MERRY Christmas, everybody.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Of course, it's not December 25, but the horse racing lovers will know what I mean.
Derby Day is without question the best on the racing calendar. Four group 1s, two group 2s and three group 3s make for a mouth-watering nine-race card that kicks off from 11.30am.
But as good as it is in terms of a viewing spectacle, this meeting threatens to be a horror for the punters.
I've been on the end of a few Derby Day meetings that have thrown up rough result after rough result, which has left the pocket a little light for the big week ahead.
You've got to remember that there's no option of sitting back after the final race this afternoon and waiting for next Saturday to roll around. There's the Melbourne Cup program three days later, which is followed by Oaks Day on Thursday and Emirates Stakes Day to cap-off the Flemington carnival next weekend.
Given that, perhaps the advice should be to not go too hard too early. But I am not one to say silly things like that. After all, this is the best week of the year.
Taking aim at Flemington today, I'm keen Rich Enuff bounces back from his Caulfield Guineas defeat, Caravan Rolls On and Generalife are good each-way bets and I'll be staggered if Kerrin McEvoy doesn't win the jockey challenge.
And for those of you wondering what happened with my mate from last weekend (the one who decided he would go to the Cox Plate meeting but leave before the big race so he could get to the soccer early) ended up giving the races a miss altogether.
He spent the day shopping with his girlfriend, but did see a cracking game of soccer, with Melbourne Victory winning the A-League derby against Melbourne City, 5-2.
His mother was quick to send me a text message backing her son's decision when the game produced seven goals, but I'm still disappointed in him for not paying the Cox Plate the respect it deserves.
BEST BET
Rich Enuff (Flemington, Saturday, R4 #1) @ $3.20
The Ken Keys-trained star was favourite for the Caulfield Guineas but was pressured all the way in that race before being nailed by Shooting To Win.
His run was massive considering the way the race panned out and I reckon he will give this an almighty shake with even luck.
Class animal.
EACH-WAY
Caravan Rolls On (Flemington, Saturday, R5 #2) @ $9/$2.77
Could be one of Australia's most oddly-named gallopers, but trainer Danny O'Brien's charge is a top stayer.
Was a brilliant winner of the recent Geelong Cup and his run during this carnival last year was phenomenal when he came from well back in the field to finish third in an on-pace dominated affair.
Tough race, but he's value.
EACH-WAY
Generalife (Flemington, Saturday, R3 #3) @ $5.50/$1.97
Giving this fellow another chance after a solid effort behind Lucky Hussler a couple of weeks ago.
Although no match for the winner, he closed well in that race and draws well in barrier two this afternoon.
Moral beaten the start before in Sydney and reckon he's a safe way to play at the each-way.
JOCKEY CHALLENGE
Kerrin McEvoy (Flemington, Saturday) @ $2.30
How about this for a book of rides? Wandjina, Abduction, Generalife, Rubick, Lord van Percy, Spillway, Hampton Court, Girl In Flight and That's A Good Idea.
I'd be staggered if he wasn't winning the jockey challenge, which is decided on a 3-2-1 points system for each race across the card.
THIS WEEKEND'S BETS
$30 Kerrin McEvoy - jockey challenge (Flemington, Saturday) @ $2.30
$20 win - Rich Enuff (Flemington, Saturday, R4 #1) @ $3.20
$5 each-way - Caravan Rolls On (Flemington, Saturday, R5 #2) @ $9/$2.77
$5 each-way Generalife (Flemington, Saturday, R3 #3) @ $5.50/$1.97
Because of the scratching of Trust In A Gust last Saturday morning, we've got another $20 to play with this weekend.
Despite Trust In A Gust's withdrawal, we did collect $25 from Damien Oliver's win in the jockey challenge to boost the overall total to $301.60.
I've added the $20 scratching return to the jockey challenge bet on Kerrin McEvoy today.
Once again, the Park Hotel in Alfredton has put up $50 to punt with this weekend, with all winnings to go to charity.