Ladies Day

Today was nominated Ladies Day by the AJC and saw the running of the time honoured AJC Oaks for the 3yo fillies. It was great to see the Oaks returned to its traditional place on the racing calendar and run on the Wednesday of the Autumn Carnival. Unfortunately, Randwick played on a slow again today which is disappointing for punters. And after the races on Oaks Day, the racing fraternity heads to Newmarket to partake in the William Inglis Easter Yearling Sales, the number 1 yearling sale on the calendar.

A most hearty congratulations should be sent to Gary Portelli today. He trained his first Group 1 winner today when Rena's Lady led all the way to win the AJC Oaks. A terrific front running ride by Michael Rodd saw the Arena filly hold challenges by the more fancied runners to win at the luxurious odds of $16.70. Rodd set a muddling pace throughout the race, and gave the backmarkers little hope of making up the necessary ground in the straight. He knew his filly would handle the rain affected track, and he knew she would stay the 2400m and that she did. Let's hope there are plenty more Group 1 winners for Gary, he is one of the nice guys and deserves his success. Michael Rodd is also one of the more level headed jockeys around, and he can ride. In our opinion, Rodd is one of the top 5 jockeys in Australia, if not in the top 3. Never be afraid to put your money on either Michael Rodd or Gary Portelli as you know they are both trying every time they go around.

Randwick today also played host to a regally bred chestnut 2yo filly. This filly is by champion European galloper Rock Of Gibraltar, out of Shantha's Choice, who is no less the dam of Redoute's Choice & Platinum Scissors. Her name is Sliding Cube, and she is owned in the same interests as her famous brothers. She had won her first race start at Warwick Farm by over 3 lengths, and came to Randwick today to compete in a Listed race. She showed today, breeding can get you any where fast, and at only her second start in a race, she duely saluted and now has that important black type in her pedigree. Sliding Cube could well head to Brisbane now for the winter carnival, as she has only had two runs. But she could also be a force in the Spring racing in Victoria if given her chance there.

We gave out two PASS selections today, without much luck to either. Both Boy John and Gold Dove finished second after being in front only metres before the winning post.

A horse we have earmarked to follow went around at Sandown this afternoon, and performed most disappointingly. Kitz Lane has been good to us in the past and we think he is a group horse in the making. The following extract is from the Stewards Report from Sandown today:-

When questioned, V Duric (Kitz Lane (NZ)) explained that he was obliged to use the horse’s gate speed early, however, the gelding dipped several times during the race and he could offer no further explanation as to why it failed to run on. A veterinary examination of Kitz Lane (NZ) revealed the gelding to be suffering with atrial fibrillation. Trainer Mr L Freedman was notified that prior to Kitz Lane (NZ) racing again, a veterinary certificate, along with the satisfactory results of an ECG, must be produced.

Hopefully the run can be overlooked, and nothing serious happened to him, as he is a promising horse. We will let you all know when he fronts up at the race track again.

More racing on tomorrow, All Aged Stakes Day at Randwick on Saturday. The winter carnival is starting to hot up in Brisbane, so plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.

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Good luck and profitable punting to all.