PERTH CUP (Group II)

To be run WEDNESDAY JANUARY 01, 2003

CARDINAL COLOURS 56.0
EXIT LANE 55.0
GILLESPIE 54.5
ALIBI BAY 54.0
HONOR LAP 54.0
SO CANNY 54.0
TUMERIC 54.0
AS YOU WOULD 53.5
TIME SIGNAL 53.5
ZAHEED 53.0
BOLD MIRAGE 52.5
MOONRISE 52.0
NAVY BLUE 52.0
HYDROMASTER 51.5
LAKESIDE SONG 51.5
LANOLIN 51.5
MR. TAMBOURINEMAN 51.5
OUR ANNABEL 51.5
SPECIAL JESTER 51.5
TRUE STEEL 51.5
ZERO POINT 51.5
ALPINE TROOPER
AYGUIDO 51.0
BATTLE WIND 51.0
CHARMING STORY 51.0
COSSACK ANGEL 51.0
COUNT KONAN 51.0
DANANMATT 51.0
DELA VENTOSA 51.0
ELVIS RULES 51.0
FRIENDLY MANNA 51.0
FUJIAMA 51.0
GILL'S DREAM 51.0
HIGGINS GOLD 51.0
KARADAN 51.0
KING ELVIS 51.0
KING JUGAH 51.0
MERLOS 51.0
NOBLE SHEIKH 51.0
NOBLE TOUCH 51.0
NOW'S GOOD 51.0
OUR PARTISAN 51.0
PLAY THE WHISTLE 51.0
POZIERE 51.0
REBATE 51.0
SOUTHLAND HIGH 51.0
SUPER MOSS 51.0
THORNY ROSE 51.0
THUNDER HAWK 51.0
TUART'S PRIDE 51.0
UNO JACK 51.0
WATERS RISING 51.0
WHO'S HUSSAR 51.0


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-19 12:30 ]

I see that many of these are goin around in the CB Cox Stakes this Saturday. Would I be correct in suggestin that Finito & Honor Lap are well placed under the weight scale, Perth Placegetter?

Of the eastern states brigade on Saturday, would fancy Zero Point over Merlos. Merlos could be nearing the end of his current campaign whilst Zero Point has had just the 4 runs since a spell, was a last start 4th in the Queensland Cup (albeit a pretty weak field) and I see has the services of Paul Harvey.

_________________
May the luck of the Irish be with you!



[ This Message was edited by: Paddy on 2002-12-20 09:52 ]

I THINK THAT IN THE COX STAKES THAT TUMERIC WILL BE VERY HARD TO BEAT GREAT RUN LAST START LOOKING FOR THE GROUND BE VERY HARD TO BEAT.

Yes Paddy, Finito & Honor Lap are very well treated under the WFA scale. So too is Tumeric.

Others also not badly treated include So Canny, Alibi Bay & Bold Mirage.

Notice that the winner of the Queensland Cup - Time Signal, has been nominated for the Perth Cup. Saw the race, and although a weakish field as you have suggested Paddy, was very impressed with the run of Time Signal.

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-20 12:03 ]

Thank you very much Sandgroper, lovely trifecta. More Xmas shopping, yahoo!! :grin:

Merry Xmas Sandgroper. X

Also a big thankyou from me Perth Placegetter!

Got half the tri ($944.60) & also a slice (flexi) of the first4 ($28480.20), thanks for the lead-up.

Enjoy your Christmas Sandgroper, and let's hope we (hint) can kick off the new year on a winning note (Perth Cup - another hint!) :wink:

And a merry Christmas to you too BettyBoop and Paddy! Glad you had a win.

The addition of blinkers for Bold Mirage did make a difference – went to the line more truly. Have doubt about him getting the 3200m – now doubting just a little less.

Thought the runs of the first 4 (Bold Mirage, Tumeric, Alibi Bay & Super Moss) yesterday were all good pointers for the Cup.

Also liked the runs of Exit Lane, Dananmatt & Our Annabel. Zero Point was an OK run, Honor Lap was most disappointing, although was found to be in season on arriving at the course.

Have done a bit of a review of the Cup field and to be honest this looks a year that one of the eastern states contenders could take the Cup back home with them. But this really depends on who comes over & how they settle in.

Happy to give a bit of a summary on the local brigade over the next week, if anyone is interested. I’ll kick off today, starting from the bottom.

Let me know if you want me to keep working through the list.

WHO’S HUSSAR – 7YO who has raced mainly on the Kalgoorlie and Esperance circuits. Two recent runs over 2400m have produced a 3len 5th after leading early & an inglorious last after straining a tendon to the near fore. Looks outclassed and most unlikely to make the final field.

WATERS RISING – 7YO who earlier raced in SA. Best rating is over 1800m back in November 2000. Best distance range has been 1800m-2400m. Current preparation rating around 1.75len below best. Only a rough chance.

UNO JACK – 7YO who surprised all and sundry with a win over 2400m mid-week at Ascot 2 starts back, at 2nd run back after a 6 month’s spell. Ran on well that day, and registered his best rating. Most recent run well beaten (some 8lens) over 2400m to Higgins Gold, after being ridden nearer the lead. Only a rough chance.

TUART’S PRIDE – 6YO who’s best rating is over 2200m in January 2002.
Best distance range 1800m-2400m. Current preparation rating around 2.5len below best. Last start fought on for a 3len 4th to Higgins Gold after being ridden near the lead. Does best when allowed to settle back in the field, and kept for a late run. On best, slightly better than a rough hope.

THUNDER HAWK – 5YO former eastern states galloper who has had only a handful of starts in WA. Best rating in WA is over 1800m (earlier this month). Last start disappointing 8th over 2400m, beaten some 5len behind Higgins Gold, after showing some early dash. Looks outclassed over this distance, on what we have seen.

THORNY ROSE – Last start winner (class 2) over 2200m at Bunbury. Maiden winner over 1500m at Pinjarra last month. Looks outclassed and most unlikely to make the final field.

SUPER MOSS – 8YO, who ran a bottler of a race yesterday to finish 4th in the CB COX Stakes (2400m) after leading for most of the race. Drops 7kgs on that run. Best rating is over 2400m back in July 2000. Yesterday’s run was not far off his best and certainly his best run this preparation. Big doubt over the 3200m (well beaten 5len in the 2001 Cup)but if he can get a big enough break, who knows. Better than a rough hope.


SOUTHLAND HIGH – Maiden who has been racing mainly at Northam. Best run 2.75len 3rd over 2200m (class 3) at Northam back in August. Looks totally outclassed.

REBATE – 6YO who’s best rating is over 1600m in November 1999. Best distance range is 1600m-1800m. Has run some good races over the 1800m when ridden near the lead, Gone no further than 2200m , beaten about 3len on each occasion. Looks outclassed over this distance.

POZIERE – 4YO who’s best rating is over 1800m (last month). Followed that run beaten 2.5len over 2200m when battled on. Last start beaten 7len to Higgins Gold (2400m) weakening over the final stages. Looks outclassed over this distance.



_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:



[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-30 14:06 ]

Hi all had a big bet on tumeric yesterday thought his run was a great perth cup trial.Watch out for time single in the perth cup this bloke is very smart saw him win his last start in brisbane he will run a strong 3200 very very hard to beat also backed steel prince yesterday so was a good day.But as i have said before very hard to get a line on how horses are going now that they have taken eric the clocker off the morning race show over their i am really betting blind as we get no mounting yard mail over here in qld any thoughts sandgropper do you watch the track work or do you know were i can get it from any help would be great thanks mate.

PLAY THE WHISTLE – 5YO best rating 2400m December 2000. Best distance range 1600m-2400m. 2200m is the furthest she has gone for a long while. Looks outclassed over this distance, however if she can lead & can get a big enough break, who knows - a rough hope.


OUR PARTISAN – 5YO maiden best rating over 1800m last month. Best distance range 1600m-2100m. Looks outclassed and most unlikely to make the final field.

NOW’S GOOD – 6YO best rating 2200m in July 2000. Yet to find any form at 5 starts since a 2 year spell. Totally outclassed on current form.

NOBLE TOUCH – 4YO who did early racing in NSW. Best rating over 1400m in September. Placed over 2200m a couple of times last month. Well beaten over 2400m to Higgins Gold last start after racing wide throughout. Better than a rough hope.

NOBLE SHEIKH – 7YO who originally raced in SA. Best rating over 2400m last month. Tends to run on but well beaten over 2400m last two starts. A rough hope.

KING JUGAH – 5YO front running stayer with some good recent form over 2200m / 2400m. Well beaten in the CB COX stakes on Saturday when he contested the lead with Super Moss. Big doubt over the 3200m but if he can lead & get a big enough break, who knows. A rough hope.


KING ELVIS – 5YO best city rating over 2200m in April this year. Last start winner class 4 2200m at Pinjarra beating King Jugah. Not raced beyond 2200m. Looks outclassed over this distance.

HIGGINS GOLD – 4YO best rating last start over 2400m mid December.
Lightly raced up and coming stayer, winner of 3 of last 4 starts including 2 wins at Ascot. One of the better chances, races like the extra distance will suit.

GILL’S DREAM – 6YO best rating over 1500m in April 2000. Best distance range 1500m-2200m. Races on the pace. Looks outclassed over this distance.

FUJIAMA – 8YO Originally from Victoria. Best rating over 2200m in November 2000. 5th in the 2001 Perth Cup beaten 4.25len by Lottila Bay. 4 starts back after a spell. Reasonable run on Saturday over 1800m when ridden at the back of the field. Better than a rough hope.


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:



[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-30 14:21 ]

Looks like the field has already been trimmed back. Latest odds courtesy ozbet.


CARDINAL COLOURS $26
EXIT LANE $16
ALIBI BAY $10
HONOR LAP $16
SO CANNY $12
TUMERIC $6
TIME SIGNAL $7
BOLD MIRAGE $5
MOONRISE $12
MR TAMBOURINEMAN $10
OUR ANNABEL $31
SPECIAL JESTER $151
ZERO POINT $12
ALPINE TROOPER $201
AYGUIDO $201
BATTLE WIND $81
CHARMING STORY $151
COSSACK ANGEL $81
COUNT KONAN $201
DANANMATT $10
DELA VENTOSA $151
ELVIS RULES $201
FRIENDLY MANNA $201
FUJIAMA $151
GILLS DREAM $201
HIGGINS GOLD $16
KING ELVIS $21
KING JUGAH $101
MERLOS $101
NOBLE SHEIKH $201
OUR PARTISAN $201
PLAY THE WHISTLE $151
POZIERE $201
REBATE $151
SOUTHLAND HIGH $201
SUPER MOSS $21
THORNY ROSE $151
THUNDER HAWK $21
TUARTS PRIDE $31
UNO JACK $201
WATERS RISING $201


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-23 12:33 ]

FRIENDLY MANNA – 8YO best rating over 1800m back in April 2000. Best distance range 1800m-2400m. Current campaign racing well below best. Looks outclassed on current form.


ELVIS RULES – 6YO best rating over 1200m in July 1999. Infrequent city visitor who’s recent form includes a 1.75len 2nd class 2 over 2000m at Bunbury. Looks totally outclassed over this distance.


DELA VENTOSA – 8YO best rating over 1600m in January 1999. Best distance range 1600m-2400m. 11th in the 2001 Perth Cup beaten 6.75len by Lottila Bay. Improved in last year’s Perth Cup to run 7th beaten 3.75len by Cardinal Colours. Recent form has been reasonable although well beaten in the CB COX Stakes last Saturday. Drops 7kg on that run. A rough chance.


DANANMATT – 5YO lightly raced gelding, who registered best rating last Saturday in the CB COX Stakes when he ran on strongly to be beaten 3.5len by Bold Mirage. Drops 7kg on that run. Prior two starts ran close 2nd over 2200m & 2400m, running on strongly on both occasions. One of the better chances, races like the extra distance will suit.


COUNT KONAN – Maiden who’s best recent runs have been a couple of 4th’s over 2200m & 2000m class 2 at Bunbury. Looks totally outclassed on disclosed form and most unlikely to make the final field.


COSSACK ANGEL- 6YO who’s best rating was over 2200m at Ascot last month running on strongly to win impressively. Since well beaten over 2200m & 2400m. Has won and been placed a couple of times over 3000m at Moonee Valley. Better than a rough chance and could surprise.


CHARMING STORY – 5YO who’s best rating over 1800m at Ascot last month, when ran a close 4th fighting on. More recently beaten 1.5len over 2200m when ridden near lead and fighting on. Last start beaten 5.75len by Higgins Gold (2400m) weakening over the final stages. Looks outclassed over this distance.


BATTLE WIND – 5YO best rating over 1600m in June 2001. Best distance range 1600m-2200m. Has won (2000m) and been place (2200m) in class 4 races at Pinjarra at most recent starts. Looks outclassed over this distance.


AYGUIDO – 1600m maiden winner at Northam in September last. Most recently well beaten over 2000m (class1) & 2200m (class 2) at Bunbury. Looks totally outclassed on disclosed form and most unlikely to make the final field.


ALPINE TROOPER – 5YO who’s last 3 starts have yielded a 3len 3rd to Higgins Gold over 2400m fighting on reasonably, a well beaten (5len) -weakening, to Uno Jack over 2400m and a well beaten (7.75len) to Battle Wind, 2000m class4 at Pinjarra. Looks totally outclassed over this distance.


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-24 10:02 ]

Keep working through the list please Perth Placegetter.

Courtesy The West Australian website

SEVEN gallopers who need a win to automatically qualify for next week's $350,000 BMW Perth Cup (3200m) have been nominated in the $40,000 ATA Stakes (2200m) at Ascot this Saturday.

ATA Stakes entrants Play The Whistle, Fujiama, King Jugah, Tuart's Pride, Friendly Manna, Merlos and King Elvis are not qualified to run in the 18-horse cup field.

"The seven horses are Perth Cup nominations," WA Turf Club racing manager and handicapper Greg Carpenter said yesterday. "But they must win the ATA Stakes to automatically gain a cup start".

"On current form, they lack good performances in strong company and need improvement to earn a cup run. An ATA Stakes placing will bring them under consideration to be allocated a start in the cup".

Carpenter said leading qualifiers for the cup were Bold Mirage, Honor Lap, Exit Lane, Tumeric, So Canny, Alibi Bay, Time Signal, Moonrise, Our Annabel, Zero Point, Mr Tambourineman, Special Jester, Super Moss, Higgins Gold, Dananmatt, Thunder Hawk, Cossack Angel and Dela Ventosa.

Last season's Perth Cup winner Cardinal Colours, who wrenched an off foreleg fetlock joint when frolicking in his yard on December 13, has been scratched.

Market moves since the 23rd December:

Exit Lane & Honor Lap in a point to $15
Alibi Bay & Dananmatt out a point to $11
So Canny, Moonrise & Zero Point out a point to $13
Tumeric in a point to $5
Battle Wind in 30 points to $51 – note this horse unlikely to make the final 16.
Higgins Gold out a point to $17
King Elvis out 10 points to $31
Play The Whistle in 50 points to $101 – note a per Paddy’s post, this horse needs to be placed at least in ATA Stakes this Saturday to come under consideration for a start in the cup.

Others remain unchanged.


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-26 10:08 ]

Courtesy The West Australian website:

Final declarations for the Perth Cup close at 5pm Saturday. The barrier draw will be held at 6pm on the same day.

Trainer Fred Kersley says his cup hopes, ATA runners Play The Whistle and King Jugah, are unlikely, leaving new stable member Thunder Hawk as his sole acceptor.

Kersley was forced to rush Thunder Hawk's cup preparation because the gelding arrived at his Forrestdale property from Queensland only about seven weeks ago.

"We've had to step Thunder Hawk up in distance fairly quickly," Kersley said. "So he's not had the best preparation into the cup".

"The owners will decide whether they will push ahead with a cup start after he runs on Saturday."

Thunder Hawk was having his third WA start when he jumped from 1800m to 2400m at his last start and ran eighth to Higgins Gold in a restricted class Ascot handicap two weeks ago.

Trainer George Daly is confident WA Oaks-WATC Derby champion Honor Lap is no longer in season after running in that condition and finishing 11th in Saturday's Cox Stakes.

"She appears fine," Daly said. "Her work has been good and I am happy with her. But I'm not happy with her efforts in races."

ZERO POINT – Eastern states visitor at only WA start beaten 4len by Bold Mirage over 2400m CB COX Stakes last Saturday. Does meet the placegetters in that race better off at the weights. Previous start 4th to Time Signal in the Queensland Cup (3200m) beaten 3len. Meets Time Signal 2kg better on that run. An EW chance.

SPECIAL JESTER – 6YO best rating over 1800m in December 2001. Best distance range 1600m-2200m. Racing below best this preparation. Beaten 8len when 2nd last to Bold Mirage (2400m) last Saturday. Start prior ran on fairly to be beaten 3.5len by So Canny over 2200m. Looks outclassed over this distance.

OUR ANNABEL – 6YO best rating over 1650m in July this year. Best distance range 1650m-2400m. Not a bad run when running on reasonably in last Saturday’s CB COX Stakes (2400m) to be beaten 3.5len. Drops 4kg on that run. Has a rough chance, although would have to improve dramatically on last years Cup effort, running a well beaten last to Cardinal Colours.

MR TAMBOURINEMAN – lightly raced 4YO who’s best rating was over 1800m in November 2001. Best distance range 1600m-2400m. Has been racing not far off best recently. Placed last 5 starts at Ascot mainly over 2200m. 3 starts back beat Dananmatt by a neck over 2200m running on fairly. Meets Dananmatt 1kg better on that run. Last start 3rd to Higgins Gold over 2400m beaten 1.75len – again running on fairly. Meets Higgins Gold 3kg better for that defeat. One of the better chances, although some doubt at the distance.

MOONRISE – 7YO who’s best rating was in the 2001 Cup when 2nd beaten 1.75 behind Lottila Bay. Rises 1kg on that run. Won an 1800m welter at Ascot last month. Has been unplaced in all 3 runs since, over 2200m & twice over 2400m, although not beaten far. Drops 6kg on his last run in the CB COX Stakes, when beaten 4.25len. On best form a definite threat.


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:



[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-30 13:59 ]

More market moves:

Exit Lane in 4 points to $11
So Canny, Moonrise & Zero Point out a point to $14
Our Annabel out 4 points to $35
Cossack Angel in 30 points to $51
King Elvis & Tuart's Pride out 4 points to $35


Others remain unchanged

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-27 09:59 ]

Cossack Angel in 30 points!?

You're not responsible for any of that, are you Sandgroper! :wink:

Courtesy The West Australian website:

FROM crowning triumph to tragedy, trainer Fred Castledine knows the full gamut of emotion in his quest for another Perth Cup.

Castledine celebrated when Meliador won the 1979 race ahead of the previous year's Melbourne Cup winner, Arwon, and Caulfield Cup champ Taksan. It was regarded as the best cup field ever.

But there was tragedy just weeks before the 1999 cup when Castledine's big race hope, Brave Buck, and jockey Damion Beckett were killed by a freak lightning strike during a trackwork gallop.

Jason Oliver, who was to ride Brave Buck in the cup, was supposed to have been aboard the horse that morning but was late and was replaced by Beckett.

Castledine, 65, takes the good with the bad and now he is back with a new Perth Cup chapter in the making. Dananmatt is his 11-start five-year-old gelding named after the rodeo riding 18-year-old Pascoe twins, Dan and Matt Pascoe, of Gingin.

Castledine believes the horse will need luck to pull off an unlikely dream, but his lead-up races - including a powerful finish in last Saturday week's Cox Stakes - appear to have him primed for the gruelling 3200m test.

The addition of a travelling partner, his two-year-old filly Smart Dollars, has also added a calmness to the horse.

"He's quite promising - he lacks a bit of racing know-how, but it's all a learning process and he's got a bit of raw ability," Castledine said.

"He's still a babe in arms in terms of his racing career. He's no Meliador, but he's a trier who just keeps coming and if he runs in the money he'll have done a mighty job."

Dananmatt will have his last hard work-out before the cup at Ascot today.

Latest market moves:

Honor Lap in 2 points to $13
So Canny, Moonrise & Zero Point out 1 point to $15
Time Signal out 0.5 point to $7.50
Mr Tambourineman out a point to $11
Higgins Gold in 6 points to $11 :grin:

Other news – Paul Harvey not riding Zero Point (unable to make the weight) & King Jugah highly unlikely to be a final declaration.


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-28 12:37 ]

Final field and current odds-

1 EXIT LANE 55 $12
2 ALIBI BAY 54 $14
3 HONOR LAP 54 $13
4 SO CANNY 54 $21
5 TUMERIC 54 $5
6 TIME SIGNAL 53.5 $9
7 BOLD MIRAGE 52.5 $5.50
8 MOONRISE 52 $17
9 MR TAMBOURINEMAN 51.5 $7.50
10 OUR ANNABEL 51.5 $41
11 ZERO POINT 51.5 $16
12 DANANMATT 51 $12
13 DELA VENTOSA 51 $201
14 FUJIAMA 51 $81
15 HIGGINS GOLD 51 $12
16 PLAY THE WHISTLE 51 $201
17 SUPER MOSS 51 $31
18 TUARTS PRIDE 51 $26
19 UNO JACK (1 Em) 51 $251
20 GILLS DREAM (2 Em) 51 $251


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-29 00:24 ]

BOLD MIRAGE - 5YO who registered best rating last start in the CB COX Stakes when he ran on strongly to win. Drops 5.5kg on that run. Addition of blinkers last start did make a difference – went to the line more truly. One of the better chances, although slight doubt over the distance. Will be very hard to beat. Definite top-3 chance but just under true odds at 9/2 in a fairly open Cup field.


TIME SIGNAL – Carried 52 kg (on the limit) when won the Queensland Cup in November, running on well. Lottila Bay won the 2001 Perth Cup carrying 3.5kg over the limit in 3m25.60. Cardinal Colours won the 2002 Perth Cup carrying 1kg above the limit in 3m25.99. Time Signal won the Queensland Cup in 3m21.50 and has only 2.5kg over the limit in the Perth Cup. Proven at the distance, so if he can reproduce his Qld Cup run must be the hardest to beat.


TUMERIC – 6YO who ran a bit below best when running on very well for a 1.25len 2nd to Bold Mirage over 2400m in the CB COX Stakes, last start. Meets Bold Mirage 1.5kg worse on that run. Will be very hard to beat. Definite top-3 chance but under true odds at 7/2 in a fairly open Cup field.



_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:


[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-29 10:04 ]

Final Field with barrier draw & jockey (where available)

1 EXIT LANE 55 (14) J Noske
2 ALIBI BAY 54 (6) C Staples
3 HONOR LAP 54 (8) P King
4 SO CANNY 54 (12) C Harvey
5 TUMERIC 54 (3) J Claite
6 TIME SIGNAL 53.5 (17) J Powell
7 BOLD MIRAGE 52.5 (1) T Turner
8 MOONRISE 52 (20) P Carbery
9 MR TAMBOURINEMAN 51.5 (18) L Camilleri
10 OUR ANNABEL 51.5 (2) J Whiting
11 ZERO POINT 51.5 (10) TBA
12 DANANMATT 51 (11) T Jackman
13 DELA VENTOSA 51 (13) TBA
14 FUJIAMA 51 (4) TBA
15 HIGGINS GOLD 51 (19) A Samson
16 PLAY THE WHISTLE 51 (9) TBA
17 SUPER MOSS 51 (7) D Staeck
18 TUARTS PRIDE 51 (15) N Chapman
19 UNO JACK (1 Em) 51 (5) TBA
20 GILLS DREAM (2 Em) 51 (16) TBA

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-29 09:59 ]

SO CANNY – 7YO best rating over 1600m in March 2000. Best distance range 1600m-2200m. Current preparation racing a bit below best. Two starts back defeated a number of Cup rivals over 2200m at Ascot, running on well. Meets most of those rivals a bit worse off at the weights. Last start in the CB COX Stakes ran on fairly to be beaten 3len by Bold Mirage. Meets both Bold Mirage and Tumeric (2nd in that race) worse off at the weights. Has an EW chance – but a bit of a doubt at the journey.



HONOR LAP – 4YO Oaks & Derby winner back in April this year, running on well on both occasions over the 2400m. Five runs back from a spell, should be primed to run a big race. Disappointing last start in the CB COX Stakes when beaten 4len & failing to produce anything like her customarily finishing burst. May have had excuses though, as was reported in season on race day. One of the better chances, & on past performances should handle the 3200m.



ALIBI BAY – 5YO best rating over 1600m in October this year. Best distance range 1600m-2400m. Current preparation rating best to-date. Last start in the CB COX Stakes 3rd, running on fairly to be beaten 1.5len by Bold Mirage. Meets Bold Mirage 1.5kg worse off on that run. An EW chance but was well beaten (6.5len) in last year's Cup, fading over the final stages. Based on that run must be doubtful at the distance again.


EXIT LANE – 7YO best rating over 1400m in December 2001. Best distance range 1400m-2200m. Very interesting runner who until last start had never gone further than 2200m. Has some outstanding form over the shorter distances. Last start rated well below best (shorter distance form), but still managed to run 6th beaten 2.75len, running on fairly, in the CB COX Stakes.
Although he meets the winner - Bold Mirage 2.5kg worse off on that run, would have an EW chance, if he has been improved by that hit-out. Having said that, there must be some doubt that he can handle the step up to 3200m at only his second run beyond 2200m.



GOOD LUCK EVERYONE !


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:



[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-30 13:57 ]

Seems many are viewing your thread Sandgroper, yet you are receiving little or no feedback!

Non appreciating bunch, aren't they!

Wouldn't blame you if you didn't bother anymore.

I for one do appreciate your time & effort, Perth Placegetter. Thanks very much. :wink:

Looks to be nice odds on offer (WATab?) for Time Signal. NSWTab not betting on this race yet. Would not be surprised to see Time Signal (and Zero Point) much shorter on this side of Oz, when the action commences.

Thanks for all the information Sandgroper, not much coverage over here to-date. Thanks again.

Courtesy The West Australian website:

THE late withdrawal of stayer Thunder Hawk has freed jockey Jason Brown to take the ride on NSW raider Zero Point in Wednesday's $350,000 BMW Perth Cup (3200m) at Ascot.

Zero Point's trainer, Garry White, asked Brown to take the ride last week, when it became apparent WA's premier jockey, Paul Harvey, was getting cold feet about keeping a promise to ride the horse at 52kg - half a kilo above his handicap.

Brown could not immediately give a commitment to White because he was locked into recent Queensland acquisition Thunder Hawk for master trainer Fred Kersley.

But opportunity knocked for Brown when Thunder Hawk disappointed by running seventh in Saturday's ATA Stakes (2200m) and was scratched from the cup.

Brown won the 2000 Perth Cup on Luna Tudor for trainer Neville Parnham, who will saddle revived stayer Moonrise (Patrick Carbery) in the cup.

The 2000-2001 champion rider finished second to Cardinal Colours on Give Me A Chance in the cup last January.

"Zero Point has the advantage of having run over the distance," Brown said yesterday.

"I've seen him at the track and he looks a big strong type and I am sure that run will top him off for the race.

"I couldn't commit to Zero Point when I was first asked to ride him last Monday because of my obligation to Thunder Hawk."

Brown has no problem riding the gelding at 51.5.

Harvey rode Zero Point when he raced too fresh but finished on for a good 10th to Bold Mirage at his WA debut in last Saturday week's Cox Stakes (2400m).

Zero Point is the value bet of White's two runners. He is at $18 on the WA TAB's Sportsbet fixed-odds market. Stablemate and Queensland Cup winner Time Signal is paying $9.

Queensland jockey John Powell was due to fly into Perth last night to keep the ride on Time Signal, who has not raced since winning the Queensland Cup (3200m) on November 23.

White flew Zero Point and Time Signal over from Melbourne three weeks ago to get them acclimatised to Ascot.

"Zero Point has improved heaps on his first run here," White said. "He is the fittest he's ever been and will hold himself in good stead.

"Time Signal's work has been top class and I'm expecting him to be competitive, too."

The master of pace, Dan Miller, has the ride on WA Oaks placegetter Play The Whistle and, with no obvious front-runner in the race, many racegoers think the mare could fill the void.

Kersley said yesterday he was not against the idea of Play The Whistle leading.

Play The Whistle beat star filly Kalatiara in the Natasha Trophy (2200m) two years ago when Miller used catch-me-if-you-can tactics after joining the front-running Damascus Diva from about the 1400m.

"Leaders have a fairly good record in the cup and I wouldn't be disappointed if she was to race at the front," Kersley said.

"I was very encouraged by the way she finished over the last 100m on Saturday when she ran fifth to Mr Tambourineman in the ATA. Her form is better than it looks because the distances she has been racing over were too short."

Play The Whistle emerged as a star staying filly in 2000 with a second to Old Money in the WA Oaks (2400m) and a good eighth in the WATC Derby (2400m), before a race injury dashed hopes of a foray to SA for the Australasian and SA Oaks.

Just got back from a nice break down south Sandgroper so have only just caught up with your post.

You have certainly put in some effort Sandgroper and I’m another who doesn’t mind thanking you publicly for a job well done. Thanks, much appreciated!

Looking at the form of your two top (in betting) – Tumeric & Bold Mirage, Tumeric has only started twice over 2400m (2nd on both occasions) and Bold Mirage only once – his last start win in the CB COX Stakes. All their other starts have been over 2200m or less. This is a worry, especially if there is pace on in the race i.e. a truly run 3200m event.

Many others seem to be in a similar position. eg. Exit Lane – only 1 start over 2400m (unplaced), So Canny only 1 start over 2400m (unplaced), Mr Tambourineman – only 1 start over 2400m (3rd) and Play The Whistle only started twice (2nd & unplaced)

Alibi Bay, Our Annabel, Super Moss & Dela Ventosa have previously failed at the distance.

Higgins Gold & Dananmatt do look to be the up & comers. Like the fact that both are lightly raced, are in form & have both had a couple of tries over the 2400m.

Higgins Gold has run & won twice over the 2400m. Dananmatt has also run twice over 2400m for a 2nd and unplaced (although not beaten far, running on from last – 16th to finish 8th beaten 3.75len).

Honor Lap would have to be a chance if she can recapture her 3YO form.

But the bulk of my money will be on the eastern states duo.

I did back Time Signal in the Queensland Cup and made a nice profit thank you very much. If that run has done him no harm, can’t see why he can’t win again.

And Zero Point is weighted to finish closer and could turn the tables with luck in running.


Anyway, all the best to those taking the punt!

Thanks for the thanks - Paddy, BettyBoop & Rogan Josh.

Are you guys some sort of tag-team?! :lol:

Weather is warming up over here again, predict 32 degrees for Cup day. Let's hope it gets no hotter!

Understand your logic Rogan Josh. Did say early on in this thread that this year, the invaders have a real good chance to take the Cup home with them. Only two have made it, but both are real good chances.

Don't rule out the local brigade altogether Rogan Josh. Tumeric & Bold Mirage in particular are well placed at the weights, Mr Tambourineman, Dananmatt & Higgins Gold are racing at their best & and there a number of other chances, if they put their best foot forward on the day.

As always I'll be backing the value horses - those at odds equal or greater than the prices I have framed.

Have already secured good overs for a few on SPORTSBet (ozbet) over here & looking forward to what I can secure on the day.

As before, good luck to all those punting on the Cup.

_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:



[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-30 16:58 ]

Latest Betting Moves-

1 EXIT LANE 55 $12
2 ALIBI BAY 54 was $14 now $11
3 HONOR LAP 54 was $13 now $14
4 SO CANNY 54 was $21 now $23
5 TUMERIC 54 $5
6 TIME SIGNAL 53.5 $9
7 BOLD MIRAGE 52.5 was $5.50 now $6.50
8 MOONRISE 52 $17
9 MR TAMBOURINEMAN 51.5 was $7.50 now $8
10 OUR ANNABEL 51.5 $41
11 ZERO POINT 51.5 was $16 now $18
12 DANANMATT 51 was $12 now $11
13 DELA VENTOSA 51 was $201 now $151
14 FUJIAMA 51 $81
15 HIGGINS GOLD 51 $12
16 PLAY THE WHISTLE 51 was $201 now $31 :eek:
17 SUPER MOSS 51 was $31 now $41
18 TUARTS PRIDE 51 $26
19 UNO JACK (1 Em) 51 was $251 now $201
20 GILLS DREAM (2 Em) 51 $251


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-30 16:56 ]

Thanks for supplying this info Sandgroper - much appreciated.
:wink:

Thanks Sandgroper.
I looked at the breeding for some of the chances.
Bold Mirage surprised a few last start. His dam Mirramanda produced the 92 Cup winner Mirror Magic. He's sure to have a soft run on the fence not far off the lead.
Tumeric flashing runs last 2, has bar 3. His dad Old Spice needs no introduction. Had a brilliant daughter called Natasha and son Field Officer won the 93 Cup. Last prep. he was settling a little closer so maybe JClaite can sit midfield here.
Mr.Tambourineman bad barrier and needs to improve but dad Serheed has produced the 98 Cup winner Heed the Toll. (Another son, a hack called Northerly, had the breeding to run the Melbourne Cup distance.)
I'm not rapped in Time Signal, though proven at distance winning Brisbane Cup. This is a stronger field, he's had a 38day break and he's up 2.5kg net wise(over limit). Trainer keeps offing positive vibes though.
Alibi Bay flopped last year after good lead up form.
Exit Lane very interesting. At first 2400+ distance run last start ran on strongly. At the weights can't beat Bold Mirage but maybe it can run the supreme distance better?
Dananmatt ran on strongly last start and drops 7kg and though meets Bold Mirage slightly better will be giving him a decent start at the 800m.
9 races on, hoping a big crowd turns out.
Good luck all.

Courtesy The West Australian website:

ALAN MATHEWS does not see himself as a seer like Nostradamus, but a prediction he made three years ago could become reality tomorrow.

The man known as the cups king of WA will play another strong hand in the $350,000 BMW Perth Cup (3200m) when he saddles the two most favoured runners, Tumeric and Bold Mirage.

Three years ago, when he was enjoying the excitement of winning his fifth Perth Cup with Lottila Bay, Mathews was asked about his prospects of winning a sixth cup.

He fired back that he had a maiden running at Bunbury two days later who "could be my next cup winner".

The horse was Bold Mirage - a $27,500 yearling who was a half-brother to 1992 Perth Cup winner Mirror Magic.

"John Chalmers had bought Bold Mirage in New Zealand," Mathews recalled. "He goes to New Zealand to buy stayers - so I knew the horse would have that potential."

For part-owner Chalmers, history could repeat through Bold Mirage, who can emulate Chalmers' good mare Mirror Magic by winning the Cox Stakes-Perth Cup double in the same season.

Mathews won his first cup with Word Of Honour in 1990. Word Of Honour ran a close second to Zamlight 12 months later before Mathews won successive cups between 1992-94 with Mirror Magic, Field Officer and Palatious.

Lottila Bay was his oldest cup winner at 10 years in 2001 and stablemate Shoeless ran a brave third to Cardinal Colours in the last cup.

Lottila Bay joined Magistrate, who won in 1981 and 82, as the oldest horse to win the cup in its 116-year history.

Lottila Bay's cup win also signalled the re-emergence of Mathews' stable.

A drop in the number of owners - because horse racing became too unprofitable - meant increased competition for those who did survive.

And Mathews' fame as a Perth Cup-winning trainer had back-fired on him because many owners dismissed him in favour of trainers who could offer a faster return by churning out sprinters.

"The majority of horses coming into my stable are still stayers," Mathews said. "But it has been good to have success, too, with sprinters like Island Light."

Mathews counts himself lucky that Tumeric and Bold Mirage have had a faultless preparation leading up to the cup. He knows too well that one slight knock or cut in the wrong place or at the wrong time could sabotage months of planning and preparation.

"They worked very well on the main grass at Ascot on Saturday," he said. "They are fit and well.

"And they've drawn good barriers, which is a big help."

Thanks EI and red. Some interesting input there, red.

Would also be interested on how Higgins Gold stacks up on the pedigree side.

Note that Troy Jackman has been granted permission to ride Dananmatt 0.5kg over (will now carry 51.5kg) and Kevin Forrester has been granted permission to ride Fujiama 1.0kg over (will now carry 52.0kg)

Latest Betting Moves-

1 EXIT LANE 55 $12
2 ALIBI BAY 54 was $11 now $12
3 HONOR LAP 54 was $14 now $16
4 SO CANNY 54 was $23 now $31
5 TUMERIC 54 was $5 now $4.50
6 TIME SIGNAL 53.5 was $9 now $10
7 BOLD MIRAGE 52.5 was $6.50 now $7.00
8 MOONRISE 52 was $17 now $18
9 MR TAMBOURINEMAN 51.5 was $8 now $9
10 OUR ANNABEL 51.5 was $41 now $51
11 ZERO POINT 51.5 was $18 now $16
12 DANANMATT 51 was $11 now $9
13 DELA VENTOSA 51 was $151 now $81
14 FUJIAMA 51 was $81 now $51
15 HIGGINS GOLD 51 $12
16 PLAY THE WHISTLE 51 $31
17 SUPER MOSS 51 $41
18 TUARTS PRIDE 51 was $26 now $41
19 UNO JACK (1 Em) 51 was $201 now $251
20 GILLS DREAM (2 Em) 51 $251


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:



[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-31 14:22 ]

Sandgroper, couldn't find too much on Higgin's Gold. Great dam Vatilla won an Oaks and produced WA Derby winner Vortilla. So on breeding for 3200m is a query.
Bolter Moonrise ran 2nd in the race 2 years ago when also out of form.
Maybe there's a chance there will be a surprise leader(s). Some connections may want to replicate the Cardinal Colours feat of last year.
I hear it's going to be at least 33 celcius,
they'll be stocking up the Swan.
Let's have a great start to the new year.

Exit Lane appears to be good value at the $12.00 on offer. Has been thereabouts in last three starts without too much luck and would at least be worth a place or multiple ticket.

Bold Mirage appears to be one of the most consistent types lately and the major worry is the lack of tsting at the distance.

Tumeric appears to be poor value at the odds quoted, I would suggest that the TAB price will be significantly better at the jump.
Tumeric has the class advantage, given runs over recent quality races.

Exit Lane
Tumeric
Bold Mirage
Time Signal (for exotics or replacement for scratchings).

I’ve given it serious consideration (and given myself a headache to boot!)

Honor Lap (no. 3) for me. Been set for this race since she won both the Oaks & the Derby earlier this year, running on strongly on both occasions. I expect lovely EW odds.

Tumeric (no. 5) and Bold Mirage (no. 7) the hardest to beat. In form & well weighted.

Will also include Time Signal (no. 6), proven at the distance – most other runners are an unknown over the 3200m.

And a Happy New Year to all !!

I think the the Eastern seaborders are in this with a great chance.

Time Signal
Zero Point
Tumeric

A happy and safe New Years everybody.

I'll be back a bit later with my selections for the cup. Have to go and take a few painkillers first. Never thought I'd say it - but I think I had too much of the black stuff last night!

Courtesy The West Australian website:

YOUNG trainer Paul Miller had a shocking start to the New Year when his well fancied stayer Alibi Bay went lame and had to be scratched from today's $350,000 BMW Perth Cup (3200m).

Alibi Bay was found to have strained a tendon on his off fore-leg late yesterday afternoon and was immediately withdrawn from the race.

Alibi Bay, third in the Cox Stakes last start, was well fancied by punters at $10 on pre-post TAB Sportsbet fixed-odds markets.

Miller, at 25 the youngest trainer with a cup runner today, will now rely on revived stayer Super Moss ($31) to try to compensate for the loss of his star.

Jockey Jeff Noske is shooting for the stayers' grand slam when he rejoins tough galloper Exit Lane in the cup.

Noske is the reigning cups king, having won the Pinjarra and Bunbury cups on Exit Lane and the Coolgardie, Boulder and Kalgoorlie cups on Lawmaker.

No other rider has gone close to being so successful in those cups in a single year and a win today would cap an outstanding 12 months for the 37-year-old.

Noske encouraged trainer Megan Midgley to head Exit Lane towards the Perth Cup nine months ago, after winning the Bunbury Cup (2200m).

"He just relaxed so well," the jockey said. "You can put him to sleep in a race and wake him up when he needs to do something.

"The beauty of him is he can click up a gear and kick home strongly, something a lot of stayers can't do.

"He really looks like a stayer now. The weight has gone from his body and his ribs are showing.

"He is very fit."

Trainer Lindsey Smith knows Mr Tambourineman must overcome a horror draw (18) for the gelding to compensate for two near-misses in the cup in the past five years.

Smith's iron-tough stayer Old Cobber was runner-up to Heed The Toll in the 1998 cup and his super-staying filly Old Money had to be scratched from the 2001 cup, when hotly fancied to win.

"He mightn't be the greatest horse but he is mentally very tough," Smith said. "The cup was never on our plan this preparation but we shifted into it because he was staying so well.

"I thought his win in last Saturday's ATA Stakes was his best.

"I have been able to switch a few things about with him in his training and he is revitalised."

The scratching of Alibi Bay sparked a reshuffle of markets.

The Alan Mathews-trained pair Tumeric and Bold Mirage retained favouritism at $4.50 and $6 respectively. The TAB reported a bet of $2000 on Bold Mirage.

There was a late charge by punters on the cup's two raiders, Zero Point and Time Signal. A $2000 bet was laid on Zero Point to win $34,000 and another $2000 was bet on Time Signal to win $18,000.

Trainer Alan Mathews had the last word for punters when he said: "Both my horses are going great and I really think either could win.

"Bold Mirage has the ability to put a quick couple of lengths on them turning into the straight.

"They just need a bit of luck in running."

Poor Paddy! That will teach you :lol:

Thanks for your additional input red, we will just have to wait & see re Higgins Gold. Agree Moonrise could surprise at nice EW odds. Play The Whistle & Super Moss both like to lead, but are each prepared to take each other on?

Listening to the trainer of Time Signal / Zero Point this morning, seems Time Signal will race best with plenty of pace on. If this is not the case today, could it be that Zero Point might take an upfront position or even challenge for the lead, in an effort to ensure a true pace is on for the Cup – again we will have to wait and see what transpires.

Latest Betting Moves-

1 EXIT LANE 55 $12
2 ALIBI BAY 54 SCRATCHED
3 HONOR LAP 54 was $16 now $12
4 SO CANNY 54 $31
5 TUMERIC 54 was $5 now $4.50
6 TIME SIGNAL 53.5 was $10 now $11
7 BOLD MIRAGE 52.5 was $7.00 now $5.50
8 MOONRISE 52 was $18 now $31
9 MR TAMBOURINEMAN 51.5 was $9 now $10
10 OUR ANNABEL 51.5 was $51 now $71
11 ZERO POINT 51.5 $16
12 DANANMATT 51 was $9 now $10
13 DELA VENTOSA 51 $81
14 FUJIAMA 51 was $51 now $31
15 HIGGINS GOLD 51 was $12 now $13
16 PLAY THE WHISTLE 51 $31
17 SUPER MOSS 51 was $41 now $26
18 TUARTS PRIDE 51 was $41 now $51
19 UNO JACK (1 Em) 51 was $251 now $201
20 GILLS DREAM (2 Em) 51 SCRATCHED

Sandgroper signing off for the day – Happy New Year everyone!


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:

[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2003-01-01 11:58 ]

(1) Exit Lane looks tuned up for this , been steadily gaining form as distance has stepped up and is racing like a genuine two miler.

(5) Tumeric for second for obvious reasons great run in the Cox Stakes and trained by A Matthews of course.

Chuck in (12) Dannamatt for value , lightly raced 5yo ran a fair race in the Cox Stakes , run before was quite good and drops 7kgs from Cox Stakes run.