3 minute read

Richmond Tiger defender Steve Morris talks dress codes, Shamardal and another big upcoming weekend of Aussie racing.

As the Boxing Day Test hits Melbourne and a crowd of approximately 90,000 rolls in to support the very same team that was able to return the urn in Perth, we also get ready for some strong Australian racing in the coming week.

DRESS CODES

I know it has probably been done to death but I can't help but mention the farce that led to a young lady being escorted from the members’ area at Moonee Valley racecourse last Friday night.

I totally understand that to the absolute letter of the law she had not met the standard of the dress code of the members’ section, however to evict a young lady who was dressed to impress and ready to enjoy a great night at the races with her partner and friends is absurd.

This dress code issue is only a minor one in the growing divide between the racing industry and where it needs to be in order to make the industry a more appealing option for the younger generation.

SHAMWOW

Shamardal may not be standing in this part of the world any longer but he continues to leave his mark on Australian racing.

Best known on our shores for his deeds as the sire of star Bart Cummings-trained filly Faint Perfume, and more recently early Melbourne cup favourite Puissance De Lune, Shamardal has jumped back into the spotlight in the past week.

Firstly, Darley-trained Emblems produced a tough and equally impressive performance when crossing from a wide barrier to make all the running and prove too strong in the last at Rosehill on Saturday.

Then on Thursday at Randwick, Shamalia justified strong support on debut when she sprinted impressively to land the money after being held up in the early part of the straight. It will also be interesting to see whether Shamardal's best-performed son, Lope De Vega can prove to be successful as a sire down under when his first runners hit the track next spring.

INDEX LINKED TO INVASION

Index Linked was yet another impressive winner for the Chris Waller Stable down in Melbourne. That ever-increasing band of the leading trainer’s horses is set to get even bigger after a recent announcement that Waller has relinquished the 10 stables he held in favour of 26 boxes at Flemington.

This further strengthens Waller's position to challenge for the Melbourne Metropolitan Trainers Premiership. On Boxing Day however, that assignment was made a slightly more difficult one when the leader of that race, Darren Weir, trained an impressive treble.

Rainbow Storm made it a one-act affair when leading throughout to win by 6 lengths. So Hasty was equally impressive when, despite being posted deep throughout, kept coming to score well, whilst Flying Hostess capitalised on the run of the race to beat the heavily-supported Winta Chiller.

UPCOMING

Last weekend’s racing saw a Darley 2yo by the name of Kumaon win in an impressive debut performance which leads me to mention the colt that gave him an absolute bath in a recent trial.

Jetwings, a chestnut son of Jet Spur, jumped straight to the lead to beat Kumaon by 5.3 lengths and will make his debut in a race that will play a role in shaping the 2yo Magic Millions Classic.

Jetwings has opened up as $2.80 favourite for the Magic Millions lead up race where he meets boom Victorian Nordic Empire ($3.20). Another very interesting lead-up includes Oakleigh Girl, Echo Gal and the improving Unencumbered in the BJ McLachlan Stakes at Doomben.

After failing to land a massive plunge on debut, Chivalry will be out to atone at Moonee Valley for Mark Kavanagh.

In the 3yo race at Doomben, Missy Longstocking will look to emulate her winning performance on this day last year whilst Enquare, a daughter of former smart mare Skewiff, looks to make it four wins on end.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Xmas and a safe and happy New Years period. From my point of view, I very much hope that 2014 turns out to be the Year of the Tiger.

Until next week…good luck and good racing!