Victoria Cup 2020

[Messenger]

It was a great lead up race at Bendigo tonight
An incredible field for a $20k FFA
Anne would be super happy with little Harley breaking the Tk Rec by over a second
You could have got $10 about him earlier in the week

Good run by Lochinvar Art when you consider the draws and he was only beat by 1.5m in record time
At the start of the year I thought he had champion stamped all over him but I am not as sure anymore
What a run by Code Black first up for 8 months

ps I was astounded that Shadow Sax started $14 (fixed) - he was first up for 11mths not having won for 22mths

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN190920#BNC19092001

[Messenger]

If LA ran his last mile in < 1.51 maybe I had better keep him on my future champion list :eek:

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Clash-of-superstar-Aussie-pacers

[Messenger]

The story is titled Million-dollar Pacer Ready to Cruze into Vic Cup tilt

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/million-dollar-pacer-ready-to-cruz-into-vic-cup-tilt/

The pic should be captioned 'Million-dollar Pacer defaced'

[Messenger]

Good run by Lochinvar Art when you consider the draws and he was only beat by 1.5m in record time
At the start of the year I thought he had champion stamped all over him but I am not as sure anymore




http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN190920#BNC19092001

:o

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX260920#MXM26092001

[Messenger]

It is interesting to see that none of the tipsters tip Ride High to win the Victoria Cup

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/top-25-panels-verdict-is-in-on-the-road-to-the-victoria-cup/

With 6 picking King Of Swing and 4 picking Lochinvar Art

[aussiebreno]

Here goes my take

1 Chicago Bull
2 Shockwave


I digress

1 King of Swing
2 Ride High
3 Lochinvar Art
4 Code Bailey
5 Cash N Flow
6 Balraj
7 Cruz Bromac
8 Alta Orlando
9 Anohther Masterpeice
10 Bling It On
11 Code Black
12 Cruz
13 Major Times
14 Tam Major
15 Hurricane Harley
16 Zennart
17 Out To Play
18-24 Blanket
25 San Carlo

[Messenger]

Ride High has drawn badly in the Smoken Up Sprint and you would not want to be giving him a gut buster a week out from the big one (David Moran seems to have worked things out better in my book)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX031020#MXM03102001

[Messenger]

My first thoughts on Ride High's draw for tonight have been tempered.
With only 5 off the front line now and the widest being stablemate Major Times
Isn't MT going to be sent forward from the start and Ride High is simply going to follow until he gets either the death or the lead?
$1.28 might be good odds for him

[Messenger]

Omg

[Messenger]

So Ride High is out

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-cup-ride-high-out-after-smoken-up-suspensory-injury/

I suspect Alabar could be relieved that there was something amiss on Saturday

With the barrier draw at 9.30am tomorrow morning on Sky2
When will the field be announced - tonight?

If King Of Swing doesn't come, Lochinvar Art could end up Even money with a good draw

Anne will be excited if Harley can draw well

Rishi is $71 on the VIC TAB - he has to get a start before some of those at shorter odds doesn't he?

[Showgrounds]

Ummm, I am no equine vet but I have more than done my bit in keeping their interest in the latest model Mercedes-Benz over the years.

I note Ride High had a veterinary examination after the race - not that you would know because the stewards report has not appeared on the HRA website even though the report for yesterday's Cranbourne meeting has. My Mercedes-financing, hard earnt and harder spent veterinary knowledge would suggest the horse would have shown some sign of lameness post-race, especially once it had cooled down and before it left the course. I find the explanation given in the HRV sponsored and sourced media article inconsistent with the experience I and many other participants have had with this type of injury.

Quote of the year nominee Clayton Tonkin said "we knew something wasn't right the other night". No kidding Sherlock!

The words minor an suspensory are rarely seen in the same sentence; I doubt any decent equine vet has ever been guilty of mixing the two.

More than anything, this rent-a-quote reporting is symptomatic of the industry funded media and leaves you longing for the independent, quality thinking and questioning minds of the likes of Richard Trembath and Bob Cain. I've been around the trots long enough to know if you accept something on face value make sure you are looking at the face!

[Messenger]

Critical mainstream media are certainly hard to find. Look at the way the gallops turned on The Age's Patrick Bartley

[Messenger]

So Ride High is out

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-cup-ride-high-out-after-smoken-up-suspensory-injury/

I suspect Alabar could be relieved that there was something amiss on Saturday

With the barrier draw at 9.30am tomorrow morning on Sky2
When will the field be announced - tonight?

If King Of Swing doesn't come, Lochinvar Art could end up Even money with a good draw

Anne will be excited if Harley can draw well

Rishi is $71 on the VIC TAB - he has to get a start before some of those at shorter odds doesn't he?

The market has gone down (why?) but it would seem from the following link that the field won't be known until the draw

https://www.racenet.com.au/news/superstar-pacer-ride-highs-shock-failure-explained-20201005

[Messenger]

The market has gone down (why?) but it would seem from the following link that the field won't be known until the draw

https://www.racenet.com.au/news/superstar-pacer-ride-highs-shock-failure-explained-20201005

I spoke too soon as here is the field

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-cup-runners-revealed-for-grand-circuit-classic/

ALTA ORLANDO NZ
BALRAJ NZ
BLING IT ON
CASH N FLOW NZ
CODE BAILEY NZ
CODE BLACK NZ
CRUZ BROMAC NZ
HURRICANE HARLEY
KING OF SWING NZ
LOCHINVAR ART
RISHI NZ
TAM MAJOR
MAJOR TIMES (1st Em)

[Showgrounds]

Critical mainstream media are certainly hard to find. Look at the way the gallops turned on The Age's Patrick Bartley

The sport's peak bodies are always looking for means to increase market share. At the same time, they are as ruthless as certain State premiers in keeping us in the dark, stifling debate and standing behind opaque glass in the name of transparency.

[Messenger]

So Ride High is out

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-cup-ride-high-out-after-smoken-up-suspensory-injury/

I suspect Alabar could be relieved that there was something amiss on Saturday

With the barrier draw at 9.30am tomorrow morning on Sky2
When will the field be announced - tonight?

If King Of Swing doesn't come, Lochinvar Art could end up Even money with a good draw

Anne will be excited if Harley can draw well

Rishi is $71 on the VIC TAB - he has to get a start before some of those at shorter odds doesn't he?

Rishi into $41 having made the field

https://www.tab.com.au/racing/2020-10-10/H/Melton%20(VIC)/Victoria%20Cup%20(Pre%20Draw)

[Messenger]

Amazing how the draw fell
Craig Cross = 5 front line draws
Emma Stewart = 4 second line draws


1: Balraj

2: Code Bailey

3: Bling It On

4: Lochinvar Art

5: Alta Orlando

6: Cash N Flow

7: King Of Swing

----

8: Code Black

9: Rishi

10: Tam Major

11: Hurricane Harley

12: Major Times (emg)

13: Cruz Bromac

[Messenger]

You're our resident New South Welshman Breno - how does that front line settle?

I have always been a fan of small tracks (mind you, small fields suit them better)
But I have to admit that a track like Menangle makes it more likely that the best horse wins
(2760m on this track would be better)

[aussiebreno]

You're our resident New South Welshman Breno - how does that front line settle?

I have always been a fan of small tracks (mind you, small fields suit them better)
But I have to admit that a track like Menangle makes it more likely that the best horse wins
(2760m on this track would be better)
Dartboard job!

Drivers will be interesting and make it a bit clearer I think.

I think Cash N Flow entitled to have a dip and maybe first go at this level Balraj takes a sit. Backfires if gets caught outside Arty but to be a winning chance must attempt it.

Does Moran say I'm good enough to win from the running line and forget about leading? Won't have to fight Balraj for the lead and then have another horse try and challenge him. Cash N Flow could even cross him easily enough anyway and then lead may even be there for the taking after 600m.

Solid watch and learn race for me.

Agree this race needs to be 2760m.

[aussiebreno]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-cup-mccarthy-says-balraj-number-one-after-perfect-draw/

Could be gamesmanship but no lead for Cash N Flow if this is to be believed. Can see things going horrid for KOS if tries to cross LA. While I think KOS is the best horse outside of Perth in the country he isn't a Blacks A Fake, Smoken Up or ITMQ type good that he can win out of turn.

[Messenger]

Alta Orlando is the only one we don't have a driver for now

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX101020#MXM10102001

Anthony Butt's thoughts

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-cup-butt-says-the-front-line-will-come-up-out-swinging/

[aussiebreno]

Hope thats smoke n mirrors from Anthony. While H2H I think KOS is the best horse in the race he lead from inside barriers in Hunter Cup and Miracle Mile. I'll be happy to be proven wrong and see a new superstar announce himself but I don't see it personally.

While I think there is questions on Balraj (given when he beat KOS was KOS first up and race won't be run with a 25.6 final qtr, and Zennarts flop a fortnight ago) I'm leaning he might be real deal.

I really don't think Lochinvar needs to get in an early speed burn, first up I don't think the appetite for Code Bailey to go too hard too early and Bling is best served with a final sprint so should be able to get the running line easy enough, be close enough and set alight at some stage and run past them. Nothing from the back line is going to be in a rush to get the death so won't get carted too far back in running line.

I think the market has got this pretty right.

Only bet I'd like to have is a Tam Major V Rishi head to head but doubt such a market will open.

[Messenger]

HYPOTHETICAL
If we reversed the draw ie the Front Line became the Back line

1: Code Black

2: Rishi

3: Tam Major

4: Hurricane Harley

5: Major Times (emg)

6: Cruz Bromac

____

8: Balraj

9: Code Bailey

10: Bling It On

11: Lochinvar Art

12: Alta Orlando

13: Cash N Flow

14: King Of Swing (I know there is no 14 draw but humour me)

Would Hurricane Harley and Code Black be top 2?

I think it illustrates that draw should not be that important = fairer tracks (sometimes distances too but we have to have sprint races, then again they should be small fields all front for the Big races eg MM)

I am only trying to put myself in an owner's shoes and I think it can be heartbreaking

I know it would do nothing for punting but maybe the best qualified should be given the advantage (draw selection) just as AFL finals are geared to rewarding the top teams

[aussiebreno]

HYPOTHETICAL
If we reversed the draw ie the Front Line became the Back line

1: Code Black

2: Rishi

3: Tam Major

4: Hurricane Harley

5: Major Times (emg)

6: Cruz Bromac

____

8: Balraj

9: Code Bailey

10: Bling It On

11: Lochinvar Art

12: Alta Orlando

13: Cash N Flow

14: King Of Swing (I know there is no 14 draw but humour me)

Would Hurricane Harley and Code Black be top 2?

I think it illustrates that draw should not be that important = fairer tracks (sometimes distances too but we have to have sprint races, then again they should be small fields all front for the Big races eg MM)

I am only trying to put myself in an owner's shoes and I think it can be heartbreaking

I know it would do nothing for punting but maybe the best qualified should be given the advantage (draw selection) just as AFL finals are geared to rewarding the top teams
I'd still have LA favourite. Line ball Code Black/Balraj 2nd fave.
Certainly have a good point though. I was thinking earlier in the week how much the market changed post draw compared to the big thoroughbred races that seen barely any change.

Basically swap Balraj with Alta Orlando and Cash N Flow and they switch prices. KOS would be fave.

Longer races and bigger tracks is the answer.

[Njcstables]

HYPOTHETICAL
If we reversed the draw ie the Front Line became the Back line

1: Code Black

2: Rishi

3: Tam Major

4: Hurricane Harley

5: Major Times (emg)

6: Cruz Bromac

____

8: Balraj

9: Code Bailey

10: Bling It On

11: Lochinvar Art

12: Alta Orlando

13: Cash N Flow

14: King Of Swing (I know there is no 14 draw but humour me)

Would Hurricane Harley and Code Black be top 2?

I think it illustrates that draw should not be that important = fairer tracks (sometimes distances too but we have to have sprint races, then again they should be small fields all front for the Big races eg MM)

I am only trying to put myself in an owner's shoes and I think it can be heartbreaking

I know it would do nothing for punting but maybe the best qualified should be given the advantage (draw selection) just as AFL finals are geared to rewarding the top teams

Hypothetical, keep the same draw, same track and distance but take the sprint lane out!

[Messenger]

Don't forget to enter the competition to pick the first 5

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/victoria-cup-pick-your-vic-cup-top-5-and-win/

[aussiebreno]

Here goes my take

1 Chicago Bull
2 Shockwave


I digress

1 King of Swing
2 Ride High
3 Lochinvar Art
4 Code Bailey
5 Cash N Flow
6 Balraj
7 Cruz Bromac
8 Alta Orlando
9 Anohther Masterpeice
10 Bling It On
11 Code Black
12 Cruz
13 Major Times
14 Tam Major
15 Hurricane Harley
16 Zennart
17 Out To Play
18-24 Blanket
25 San Carlo

Best 2 and best drive. Moran 1000000/10 drive

Can we have 6 horse MM King of Swing, Artyy, Bull, Shockwave, Self Assured, Spankem???? Maybe Turn It Up or another one

Could have easily got hooked into speed battle but patience is a virtue.

What a run

[Messenger]

And he takes 0.1 off the Tk Rec
The race really lived up to the expectations

[Messenger]

Did they ever do an article on the competition winner and whether anyone picked the first 5?

Important to follow these things up if we are to attract sponsors for competitions like this