MY CALL - MY 'BERT BRYANT' MOMENT

By David Fowler | Tuesday, May 14, 2013

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.

I had a "Bert Bryant" moment on Saturday.

The legendary Bert Bryant couldn't identify the horse Medici in the 1975 Melbourne Cup at a crucial stage in the home straight, became flustered, and the call was ruined. He failed to live it down in the years to come.

Mine wasn't as dramatic but, when you're a hard marker, every mistake counts whether it's a Group One or a maiden.

Of course, this happened to be the Group One BTC Cup!

For some inexplicable reason, I read the colours of Your Song as those of Temple Of Boom and broadcast that Temple Of Boom had raced up to challenge Rain Affair.

I must concede that at the time I was surprised how quickly "Temple Of Boom" had gone up to issue the challenge.

You can get away with this sometimes when there are four of five in a bunch but on this occasion, Rain Affair and "Temple Of Boom" were way out in front. I was clearly exposed.

When I got back to the leaders I correctly identified it was Your Song bolting clear but that followed a second or two of confusion in my head.

The end result of the call turned out fine but it spoiled what I thought had been a pretty good day at the office.

Why did I make that mistake? Why did my brain on that occasion, of all occasions, fail me? Nobody knows.

Some may not have even noticed it. Many did and said nothing which was kind on their part.

None of us are infallible. It just makes it worse when you actually find that out.

***************************************************************************************

The form from Saturday is there for all to see but let's not read a lot into it.

The track was messy and a bias towards on-pacers was fairly apparent.

Winners and those who ran well should be kept in mind if a wet track strikes again.

But wet track or no wet track, Your Song was scene stealing, breathing life into the Carnival.

While we may not start out with the headline acts, it's great to see stars born and Your Song certainly fits that bill.

****************************************************************************************

The odds are shortening for Bobby El-Issa to return to the city and provincial riding ranks.

Whether this should have happened earlier or later is open to debate.

But rather than dwell on the decision to deny him a full licence, El-Issa has been an enthusiastic country competitor riding over 20 winners in the past five months.

My mail is he meets the licencing sub-committee next Tuesday.

It will be a surprise if he doesn't get the green light.

****************************************************************************************

I recently blogged Alan Bailey was only training one horse called Anna Lizzie.

Well, it's actually three but Anna Lizzie is the stable star and took another step at Ipswich last Friday when she zoomed home from near last to win in Class 3 company.

While the campaign is low key, Bailey has his sights set on the Queensland Oaks in three weeks.

The Grand Prix on Saturday week will be her dress rehearsal.

"I'm certain she will stay but she can sprint quickly as well which is an asset," Bailey pointed out.

Bailey and his wife June are looking in "fine fettle", obviously enjoying the less stress in pottering around with only a couple of horses.

Until next week.

More articles