Victoria Cup

[Richard prior]

Another very good race coming up on Saturday week. Not exactly sure who will be in the race but I believe that Beautide and Im Victorious are heading that way. Would love to see Christen Me and For a Reason also compete and Restrepo back on his home turf will be tough. Fairly sure that Lance will be keen to get Trigger up for the race and it's shaping to be another outstanding contest. A real pity that Terror to Love is heading back to NZ after putting in a shocker in the MM.

[G-Mac]

Cranbourne Cup looks like a nice little entree too.

[Richard prior]

Yes Glen, a few horses going around in it that are just on the verge on off making the step into open company. Pretty good field and fairly evenly matched which always makes a good contest.

[Richard prior]

All appears well with Bitobliss, he went around in a trial today at Kilmore, last 1/2 55.3, last quarter 27.5.

[Smoken]

Great race it will be! Hope Trigger is resting up & ready to rumble on the night!

[Big Mac]

Can't wait to see who's in and who doesn't make it. Should be a great spectacle on Saturday night.

[Maorisidol]

Terrorway great run, would've won if out earlier, flew home, he's back in form!

[Richard prior]

They reckon at least 6 will line up from the MM Field:
Beautide
Christen Me
For a Reason
Im Victorious
Smoken Up
Restrepo
Then you have:
Wartime Sweetheart(Q)
The Gold Ace(Q)
Bitobliss
Terrorway(on last nights effort)

[Njcstables]

They reckon at least 6 will line up from the MM Field:
Beautide
Christen Me
For a Reason
Im Victorious
Smoken Up
Restrepo
Then you have:
Wartime Sweetheart(Q)
The Gold Ace(Q)
Bitobliss
Terrorway(on last nights effort)

Others:
Ideal Scott (GC winner this year)
Caribeen blaster
Abettorpunt
Chancellor Cullen?
Washakie (on last nights efforts)

[Richard prior]

Forgot Abettorpunt sorry, he's been very good this season and Washakie was super last night. Still some spots up for grabs. The 2 Terror's ran well last night to fill the minor placings and Caribbean Blaster was a good run.

[p plater]

Others:
Ideal Scott (GC winner this year)
Caribeen blaster
Abettorpunt
Chancellor Cullen?
Washakie (on last nights efforts)

Ideal Scott would be doubtful on last nights run, imo, plus he was vetted after the race.
John McCarthur said Washakie not being entered.

Regardless it will be a very strong field.

[HaroldParker]

Bitobliss last 3 starts = 11th, 9th & 3rd. Blaster (reigning Champ) and Punt are surely ahead of him.

Smoken Up is 1000-1 against this lot around Melton. I'd leave him out too.

[Richard prior]

It will probably come down to the draw for Smoken Up, if he draws a bad marble, Lance will more than likely look at other options. I'm sure a few of his followers would take you up on the 1000/1 if he drew the pole.

[Big Mac]

Noms are in. I believe this is order of ranking.
Beautide
Restrepo
I'm victorious
I'm Corzin terror
For a reason
The gold ace
Abettorpunt
Wartime sweetheart
Smoken up
Youranut
Terrorway
Christen me
Bitobliss
Field officer
Caribbean blaster
Alchemy
Broadway's best
Mah Sish

[Richard prior]

When's the Final field drawn?? Should be a cracker with some of the horses you have mentioned Dean. You would have to think that the 6 from the MM will get a start. Bob is offering 1000/1 about Smoken Up, I'm surprised some SU fans haven't replied or taken him up on it. It's going to be a great race and will probably come down to barrier draws again as it will be a very tight race with many chances.

[aussiebreno]

When's the Final field drawn?? Should be a cracker with some of the horses you have mentioned Dean. You would have to think that the 6 from the MM will get a start. Bob is offering 1000/1 about Smoken Up, I'm surprised some SU fans haven't replied or taken him up on it. It's going to be a great race and will probably come down to barrier draws again as it will be a very tight race with many chances.
Fields out 10.30 tomorrow morning.

[Richard prior]

Thanks Breno.

[harness racing]

Big Mac i went to http://www.harnessweb.com.au/ no vic cup noms to be seen. Anyone know the website to view the noms? Thanks.

[Greg Hando]

Horse Driver Hc Age Sex Assessment Points Other Engagements
BEAUTIDE J R Rattray FT 6 Gelding M6 C30 R30 56
RESTREPO G Lang FT 5 Horse M4 C11 R11 54
IM VICTORIOUS NZ J K Prentice FT 5 Gelding M9 C17 R18 54
IM CORZIN TERROR NZ C A Alford FT 6 Gelding M5 C12 R12 53
FOR A REASON L A McCarthy FT 7 Horse M5 C16 R16 52
THE GOLD ACE NZ A J McCarthy FT 6 Horse M8 C15 R15 49
ABETTORPUNT M J Craven FT 6 Gelding M6 C15 R15 49
WARTIME SWEETHEART NZ D Aiken FT 7 Gelding M5 C13 R14 47
SMOKEN UP NZ L J Justice FT 11 Gelding M55 C62 R62 46
YOURANUT G R Sugars FT 5 Gelding M2 C12 R12 45
TERRORWAY NZ J P McCarthy FT 7 Gelding M10 C17 R17 44
CHRISTEN ME NZ D J Dunn FT 5 Gelding M9 C16 R16 44
BITOBLISS S C Stewart FT 7 Horse M10 C17 R18 44
FIELD OFFICER NZ G W Dixon FT 5 Gelding M3 C8 R8 41
CARIBBEAN BLASTER K M Gath FT 6 Horse M11 C19 R21 41
ALCHEMY NZ L J Justice FT 7 Gelding M1 C13 R14 40
BROADWAYS BEST D K Douglas FT 8 Mare M14 C25 R25 35
MAH SISH NZ A M Butt FT 7 Gelding M4 C12 R12 32


How many horses do they allow in the field ?

[harness racing]

Horse Driver Hc Age Sex Assessment Points Other Engagements
BEAUTIDE J R Rattray FT 6 Gelding M6 C30 R30 56
RESTREPO G Lang FT 5 Horse M4 C11 R11 54
IM VICTORIOUS NZ J K Prentice FT 5 Gelding M9 C17 R18 54
IM CORZIN TERROR NZ C A Alford FT 6 Gelding M5 C12 R12 53 1-YGC13121301,3-MXM14121302
FOR A REASON L A McCarthy FT 7 Horse M5 C16 R16 52
THE GOLD ACE NZ A J McCarthy FT 6 Horse M8 C15 R15 49
ABETTORPUNT M J Craven FT 6 Gelding M6 C15 R15 49 2-MXM14121302
WARTIME SWEETHEART NZ D Aiken FT 7 Gelding M5 C13 R13 47
SMOKEN UP NZ L J Justice FT 11 Gelding M55 C62 R62 46
YOURANUT G R Sugars FT 5 Gelding M2 C12 R12 45 2-MXM14121302
TERRORWAY NZ J P McCarthy FT 7 Gelding M10 C17 R17 44
CHRISTEN ME NZ D J Dunn FT 5 Gelding M9 C16 R16 44
BITOBLISS S C Stewart FT 7 Horse M10 C17 R18 44
FIELD OFFICER NZ G W Dixon FT 5 Gelding M3 C8 R8 41 2-APM14121305
CARIBBEAN BLASTER K M Gath FT 6 Horse M11 C19 R21 41
ALCHEMY NZ L J Justice FT 7 Gelding M1 C13 R14 40 1-MXM14121305,2-MXM14121302
BROADWAYS BEST D K Douglas FT 8 Mare M14 C25 R25 35 2-MXM14121302
MAH SISH NZ A M Butt FT 7 Gelding M4 C12 R12 32 2-MXM14121302

Link? So that i can view it in the future thanks. Greg 12 horses in the field.

[Greg Hando]

Harness Web

[Big Mac]

When you go to harnessweb you need to register to get info.

[HaroldParker]

Those rankings can't be correct unless Dean Braun is the Handicapper :)

[Big Mac]

Bitobliss. Bendigo trial tonight.
Last mile 1.58.6
Last half 55
Last 1/4 27.1

[Richard prior]

Mr Stewart wouldn't have pushed him either, that's pretty sharp.

[Big Mac]

Let's hope he gets a run and a good draw. Somewhere between 1 & 3 would be nice.

[Big Mac]

Thanks for that info

[harness racing]

When you go to harnessweb you need to register to get info.

There is no register button

[Toohard]

There is no register button

Up the top left corner (see pic attached)... Or click on "Dont have an account?".

Cheers

[G-Mac]

Ron's going to love this barrier draw!

[Big Mac]

Field for Victoria cup.

1. Bitobliss
2. Wartime sweetheart
3. Caribbean blaster
4. Restrepo
5. Smoken up
6. I'm victorious
7. The gold ace
8. Mah Sish
9. For a reason
10. Terrorway
11. Beautide
12. Abettorpunt (emg)
13. Christen me

The draw really opens up the race.

[Smoken]

Very good draw for Trigger! Was someone offering odds of 1000-1 for Trigger :p

[Richard prior]

Harold Parker Smoken. Mah Sish a little lucky to get a start over Abettorpunt, Victorians have drawn well.

[aussiebreno]

I'll give you 8 -1 about Trigger?

Great race, can't wait.

Just a couple things on early odds.

Restrepo a definite winning chance but too short for mine. I had him $6.50. TAB got $4 fav. If does get lead, will have Trigger putting pressure. Won't get easy time of things and you'd think one of Beautide, Christen Me or FAR can get a nice cart up and run past him if enough pressure is put on. If he ends up running line with the amount of moves he will be on level playing field with Beautide, Christen Me and FAR so to take $4 just too short. Plus if Restepo in running line it means Bitobliss getting a charmed run.

Smoken Up too short. $6 is crazy after being comfortably ran down by 4 horses in the Miracle Mile that all line up here. A) Will have more pressure on this race if he does lead and B) If he death seats its a tougher run than Menangle and he couldn't win there.

Carribean Blaster too short at $9. I was on him when he won last year but don't think he is going quite as well this year. He did make some ground 3 wide in a 26.7 third quarter at Cranbourne so had excuses but he never looked like challenging. Just sort of ran on ok. Good draw on paper is irrelevant, won't be challenging for early lead because it will do a Blucolla Tigerpie in the Trueur, will end up 1-1 or 1-2. So will either get stuck in the running line a lap out or have to head the three wide line last week, and not sure how he go giving Beautide, Christen Me or FAR a cart into it. They peel off his back and catch ya later.

Bitobliss overs. I had him at $4.50 but got $7. He has never brought his best to the big stage but we know his times around Melton and the way he does it put him up there with the best. The 1.55.4 effort three wide from the tail 4 starts back wins this from the draw. The Kilmore run was one of his common WTF runs before he was never in the race the Legends. He ran on great last time out and from the draw. Trials seem to be ticking on ok. He usually sits out of the early speed battles but thats due to not getting draws, so not sure how he will go if an early speed battles arises but willing to take punt at $7.

I think with no Blacks a Fake, Smoken Up at his best from 2-5 seasons ago, or ITMQ there isn't a horse in Aust that can win from anywhere at this level and you back confidently from any draw. Maybe Beautide can, but not willing to take $5.50 when he is untested at anything other than a mile at this standard. Christen Me was looking like he would become that horse 6-12 months ago but doesn't seem to have progressed to that point yet. With this in mind is why I have settled on Bitobliss, I think a good run will be crucial in determining the winner in such an even field and from that draw he has the best chance at getting the best run in the race.

[HaroldParker]

Mah Sish gets a start over Abettorpunt ? that's stunning.

Having had the odd conversation with a Handicapper or two and various administrators, I'm convinced now more than ever that the majority of them are clueless when it comes to form.

I thought the mob in NSW were bad : )

[HaroldParker]

and Yes, Smoken Up is indeed 1000-1 in this race. He has zero chance. Likewise, Bitobliss ... well unless you're the VHRC Handicapper or Administrator. They think it's it 2010 : )

[Toohard]

and Yes, Smoken Up is indeed 1000-1 in this race. He has zero chance. Likewise, Bitobliss ... well unless you're the VHRC Handicapper or Administrator. They think it's it 2010 : )

You'll no doubt eat your words Bob? On face of it you probably right. But that not why we go to watch every week. We don't bet. Just go watch and cheer for the brave ones. Reckon 100ms out we still be yelling.. Go Trigger!!!

[aussiebreno]

You'll no doubt eat your words Bob? On face of it you probably right. But that not why we go to watch every week. We don't bet. Just go watch and cheer for the brave ones. Reckon 100ms out we still be yelling.. Go Trigger!!!
Not to sure what you will be cheering when Daisy gets the footy :p I'm still undecided myself.

I'd love to be at Melton and hear the place erupt should Smoken Up salute!

[Richard prior]

Good on ya Paul, That's what it's all about, The love of the game. Bob needs to give himself an uppercut. How quickly some people write off a very good horse?? Look, he might not win but there's every chance he will run a very good race. One thing is for certain, with Smoken Up in the field, there will be no loafing.

[Toohard]

Daisy?? FFS!! Gave up on them when they canned B Ratten.

Told my young bloke many tales of brave ones on our treks. None will match what Trigger done and he seen. Just will not happen. Very, very happy he seen it. No disrespect any other horse.... but to us THE KING OF HORSES.. Go Trigger!!

[Mighty Atom]

Ron's going to love this barrier draw!

Hi Glen, not sure if you meant me but I'm speechless........ Vic 1-5

[Smoken]

Mah Sish gets a start over Abettorpunt ? that's stunning.

Having had the odd conversation with a Handicapper or two and various administrators, I'm convinced now more than ever that the majority of them are clueless when it comes to form.

I thought the mob in NSW were bad : )

If you are right, which i think you are not, i will change my name to Harold Bishop and marry Madge Ramsay :P

[harness racing]

Up the top left corner (see pic attached)... Or click on "Dont have an account?".

Cheers


When you go to harnessweb you need to register to get info.

I'm now registered thanks for your help.

[littlelenny]

Bob just curious what would your trifecta pay for Bitobliss, Smoken Up, Christen Me?

The barrier has definetly shaped it up to be one mighty race. The biggest winner at the draw has gotta be Bitobliss now he just needs to bring his A game.

[HaroldParker]

Bob just curious what would your trifecta pay for Bitobliss, Smoken Up, Christen Me?

The barrier has definetly shaped it up to be one mighty race. The biggest winner at the draw has gotta be Bitobliss now he just needs to bring his A game.

Hey Lenny, I think all 3 are a lay ... so 3500-1 : )

Bitobliss has no option but to protect the inside at all costs. I think The Gold Ace is the immediate threat early, more so than Smoken Up. Either way I don't see him burning the candle at both ends.

Christen Me is way under the odds. I wasn't as taken with his Mile run as everyone else on the planet. Well not enough to take $5 from that draw on the back of it. He did nothing early, got up there comfortably in a race that turned into a 400m (26.2) dash up the straight.

For A Reason touched $15 today, $4.50 a place. That's incredible value. Luke McCarthy is the best big race driver in Australasia. He'll give the horse every chance. I love the $7.50 a place on offer for Terrorway. I'll nibble away at the 25-1.

[Richard prior]

Okay Bob, So your tip is For a Reason in the Cup, is that correct?? You have made some good points, there's a bit of value in the wider market which is always good. Now you have to come up with 3 more tips for the night and the big trotting race has to be included. This is a great chance to earn bragging rights and maybe knock off the wily veteran from the Hunter Valley(lol) Good luck

[G-Mac]

Hi Glen, not sure if you meant me but I'm speechless........ Vic 1-5

I did mean you Rod. My apologies.

[aussiebreno]

I'll give you 8 -1 about Trigger?

Great race, can't wait.

Just a couple things on early odds.

Restrepo a definite winning chance but too short for mine. I had him $6.50. TAB got $4 fav. If does get lead, will have Trigger putting pressure. Won't get easy time of things and you'd think one of Beautide, Christen Me or FAR can get a nice cart up and run past him if enough pressure is put on. If he ends up running line with the amount of moves he will be on level playing field with Beautide, Christen Me and FAR so to take $4 just too short. Plus if Restepo in running line it means Bitobliss getting a charmed run.

Smoken Up too short. $6 is crazy after being comfortably ran down by 4 horses in the Miracle Mile that all line up here. A) Will have more pressure on this race if he does lead and B) If he death seats its a tougher run than Menangle and he couldn't win there.

Carribean Blaster too short at $9. I was on him when he won last year but don't think he is going quite as well this year. He did make some ground 3 wide in a 26.7 third quarter at Cranbourne so had excuses but he never looked like challenging. Just sort of ran on ok. Good draw on paper is irrelevant, won't be challenging for early lead because it will do a Blucolla Tigerpie in the Trueur, will end up 1-1 or 1-2. So will either get stuck in the running line a lap out or have to head the three wide line last week, and not sure how he go giving Beautide, Christen Me or FAR a cart into it. They peel off his back and catch ya later.

Bitobliss overs. I had him at $4.50 but got $7. He has never brought his best to the big stage but we know his times around Melton and the way he does it put him up there with the best. The 1.55.4 effort three wide from the tail 4 starts back wins this from the draw. The Kilmore run was one of his common WTF runs before he was never in the race the Legends. He ran on great last time out and from the draw. Trials seem to be ticking on ok. He usually sits out of the early speed battles but thats due to not getting draws, so not sure how he will go if an early speed battles arises but willing to take punt at $7.

I think with no Blacks a Fake, Smoken Up at his best from 2-5 seasons ago, or ITMQ there isn't a horse in Aust that can win from anywhere at this level and you back confidently from any draw. Maybe Beautide can, but not willing to take $5.50 when he is untested at anything other than a mile at this standard. Christen Me was looking like he would become that horse 6-12 months ago but doesn't seem to have progressed to that point yet. With this in mind is why I have settled on Bitobliss, I think a good run will be crucial in determining the winner in such an even field and from that draw he has the best chance at getting the best run in the race.
Got two things wrong, otherwise I was spot on but one of those two things was overrating Bitobliss and a hefty loss at end of day! The other thing I got a tad wrong was Carribean Blaster, but would have been happy to see him win it. Big run! Big run from Gold Ace as well. Beautide and Christen Me desperately unlucky, Terrorway just lost FAR back and those two just couldn't get into the race, never a chance. The best run and drive won it, well done FAR. Too good for em. Big achievement to go from top juvenile to stud to this!

[Richard prior]

Agree Breno, Great win by For a Reason and congratulations to the winning connections. It's astonishing to think that a horse could come back from a career ending injury and be able to compete and win at this level, it tells you a lot about the individual's guts and will to win. I will definitely be sending my No1 mare to him when he resumes his stud duties. Great to see Carribean Blaster back near his very best and Christen Me and Beautide must have run low 26's in their last quarter. Christen Me has certainly put any doubts about his ability to compete at this level to rest forever. Habibti went terrific last night in the Dullard and then to finish off a great nights racing, Blitzthemcalder gave the leader a huge start and bolted in. There's going to be some great clashes in the trotting races between these 2 in the future.

[Smoken]

Congratulations to FAR, CB & CM. Now tell me, has Smoken Up simply had enough of racing due to his age, or did something happen to him last night? He just stopped! Will Lance take him to SA after that run?
I hope he is ok health wise and gives the SA cup one last crack! I absolutely love Trigger :)

[Shannon]

did anyone clock christen me last 800?

[aussiebreno]

did anyone clock christen me last 800?
No point. Whatever it was will undersell him given got dragged back a length and lost momentum, was wide, and still had petrol in the tank!

[HaroldParker]

Congratulations to FAR, CB & CM. Now tell me, has Smoken Up simply had enough of racing due to his age, or did something happen to him last night? He just stopped! Will Lance take him to SA after that run?
I hope he is ok health wise and gives the SA cup one last crack! I absolutely love Trigger :)

Smoken Up went to war with Lance Justice' ego and the latter won convincingly. He was carved up.

The race panned out exactly as expected. For A Reason looked the winner a long way out. $15 for a horse of his caliber with Australasia's best big race driver aboard was a gift.

[Maorisidol]

Congratulations to FAR, CB & CM. Now tell me, has Smoken Up simply had enough of racing due to his age, or did something happen to him last night? He just stopped! Will Lance take him to SA after that run?
I hope he is ok health wise and gives the SA cup one last crack! I absolutely love Trigger :)

Yes, something did happen to him last night, he was crucified.
As if Gold Ace was gonna give up the lead after leading and winning at Cranbourne!
Crazy. Sad really...
Hopefully he has a freshen up, goes to SA and wins and then is retired on a high.

[Smoken]

Just read stewards comments

pre race swab, gate speed, hung in, outside leader at bell, pulled hard, vets examination after race, quer driving tactics

Hope the Champ wins his 5th S.A Cup as well :)

[Maorisidol]

Bitobliss outclassed. Very disappointing given his cushy run.
Wartime Sweetheart, "won" it's way in, shouldn't have been in in my opinion.
Caribbean Blaster, awesome, massive run. Great summer coming up.
Restrepo carried back by Trigger lost momentum was coming again.
Smoken Up, shoulda sat quiet in the death, I reckon Lance regrets his decision to challenge so hard.
I'm Victorious, was out the back, making a run on home turn, got squeezed by Terrorway who hung in, Johhny McC gave IV a nice elbow and put him off balance, looks like he ran into Restrepos wheel, galloped.
The Gold Ace, top run, he's definitely a new horse in the McCarthy stable.
Mah Sish, Anthony says not himself, correct.
For A Reason, super drive great victory.
Terrorway, ok for him, I think 2200m too short for him against these, was coming home ok after home turn bump and driver suspended. Another 200-400m and he's a better horse I reckon.
Beautide, great last 400 would have been quick, simply too far back
Christen Me, my run of the race. at the 400 was looking at the back of Rattrays helmet and beat him to the finish, super. If he wasn't 4-5 wide on the turn and of course closer, he wins hands down.

[Smoken]

Looking at the replay a few times over, I have to agree that the drive was madness.. If it was 2-5 years ago then Trigger could have handled it, but now that he is 11 not a wise move!
Very disappointing! Bitobliss went shocking! Seems to run a few good races a season and that's it.

[Richard prior]

Agree with Bob's comment, That was a crazy dive and Lance gave Smoken Up zero chance off winning the race by attacking The Gold Ace instead of just sitting in the breeze quietly and attacking a bit closer to the home turn. We have spoken for a little while now how SU will struggle against these horses coming through, FAR,CM and Beautide etc and last night really confirmed that. The nice big lush paddock awaits SU now and good luck to him if he is well enough to compete in the SA Cup but can't really seeing him worrying these other horses now. PS: congrats in tipping FAR Bob, that's a nice little Xmas bonus.

[Maorisidol]

FOR A REASON last 800 54.36 last 400 26.84 LAST MILE 1:53.32
CHRISTEN ME 53.95!!!!!!! 26.32 1:52.7
BEAUTIDE 54.26 26.61 1:53.12
TERRORWAY 54.92 27.25 1:53.80

[aussiebreno]

FOR A REASON last 800 54.36 last 400 26.84 LAST MILE 1:53.32
CHRISTEN ME 53.95!!!!!!! 26.32 1:52.7
BEAUTIDE 54.26 26.61 1:53.12
TERRORWAY 54.92 27.25 1:53.80

Similarities wuth ITMQ and Christen Me starting to appear!

[Richard prior]

He'll Yeh, Those 4 last quarters are motoring and Terrorway checked Im Victorious so his would have been a little quicker you would think.