Australasian Breeders Crown- Semi finals and 4yr old heats:

[macca11]

I may be wrong but i cant see The Gold Ace in the semi final line up?

4yr old heats this Sunday, note the time change.

[montana]

maybe next year when he turns 4

[The Big Mile]

Interesting racing tonight. I would only say great because the fields were very good but is Melton just one dimensional racing? I have always thought Melton to be a track where you quite simply have to be right on the top end otherwise you have no hope unless they go absolutely mental up front.

From the semis:

Magic Bliss had the good trail to win. I thought it went right off compared to its APG form but I think 3 over 3 would whip it with an even run. Waldenburg was frightfully impressive. Generally been driven cold at Menangle, but burnt out early and won easily in 1.56.2 which is stunningly fast for 2yo (I would think it would be nudging the track record?). Its all about the barrier draw which is a shame.

2yo fillies: Good to see the Kiwi star here. La Machane not disgraced in that semi while Shake It Mama relived its early season form with a sneaky win but that field looked poor and the favourite dropping right out. I reckon OIC is an out and out sit sprinter. Sometimes it doesn't work leading on them. $3.00 into $1.75 the punters didn't miss but the biggest surprise was Amy Tubbs not pushing out Secret Desire at all at the start. SD has missed the final. Can't see SIM troubling the other heat 1st and 3rd.

3yo CG: Sushi trackwork. What is so frightening with this horse is that he just does it so easily. He was bolting in that last qtr. I don't think the bottom has been found. In some ways I would like to see a barrier draw to force that to happen next week. Savesometimetodream bubble burst? Went too good last week to dismiss it off that run but it will be in the consolations. In the other heat: is Ian Dornauf a poor driver or is Royal Verdict a very hard horse to handle. Mustang Mach gifted the race but brilliant drive Alford, Caesars Folly went really well and showed it is up to the top grade racing but Excel Stride - he really is a star. He jogged in last week at MEnangle in 1.52.1 and did it on the bit. He is a different horse in front and if he finds the top next week he will give Sushi a big race. I reckon they will break 1.55 if ES leads and Sushi is forced to park. ES biggest problem is it seems to have high plodding speed if that makes sense. Not brilliant speed to pinch the front but then again with the barrier draws there could be some drivers very happy to gift the lead to ES. Going to make for a brilliant final if the barriers fall a certain way, otherwise its a Sushi benefit.

3yo fillies: Hasn't Tatiana Bromac found its true form recently. When it rolled up to the QLD and Australian Oaks it was nothing but an overrated squib. I think many people were asking how the hell did it run Carabella to a head in the Jewels. She has been fantastic last 3 starts and if she finds the top she should win. BUT, if Rainbow Dasher is drawn to lead I doubt Bucca will hand up especially after Rainbow Dasher went so well tonight. Aussie Made Lombo is feeling the pinch of having the arse raced out of her since day dot, and in all honesty Artistic Rainbow cannot possibly beat TB despite getting to 3m in the semi.

4yo tomorrow and barrier draws. Would love to see the barriers make some of the races really competitive.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Interesting racing tonight. I would only say great because the fields were very good but is Melton just one dimensional racing? I have always thought Melton to be a track where you quite simply have to be right on the top end otherwise you have no hope unless they go absolutely mental up front.

From the semis:

Magic Bliss had the good trail to win. I thought it went right off compared to its APG form but I think 3 over 3 would whip it with an even run. Waldenburg was frightfully impressive. Generally been driven cold at Menangle, but burnt out early and won easily in 1.56.2 which is stunningly fast for 2yo (I would think it would be nudging the track record?). Its all about the barrier draw which is a shame.

2yo fillies: Good to see the Kiwi star here. La Machane not disgraced in that semi while Shake It Mama relived its early season form with a sneaky win but that field looked poor and the favourite dropping right out. I reckon OIC is an out and out sit sprinter. Sometimes it doesn't work leading on them. $3.00 into $1.75 the punters didn't miss but the biggest surprise was Amy Tubbs not pushing out Secret Desire at all at the start. SD has missed the final. Can't see SIM troubling the other heat 1st and 3rd.

3yo CG: Sushi trackwork. What is so frightening with this horse is that he just does it so easily. He was bolting in that last qtr. I don't think the bottom has been found. In some ways I would like to see a barrier draw to force that to happen next week. Savesometimetodream bubble burst? Went too good last week to dismiss it off that run but it will be in the consolations. In the other heat: is Ian Dornauf a poor driver or is Royal Verdict a very hard horse to handle. Mustang Mach gifted the race but brilliant drive Alford, Caesars Folly went really well and showed it is up to the top grade racing but Excel Stride - he really is a star. He jogged in last week at MEnangle in 1.52.1 and did it on the bit. He is a different horse in front and if he finds the top next week he will give Sushi a big race. I reckon they will break 1.55 if ES leads and Sushi is forced to park. ES biggest problem is it seems to have high plodding speed if that makes sense. Not brilliant speed to pinch the front but then again with the barrier draws there could be some drivers very happy to gift the lead to ES. Going to make for a brilliant final if the barriers fall a certain way, otherwise its a Sushi benefit.

3yo fillies: Hasn't Tatiana Bromac found its true form recently. When it rolled up to the QLD and Australian Oaks it was nothing but an overrated squib. I think many people were asking how the hell did it run Carabella to a head in the Jewels. She has been fantastic last 3 starts and if she finds the top she should win. BUT, if Rainbow Dasher is drawn to lead I doubt Bucca will hand up especially after Rainbow Dasher went so well tonight. Aussie Made Lombo is feeling the pinch of having the arse raced out of her since day dot, and in all honesty Artistic Rainbow cannot possibly beat TB despite getting to 3m in the semi.

4yo tomorrow and barrier draws. Would love to see the barriers make some of the races really competitive.

Savesomtimetodream......paddock!

[Greg Hando]

You forgot the drive on Abettorpunt of C Lewis absolutely rubbish i wonder what he was he doing ? Was in another land and the steward's only queried driving tactic's all he managed to do was get in the road of Excel Stride should have got time for it IMO

[Frosty]

Abettorpunts run was the run of the race. He still finished 4th (and qualified for the final !) after racing 3 wide the trip. It was an "upside down " run race given that the driver of Royal Verdict sat 3 wide for so long. Lets wait and see what the draw for the final brings. I would not dismiss him as he is an electrifying sit sprint horse and it was not his go to race the way he did Friday night

[doubled123]

You forgot the drive on Abettorpunt of C Lewis absolutely rubbish i wonder what he was he doing ? Was in another land and the steward's only queried driving tactic's all he managed to do was get in the road of Excel Stride should have got time for it IMO

surely royal verdict was worse, held him 3 wide instead of taking cover and then abettor punt beat him home

[Village Kid]

Every winner today was in front at the bell, with the exception of the 1st race where the leader dead heated with the horse on its back.

Granted most leaders were the best horse in the race but its still a remarkable statistic.

[David Summers]

Yes it was a big day for leaders. I was really impressed with the development of David Hercules and think he will be one of the stars of future harness racing.

[mango]

Congrat's to Montana, Mightymo and Toohard who all had horses race in the 4yr old semi's yesty with 2 of them getting winner's and the other one placing 2nd. All the best next wk guy's.

[Toohard]

Thanks Mango

Got a close up look at Lanercost on Sunday as he was in the stall the other side of the wall from us. Thats one awesome looking beast and he races like he looks too.

We're going to need a lot more than luck. A few strategically placed lightning bolts might do the trick! And the all important gear change sure to help - Blinkers OFF - Spinnaker ON

We very, very proud of our lad for getting there. Considering his 'humble' background and all the problems he's had he's done an amazing job right throughout his career. His trainer does an unbelievable job with him.

We'll be having the time of our lives Sunday just being involved. In fact, We already are and it's only Tuesday. Wife reckons she moving us down the shed until next Monday!

Good luck Montana and Mightymo

[mightymo]

Thanks Toohard.

Which is your boy? tentolife or Palais de Louvre?

[Toohard]

Gday Mightymo

We're Palais Du Louvre. Cheers

[Don Corleone]

Good Luck to everyone of yous who are involved on Sunday. Great fields and I am looking forward to watching.

[montana]

thankyou for the well wishes and good luck to everyone here that has a horse racing on sunday. i attended the breeders crown last year but wont be making the trip this year unfortunately , its a fabulous day.

[justdoit]

All the best of luck to everyone with their horses racing or on the punt. After trying to re-schedule for sometime, I cannot make it on the day(notfinghappy).
Very disappointed as it is my favourite day of racing in Victoria, my winning selections will be withheld for good reason:)

[doubled123]

good luck everyone..i dont think most of you will need it, very smart horses just to have the made the finals

[triplev123]

thankyou for the well wishes and good luck to everyone here that has a horse racing on sunday. i attended the breeders crown last year but wont be making the trip this year unfortunately , its a fabulous day.

Go smack 'em Montana. Suggest to DG that he take no Prisoners ! Good luck.

[triplev123]

Gday Mightymo

We're Palais Du Louvre. Cheers

L. Miles. Does an excellent job. Good luck.