Regardless of Benbatl's participation, I hope Winx wins too, but "spank that lot"? I doubt that. That is a silly statement, surprised you quoted this loudmouth.
I hope the horse runs well for you today Pilgrim. On paper at 33 it doesn't look good for position in the Cup, but between now and the 6th of next month, there'll be quite a few who'll drop out. So even if he misses out today, he's still in with a shot.
She is miles clear on ratings AND gets weight from most of them. It seems fairly clear cut to me Your Honour.
Is she still racing like a 132 horse though Oddy? That's the big question. As much as I hope she can, I just can't see her winning as she has in the past. I fear that with about 400 to run, she might be under the pump. But I hope not.
Bad news: Withhold's Melbourne Cup dreams went up in smoke after he suffered a broken blood vessel when running in the bet365 Geelong Cup. https://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/withhold-flops-in-geelong-cup/153975
RP reporting that Withhold bled from both nostrils https://www.racingpost.com/news/aus...bleeding-from-both-nostrils-in-geelong/350820
Aussie trainer Waller bled from both nostrils when he heard Matt Chapman's comments about Winx. According to Mr Waller Chapman should have had a bit more respect when he's in 'his' Country. Of course I have always found Aussies to be absolute shrinking violets when they've visited UK shores. And they call us whinging poms!
Yes, the official ratings do look bad, especially for Benbatl. IMHO he must be taken to the front immediately, I have no idea who is riding him, wish it could be Oisin Murphy. Don't know if Cosgrave (if he rides) is a good judge of pace and whether he'll restrain him again. Got away with it LTO, but I doubt if he will in this race? In short, oh mighty Lord Zeus, I find the Cox Plate more than a bit foggy this year, certainly not clear-cut, mainly for the reasons Cyclonic outlined above. However, ever the gentleman (), if you, and that other fellow, are correct, I will perform a suitable Wai and stick gold paper over your image, and masking tape over Chapman's. Yours sincerely, the thoroughly dishonourable SwanHills.
I think Winx has been winning her races very snugly this season and Bowman has not really had to ask her to dig that deep. He may want to have her slightly nearer the pace this time though
Hope he doesn't do a Mike Smith in Zenyatta's final race (ie auditioning for a film). Didn't realise that Zenyatta and Winx had the same sire
Thanks for info, that has to be good news. I just wonder how long Benbatl can stay in front in this hot race, as I feel sure it will be front-running tactics this time around?
$1,000,000 G1 WFA Manikato Stakes. 1200m. Run tonight. Brave Smash. Blue, black and white checked sleeves and cap.
Cyc; just waiting to listen to a radio interview with 'our' resident a-hole Matt Chapman who seems to have caused quite a stooshie in Australia with his views on Winx. I have discussed Mr Chapman privately with SH. Our views coincide in that Chapman is a boorish tit who states his opinions as facts and generally misquotes facts! His judgement on Winx could easily be ascribed to the form of Frankel who did not even 'visit' Ireland or France during his three year career. In my local parlance; he is f****n' eejit!
It's all good Kenny, stuff like that doesn't worry me. My well being means much more to me than the ramblings of others. We have options in life, and two of those centre around whether or not we want to be happy. I much prefer happiness, so I tend to take little notice of incendiary comments such as those of offered up by Mr. Chapman.
He is very similar to many 'English' commentators/experts (?) on football on a particular UK radio station. For instance there was a discussion about the best goalkeepers in the world and no 'keeper' outwith the English Premiership was mentioned! I don't know how many times I have heard that the EPL is the best supported in the world whereas the Bundesliga has been the top for at least eight years.
