARENTYOUEXCITED?!!!!!

I like so many of these horses... gotta hope Katie wins though.

Katie Lee
Zarzuela
Monaco Consul and I'mabayboy (I love him! ) in either order

I'll be happy if any of these four win.

Hell I'll just be happy for the winner, period.

Nice, nice field and thank you ed for educating us, for your insight, your time and for your enthusiasm which is contagious.

[_ed_]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

OHMYGODARENTYOUEXCITED?!!!!!

So, so excited!

And you're welcome. Thanks for reading it all! It's been a hard time for me since my girlfriend unexpectedly broke up with me at the end of January, and thinking and talking about the sport I love has really helped.

Katie winning the Derby would help even more!

[my miss storm cat]

I'm sorry, ed.

Sending you hugs.

I won't give you any crappy advice here except to say that you'll meet the person who deserves you. I guess she just wasn't that person.

For now though try to be happy.

Katie said so!

[_ed_]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Katie said so!

It sounds like she's someone you shouldn't disagree with.

Thanks.

Really hot and sunny here today. It's gonna be a fast track tomorrow!