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Aussie Driver
25 Jan 15 01:52
Joined:
Date Joined: 08 Nov 04
| Topic/replies: 14,717 | Blogger: Aussie Driver's blog
I can't think of a harness race run this century that will rival this weeks Victoria Cup.

It is now the premier harness race in the Southern Hemisphere, and it gets an iconic race this year.

Christen Me, Beautide, Guaranteed, Philadelphia Man, Adore Me, Terror To Live all come together.

And that's before you even mention Lennytheshark, Restrepo, Franco Ledger, Suave Stuey Lombo, For A Reason.

Just an unbelievable race.

For me, I don't bet pre barrier draw, too many unknowns in  the mix. But if you were, I think you would have to back the 3 Kiwis.

Christen Me is the best horse. Before a draw he should never be a 7/2 pop, in any race any where.

Terror To Love is simply a complete beast at his best, if you trust his Cranbourne win 7/1 is very juicy.

And do we not realise how good the mare is? Adore Me beat them all in the NZ Cup and hasn't put a hoof wrong since. Again 7/1 is a good price.

I don't see how you can back Beautide at 4/1 with no recent runs after Christen Me had his measure in the Miracle Mile, and Guaranteed and Philadelphia Man still have not fully answered the question yet. Both can definitely win, but I'm not taking 4 and 5 to 1 to find out .

Lennytheshark raced like more of a stayer last night, surprisingly. Has always had a great cruising speed. He would want to drift but could create interest of he does.

We should all enjoy this. It could literally be the race of an era
Pause Switch to Standard View The best harness race this century
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Report bigted. January 25, 2015 2:06 AM GMT
be even better if it was run at GP imo

Wink
Report Aussie Driver January 25, 2015 2:16 AM GMT
None of the big guns would go if history tells us anything Wink
Report henryluca January 25, 2015 3:07 AM GMT
Yes a great GRAND CIRCUIT race:-----$400,000 plus trophy


Names also nominated include :DAVID HERCULES  SEEL N PRINT    THE GOLD ACE

Same day.-----Heats of  Victorian Derby and Australasian Trotters Championships

Looking forward to the final field
Report henryluca January 25, 2015 8:51 AM GMT
Ironically :

Perhaps the "Best Race" in the century ....without the "best horses of the same period!!


None however can do this from the death and leave dirt in the mouths of some big names behind him....

"OHHHHH what a RUN!!!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NisxK6Z0el8
Report Lloydy Trots Man January 25, 2015 9:06 AM GMT
This race will be Won at the Barrior Draw.
Dont Underestamate Restrepo.
If he had same run as Franco Ledger last night he would of done same.

Cant wait, wont be there but ill be at Hunter Cup and give my Summary for every race
Report Aussie Driver January 25, 2015 9:18 AM GMT
Some perspective Henry. There is absolutely no possible way the runner up in that race would even get a start this year
Report Lloydy Trots Man January 25, 2015 9:26 AM GMT
Aussie the Runner up was not a bad horse started Fav in a Hunter Cup one year.

Steamer ran at trails today left his run to short for Vic Cup but watch for him in Hunter and Inter.
Hopefully a good open race for him next week.
Jus hope they get him right.
They could have the best 2yr old in the country as well Jillaby Jitterbug
Report henryluca January 25, 2015 9:29 AM GMT
If he (Restrepo.)  had same run as Franco Ledger last night he would of done same.

Agreed .....and others too.....

Watched the race but couldn't hear the sectionals as they were being peeled off.....more brutal than first thought......touch of arrogance in the drive imo
Report Lets Elope January 25, 2015 11:14 AM GMT
Still have no idea what junior was doing that night on quinny not much doubt he should have won.
Report Lets Elope January 25, 2015 11:29 AM GMT
I see your Mr Feelgood and raise you with Elsu one of the all time greats of Australasian harness racing and arguably one of the best performances on a harness track I've ever seen his stunning Hunter Cup win. Its certainly in my top 5 performances in history as he made an outstanding field look like hacks after sitting three wide without cover for the last 1400m with Young Rufus in front, The Falcon Strike in the breeze The Warp Drive on the leaders back, Howard Bromac three back the fence and Flashing Red sitting one one and has the audacity to streak away from them in the straight.

Simply extraordinary!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76J9feYV3Qc
Report henryluca January 25, 2015 10:47 PM GMT
Lets:

Outstanding Win---perfect drive by Butcher in the circumstances....3 wide (had to be there) and 3rd gear

To get some measurement last quarter was 29.5 as called , unfortunately no third quarter  not called...

Aesthetically outstanding !!!

Thank you Lets for recalling it to me

Curiously ..does Elsu hold any course records..(NZ or elsewhere..Confused)

PS. Young Rufus in front, The Falcon Strike in the breeze The Warp Drive on the leaders back, Howard Bromac three back the fence and Flashing Red sitting one one

That part of the call made the neck  hairs stand up
Report trotman January 26, 2015 11:17 AM GMT
One of the greatest things that can happen in these big races is to get a MIX of talents amongst the starters.

I think that Franco Ledger is not actually in he top bracket, but he is blessed with a similar late ping that got Seel N Print into some big races last year - he can knock em over once in a while if he gets the right trip.

Love the recaps of past greats - but don't much like to compare them to present day.

Pre-post betting is a terrible rort ... the percentages are horrendously against you - but even I fall for it sometimes. Most runners start better prices on the day !!!

Great to see the interest all round.
Report henryluca January 26, 2015 11:26 AM GMT
Pre-post betting is a terrible rort

For a Reason 2.0 into 1.50 Bathurst

Philly Man ...2.00 into 1.85 Shepparton Cup

Not always...For some back bettors  it can be a great way to get overs (not for me  I might add)


Love the recaps of past greats..Love

Great weekend coming up.....hope there will be lot of interest
Report henryluca January 26, 2015 11:53 AM GMT
Trotman:

Well called


Funny you mention Franco Ledger ... driven too hard, too soon last start. He could be the much better suited from the tapes, and in a close up smother ???
Report Aussie Driver January 27, 2015 6:20 AM GMT
Beautide the big winner at the barrier draw
Report henryluca January 27, 2015 8:28 AM GMT
Race 7    TAB VICTORIA CUP (GROUP 1)    9:32 PM


    
1    111s3    LENNYTHESHARK   
        
2    89151    FRANCO LEDGER NZ   
              
3    4112s    BEAUTIDE   
        
4    11112    PHILADELPHIA MAN   
              
5    61264    IM CORZIN TERROR NZ      
            
6    51121    CHRISTEN ME NZ       

7    44412    TERROR TO LOVE NZ      
    
---------- Second Row ----------

8    020s3    CHILLI PALMER NZ (Em 1) 
                       
9    s1112    DAVID HERCULES   
         
10    11231    GUARANTEED       

11    35177    FOR A REASON 
    
12    12111    ADORE ME NZ   

13    s4421    RESTREPO
Report trotman January 27, 2015 11:27 AM GMT
All I'm saying Henry is I took $14 Ledger early in the week, enjoyed seeing it chopped back to $10 best on Friday.
But of course I could have got better on the night ;-)

TAB has 128% on the board - and all you hear is this is backed, and that is backed - drives me nuts.
Sorry to rant on you guys ... I'm sure you know.

Good race to watch, I don't have a good record in this one. Great night's racing - in fact sensational !!!
Report Lloydy Trots Man January 27, 2015 11:33 AM GMT
Barrier Draw Interesting.
HAs Beutide Got enough Speed to Hold Out Phily Man? Will Christian Me try get to Death Early and give Phily Man the Death.
Lenny Holds the Aces in 1 but could be that Run or 2 Short.
Even at 50s Restrepo is the Blowout Horse. Have Something on him at those Odds as there maybe Fireworks.

Will be a Great Race Buetide to Short Should be $5 and probably will be on the night.

Who will Gav driver?
Im tipping he stays on Guaranteed
Report henryluca January 27, 2015 9:50 PM GMT
An interesting betting market would be front row v. back row...

Many would have front row would be favourite :

Does 1.5/3.5 (dividends -not odds) sound right or perhaps even 1.3 / 4.0


Strangely I am looking forward to putting up a tattsbet +++ market on that morning ....for any takers.....(if I get more than one I can post the weight of early financial interest)

Well said Trotman:  Great night's racing - in fact sensational !!!
Report trotman January 28, 2015 10:38 AM GMT
Henry - don't go offering anyone 1.5 AND 3.5 ;-)
Report Aussie Driver January 28, 2015 10:39 AM GMT
Laugh
Report Aussie Driver January 28, 2015 10:41 AM GMT
I've been sitting here trying to map this Vic Cup all night, I have decided there is no scenario that be relied on.

Breeze horse could be any of Philadelphia Man/Christen Me/Terror To Love. Some chance Phil Man could boot up and hold the breeze and cause a very hot speed?
Report henryluca January 28, 2015 12:01 PM GMT
Henry - don't go offering anyone 1.5 AND 3.5 ;-)

--Trotman ---Well spotted

1.5/2.5
Report Aussie Driver January 31, 2015 9:55 AM GMT
35 minutes to the great race ExcitedExcited
Report Aussie Driver January 31, 2015 10:38 AM GMT
No doubt who the best is now ...... CHRISTEN ME Cool
Report Aussie Driver January 31, 2015 10:39 AM GMT
And Adore Me, unbelievable run. Clearly the best two runs in the race
Report gardenstar January 31, 2015 10:44 AM GMT
Unfortunately its not run on the best track this century. Melton is terribly biased towards inside runners and unless there are a few kamikazes there ain't many hopes out the back after they settle
Report bigted. January 31, 2015 10:46 AM GMT
g hall jnr "Take nothing away from Christen Me but what anti climax! Terrible race and if it's not made 2500m+ it'll stay that way! Wake up HRV!"

Scared
Report Aussie Driver January 31, 2015 10:51 AM GMT
Hall is just dirty that Christen Me is now clearly the best since Blackie
Report henryluca January 31, 2015 10:54 AM GMT
Take nothing away from Christen Me but what anti climax!

Did remind me of the Village Kid Interdom Albion Park 1986....drew the 6 and bang off the mobile and was all over in a matter of seconds

Nevertheless a great win
Report uncleee January 31, 2015 10:56 AM GMT
He's confused why nobody used a few stable mates to attack christen me and then be beaten 70m
Report Craig The Speculator January 31, 2015 10:58 AM GMT
lenny went well - better than i thought it would




i know u try to get a bite with some of your comments aussie but i will stay out
Report Craig The Speculator January 31, 2015 10:58 AM GMT
lol Uncleee
Report The_KAMIKAZEE_DRINKING_MACHINE January 31, 2015 10:59 AM GMT
Village Kid possibly the most boring champion of all time. No doubting his ability. Just a period of yawnfest. Not his fault. Just no one prepared to have a go.
Report Aussie Driver January 31, 2015 10:59 AM GMT
Correct Uncleee

That was not an attempt for a bite Craig. CM is the best since Blackie now, he's not done yet either
Report The_KAMIKAZEE_DRINKING_MACHINE January 31, 2015 11:00 AM GMT
26 second last 1/4
Report Aussie Driver January 31, 2015 11:02 AM GMT
That's twice in a row now he has gone a 54 half after leading.

Horse is a freak, might end up better than Blackie when he's done, still got 2 years at the top and already has a regime that includes:

Hunter Cup
Vic Cup
Miracle Mile
Chariots of Fire
NZ FFA

No bite required Craig, he is the best since Blackie
Report The_KAMIKAZEE_DRINKING_MACHINE January 31, 2015 11:04 AM GMT
resume
Report Aussie Driver January 31, 2015 11:05 AM GMT
fair point Blush
Report uncleee January 31, 2015 11:05 AM GMT
Lenny did go well Craig.. Smacked guaranteed in vicbred final prior to guaranteed running third in the mile
Report leftrightout January 31, 2015 11:14 AM GMT
At the massive risk of being called a pessimist...that was a terrible race.  A super star Christen Me but bar Adore Me what else happened.  People pot Menangle but the Miracle Mile had lengths on that.  An absolute fizzer. 

Bring on the Inter which will be a "proper Race" to quote some.
Report Aussie Driver January 31, 2015 11:18 AM GMT
Might have looked like a fizzer, only because in a great field there was one horse who showed the mix of brilliant gate speed to go with the strength he has shown in the past. That just showed how good he is
Report leftrightout January 31, 2015 11:20 AM GMT
yep you are right.  Total star who did it at both ends with exceptional speed.  Just a plain spectacle.  I am still dirty he did not step in the NZ cup ;)
Report leftrightout January 31, 2015 11:22 AM GMT
I'd have to watch it again but if J.Rattray was not fair dinkum on coming out flat chat then why run?  Watching him on normal horses at Menangle he is not much chop.
Report Craig The Speculator January 31, 2015 11:25 AM GMT
gee u can be arrogant with your opinion Aussie IMO
Report leftrightout January 31, 2015 11:27 AM GMT
Craig u are just too nice ;).  Took you mate Avonnova at $1.60 tatts in a multi.  Definition of hard work!  But he got the job done
Report Craig The Speculator January 31, 2015 11:29 AM GMT
it certainly was hard work leftrightout - i guess tho home in 26.6 so not too dissappointing
Report leftrightout January 31, 2015 11:36 AM GMT
to be honest I only saw the last 600m, unprofessional.  Will watch it tomorrow.  but if Freyberg was kicking like that he obviously had a picnic.  I will say that horse has real guts. 

Not sure about the NZ fillies coming but take this time.  Makes Every Scents.......FLYING
Report leftrightout January 31, 2015 11:38 AM GMT
take this tip*....NSW oaks.
Report Lloydy Trots Man February 1, 2015 5:23 AM GMT
Just Recovered after Big night.
Might of ruffled a few feathers with some Questions i put to some Drivers and Trainers through the night.
Few Horses found out last night that they are not A+ Horses
Adore Me is nearly a Moral next week on last nights run.

Lloydy
Report uncleee February 1, 2015 7:47 AM GMT
Is christen me not running in the hunter cup?

CM huge in miracle mile when beaten, huge in vic cup when beaten, won hunter cup, jogged around in no cup, won nz FFA, won miracle mile, won vic cup... But still adore me is a moral?
Report Lets Elope February 1, 2015 7:56 AM GMT
Not potting him but jogged around in front (after he knew beforehand he had the lead, 60.7 first half) with no pressure how the hell did it get beaten at cranbourne, if it had gone like that it bolts in at cranbourne.
Beautide clearly nowhere near right and shouldnt have started, so that's  not a fair test, love the horse christen Me and when he gets it like that he is near on unbeatable, David Hercules ran home well late I would have liked to have seen him on the back of Christen Me rather than lenny theshark and lenny was getting close late after being beaten out of sight first up.
Didn't do anything that you wouldn't expect a horse of his calibre to do with a run like that in front that's why I was so bitterly disappointed with his effort at cranbourne, philadelphia man very disappointing either not up to them or has problems again as he's lost a leg recently but knew he couldn't win with jack driving, I wouldn't back him on a hobby horse, not one of mine.
Report henryluca February 1, 2015 8:08 AM GMT
Lets

Beautide clearly nowhere near right and shouldnt have started

Most definitely..saw trainer  interview before race and despite stating " he is as good as when....blah blah"...his face had liar liar pants on fire written all over it....IMO

Once this was realized or his true condition known was probably the catalyst for huge money on the winner (although kiwi plunges are usually last minute stuff anyway..)..but yes was in no condition to start....and trainer knew it ...IMO
Report Lets Elope February 1, 2015 8:16 AM GMT
battled on pretty well under the circumstances beautide and if doesnt fark him for the prep he should derive plenty of benefit from that run, didn't want to be much further for the winner after watching the replay, led after 100m on his ear with a ridiculously easy lead time for that class, went good but like I said nothing more than what you would expect from a horse of his class with that sort of run, a few on here getting massively carried away in my opinion. Love the horse but he's certainly no Elsu just yet.
Report uncleee February 1, 2015 9:34 AM GMT
Pull the other one LE.. Wouldn't have wanted it much further.. Would have liked to David Hercules on his back.. You are a joke

He doesn't need to be Elsu to continue to be the best of the current grand circuit

Beautide isn't going to hunter cup so he will go back to his paddock, not sure what the benefit will be for
Report Lloydy Trots Man February 1, 2015 9:40 AM GMT
Uncle,

Might be to Far Handicapped for Hunter Cup CM
Plus the Stand.
I was Impressed with Adore Me had my $50 on at 12s with Money back if Runs 2nd or 3rd So got my $50 Back
Had all my Quads with CM and Guaranteed.
Composed was my Best Bet of the night

Next week could be a NZ Trifecta and the Derby
Report Lloydy Trots Man February 1, 2015 9:43 AM GMT
DH just an Average Run
Only 1 Horse ran on that was Adore Me and Lenny who had Run of the Race. He will Benefit from the race.
NZrs love the extra distance
Report Craig The Speculator February 1, 2015 9:49 AM GMT
Lets are you kidding re David Hercules

it couldn't keep up with Lenny's - had three pegs was entitled to run 3rd but ran battling 5th
Report Lets Elope February 1, 2015 10:11 AM GMT
clearly you didn't watch the last 50m too closely Uncle, there wasn't  much left in the tank in my opinion, think a race  hardened David Hercules on his back rather an underdone lennytheshark might have made it interesting not saying he would have won but would have made it interesting. Adam has it spot on he's a very good speed, short course type horse who would be ideally suited to American racing, over much further than the Victoria Cup he's definitely vulnerable in front, couldn't have wished for it easier than that and didn't exactly steam to he line the last 50m.
Report Lets Elope February 1, 2015 10:16 AM GMT
No I'm not, if you know the horse and the way it races it's not explosive off that sort of  slow speed it will however wind up, it was along just starting to balanced and really get going on the line, if it had sat behind christen me I've no doubt it would have finished it off in much the same manner as when it  won the 4yo breeders crown final with a similar trip.
Report Aussie Driver February 1, 2015 10:26 AM GMT
I marked David Hercules the second lowest rating run in the race. From his position he had to run third if he was up to that grade. He is clearly not good enough for them as some of us have said all along. Lovely horse but the very best are clearly superior.

And for the part timers saying some of us are getting carried away with Christen Me after that run, we are also taking into account the chariots, Miracle mile and hunter cup wins, along with enormous runs in the Miracle mile and Vic cups last year. Keeps proving he is the best in the biggest of races.

And for those saying he can't stay (don't we love to create a chink) go and have a look at the replay of last years hunter cup. Didn't exactly get an easy trip there, did he!
Report Lets Elope February 1, 2015 10:29 AM GMT
Adore Me got a lovely tow into the race and finished off nicely in a fast run final quarter but with the run it had in transit and the cart up it got, if it hadn't finished off like that you would have been disappointed, again a nice run but from a horse of its class you wouldn't expect anything less either.
Report Aussie Driver February 1, 2015 10:33 AM GMT
Let's you can't be serious. Watch harness racing day in day out and you will realise what a stupid comment that is. Adore Me was absolutely amazing. Any race any time where they get home in 54 flat you will never see a horse 3 and 4 wide make ground. The place getters will always be on the pegs. She was frightening. Conservatively went 25 metres better than David Hercules
Report Aussie Driver February 1, 2015 10:34 AM GMT
Don't have her personal sectional but she would have gone around 53.5 home off the track. Amazing run
Report Lets Elope February 1, 2015 10:38 AM GMT
It was weak as piss in the cranbourne cup in my opinion if you really want the truth, champions don't turn it up like that unless there's something very wrong with them, a very, very, good horse and a wonderful speed horse still question marks over it though if it has to do it tough especially over any sort of longer trip, couldn't have done what beautide did in the inter finals in a fit.

That performance was and still is the benchmark.
Guaranteed again showed after getting around there very easily when the pace was off that its a lovely horse but not up to the very best, lenny showed with the right run that its capable in that class, considering the massively interrupted prep beautide has had its effort wasn't bad, it was gone and going nowhere a long way out yet still finished within about 12m of the winner.
Report Lets Elope February 1, 2015 10:41 AM GMT
I said it went very good but again you are talking about a genuine top class horse, when quinny used to put in runs like that in those races some of you lot would rubbish it as being disappointing.
Report Aussie Driver February 1, 2015 10:45 AM GMT
Go and watch last years Hunter Cup before posting any more rubbish
Report Aussie Driver February 1, 2015 10:47 AM GMT
Christen Me has pretty well owned Beautide. If you can't concede that now there is no helping you. It's not just last night, it's a trend now. Again, go and watch last years Vic Cup and tell me CM is not the better horse
Report Bayonet February 1, 2015 10:54 AM GMT
boring race,
gavin shown abit of initiative
d dunn bluffed them
60.7 middle half, thats 63
5 at moonee valley
r may , your driving a decent horse not a RO, go forward, give the horse a chance, you never know
Only pull back in a tug of war
Adore Me wind Hunter cup
Report Lets Elope February 1, 2015 10:55 AM GMT
owned beautide that's rich, especially when you consider beautide is nowhere near right currently  and still finished within 12m of it after christen me couldn't have wished for a better run in front, it had the sitting shot on it in the miracle mile and fell over the line to beat it when beautide again was huge, maybe you need to go back and watch the most stunning harness performance I've ever seen in beautide's inters final and then check the times again and where it did it from outside that speed.
Report Aussie Driver February 1, 2015 10:57 AM GMT
As I said go and watch the Vic cup from last year and then you might be able to debate properly
Report Lets Elope February 1, 2015 11:11 AM GMT
both were shocking drives in the victoria cup last year and were huge runs
Report Aussie Driver February 1, 2015 11:13 AM GMT
Lol Have you gone back and watched it. Christen Me went a lap better. It's ok to admit you got something wrong
Report Lets Elope February 1, 2015 11:20 AM GMT
I wasn't convinced then then and am still not convinced now that beautide was driven to advantage in that race also I'm not entirely convinced it gets around melton all that well
Report Aussie Driver February 1, 2015 11:31 AM GMT
Seems endless excuses, whereas I am talking in fact.

I guess we will agree to disagree. Enjoy your night
Report uncleee February 2, 2015 8:52 AM GMT
lloydy, no handicaps in hunter cup this year
Report Lloydy Trots Man February 2, 2015 10:19 AM GMT
Thanks Uncle,

Never looked just assume
Still think MAre can win and All NZ the rest
Report Lloydy Trots Man February 14, 2015 10:12 AM GMT
Craig will be shattered.
Beutide wins for fun in Final
$5 was lovely
Report leftrightout February 21, 2015 12:17 PM GMT
hope someone remembered Makes Every Scents.  off the map......  $4 tatts at one stage.  needs to lift a cog to win the final though
Report leftrightout February 21, 2015 12:18 PM GMT
when I say one stage I mean early week
Report Aussie Driver February 21, 2015 12:42 PM GMT
WD LRO ................ you didn't want it to be 2,401 metres though!
Report leftrightout February 21, 2015 12:51 PM GMT
cheers mate.  and you're more than right about that.  "where's the fkn post??"
Report The_KAMIKAZEE_DRINKING_MACHINE February 21, 2015 1:23 PM GMT
Is it just me or are favs doing better at Menangle? I remember when it started it was a real graveyard for favs. Now I think it's at more normal levels. I don't have any stats just an observation. Still don't like the joint!
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