Caulfield 2400 -v- MV 2040. He is 6 now and more of a grinder so the 2040 may be a little sharp these days.
Handicappers -v- Sunline, Lonhro, Defier etc.
You may be right Paddy. Of course the Caul Cup start does not rule out the Cox Plate and the winners of the 99 and 2000 C Cup ran placings in the Cox Plate so it isn't a bad lead in.
I think the quick back up this week is mysterious too. Does he need the extra run to toughen him up for the mile and a half?


[ This Message was edited by: Hammers on 2002-09-05 14:35 ]

Just one more opinion, guys (and Betty). Put your money on Northerly in set weights races (eg. Cox plate) or WFA. Forget the handicaps - he can't concede too much weight to smart horses and still win - just ask Old Comrade.

I forgot to mention that the Craiglee was WFA? To quote Hammers, "Absolute charity".

So Fred is now focusing on the Caulfield Cup – or is he?

Interviewed yesterday, initially assertive with his statement that Northerly’s on track for the CC, but a bit later seemed more sheepish in his reply.

Playing ducks & drakes? Still not completely sure himself? Waiting to see what other connections are doing with their horses? We will need to wait and see.

Have noticed one thing with Northerly minus blinkers last two wins. Once he sights the opposition coming at him over last bit, he seems to put out that bit more.

Strange statement, but is he loafing a tiny bit when he gets to the lead, until he sights something near him?


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All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-09-23 14:16 ]

We should run a book on where Fred's going to start him. My odds ?
Cox plate 2/5
Caulfield Cup 5/2
Both 66/1
Look at the form -
2 starts at MV for 2 wins.
8 starts at Caulfield for 5 wins.
Never run beyond 2040m.
Go figure.

If the track is slow or worse today for the Turnbull, think Northerly is a real risk. I'll be backing Sky Heights & Maguire EW at good odds.

My two were very disappointing, did reduce my wager though with only a dead track. Northerly’s fighting spirit won the day again. My tip he will miss the CC and concentrate on the Cox Plate.

This thread made for something interesting reading with the benefit of hindsight. Lucky you are not a bookie Rain Lover! See the blinkers stayed off. Fred Kersley & team, we salute you!

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May the luck of the Irish be with you!


[ This Message was edited by: Paddy on 2002-10-20 07:01 ]

I think the handicapper has made up Fred's mind re a start in the MC. 2kg penalty I see as being extremely harsh. The Japan Cup must now be looming as a distinct possibility.



[ This Message was edited by: Rogan Josh on 2002-10-21 13:51 ]

Hi RJ, I see the forum has Monday'itis as usual. Agree that Northerly's penalty is harsh, you would think they would try and entice Fred to run Northerly in the Cup rather than discourage.

Japan Cup start could be interesting. I wonder how Northerly would perform going the opposite way (to Melb / Perth).