There are only a few more sleeps until the racing purists “day of the year” -VRC Derby Day – the most prestigious day on the Australian Racing Calendar. With four Group One races including the VRC Derby and a clutch of Group Two races including the Lexus and other black type races there will be plenty of excitement.
I doubt, however, it will hold a candle to the suspense and euphoria surrounding Winx’s historic third Cox Plate win.
The mare has dragged the crowds back to racing in droves, and like Black Caviar before her has captured the imagination of not just racing people but the Australian public.
There is no doubt the public would make Winx PM if they had their way – such is her popularity or perhaps her trainer Chris Waller (that’s right – he’s a Kiwi so bad luck, ineligible).
This is our last edition before that all important second Tuesday in November. With the final Cup field far from decided, I am sticking with one of the international raiders Marmelo. I also fancy Big Duke but how could you exclude Who Shot the Barman from your multiples. I will however be carefully scrutinizing any runners from the Hayes / Dabernick stable and the Weir yard once the field is finalised. Both stables are flying at the moment and winning form at this time of the year is as always good form.
Stewards handed out several suspensions on Caulfield Cup Day and continue their tough stance on interference. On Saturday they ruled Damien Oliver out of the remainder of the carnival slapping Ollie with a 20 meeting suspension. His brain snap in the Cox Plate could prove very expensive, it has cost him the ride on Cup favourite Almandin. Colourful international rider Frankie Dettori will take the reins.
So it’s time to get down to business – sharpen those pins, resurrect your favourite Melbourne Cup system, be it numbers, colours or names and order your form guide early from the newsagent so you have plenty of time to study the form.. You only have until Tuesday 3pm (EDST) or 2pm proper Queensland time to make those all-important selections.
Good luck
– Casey
Here’s one of the many guides to picking the Cup winner
Lead-up races
The Caulfield Cup, run three weeks before the Melbourne Cup, is the best indication of how a horse will perform in the big one. Statistically, horses that cope well with Caulfield are worth a punt at Flemington. Also check out how they fare in the Turnbull, the Mackinnon, the Geelong Cup, and the Cox Plate.
Bet on the boys
With the exception of the almighty three times winner Makybe Diva, the Melbourne Cup is a male-dominated race. Stallions have the best strike rate, followed by geldings.
Weighty issue
How much weight is your horse carrying? Remember that load has to be lugged over the long 3200m. The average winning weight over the last nine years is 54.2kg. If you hear commentators mention that a horse is carrying more weight than usual, be cautious.
Who’s on board?
Check out the jockey’s form, too. If they’ve been riding winners of late, that’s a good sign. And if horse and rider are a previously strong team, that helps too. 2016 winning jockey Michelle Payne had ridden winning mount Prince of Penzance in all but one of his 23 starts. She was confident in him, despite his long 101-1 odds. And the result proved she knew him best.
The barrier factor
It’s a long race and a lot can happen after the start, so don’t sweat the barrier draw too much. However, bear in mind barrier five has historically had the most wins, with 10, 11 and 14 close behind. Barrier 18 has never had a win.
If all else fails choose a name you fancy
CALLENDER LEAVES LASTING LEGACY
The Rugby League world and sporting world in general are this week mourning the death of Matt Callender.
The 46-year-old former TV executive at Channel Nine won the hearts and admiration of football players, fans, colleagues and the public for his brave fight against a deadly brain cancer.
After Saturday’s Cox plate, winning trainer Chris Waller longtime friend of the family dedicated his win to Callender.
A dire diagnosis a couple of years ago did not deter Callender the son of racing character Ken Callender and brother of race caller Richard.
The former Channel Nine boss of NRL was the man behind the Beanie for Brain Cancer round this year which raised almost $2 million for research into the disease.
At the time he told the Daily Telegraph, “Whatever happens we have raised the awareness of brain cancer and the need for more research.”
NRL CEO has said the NRL will maintain his fight against the disease and the Beanie for Brain Cancer round of football in 2018 will take on even more significance.
STARTING TO FEEL A LOT LIKE
It’s starting to feel a lot like summer and not because of the change in weather. The arrival of the Poms in Perth early in the week heralds the start of the International cricket season. Of course, the Southern Stars are already carrying the baton at the time of writing this they hold a two-one lead over the Poms in the Women’s Ashes series. I have been impressed by the level of cricket the women from both teams are playing and much like Women’s rugby league it is quite refreshing to see them play.
While there are still several spots up for grabs in the Men’s side, the selection process and the lead-up to the start of the Ashes series has seen a return to the more traditional emphasis on Shield games. However, as yet there does not seem at this stage to be anyone or group of players who have taken that opportunity by the scruff of the neck and made every post a winner. It is terrific for the game to once again see our internationals back playing domestic cricket and there should be much more of it.
The Poms, it appears, do not have these selections hassles and are talking up here chances of an upset win in Australia. Spearhead Ben Stokes did not travel with the team to Australia, but after more details of the assault incident he is alleged to have been involved in have been revealed in recent days, the word is growing stronger that he will join his teammates if not for the Gabba Test then Adelaide. A bonus for the Poms.
Game one at the Gabba is now only a weeks away and interest in this series appears to be at a level we have not seen for several years.
The Pool Deck which proved to be popular last year will be back and we are sure to see some well baked Poms taking the opportunity to escape the heat and relax in comfort while enjoying world class international cricket action.
SUPER WEEKEND OF GOLF
The weather gods finally looked favourably on the golfing community in Stanthorpe last weekend as the Stanthorpe Golf Club hosted one of the highlight weekends on their annual calendar of events, the club’s Open golf carnival.
A full field took to the course over two days of competition. Visiting players and locals were full of praise for the course which was prepared under the direction of Bill Pyne and a small army of volunteers.
Play began on Saturday with a 4BBB Stableford, and in perfect conditions some excellent scores were returned. Three groups managed to card 50 points for the round and after the countback, the team of J. Sparkman and R. Sparkman, of Allora Golf Club, took the honours.
Trevor and Lyn Ludlow flying the local flag held on to take second place. Fellow Stanthorpe players, Terry Roser and Max Hunter had to settle for run down prizes. As a prelude to the Sunday event, the scoring indicated that a close competition was likely.
On Sunday 90 players hit the fairways with the men playing a single stroke event and the ladies playing a Stableford.
It was another day of excellent scores and after another countback, Matt Waterworth won the Open Gross event with a score of 80 for the round. Best nett, after yet another countback, was won by Mark Zielinski (nett 65) from the Inglewood Golf Club.
Winner of the A Grade Gross competition was Scott Constable (80). Rob Reeves (70) played well to win the best nett score.
Paul Laverty (81) of Clifton won the B grade gross while another visitor Kevin Williams (65) of Wallangarra won best nett.
The C grade gross also went to a visiting player, Russell Stewart (86) from Caboolture Golf Club. Doing it for the Stanthorpe Club was Terry Roser (65) who collected the best in this grade.
In the Ladies Stableford event, Margie Locke took the honours returning a score of 36 points. Divisional winners were: Division One, Jennifer Sparkes (35), runner-up to Kay Webb (29); Division Two to Annelle Batterham (35), runner-up Neta Thouard (32 c/b) and Division Three winner, Rosemary Fawdon (34), runner-up to Madeline Jarman (32).
Players from as many as 11 different clubs from across South East Queensland and over the border made up the big field with many visitors keen to return for the 2018 Open.
The Stanthorpe Golf Club would like to thank the local members who strongly supported the event and of course the long time sponsors of the event Maddie’s Gift Gallery and the City Golf Club.
After such a big weekend it is back to usual competition this weekend with a single Stableford sponsored by club member Max Hunter on the agenda. Tee off is from 11.30am, and there is a time sheet on the board.
Sporters will also return at the normal tee off time on Sunday morning.
TANNY BUSINESS
It has been a busy week on the greens at Tannymorel with the Tanny Triples and the Classic decided and another round four of the Tanny classic decided.
Fouteen teams hit the greens in the Triples competition with Phil Wagner and cohorts Tom Seniger and Max Holder taking home the money. They had a big win over Jean Calam Lyn Mulchay and Myrtle – final score 20-5. Runners-up Prickles and team-mates Clark Davidson and Johno Johnson. Bill Buckle, Bev and Doug Christensen defeated Linda Hartley and Julie and Al Buse 24-3.
Shep Peter Gynther and Mick O’Leary scored a 14-9 win over P. Seipelt Trev Wright and Ed Welsh. Gary Farmer Sue Butz and Geoff Creighton 20 v Killarney 9 and the Summit 18 defeated Ron Phelps.
Results of second skips only: Mick O’Leary 12 d Geoff Creighton11 in a tight game. The Summit had a 24-6 win over Myrtle. Wendy Nerney secured a 13-9 win over Brian Walsh.
Killarney had a 17-8 win over Al Buse. Ron Phelps d Ed Welsh 17-8. Max Holder had a 15-8 win over Greg Cross and Johno Johnson d Dough Christensen 17-11.
There was another good roll up for round four of the Tanny Classic on Friday night. And at the completion of four rounds Aaron and Brett Grayson led the pack on 15 points. Taylor Hoffman is within striking distance on 12 points and on 11 points Walshy, Lyn Coleman Eli, and Ken Armstrong are all hoping for strong performances in the final two rounds. On 10 points and really needing some good form are Mavis Myrtle and Krystal.
Bretto is talking up his chances of winning the competition from here but plenty back in the pack are keen to give him a bowls lesson. The rivalry is hot, the bowls have been good and the banter excellent. Round five this Friday night could shake up the leader board.
GARRA GOLFERS BACK
The Wallangarra golfers finally got to air their clubs last weekend after missing several weeks due to wet weather and they were quick to hit the greens on Saturday playing for the Paul Hampstead Memorial Trophy. Tony Murphy was the clear cut winner with a scorching round of 64 nett. Nick Hurtz kept up his recent good form to claim the runner up spot with 67 nett. Jamie Purcell took the captain stakes with 69 nett.
Tony Murphy topped of a great day by taking the pin shot on the third which also won him the golden circle. Great shot Tony! Steve Hampstead didn’t go home empty handed taking the approach on the 6/18th.
Roger Mann claimed first prize in the raffle and John Sargent second prize both left with smiles on their faces also.
On Saturday the club is holding the November Monthly Medal And Putting sponsored by the Wallangarra Railway Cafe. All members and visitors are always welcomed.
A reminder to all members that there is a meeting on 8 November at 6.30pm at the golf club. Officials are hoping for a good roll up.
UNINTERRUPTED GAME TIME A CHANGE
Stanthorpe cricketers were pleased to finally get some game time without rain interruptions after a disrupted start to the season.
The recent rain however still played its part with the South’s Wanderers game forced on to the synthetic wicket at the high school due to drainage issues at Sheehan Oval.
No problems on the turf at the CF White where RSL took on Tenterfield. RSL had first use of the wicket and while Sam Dowie (27) got them off to a good start, however, they lost quick wickets to be in a precarious position at 6/85 before a steadying partnership between captain Will Dowie (30) and youngster Josh Wren (30). Highlighting their depth of batting Greg Mackenzie came in a number 10 and swung the bat well picking up a valuable 23 not out as RSL recovered well to finish their winnings on 201.
The Tenterfield opening bowlers Simon Merchant and Danny Potter were the pick of the bowlers – both claimed three wickets.
Tenterfield had no answers for the RSL bowling attack and were bundled out in the 20th over for just 60 runs. Anthony Di Bella was the chief destroyer taking 5/13.
In the second game, Souths sent Wanderers in and after their last outing Wanderers had a point to prove. The batsmen showed more resolve and scratched together a modest total of 119 runs in 32 overs. The highlight of the innings was the performance of first change bowler Harry Williams. The 14-year-old almost singlehandedly dismantled Wanderers top order taking 4/9.
119 runs on the synthetic at the high school never looked likely to be a good enough score and Souths took only 13 overs for the loss of two to claim a comprehensive win. Jordan Lanza toyed with the bowlers, spanking six sixes and three boundaries on his way to 60 not out. He was well supported by Paul Carriage who continues his good season with an unbeaten 27.
WIRWAC CELEBRATIONS
The YMCA and Wirwac will welcome three time Olympians and bronze medallists, Mel Rippon and Bronwen Knox on Friday.
The visit of the Olympic Water Polo players coincides with the birthday celebrations at the centre and a Come N Try session arranged by Water Polo Queensland who are very proactive in promoting their sport in regional areas.
Mel Rippon, who now works in regional development, is looking forward to, what she says, will be a fun visit to the Rose City.
She is keen to get kids involved and says this will be a great opportunity to try a new sport.
The visit is just part of a three big days of fun-filled activity.
The Quirky Angel Inflatables will be back and set up in the stadium throughout the three days of celebrations.
On Friday night and over the weekend there will be Children’s Movies showing in the stadium and a free screening of That Sugar Film.
On Friday evening there will be a twilight family festival including food vans music twilight swimming and more.
There will be displays and demonstrations throughout Saturday, and on Sunday a canoe polo exhibition game, a swift water rescue demonstration and much more.
