MY CALL - COULD THE DOOMBEN OPTION NOT BE USED TO GREATER ADVANTAGE?
By David Fowler | Tuesday, February 28, 2012
David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.
Could the Eagle Farm abandoned meeting on Saturday have been switched to Doomben?
I pondered the thought when we disappointingly awoke to a raceless Saturday.
Let's face it, the Brisbane Racing Club exclusively enjoys two tracks adjacent to each other, a privilege no other metropolitan club in Australia can boast.
With the solid prediction of heavy rain on Friday and Saturday, a contingency plan could have been mapped out on Thursday or Friday to switch to Doomben.
But my original question remains valid. After inspecting an unsuitable Eagle Farm, could a quick dash across the road to inspect Doomben have given it the green light to race.
Maybe Doomben was too wet as well but it's worth remembering it is acknowledged as one of Australia's best wet weather surfaces.
I appreciate track preparation is also an important issue but they raced there Wednesday so there wouldn't have been too much remedial work needed.
A transfer of the catering might have posed a problem.
The horse has bolted, but I'd be interested in some feedback from BRC to ascertain whether this is something that could be executed in the future.
After all, there is no harm in asking!
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It didn't take long for the Melbourne and Sydney Clubs to try and outmanoeuvre Brisbane and Adelaide to keep Black Caviar in their respective states for her farewell race or races.
While we would dearly love to have her back, I wouldn't be that disappointed if Adelaide got the nod from Peter Moody.
But I strongly disagree with the Melbourne clubs considering tinkering with their race programs to suit Black Caviar.
There is nothing wrong with rolling out the red carpet for the champion mare but not at the possible expense of disadvantaging others.
I held the same philosophy about the vacant gate scenario of last year.
Black Caviar might be streets ahead of Australia's thoroughbreds but she shouldn't be given any leg up or head start.
Many rival stables who had targeted the Lightning winced when she became a surprise acceptor, but that's the prerogative of the connections to choose where they race.
I don't believe it's the prerogative of race clubs to change in-stone programming to let her in under the radar.
And I'm sure many would agree with this sentiment.
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A quick congratulations to fellow HRO blogger Rob Heathcote for achieving his first Group One win with Woorim in the Oakleigh Plate.
Finally the stars aligned and Woorim conclusively proved he possesses one of the best finishes in Australia.
I have no doubt with a better tempo and better luck in running he should have won last year's Stradbroke.
Lining up against Hay List and Rain Affair, Woorim's presence promises a ripper
Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on Saturday week.
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Speaking of Black Caviar earlier, the LNP party are at her sort of odds to win the Queensland state election on March 24.
They are priced at $1.06 while the ALP have drifted to $8.25.
I will talk more about the election and the racing game next week.
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