MY CALL - USUAL CATCH-CRY ARRIVES RIGHT ON CUE
By David Fowler | Tuesday, May 28, 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.
Peter Snowden pulled the oldest trick in the book on the weekend but Racing Queensland promptly called his bluff two days later.
The usual catch-cry from a trainer that he or she won't run if they get a certain weight is not new.
And nor is a full or partial capitulation from handicappers to make sure everyone stays happy.
Snowden said he could not guarantee Doomben 10,000 winner Epaulette would run if given a "stupid" weight of 56 or 57kgs.
Epaulette was handicapped at 56kg yesterday for the Stradbroke.
So will he run? I'd be amazed if he didn't and there are a million reasons to back up my claim.
The three-year-old is here and peaking and, to be frank, the weight assessment is spot on.
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Some got carried away with Your Song's win in the BTC Cup and some are in raptures over Epaulette's dynamic finish to win the Doomben 10,000.
Yet Your Song was the first to crumble in the 10,000, unable to power at both start and finish.
Epaulette's win was flattered by the brilliant tempo which handed it to a backmarker. The 43.04 first 750m split is rarely seen these days. Anything less than 44 seconds is considered quick.
Now at a "grown man's weight" under handicap conditions and not as fresh as coming into the 10,000, there will be several reasons to gamble against him in the Straddy.
The final jigsaw piece is Saturday's QTC Cup. Whatever happens there, the Stradbroke is poised to be fantastic betting affair.
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The release of Monday's Stradbroke weights was eagerly anticipated and made a good talking point.
Yet another reason to the leave the race as a handicap.
Surely those promoting a conversion to WFA or set weights and penalties have got the message by now.
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With so much fixed odds trading happening these days and several days out into the bargain, the on-track activity is generally tame.
But such a cavalcade of money for Your Song both with bookies and totes in the 30 minute lead-up to the race was a little unexpected.
Had the tip leaked that he would be ridden aggressively to make light of the barrier?
Amazingly Epaulette eased from $4.8 to $6 in 10 minutes and paid similar on the totes.
But the end result was still nasty for TAB fixed odds and corporates. The damage had been done when $7 was posted after the barrier draw.
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Putting the $100,000 maiden on at the start of the 10,000 card created much debate.
Why the fuss from the critics?
It didn't replace a race and was on early (11.40am).
The thinking that interstate stables might send a first starter or two didn't eventuate but maybe a bit more spruiking about the race next year can change all that.
And I can guarantee you the TAB and fixed odds hold on Tattsbet were more than respectable compared to race two, an open three-year-old.
Gee, some in the racing media are so precious. Get a life!
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Dear Demi's average Grand Prix run on the weekend has upped my enthusiasm for Gondokoro in Saturday's Queensland Oaks.
I think she is nearly a good thing to outstay her rivals over the 2400m.
Until next week.
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