With the Darley Classic fast approaching, Slade Power was yesterday visited the site of where the war will be fought on Saturday. Sent out for an 800m gallop on the inside dirt at Flemington, he reeled off a very nice 47:49, coming home in an eye catching 23:06. The horse was not asked to do a lot, merely to get along at his own tempo. It was more than enough to turn the heads of the local time takers. Ed Lynam stated that the horse was not chased in the workout. So things are really looking up for Slade Power. The horse has drawn the 4 slot so will be loaded early. After chatting with officials about the start procedure, Lynam stated. "We've been treated very well over here and we're very keen to run and hopefully our horse will be looked after.â It has been agreed that Slade Power will be hooded when he goes in, and then as done in the UK, his rider Wayne Lordan will be the one to pull the hood when they jump. Australia has a serious reputation when it comes to sprint racing, but let this not fool anyone when it comes to the chances of Slade Power in the G1 $1,000,000 Darley Classic. He is a world class racehorse. There is also the thought that moving a horse into the warmer weather can increase a horse's love of racing. We have a Winter Carnival in Qld where many southern horses visit. Quite often they seem to grow another leg with a bit of sun on their backs. The Melbourne Spring Carnival can do the same for Northern Hemisphere animals. It would not surprise me at all if Slade Power carries on the good work we've seen from Adelaide, Protectionist and the ill fated Admire Rakti, and waltzes away with the major end of the prize money. Of course Lankan Rupee could throw a mighty spanner in the works. On the efforts of his last campaign, he'd take one hell of a beating, but there are serious questions concerning his form this time in. Each time he's stepped out, he's been targeted by rival jockeys, and has at times been bought undone. His trainer though is of the opinion that Lankan Rupee is just taking a bit longer to reach his peak. He expects the horse to produce his best on his favourite track. The other major chances are the Sydney duo of Rebel Dane and Northern champ Terravista, and the Flemington trained boom colt Chautauqua. The latter will go into the race as a very hot favourite. Some are shaking their heads when it comes to the hot pot though. There are a host of multiple G1 winning horses in the race, but Chautauqua comes into the event with a reputation built on the back of his last two efforts, G3 and a G2 wins. But what wins they were. Sensational. The race will be a cracker. 1200m down the straight course at Flemington will sort the men from the boys. Roll on Saturday.
A big run from baby Slade would certainly seal the deal for whose been the top flat trainer around this season. A just ridiculous strike rate he's had in the UK this season (and all at a high level too).
City, it's really hard to get a line on Slade Power's chances. I really believe these visitors revel in the conditions here. A lot of then need at least a run here for some reason, but I'm not too sure if that will apply with sprinters. I remember a lonf, long time go, a flashy grey called Bunratty Castle who ended up winning the Caulfield Cup in the mid 60s. He was a bold, front running type. When he first arrived he won some serious races at a mile, and since then, I've always thought that UK trainers may have underestimated their chance here with sprinters. I think Slade Power at the odds is fantastic value. Each way is a brilliant bet. (Not that I want to steer you into a bet, I'd hate to see you blow you money on my say so.) This is one of the strongest fields we've seen here in a number of years. I personally believe Slade Power to be right up there with the best we have. I think he's in it up to his ears. If Chautauqua brings his A game, he'll take some beating. Than there's Lankan Rupee. Oh, and don't forget the other half dozen chances. Get the message mate.
I get the message Cyc, I'll be backing him anyway as both the Powers have done me a good turn over the summer. I'll probably back him ew in case Chautauqua really is the real deal
