GP: 15/01/09 Goto page 1,

[G-Mac]

An early look at the Macinerney Classic meeting.

Race 1. This is quite a difficult claimer to start off proceedings. Recent feature race contestants Dartmoor and Mister Veejays Fella have dropped back in class, albeit at a high claiming price which sees them drawn 8 and 9 respectively under the PBD conditions. Both are good enough, at their best, to win here as they both performed very well in the Fremantle Cup. Scram Jet and Kingsford should make the early running with the two class prospects coming home late. I’m leaning towards Dartmoor at this stage as I think this distance suits him better. 8,9,4,3

Race 2. Slick Lavra lines up for her second WA start and should grab her second WA win. She comes in very well this class when you consider she has been bumping heads with the likes of Mendelico, Miss Laura Jane, and Monarco Miss in recent months just to name a few. By comparison this looks a much easier task even from gate 8. Western Jade isn’t far from a win but coming from gate 9 will make this a difficult task for her. Sandarella has no shortage of support in her races. 14 starts now without a win but that won’t stop her from going out reasonably short. From gate 2 she has no excuses but she will most likely find one. I can’t have her for a win but something would have to go seriously wrong for her to miss a place. Dial A Taxi has been consistent of late and should fill a minor. 8,9,2,12

Race 3. Serial Pest can grab the early lead and win this M0 sprint. In his last few starts he has found himself blocked for a run after drawing bad barriers. Easy Armbro is another who has struck trouble of late and been reasonably unlucky. He’ll be prominent from this draw. If Serial Pest leads as I expect then The Forger will get the gun run behind the leader and be in a position to strike at the business end. Glacier Star is drawn well and suited this class. 1,4,10,3

Race 4. Not a bad race here and the start will be very interesting. Smooth Hayley gets gat 1 thanks to the claim of Michael Robinson and will no doubt push forward to hold the rest out. I expect Chica Bonita and Spare Me to have a crack for the lead ensuring a good early pace. This should allow Same Old Macray to slot into the moving line with cover and up on the pace. He’s a big danger from there. Should the pace be maintained Eastwood Fire will be a danger late, but I like Same Old Macray here. 5,1,12,4

Race 5. Despite drawing gate 9 I think Hussy Hoffa is very well suited here. Like most from the Hall stable he is tough and will be able to push on from the wide draw to take a prominent place in running. I think he’s just too good. Tuapeka Tiz will find this easier than last week and is a definite place chance. Dollars go won a metro F&M race two weeks ago and from the draw must be in the reckoning, while Eastwood Star, although up in grade, can play a part from her draw. 9,6,1,2

Race 6. The McInerney Ford Classic looks to be a classic indeed. No shortage in class here and the recent drop in form of Bonavista Bay makes it all the more interesting. I think he can bounce back here, mainly because he has drawn gate 2. Ima Rocket Star’s run last week was enormous (last 800 in 57.8 3 wide) but from gate 6 he will have to do the work outside of Bonavista Bay. I think Truckers Ruffnut will hand up to BB and take the trail with Lombo Crusader and Country Change doing there best late. I will watch with interest to see which drive Chris Lewis chooses between In The Force and Our Mercurio. Whichever he picks will be a good addition to the novelties. Although I am with BB I will be going wide in this leg of the quaddie. An upset will not surprise.
2,6,1,12

Race 7. Has The Answers is the standout here. He was brilliant last week winning the APC and will find this field easier. Our Malabar pipped him in the Celebrity Sprint by 1.5m 4 starts back but that was after a frantic pace was set up front with a 27s 3rd quarter. Sectionals like that will not be required on this occasion and Has The Answers will lead and win. Sneakyn Down Under is the likely breeze runner in this race as the rest off the front line look for cover. He may well stick on for a place but the main dangers will be Our Malabar and the talented Can Return Fire who is first up since July 2009. Hy Royale could fill a place if he manages to get off the pegs in time. But Has The Answers is the bet of the night.
2, 12,7.9 (Can Return Fire scratched. 10 Hy Royale replaces it)
Race 8. This is a fairly tough race I think. The more I look at it the more I change my mind. In the end I will go with class and experience and put Conte Centovalli on top. Obviously the 30m is a concern but this guy is in form and should be able to grind away the handicap. I’ve got Its Thegiftoflife in second, I think he can step well and cancel out his 10m impost quickly and may even lead. Davy Maguire should see a lot of support but the step up from mobiles over the sprint distance to a SS staying event is a query. Flying Nemo has found some form and will be in the finish. 12, 9, 5,10

Race 9. Hi Tensile is drawn to get the run of the race and Mark Reed is very good at driving in front. I’ve got him on top from Rockin Cully who should get across to the leaders wheel. Flossie should get a nice run on the place and will be good enough to hang on for a novelty while Machlennan will be in the finish after sitting leader’s back for the journey. 1,4,3,10

Race 10. I’m going for Torben in his first start in WA. I really don’t see much speed of the front and think he will take the option to go forward off the arm and find a spot on the speed. Coalmine Creek never got into the race last week but prior to that was racing well in this class. He’ll most probably go forward also. All Courage will take advantage of his first good draw in a while and feature in the finish while Solitary Man could fatten up the novelties. 9,8,2,12

Best bets and quaddies to come after fields confirmed.

[The Dark Horse]

McInerney Ford Classic Night

Race 1. Claimers do battle in a very interesting race

4. SCRAM JET (Was flying in the claimers before a freshen up and 2nd in Bunbury Cup was good and not disgraced behind Mister Veejays Fella, Go Well)
8. DARTMOOR (Honest open class horse who has been nicknamed "HANGMOOR" well, he is a big chance in this but wont be a walk in the park)
9. MISTER VEEJAYS FELLA (Horse has noticeably gone backwards since leaving Alan Bells stables and will need to get a good run into the race)
3. KINGSFORD (Got the nice trip on the back of the stablemate last start but just struggled to really ping when asked to go, better draw has to be given a chance again)


Race 2. Fillies & Mares races whos gonna lead, gotta be thrown into the novelties!

8. SLICK LAVRA (Ultra impressive first up in WA sitting in the chair and should be pretty short in this race to win)
9. WESTERN JADE (Consistent Mare who should be able to get a nice run into if race is run to how i see, Always one for the novelties and also nearing a win)
12. DIAL A TAXI (Shannon Suvaljko has got this mare going well and awkward draw of 12 hurts but should still be able to run a nice race)
3. ITS KARMA (Going Better than numerical form suggests, will be the horse putting the pressure on and shes a tough mare see how she goes)

Race 3. M0 Race and looks very even with plenty of chances

1. SERIAL PEST (Barrier 1, its a leader and last few runs have been fair has its chance to run a big race here)
10. THE FORGER (Probably the best horse in this but the awkward draw of Barrier 10, really brings it back down to needing luck, on the plus side Puffa is one of the best at getting clear runs, keep very safe)
7. TUFF JAG (Ran home very strongly last start and is nearing a win with the right draw, will be the one finishing off the best)
3. GLACIER STAR (Racing fairly and is one for the novelties)

Race 4. Interesting race this M1/M2 and plenty of chances

1. SMOOTH HAYLEY (From the inside this mare should lead and ultimately is one of the better bets on the card, Michael Robinson doesnt phase me one bit think the kid is quite a talented driver and could well and truly notch up his first city win here)
12. EASTWOOD FIRE (Strong run from the breeze last start to win in average city class times, was too good, Good each way chance here)
9. LORD GUY (First up run for Kade Howson was good with a win, horse looked a little hoppy in the run, Barrier 9 is hard M.George on board place chances could be as high as this one can get from draw)
3. SPARE ME (Pretty dissappointing last start when faded to run 9th, better draw and should be driven a bit softer and could figure in the placings)

Race 5. Hardest race on the card

6. TUAPEKA TIZ (All he needs is a nice run into the race to be a big contendor and horse is one of my personal fav's so him on top with little confidence)
9. HUSSY HOFFA (More than capable type who has the task ahead but is one that should not be left out of quaddies and tri's, good each way chance)
7. DONT TELL PORKIES (Harder barrier this week but very good chance to win this, hard to know where some of these horses will be in the run)
2. EASTWOOD STAR (Solid last 2 runs, with a win and a second and should be strongly considered for a place bet with a soft run it could get)

Race 6. McINERNEY FORD 4YO CLASSIC

1. TRUCKERS RUFFNUT (Been unlucky this campaign with draws gets the cherry here and should be a huge chance in this, trialled well Pinjarra running home in 26.8secs and was well held in doing so)
6. IMA ROCKET STAR (I think we can all admit this classy performer looked a little lost over the mile and back to some sort of distance he should not be underestimated, Big chance to win this)
2. BONAVISTA BAY (Shell of his former self and with the better draw should be able to run a decent race but he has been racing pretty average)
10. CROWN BROMAC (Will get a nice run on the back of the leader and should figure in the finish to run a solid race)

Race 7. Former Freak vs New Age Freak

2. HAS THE ANSWERS (Told you so!, he walked around last week with a slow first half and was never going to get beaten, Should be a walk in the park for him here)
1. TEALSBY KARITA (This horse was astonishing when he won the pacing cup of 2007 but that was 3yrs ago, Outstanding trial rating 1.57.1 at byford and running every quarter under 30secs, First up look for a big run from this horse who is being set for the WA Pacing Cup)
10. HY ROYALE (Much to what G-MAC's post said the horse will stay in barrier 10 as we dont move horses from the back line to front with a scratching in a normal race, This horse should be considered a big chance with a soft draw and should get one good crack at them)
6. ALIVEANDWELL (Was fair dinkum bolting last start looking for room and i am certain it would have won if it got a run, awkward draw but has good place claims

Race 8. Very evenly matched stand race with plenty of winning chances

5. DAVY MAGUIRE (Time for this horse to live up to the wrap that trainer Gary Hall Snr has given it)
12. CONTE CENTOVALLI (30m handicap is only thing that would stop me from tipping this horse, is racing very well and still a big threat to knock these off)
3. PARNEVIK (Honest first up run at Pinjarra should be in a handy spot here and figure in the finish)
10. FLYING NEMO (Getting back to good form with a win in an average stand lineup GP monday and should be one coming home strong)

Race 9. Consalation looks a one act affair

1. HI TENSILE (This horse is all class but has a bee in its bonnett and shouldnt have your house on it, has a tendancy to gallop but in saying that Chopper has got it flying so should be winning this)
12. IN A FASHION (Always been a fan of this horse and has returned to racing in good form, Good Price last start! and from 12 still has a solid chance of knocking these off)
4. ROCKIN CULLY (Not a fan of the horse but will have its chance to run a solid race, likes to run places!)
9. SCOOTER ROFF (This horse has amazing gate speed so take that into account when assessing the race, after 100m it will be 2nd i would think, weather it can cross Hi Tensile is to be seen but boy this has a decent chance if it can cross!)

Race 10. Hard race in the last gone with some value

2. ALL COURAGE (4th run back from spell and is ready to run a big race, One very good each way bet of the night in my opinion should be able to find the front)
9. TORBEN (Should not be taken lightly, Ross Oliveri is flying as a trainer at the moment and will probably be favourite. Watch the markets to see if its been backed and take on trust)
10. ROCKABOUT NEMO (Has been racing well and been thereabouts since resuming, Another solid chance but awkward draw)
8. COALMINE CREEK (Back to mobile starts, not a fan of the horse will not be able to come around this lot if they're running home in 58 or faster, But if it can get to the breeze its a different story and will be a big chance)

Best Bet R4. N1. SMOOTH HAYLEY
Best Each Way R10. N2. ALL COURAGE
Best Roughie R5. N2. EASTWOOD STAR

[G-Mac]

I meant that Hy Royale (10) replaces Can Return Fire (9) as my pick for fourth.

[King]

How was the blatant team driving in the first lap of the McInerny Ford Classic?

Nothing will be done about it, but it was obvious that Ima Rocket Star was going to be trapped three wide as Bonavista was in the breeze and TRuffnut leading- neither were going to hand up.

A C Lewis had ample time to get Ima Rocket Star's stablemate, Our Mercurio onto the back of the one - one horse's back (Smoking Again). This would have been in Mercurio's best interests of winning the race and there was no need and it was detremential to his chances to 'convieniently' let the stablemate, Ima Rocket Star in front of him. Ima Rocket Star would have had no chance of winning if tramped three wide, but only because it was the stable mate, and in the stables best interests, that Ima Rocket Star was that he was let into the running line. If it were any other horse, I would be certain that they would not let Ima Rocket Star in.

[G-Mac]

[King]

6.80 for Its thegiftoflife was money for jam.

[squid69]

A question about the fast class race tonight.

Has The Answers was scratched for causing two false starts, fair enough, however the horse basically galloped around for a whole lap behind the mobile, prior to the second aborted start.

Should a horse be given an opportunity to at least come to a halt, then try and recommence pacing?

I know they try and keep the horses in formation, but when a horse is obviously having trouble getting back in to harness, should there be some discretion?

p.s I didn't back the horse...

[King]

Im sure Lewis could have, and probably should have. Its hard to say if he had or was given the opportunity, or chose not to. It is hard to knock Lewis or put it down to his fault, he is the best going around.

However, if HTA wasnt drawn so that there was a horse following him, they would have gone 'without him.'

[squid69]

[smiddy197]

what got me was that palomine looked like it was breaking as well as has the answers on the second false start

i could be wrong but i could of sworn he was going just as rough

[King]

On another note, I believe that it is about time that the WA Stewards step up to the plate and do something about reinsmen who show a blatant disregard for the rules in Group One or other main events. Like M B Reed on friday night driving Bonavista Bay, its appears that such reinsmen are very happy to cop the fine and win the race.

M B Reed and all other reinsmen know that as of January 1 of this year, the reins are not allowed to be crossed and free hand whipping is against the racing rules. In the home straight he showed an obvious disregard for this, by clearly hitting the horse free hand half a dozen or so times up the straight.

By doing this, he obviously knew he was going to be fined $500 but would win more than that in prizemoney and slings so he had no worries about doing it. But this is unacceptable. In my opinion, it is up to the stewards to up tha ante as such and maybe impose such rule (like that in the AFL Grand Final) that fines and/ or suspensions are doubled.


King.

[Famous1]

[tony]

There was a horse at I think Dubbo today disqualified for driver 's excessive whip use.

[King]

An interesting precedent, Tony.

The King likes Boogiewithmebaby in the 5th at Pinjarra tomorrow.

[Chariotsonfire]

King, you have been quick to criticise a number of drives recently and in each case I have agreed with your summation, although I thought you were a little tough on Woodley re Has The Answers as this is the way the trainer prefers his horses to be driven. What was your honest opinion of Donald's drive on Village Ruler at its last start?