BY TOM KERR IN MELBOURNE 8:15AM 7 NOV 2014 Preview: Australia, Saturday (4.40am ATR) Flemington: Darley Classic (Group 1) 6f, 3yo+ SLADE POWER clocked a lightning-fast time in his last piece of serious work before Saturday's Darley Classic at Flemington, suggesting the Eddie Lynam-trained horse is in peak condition for his bid to beat the Aussies in their own backyard. The dual Group 1 winner has been in imperious form this year, winning all three of his races, notably the Diamond Jubilee and July Cup, but enters the unknown this weekend when he faces the fastest horses in Australia, traditionally a bastion of sprinting excellence. Darley Classic card The locals are already nursing injured pride after losing all three of the Spring Carnival's great races to foreign-trained horses, but nothing would deal a more devastating blow to prestige than to lose at home to an upstart European sprinter. Even Slade Power's presence could be considered an affront to the assumed superiority of Australian horses -traditionally it has been the other way round, with the likes of Takeover Target, Black Caviar and Ortensia plundering big British sprints in recent years. Yet in Slade Power the locals may have finally met their match. He is Europe's highest-rated sprinter, winner of ten of his 19 starts, and by all accounts is in blisteringly good form: clockers at Flemington reported he covered five furlongs in 57.02sec this week, and according to Lynam he was nowhere near flat out. "Someone told me he did 57 seconds, but we just breezed him the way we normally would," said Lynam. "Wayne [Lordan] said he's in top form and feels as good as ever. He went well." Slade Power's preparation has been far from straightforward, however. He reacted badly to a stalls trial last week, sitting down in the gate and suffering several cuts. Worse was to follow when it emerged stewards would reject Lynam's request to load last, normal procedure for this fractious stalls customer but a process which contravenes local rules. A lengthy stand-off ensured, with Lynam warning he would withdraw Slade Power if he believed the starting procedure posed a threat to his horse or jockey. Mercifully, it appeared on Thursday as if the dispute had been resolved, with Lynam stating he had received assurances from local officials his horse would load "late, if not last", and that consequently he was happy to run. Although stewards continue to insist horses will load in barrier order, it is understood the 13-strong field will load in divisions. Slade Power, drawn four, will be among the last in. Other provisions to ensure a trouble-free start include extra stalls handlers, Slade Power's regular lad at the start, and Lordan will be allowed to remove his mount's hood upon starting, as in Europe. "They've given me confidence to believe there's nothing to be concerned about and hopefully all will go well," said Lynam. "He's trained very well. He was a bit shook up after that stalls incident, and he's got a European coat in Australia so he's wearing the wrong coat so to speak, but he looks very well, his weight is good and I've been happy with him over the last few days. I'm happier with him in the last three days than when I arrived." Starting issues hopefully resolved, Lynam's attention has turned to the opposition. When it was revealed this year Slade Power would travel to Australia it was assumed Lankan Rupee would spearhead the home defence. Australia's horse of the year had swept all aside in the Australian autumn, but two shock defeats at long odds-on rattled confidence and despite winning the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley in an eight-horse blanket finish last month, his position as market leader has been usurped. The 11-8 favourite is a lightly raced sprinter named Chautauqua, who has never contested a top-tier race but has won twice down the Flemington straight this spring, most recently in a Group 2 by a commanding four lengths. Despite that, Lankan Rupee's trainer is confident his horse is the one to beat. Mick Price told the Herald Sun: "I think he'll be much better down the Flemington straight and will be cherry ripe. I worry only about my horse and he is going super, so the rest had better bring their best game." Other notables include Buffering, a four-time Group 1 winner who used to chase home Black Caviar, and Terravista, a progressive sprinter who was fifth at Moonee Valley. "I looked at the sprint here [Manikato] a few weeks ago and it was like watching five lads running around the dinner table," said Lynam. "There was nothing to learn. There were too many hard-luck stories. What would have happened in another stride? What would have happened if horses got a run? "The only thing to take out of it was that Buffering [in seventh] probably wasn't as good as usual. The horse they're making favourite is very short, so they obviously think the world of him." Slade Power retires to stud at Darley after Saturday's race, making his showdown with Australia's best sprinters an epic final appearance. Lynam added: "If we're good enough to beat any one of them, we're good enough to beat all of them, and if we're not we're not. He's in great form and if he brings his A-game he'll do us proud." Earlier News
I'm going for Terra Vista at 12/1. But for not getting a clear run would have beaten all in the G1 Manikato Stakes at the Valley Race Here Courtesy of Cyc PS There again so might Famous Seamus 16/1 On bare form I don't think Slade Power is that hot but, if he clocked an impressive time on the course when only breezing, who knows
Every time I watch that vid, my pulse pounds. Ron I've just re-watched the vid a few times and just came across the run of Famous Seamus. He gets out ok, but cops a severe check early and is spat out the back. Look at the way he gets home. And he's a 25-1 shot tomorrow.
Yes I spotted that Cyc which is why I added him above but I thought he was 16s. 25/1 is a hell of a price.
Ron, I think a lot of people will be writing off Slade Power because he's from the UK and is about to test himself in what's supposed to be one of the hot sprinting nations. But I seriously think he's world class. It doesn't matter where he comes from. Sure we might send more winning sprinters to the UK than the other way around, but that's not t say that the UK or anywhere else can't produce a brilliant horse. I'm with the Australian squad tomorrow, but only because there are so many of them.
As stated on the other thread I have backed the power at 11/2 ew. He owe me nothing and I think it will take a good one to beat him
He owes me feck all, had the biggest bet of the flat on him in the July Cup so stuck a few sentimental quid on him at 13/2. Know FA about these Aussies but since its his last race why not. Gwaaannn the Pooowwwerr
5 minutes away and I'm on the edge of my seat. Fair dinkum, for me, this is the highlight of the carnival, Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate included.
Terravista, big win, going in his trainer Joe Pride said he had the world's best horse. Sydney smack Melbourne. Very nice job in selecting Terravista Ron. [video=youtube;AlC06BS_AbE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlC06BS_AbE[/video]
Slade Power as up there on the rails with every chance. Unfortunately couldn't go with them when they went for the line. Terra Vista and Famous Seamus came from some way behind him. I doubt there were any valid excuses.
Many thanks Ron. Had a bet on this last week while Sat in Sun by pool in Egypt. Just got some WiFi again and watched the race. Once again thank you.
Hi Ron, Logged in but can't see images - I am sure they are happy smiling pictures, that mean enjoy the rest of your hard-earned vacation.
