The racing year of 2011 will go down in the history books as one we won’t forget for a number of reasons. Whether it was Black Caviar and her stunning efforts, the Internationals dominating the Melbourne Cup, or the sudden and sad deaths of several of our top class gallopers, 2011 will stick long in our memories. Here is my summation of the best and worst of the past 12 months.
Best moment?
From a punting perspective, personally, Down Under Boy’s first up win on Stakes Day Flemington when he saluted at 100/1…lovely. But in terms of racing, pick any of Black Caviar’s victories and you’re on the money. The best win of hers for me was the Newmarket. To lump that sort of weight against a cracking field and win with such ease immediately put her alongside some of the best gallopers that have run and won on Australian soil. Honourable mentions to Shamrocker and her AJC Derby win, and Southern Speed’s remarkable turnaround in form over time to win the Caulfield Cup.
Worst moment?
The amount of accidents on the training track that led to several deaths. Crystal Lily, Cedaberg, Delago’s Lad, Gold Salute, Warm Love, Uxorious and last but not certainly not least, the darling of the Sydney turf, Hot Danish. Yes, she wasn’t blessed with an enormous amount of talent, but she had class, toughness and just a sheer will to win, which made ever so popular with the Sydney racing folk. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Also, in terms of the ‘racing brand’ in general, a lowlight was the allegations of corruption in the Harness Racing industry. The grubs that have been named and shamed- Premier driver Greg Bennett, former steward Paul O’Toole, Trainer/driver Cameron Fitzpatrick along with trainers Dean Atkinson and Michael Russo have put a dark cloud over this brand. Yes, they are innocent until proven guilty. But if they are found guilty, all five of them deserve life bans from the sport.
Best victory?
Apart from BC (Black Caviar), I reckon it’s a tie between Streama and her demolition job in the Flight Stakes and Jimmy Choux and his remarkable effort to win the Rosehill Guineas. Streama was a very good filly before the Flight Stakes…after the race, she was a top class filly and rated as the new young gun of Australian racing. Watch out for her in the Autumn. Kiwi champion Jimmy Choux oozed class in the slop to win the New Zealand Derby before heading to Rosehill for the Guineas. In the run he had no chance. He was sitting worse than midfield in a slowly run race. The leader, Retrieve, had a picnic in front and at the 200m was seeminly home, but the big bloke from across the Tasman motored down the centre of the track to record rather soft win on the line. He didn’t go on to win the Derby, but what he did at Rosehill reminded me of Bonecrusher and his effort to win the Tancred in 1986.
Best ride?
Without doubt, Craig Williams and his effort on Pinker Pinker in the Cox Plate. From the 700m onwards, you will not see a better ride in your life…apart from Bossy and his three Melbourne Cup rides on Makybe Diva because nothing will ever compare to those three. Williams saved about four-five lengths by hugging the fence, where no other rider wanted to be. 300m to go, Jimmy Choux was coasting and was being hailed as the winner, but Williams saved his girl up for the straight and it showed in the end. Wonderful race to watch.
Best trainer?
No arguments I would think with Chris Waller. 10 years ago he was a struggling kiwi who was battling to make ends meet. Fast forward to the 2010/11 season, and that same trainer beat the two most powerful stables in Australia- Peter Snowden and Gai Waterhouse. And not just beat, he flogged them with Snowden finishing second, 16.5 wins behind Waller. And it wasn’t just the amount of wins, it was the way he transformed average gallopers to city winners and injury plagued thoroughbreds to Group one winners.
Most overrated rider and/or jockey?
On a week to week basis, I’d go with Corey Brown. When he is on song, he is one of our best, but he just doesn’t have consistency and that is what cost him the Sydney jockey premiership last season. Three group one winners for 2011 thanks to Shocking, Rangirangdoo and Mirjulisa Lass, but if you’re a punter, it is hard to keep backing up on him.
One to watch in 2012?
A tie between Streama and Secret Admirer. Streama was just brilliant in the Spring, culminating with her Flight Stakes donkey licking. I can’t wait for her to contest the Doncaster. That race will suit her perfectly. Secret Admirer will also run well in the Doncaster, but I feel she is going to be a serious force in the Cox Plate. Her effort in the race this year was enormous and by the time it rolls around next October, she will be more mature and stronger.
Written by Adam Page
