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14 November 2008 The Boxer - Sydney Metro Meeting
Bart for Premier as Rudd to Sack Rees!
The Hon Kevin Rudd MP Prime Minister c/- Parliament House PO Box 6022 House of Representatives Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Mr Rudd,
I sincerely apologise for interrupting your G20 schoolies trip but there is a crisis in NSW which will have dire consequences for the entire Nation unless you act NOW.
You will recall that earlier this year the NSW Labour Party sacked the bloke who took over from Bob Carr. Their justification at the time was the Morris Iemma was a lousy Premier and couldn’t run the State. In his place they elected a qualified gardener. A bloke called Nathan Rees.
Now Reesy, to his credit, did get himself an Arts degree from Sydney Uni however his major was English Literature and both you and I know that that is the degree you do when you can’t be buggered or are not bright enough to do a real degree. No exams and you simply get your mates to write the essays for you!
Nevertheless I am a reasonable bloke and I was prepared to give the gardener a chance before declaring him a fraud and let me say now: his time is well up. This week he sacked his second minister within one month (and they were two ministers he was confident were the best blokes for their jobs just one month ago) and handed down a State mini-budget that WILL serve to sabotage the billions that you Feds have thrown at the economy to help us survive this catastrophic international economic meltdown.
Once a gardener, always a gardener! Clearly at Gardener Trade School they never taught Reesy basic Keynesian economics. Whilst the rest of the world understands that the only way to fight this recessionary global climate is by relaxing both monetary and fiscal restraint, Reesy thinks that that equates to surplus cash rebounding around the place that NSW ought to opportunistically snare via State taxation to impress the State’s bankers.
Mr Rudd I am sorry to tell you that Reesy has just let the plug out of the Nation’s economic bathtub. Last month the RBA carefully sealed that plug by way of reversing its position on monetary policy. Your government then turned the tap on via a $10+ billion injection. However, now Reesy is going to bugger this bath up for all of us. He is clearly ignorant of sound economic policy and is simply applying his gardening experience to this problem. He has effectively taken to the NSW Economy with a dirty great pair of fiscal secateurs in the hope that a savage pruning will bring about some nice foliage in the spring.
The man’s gone mad Mr Rudd. The Fed’s have got to act now to save us all. You may well think that our Federal model of government prevents you from doing so but I have done some research and think that I have a constitutionally and economically perfect solution for you.
Section 51(xxix) of the Constitution gives Federal Parliament the power to make laws with respect to external affairs. Whilst you’re at this G20 economic crisis meeting I suggest you propose an international treaty for all G20 members to sign which commits members to prevent ratbags in lower levels of government from undermining the attempts of the world community to survive this crisis. Then when you get back you can get the Parliament, in accordance with your obligation under the treaty, to pass a new law to dismiss Rees and the NSW Government.
Once the NSW Government is sacked, section 15 of the Constitution could allow you to appoint casual senators in the NSW Parliament until the next State election. Given the NSW Thoroughbred racing fraternity’s recent history of success during the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, I suggest you need look no further than to those trainers and jockeys, to form an interim government. With their Midas touch you can be certain that you will be leaving the State in very capable hands. I now take this opportunity to propose the following casual ministry:
Mr J B Cummings takes over from Nathan Rees as Member for Toongabbie, Premier and Minister for the Arts. Whilst Bart probably doesn’t even know where Toongabbie is, he could still train it to win a Melbourne Cup!
Ms G Waterhouse takes over from Carmel Tebbutt as Member for Marrickville, Deputy Premier, and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment. Climate Change is perfect for Gai at the moment as her amazing three year old Northern Meteor continues to simply blow its competitors away.
Mr K A Lees takes over from John Della Bosca as Minister for Health and Minister for the Central Coast. Kris is from up that way and unlike Della Bosca is still welcomed by the staff at Iguana Joes.
Mr G Begg takes over from John Hatzistergos as Attorney General. Whilst Grahame doesn’t have a Law degree he is always the best dressed man on the track and could easily pass for a corporate lawyer type.
Mr C Munce replaces Tony Kelly as Minister for Police. Chris knows most of the cops on a first name basis anyway.
Mr P Snowden takes over from Eric Roozendaal as Treasurer. The NSW Economy is only a fraction the size of Darley so Peter should be able to do the State’s books during his lunch break.
Mr J Cassidy takes over from Kevin Green as Minister for Gaming and Racing, and Minister for Sport and Recreation. Jim has previously controlled this portfolio from the jockeys change room so will slot into this role beautifully.
Mr G Portelli replaces Joe Tripodi in the capacity of Minister for Finance, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Regulatory Reform, and Minister for Ports and Waterways. Well Gary really wouldn’t have a clue in these portfolios but at least the maintenance boys at Parliament House will be able to recycle a few letters from Tripodi’s office door name plate to use for Gary.
Mr J Denham replaces Paul Lynch in the capacity of Minister for Ageing. Jack’s qualifications for this gig continue to improve by the minute.
I thank you for your consideration Mr Rudd and finally submit the following selections from this Saturday’s meeting at Rosehill for your consideration. You may wish to invest some of that Future Fund in these tips for the greater good of the Nation.
Yours sincerely
The Boxer
Race 1 – 2 year olds and Gai Waterhouse! Turf Express picks itself on that basis alone. On top of that the colt has trialled beautifully.
1 from 5, 3, 4 and 2
Race 2 – By jingoes Gai looks like she has another beauty in Swift Alliance. He won by 5 lengths on debut at Canterbury in a smart time.
Congenial has won 2 from 2 but has not encountered the likes of Swift Alliance in either of those 2 starts.
3 from 4, 1, 2 and 7
Race 3 – Both Raise and Vintage Rock turned in good performances in the Hawkesbury Cup last start and on that form, I am putting Raise just ahead of Vintage Rock. Whilst they both have to lug a bit more weight in this, it is considerably easier and I can’t see anything else seriously troubling them.
1 from 2, 5, 7 and 6
Race 4 – Have a look at the form around Coniston Bluebird. Two starts back she beat Palacio De Cristal which has since gone on to indicate that she might be a superstar. Then last start she finished close up behind Voice Commander. She gets her chance here but can expect some fierce competition from the toppie.
2 from 1, 5, 4 and 7
Race 5 – Shaketheground has been a bit stiff not to win either or both of his last two races. He will be fitter now and really does get his chance in this.
Smashing, Ledger, Royal Rock and Visit The Queen however all look right in this so Shaketheground will need to produce his best.
4 from 2, 10, 7 and 1
Race 6 – Theophorus gets into this race very nicely, dropping 5kgs. I expect he will be up to open company so am picking him on top.
O’Crikey is somewhat of a 1500 specialist and is race fit. Strat’s Flyer is very well placed with the 2k claim.
9 from 5, 2, 6 and 7
Race 7 –
Upper Echelon was only half a length off winning a welter class race first up. She will appreciate the class drop here and should strip much fitter.
After a terrific 1st up effort Equable has had two subsequent flops. I expect him to be primed however this week.
1 from 8, 6, 3 and 7
Race 8 - Wasted Emotions has won 3 from 3 at 1200m and again gets the benefit of a 3k claim courtesy of Nathan Berry.
German Chocolate rarely runs a bad race and is drawn to get a nice run just off the pace here. News Alert was placed in a listed race last start and enjoys a feather weight.
2 from 11, 1, 8 and 10
Keep Punching!
The Boxer
7 November 2008 The Boxer Steaks Day
Breaking News : RVL Set to Sell Spring Carnival to Sydney!
On the eve of the grand finale for this year’s Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival, Racing Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Rob Hines, has shocked Victorian racing enthusiasts by admitting that he is close to concluding confidential negotiations with a syndicate of Sydney business identities, to off load the Carnival to Sydney.
In a decision that will undoubtedly leave traditionalists up in arms, Mr Hines explained the move as “unavoidable” and the “only prudent way forward for the State of Victoria”. Quoting from a recently commissioned independent study into the Economic and Social Value of the Victorian Racing Industry, Mr Hines commented: “The Racing Industry is a powerhouse of the Victorian economy, providing employment to twice the number of people than the fuel & energy sector…If racing closed tomorrow it would devastate country regions with more than 9,300 FTE jobs leaving Regional Victoria”.
Whilst selling the family jewels, so to speak, might appear contra-positive for the prosperity of the Victorian economy, Mr Hines reasons to the contrary. “Look it is simple, if we don’t sell the bloody thing now whilst we can, we’ll have nothing left in a few years. Year after bloody year we see Sydney raiders come down here and pick the eyes out of the bloody thing. This year has been no exception with Sydney horses and trainers cleaning up on Derby Day, Bart taking another damn Cup back up there, and then of course Samantha Miss and Grahame Begg pilfering the riches on Oaks Day.”
Believing that Sydney raiders had now left him with little alternative Mr Hines commented: “Look Brumby would have my balls if I allowed it to continue. At least by selling the Carnival now we can re-invest the proceeds directly back into the Victorian economy and with careful planning, the State may manage to survive.”
But Hines was quick to point out that this was a war that was not lost without a terrific fight by the Victorians. “Yes it is true there have been meritorious individual battles. Young McEvoy did a wonderful job of slaughtering that Sydney horse Aichi on Cup day. Also the VRC prepared a fantastic straight six track on Oaks day which was perfectly biased for the Victorian horses drawn down on the flat side, but overall, the New South Welshmen continue to cream us.”
The Sydney identities rumoured to be behind the bid are John Singleton and Gerry Harvey. Mr Singleton last night refused to confirm or deny the claim but stated: “In my opinion bringing the Carnival to Sydney makes sound economic sense. There is no secret that the Victorian horses are inferior and I just think Sydney could generate a better return on the thing. I mean you only have to look at the amount of money the VRC spend annually on fertilizer to get those bloody roses to bloom in that frigid Melbourne weather. With the sub-tropical climate up here, there is simply no need for fertilizer and we could put that money on the bar to pay for free beer for the punters. Now that’s a Carnival!”
Mindful of the emotional ties that the Spring Racing Carnival has forged over the years with the Melbourne Racing public, Mr Hines has engaged Judith Durham and the Seekers to belt out a rendition of their 1965 classic, ‘The Carnival Is Over’ after the last race at Flemington this Saturday. After the performance, Victorian Premier John Brumby will hand over the title deeds to the Carnival and a special commemorative bottle of Silvo, to NSW Premier Nathan Rees. There will not be a dry eye in the house as the Melbourne public bid farewell to an old friend who has been called to Sydney by the harbour light.
THE CARNIVAL IS OVER - 25/11/1965
Meanwhile out at Randwick us proud Sydneysiders will be having the time of our lives.
Race 1 – Pinwheel proved last start that he is indeed only a couple of lengths off being top notch at the moment. He has his share of weight in this but will still be too good for them.
Miss Independent the best of the rest.
1 from 3, 2, 4 and 5
Race 2 – The million dollar yearling Triumphant Choice has been prepared for this with a couple of easy trials. Expectations alone pick this colt.
Steel Blue is another beautifully bred beast which Peter Snowden will no doubt have well educated. Paloma has looked super impressive in a couple of barrier trials.
4 from 7, 3, 8 and 6
Race 3 – With the 2k claim Bellagio Wynn gets into this race very well and should be near peak fitness now.
1 from 2, 6, 3 and 4
Race 4 – Gently Bentley has looked super at a couple of recent trials and looks a better horse this time around. He also has a good first up record. At the weights I am putting him just ahead of Tenant’s Tiara which also trialed nicely on October 27 and has won first up.
9 from 2, 1, 3 and 5
Race 5 – UK import Future’s Dream has yet to run a bad race in Australia. The 59k should not be a concern and he looks to be a mile specialist.
Matchless has the class factor but has been a bit disappointing so far this campaign. Baby Casino just never got the 1800m last week and will be better suited back to a mile.
1 from 6, 7, 4 and 8
Race 6 – This is a very open affair. Espurante is probably the best horse but I am prepared to risk her first up. Mary’s Grace on the other had appears to be in career best form and should go close again this week.
Cartoon Character led but capitulated first up here on October 18. She’ll go much better second up. The one I am leaning towards is Guy Walter’s lightly raced mare Kylie. She has a nice turn of foot and the benefit of a nice light weight.
10 from 4, 2, 1 and 6
Race 7 – Dandee Topwin looked a bit of a standout here. I know he is creeping up in the weights, is drawn out a bit and back in distance but I think he is a bit better than these.
4 from 6, 8, 5 and 3
Race 8 – Causeyacan has a terrific first up record should be ready for this after a couple of trials.
Mr Incredible looks well suited in this class and Ego’s Dare is a horse on the improve.
7 from 3, 9, 6 and 2
Keep Punching Punters
The Boxer
2 November 2008 The Boxer Melbourne Cup Day
One Quasi Quaddie and Boxer’ll Buy the Beers!
We found out on Saturday that the best way to pick a winner at Flemington this spring is to simply pick the Sydney horses. Didn’t they do us proud on Derby Day? In particular congratulations to Gai Waterhouse for her incredible effort in training a Group 1 double on Australian Racing’s biggest day of the year.
Theseo’s run was courage and persistence personified and Northern Dancer, well there is now no question. He is the real deal! For the moment we all have to cool the heals on our anticipation a bit while he rests up for an autumn assault where Gai has already declared that he will take on the older horses in Australia’s premier sprints’; the Newmarket Handicap and the Lightning Stakes. After a year in which we thought we had seen it all with Weekend Hussler, this colt may well have taken 3 year old standards to the next level.
Of course the other star lady from Sydney was the mighty mare Forensics. She is simply sensational and never runs a bad race. I was intrigued to learn that Forensics is also the first mare to have won a Golden Slipper as a filly and go on to win Group 1 races as a 3 and then 4 year old. That speaks not only of her undoubted ability but also the training prowess of Peter Snowden.
Now neither Peter Snowden nor Gai Waterhouse has a runner in this year’s Melbourne Cup. Gai only has one runner for the day and Peter has two. Both of these stables are hot to trot at the minute and in my view their three runners will continue in that winning vein on Tuesday so for your ease of reference I take pleasure in listing them hereunder:
Race 4 – Peter Snowden – Neorli Race 5 – Peter Snowden – Aichi Race 6 – Gai Waterhouse - Montana Flyer
If you’re on track you might be well tempted and well justified to have Mad Rush in the Cup (race 7) as the 4th leg of a ‘quasi quaddie’ with one of the doubles bookies. If we get up folks, let’s all meet up for a champers after the last on Stakes day back at the Doutta Galla Hotel? I’ll buy the first round but I will be wanting to see long arms and short pockets from the rest of you free loaders thereafter.
Your race 4, 5, 6 and 7 Quasi Quaddie numbers are 6, 2, 2 and 8.
Tuesday I will be out at Randwick to see more maidens and ‘no metro winners’ than you can poke a stick at. Not that that will deter me from having a go at bagging a couple of winners. This is the way I see the card:
Race 1 – Some of these 3 year olds are a bit better than their current 0MW status may suggest. Congenial is a lovely bred filly and despite missing the kick on debut at Newcastle, still managed to score. I expect her to improve on that run and have picked her on top here. Zenith is another beautifully bred filly. She is the first foal from Miss Zoe and Les Bridge has been very patient with her. I expect her to be ready to race and she really does get in this very nicely with 53.5kg. Gimmemore is race fit with a solid country win under his belt.
3 from 9, 2, 8 and 1
Race 2 – Jiale has got close to winning in a couple of better quality 0MW class races at her last two attempts but does have to lug the top weight here. On the other side of the ledger, I suspect the 1400m might be to her liking. Stripdown is an improving type and will be the main danger to the toppie. Almond will win her fair share of races too but I think she might be looking for a bit further.
1 from 3, 4, 2 and 7
Race 3 – Too Few has drawn ideally provided she gets away o.k. She was a bit tardy at her first start which probably cost her the race. After a 41 day freshen, the newly configured Hawkes stable are sure to have taught her a bit more and I expect that she’ll win this.
Rising To Win did enough on debut to indicate that he will win his fair share of races. Drawing the extreme outside here is the reason I went with Too Few. A change of riding tactics on Fivewest last start almost saw him break his maiden. I think the quality her is a little better so he may have to wait a bit longer.
11 from 3, 9, 10 and 4
Race 4 – Big fields are the order of the day and it is very tricky to find any winners. The good news therefore is that if you can land a couple, you should finish up. Tornadoes is a beautifully bred type by the exciting Exceed And Excel. Has had the benefit of a couple of recent trials and looked quite mature and forward when winning on Oct 27. I expect he will open his account here in style.
Starring To Win is another first starter who has looked smart enough in a couple of recent trials. He will need a lot of luck from barrier 14 however.
Camouflaged has been getting close lately but still has not been able to break though for a win. Barrier 15 is also a huge disadvantage this time.
11 from 7, 12, 15 and 10
Race 5 – This is the best race on the card but it is no easier to pick the winner. All Black Miss meets Missyaluke 1k worse off for defeating it by a mere head at Kembla Grange on October 25. However I thought All Black Miss could have won that by a couple of lengths had it got a clear run earlier.
French Fantasy has been knocking on the door but just seems to manage to find a way to lose. She has drawn the 1 gate but without early speed, she will need some luck here.
6 from 9, 10, 2 and 1
Race 6 – Domidor has a pretty handy strike rate and is in career best form. With the 3k claim he gets into this race very nicely.
Goldridge appears to be a most versatile gelding and looks like he will win some city races. Trauma seems to do plenty wrong in his racing but if he can get into a handy position from the inside gate, should feature in the finish.
1 from 5, 6, 12 and 7
Race 7 – Zazabeau is much better than his maiden status might suggest. He was close enough in a listed race last start and should be good enough to win this race on Tuesday. Starry Messenger and Mister Gilly should fight it out for second.
2 from 4, 3, 5 and 6
Race 8 – Anthony Cummings has been aiming quite high with Tagus. Back to his home track and in this class, this lovely looking Encosta De Lago should manage notch up his second career win.
After blundering the start at Gosford on October 19, Universal Pack still proved too good for that class. Cantshe will look the winner at some stage in the straight but I am not sure that she is a miler.
This is a huge mile field so watch for any track bias and if it proves to be a leader’s track I would probably favour Cantshe.
14 from 22, 6, 7 and 16
Race 9 – If you are not up at this stage, please save a couple of bob for the Salvo man on the way out of the track because there are certainly no certain collects in the last. I am leaning towards Toughened. He has drawn an inside gate and has enough speed to take up a forward position.
Roly Dancer has struck some nice form in the bush and looks ready this time to take on city racing. Danz In Paris and Grand Rhumba the best of the rest.
11 from 4, 7 15 and 2
Keep punching punters!
The Boxer
31 October 2008 The Boxer Derby Day Whobegotyou has Gotheboxer But meanwhile there is racing as per usual every VRC Derby day out at Rosehill. Race 1 – 2 from 1, 3 and 4 (and I will finish 5th if I decide to have a run in this) Race 2 – 2 from 6, 5, 4 and 1 Race 3 – 5 from 6, 3, 1 and 2 Race 4 – 3 from 2, 4, 6 and 5 Race 5 – 1 from 5, 2, 4 and 7 Race 6 – 1 from 7, 2, 9 and 3 Race 7 – 5 from 6, 8, 2 and 3 Race 8 – 8 from 4, 10, 2 and 6 Keep punching punters!
The Boxer
29 October 2008 The Boxer - Opinion
Boxer Belts Bankers This year, the Birdcage enclosure during Derby Day at Flemington will be devoid of some of the usual noxious species of racegoers that have become so bothersome to fair dinkum punters in recent years. I am of course talking about the arrogant, cock-sure, rude and obnoxious modern phenomenon known as the “wanker banker”. This year the fair dinkum punters are all a little lighter on in the wallet, thanks largely to the unscrupulous antics of wanker bankers in recent decades, but we can take comfort from the thought that at least this year we will not have to put up with these ‘showy spivs’ at the track on Saturday. Society has traditionally harboured various forms the ‘spiv’; that is typically flashy dressing wankers who make a buck by disreputable means. Be that as it may, the modern merchant banking version of the ‘spiv’ is a far more potent derivate insomuch as these ‘spivs’ actually believe their own s@*t and think that they really do contribute something useful to society. The term Merchant Banker has taken on a somewhat important sounding pitch over the years. Big end of town finance; hedge funds, derivatives, margin lending, leveraged buyouts, short selling, blah, blah, blah. One may well be forgiven for believing that merchant banking has morphed into some form of legitimate econometric based science. But don’t be fooled! The jargon is merely an attempt by the industry to dress itself up to resemble legitimacy. Scratch the surface just a little and you’ll discover that there is really nothing beneath. The industry produces nothing, the players are, by-and-large some of the less intellectually equipped members of society and even the maths is pretty basic. Merchants by definition are people involved with trading commodities that they do not actually produce themselves. They are involved in business to produce profit and little else. Unsurprisingly pre-modern societies characterised these blokes as lower class scourge. The Chinese for example thought that ‘mere merchants’ soiled the operation of commerce by profiting from mere trade after others had toiled to produce goods and services via more legitimate agricultural, trade, craft and professional means. Banking is a critical cornerstone component in the operation of capitalist economies. A bank’s primary activity was traditionally to act as a payment agent for customers to borrow and lend money and as a safe deposit home for the proceeds of commerce. Unremarkably therefore Merchant Banking does, and has always had the potential to exploit, and in consequence put at risk, the very foundations of a sound (capitalistic) economy. Market driven capitalism may arguably find its genesis in the writings of Adam Smith (“The Wealth of Nations” – 1776). Smith argued that the “invisible hand” of the market which consists of individuals pursing self-interest commercial trades, in consequence and without necessarily intention, produces a utopian collective good for all. Unfortunately, since Adam Smith, modern day economists have taken this model way too literally. For example that ‘free-market-guru’ wanker supremo, Milton Friedman, believed that any intervention within the markets what-so-ever, ought to be avoided at all costs. According to Friedman, managers within businesses ought to not even question business ethical issues on behalf of their organisations. The market is supposed to sort business integrity out for itself! Well guess what? It doesn’t. Friedman conveniently or ignorantly forgot a number of things proffered by the classical political economist’s. Adam Smith was first and foremost a moral philosopher and his model of market driven capitalism was based on the premise, and a foundation that individuals within the market, would still treat each other with dignity and respect. Furthermore he argued that in such economies the state has a critical role to maintain public goods. We have witnessed, almost exponentially in recent times that in business human beings simply cannot be trusted to do the right thing by others. Merchant bankers have proven to be the biggest and most reckless offenders in this regard. They have shown that they are more than happy to put their own financial gains ahead of the greater good and longevity of the economy. As I have mentioned, the maths is not difficult. Merchant bankers do not do anything smart but what they do is wrong. Largely they are in the business of exploiting loopholes before parliaments decide that those loopholes need to be closed. That’s not clever, that is cunning, greedy, arrogant and discourteous. Remember merchants do not produce anything themselves but one of the things that merchant bankers and fund managers had been able to do during the recent past period of prolonged low interest rates, was to get their hands on truck loads of cheap money and to start buying up the assets of business from the ‘real (non financial) economy’. Unfortunately merchant bankers and fund managers have demonstrated all too starkly that they know nothing about running airlines or television stations and the like. When the money became a little more expensive they were devoid of ideas and genuine business know-how, so simply and smartly handed out their executive golden handshakes and mostly went into hiding, leaving the real economy with a mess to clean up. In this way the greed and stupidity of merchant bankers and fund managers has directly affected all of us professionals, manufacturers, tradespeople, etc trying to make a buck on that basis of productivity within the real economy. Furthermore the merchant bankers had managed to create a quasi / non-real economy by borrowing heavily and using newfangled financial instruments that they didn’t really understand to create fictional markets such as the US sub-prime mortgage / mezzanine finance market. The maths behind this model was embarrassingly simple and seemed too good to be true. And guess what? It was. Merchant bankers. We all know them. We knew them back at school. They were the blokes who were not bad at maths but were nowhere near bright enough to go to medical school. They were usually pretty average at English too and never got a high enough HSC score to get into law school. They thought they were too good for a trade. But they did have the gift of the gab. They could talk the leg off a chair and had the ability to make one suspect that there just might be some substance to what they were saying. In later years we caught up again with them at dinner parties. Here they bragged to us about the private schools their kids were attending, their recent overseas holidays and their expensive home renovations undertaken every February, at around bonus time. After these dinner parties it was hard not to lament that entering into our own chosen profession or trade or area of manufacture was probably, with the benefit of our wanker banker mate’s hindsight and suggestion, never really worth the effort. Despite being brighter than those guys and possibly well intentioned or even socially ideological in our career choices, those bloke now had no financial worries at all yet paradoxically had managed to create at state of financial anxiety for the rest of us by way of accelerating incomes and affordability beyond the scope or hope of us mere non-merchants. Whilst merchant bankers have managed to kidnap and hold most of the economy and traditional industries hostage in recent times, they have never really been able to exert any substantial influence over the thoroughbred racing industry. Sure the price of yearlings has gone up, the cost of running the industry has been stretched but fortunately the race clubs, betting institutions and the breeding fraternity generally appear to be well positioned to move on and beyond the current financial crises, save for the extent to which it has a knock on effect upon the ‘real economy’. My guess is that the wanker bankers have never been bright enough to understand how a bookie sets his book or the intricacies of the breeding industry. Maybe they just thought they were too good for the racing industry? Nevertheless I used to enjoy retorting to stupid inane dinner party conversations centred on leveraged acquisitions and derivatives, in horseracing parlances such as; “Don’t you think you paying over’s for that childcare stock?”, or “I’ll give you no better than odds on that your hedonism will end in tears!” As the wanker bankers have never really been interested in horseracing, the racetrack has always been a solace from them. It is one place one can go every Saturday and not have to put up with their dribble. By and large there are fair dinkum people at the track week in and week out with the exception usually being the Spring Carnival. Banker wankers need to be seen. They are by nature flashy spivs and Flemington on Derby Day is traditionally THE place to be! On Derby Day the spivs have heads on them like mice. They’re everywhere, particularly in the Birdcage but, as you might imagine, they haven’t got a clue. In previous years the wanker banker would usually be the bloke holding up the betting line, trying to work out whether 50 cents each way on Whobegotyou was a more prudent investment than simply having it in a $1 quinella with Pre Eminence. He would usually manage to get his bet on and back to the Birdcage and his pooncey bottle of Bollinger just before they jump, and blissfully or wilfully unaware that in consequence of his dilly dallying, I was one of the poor mug punters who missed out on the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the rest of my month by having my entire weeks pay on what was obvious to all fair dinkum punters -Whobegotyou to win. Not this year. This year the wanker bankers are sitting, sulking at home (if they’re lucky enough to still have one) trying to work out what to do with the rest of their lives and where their next $1 will come from. This year Flemington should be a “Spiv Free Zone”. Sure the spivs have buggered the economy for all of us and we are all suffering now and having to pay for their arrogance, ignorance and stupidity. However at least this year us mere non-merchants can enjoy our Spring Racing Carnival without putting up with the dribble of wanker bankers trespassing upon our turf. We can enjoy the Derby, perhaps in poverty and perhaps unemployed, but certainly in peace and in the company of like minded fair dinkum punters.
Keep punching punters!
The Boxer
24 October 2008The Boxer - Sydney Metro Meeting Samantha Miss – Simply Sensational Most of my time spent with Glenn Burrows at Willow Park a couple of weeks ago, was spent talking about the mighty filly Samantha Miss. There was a certain anticipation and very definitely an expectation around the place about her chances in this Saturday’s Cox Plate.
From the minute Samantha Miss’ little foal hooves touched the Hunter Valley turf, Glenn Burrows suspected that there was something special about the filly. She appeared wise beyond her years and species. She also has a lovely temperament which is always a bonus characteristic for horses destined to race in front of big crowds.
I mentioned last week that the filly fetched $1.5 million as a yearling but leading up to that sale, Glenn had began to receive incremental offers for her as she began to blossom into an outstanding looking beast. Glenn’s judgment to recommend rejecting a $600k offer a couple of months out from the sale is yet another example of the bloodstock instincts and skill of this man.
All of you Samantha Miss fans might agree with Glenn’s current assessment of the filly. Although to give away Glenn’s tip for Saturday’s the Cox Plate would be to risk incurring the wrath of my mates the bookies, it should come as no surprise to you that he sees this filly as only continuing to get better and better with each run. What ever happens on Saturday, Glenn reckons we have not seen the best of Samantha Miss and that she will continue to blossom.
The thoroughbred historians amongst us are beside ourselves with anticipation. Can Samantha Miss become only the second 3 year old filly ever to win the Cox Plate? I notice recently that Patrick Bartley from the Melbourne Age interviewed Surround’s usual race jockey from 1976 /1977, Alan Trevena and he thought that the benchmark to a filly winning a Cox Plate was that the filly must have won in open company and beaten the colts. Whilst Samantha Miss has not yet had the chance to race in open company, she handled the colts with breeze in the Champagne Stakes in the autumn.
With respect to not having yet defeated open company, I think we also must take into account that Surround was a Melbourne filly. To date, having cleaned up the riches in the Sydney autumn Princess 3 year old series, there has been little reason for Samantha Miss to run in open races. If she had been stabled in Melbourne it may have been a different story. In my view there is simply no risk that Samantha Miss is not up to WFA class right now. She will prove that on Saturday and for us Sydneysiders, this will be the sweetest victory of all! Bring that Melbourne prize money back over the boarder little girl!
Samantha Miss’ trainer Kris Lees has said that the filly will go on to contest the VRC Oaks after the Cox Plate, which is also the exact same route that Surround took in 1976 when she went on to win the Oaks, as 5/4 on favourite, by 2 ¼ lengths. That was Surround’s last win of 1976 but she came back in the autumn to win the CF Orr and Blamey Stakes. She then finished second in the Futurity before coming up here to Sydney and winning the AJC Oaks and then onto Brisbane to win the QTC Queensland Oaks. Whilst Saturday will be very exciting, it will become even more so as Samantha Miss continues to blossom. She may well follow Surround’s path into the northern Oaks contests early next year but I see her as a dead set Cups horse as a four year old.
Glenn Burrows has certainly produced one out of the box here and the bloke deserves the win on Saturday. He is one of nature’s fair dinkum gentlemen and he deserves this place in history, the breeder of the only Sydney filly ever to win a Cox Plate. Mind you he has had a hand in a few Cox Plate winners in the past courtesy of his time at Inglis. He was as proud as punch when one of the other champion 3 year olds, Octagonal, won for Jack and Bob Ingham in 1995 and I shared a conciliatory beer with he and Trevor Lobb in 1996 when Octagonal missed out on a second one, which they genuinely thought he could win.
At the end of my visit to Willow Park Glenn took me out the back to show me what’s coming up. I am pleased to report that Milliyet, just four weeks ago, foaled a full sister to Samantha Miss. Glenn reckons she has the same temperament and mannerisms as Samantha Miss. By jingoes, regardless of how good this one is, she might well be forgiven for feeling a little like Dannie Minogue, Mimi Macpherson or a 4th Bronte sister at the moment. By the time she gets to the track, her sister may well have established herself as one of the best of all time.
If you can’t get to the Valley on Saturday the next best view of the Cox Plate is from Rosehill Gardens. Just remember punters that the first race at Moonee Valley is on at 11.30 am so if you are heading out to Rosehill from the east, you will want to get the 9.00am River Cat from Circular Quay as it is a 55 minute trip to Parramatta and with the bus trip from the wharf to the track, you will need to allow an hour and a half total travel time.
Race 1 – There is every chance that Zikmann did not appreciate the track conditions in the Breeders Plate when finishing a respectable 2.6 length 4th. His trial form indicates his is a more than capable type.
Lonhro’s little fella Purdey wasn’t asked to do much in a trial last week but he also looks like a nice type. Engulf will benefit from his race here a couple of weeks ago as will Arctic Light from her Gimcrack Stakes start at Randwick.
6 from 4, 8, 2 and 1
Race 2 – I think with the D Ganderton claim and the edge in class, Silent But Deadly should score here.
Geared Up was the best of the rest last week when he chased Northern Meteor home (5lengths) in a course record. Up 4 kgs however and giving Silent But Deadly 5.5kg here
4 from 1, 5, 2 and 6
Race 3 – Estancia Rigs was most unlucky here on Oct 11 when she struck a lot of interference in the straight, yet only missed by a ½ head. Vintage Rock should be nearing peak fitness now but will have to go back from his wide draw and will need a little luck in running.
Nediyms Dream is a handy type on his day but is just struggling to find form this time in. Matchless and Sequinella should fight it out for a placing.
7 from 4, 1, 3 and 2
Race 4 – Baby Casino is up a couple of kilos for his courageous head second to Strat’s Flyer here on Oct 11. From the inside gate he should be able to sit in behind the pace and have the last crack at them.
In that same race Absent Friends made up good ground late. However with a claim he only carried 50kgs in that race so he is effectively up 5.5 kilos here and meets Baby Casino 3.5 kilos worse off for finishing more than 3 lengths behind him. Given that I expect Baby Casino’s main challengers to be Armstrong Jones, Stone Canyon and Humma, in that order.
6 from 5, 2, 3 and 10
Race 5 – Walking Or Dancing was most unlucky first up at Rosehill on October 11 but is unplaced from 2 previous second ups. I am prepared to forgive him that statistic given that he had three solid barrier trials before his last start.
Running To Win did enough in his first campaign to suggest that he will win some good races. With the benefit of a couple of trials I am putting him just ahead of Walking Or Dancing in this.
8 from 3, 2, 1 and 9
Race 6 – Ready To Lift is not far off being a top notch mare. She was a bit unlucky not to have finished a bit closer in the Angst Stakes on October 4 and chased Faulconbridge home gallantly at her next start. She should win well here.
Hurrah will be sure to run his usual bold front running race and will be better suited on the firmer track this week. Those two should fight it out with Red Robert and Danzippo the best of the rest.
5 from 1, 8, 3 and 2
Race 7 – This must be the trickiest race of the day. Scorched Earth should lead them up and might have the fitness edge on most of these this week. Inspired Choice looks well placed here but is poorly drawn.
Dane Keeper has enough talent but we haven’t seen him for a year and a half so I would prefer to have a look at him this week. Shadow Cabinet is first up but looked well forward in a recent trial
1 from 14, 11, 7 and 13
Race 8 – This is easily the best race on the card and will prove to be very profitable if you can back the winner.
Dealer Principal is back a long way in distance but is all class. He didn’t handle to track in the Crave Plate but still finished only 4 lengths off the winner. He is good enough to handle the drop back and win this.
Forget Reigning To Win went around in the Epson as he was another not suited by the slow 7. Blessus, Strat’s Flyer and Gergis would win any other 1400m welter in the country this weekend but this is more like a Group 3 field.
3 from 1, 8, 11 and 9 Keep punching punters!
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