MY CALL - ATLANTIC JEWEL'S SAPPHIRE STAKES PERFORMANCE PUTS HER RIGHT UP THERE WITH BLACK CAVIAR
By David Fowler | Tuesday, April 17, 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.
Yes, there is room for two.
I'm glad to see a debate developing on Black Caviar VERSUS Atlantic Jewel rather than simply lauding the status of Black Caviar AND Atlantic Jewel.
For too long Black Caviar has been a protected species. Don't get me wrong. She is a champion and 19 wins from as many starts is the only proof you need.
But even the slightest criticism of her is howled down by many as being negative.
What nonsense!
Initially Atlantic Jewel was considered a separate entity, but I think Saturday's Sapphire Stakes performance changed all that.
Now, some of the brave, and I'm one of them, are more than happy to line them up.
It's still early days but I'd pose two significant questions that can mature the debate.
Do you think Black Caviar had achieved as much at start seven as Atlantic Jewel has?
Secondly, would Black Caviar have won the Sapphire any easier than Atlantic Jewel?
I would answer (a) I doubt it … but not a lot in it, and (b) definitely not
What racing fans should appreciate is how lucky we are at this time to have a world champion and a champion in waiting AT THE SAME TIME.
One can argue Atlantic Jewel is yet to achieve Black Caviar's stellar record. Others will say Atlantic Jewel has already displayed more versatility in terms of racing pattern and distance.
It's all good stuff. But please let Atlantic Jewel in the tent. Don't leave them as separate entities.
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Hard not to spot Fat Al at the Randwick undercard on Saturday.
I took particulalr attention of him knowing he is Queensland Derby bound.
A good type, an on-pacer, and loads of ability.
Can we get on now?
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What did we learn from Doomben racing on Saturday as the carnival is about to hit full steam.
Could Adebisi be a threat in a BTC Cup?
Yes he can. I thought he was a revelation last campaign after being gelded but you would have to think he has taken another important step after the Bribie walloping.
Burning the candle at both ends and running within a second of the course record on a "slow 6" was awesome.
But he's not just a tearaway type. He relaxed in the George Moore win last summer with a display of controlled speed.
And a big tick to Desleigh Forster.
Faith is important in any walk of life and that faith is being repaid in spades after many gave up on Adebisi at one point or another.
Spirit Of Boom was good considering he's not flash first up and he was on an unsuitable track surface. An outside Stradbroke hope. Definitely.
Wouldn't you love to have Morning Captain in the trenches with you. He would never let you down. Not big margins, not super quick times but either wins or finishes close up and he's striking while the iron is hot.
And finally Rocker. Poor Rocker, the horse who has to carry the weight and hype associated with him everytime he steps out.
I'm concerned he peaks in his races but the Saturday win was good considering he was first-up and had to overcome a moderate mid-race tempo to win.
Some want to knock him. I don't. Keep knocking winners (five from seven) and they'll keep proving you wrong.
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Are times a changing?
Just about to do the form for Eagle Farm tomorrow and note there are eight races, in stark contrast to the "seven race midweek" policy of the old guard.
They'd only run eight or more if there had been a recent cancellation because of wet weather.
Are some in the RQ bunker starting to flex their frustrated muscles now the change is on?
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