When Are These Track Managers Going to Prepare Tracks Properly?

Thank goodness we had a bit of rain in Perth last week. The welcome precipitation just took the edge off the Ascot turf for Saturdays meeting. Previously since the start of the Ascot season, horses have been right on top of the ground and getting home a shade quicker than is probably what's good for them. At Sandown on Saturday the track must have been flint hard with horses getting home the lat 600m in the low to mid 32's!

What this means is that instead of getting 40, 50 or more runs out of a horse's career, owners and trainers will be getting 25 or 30 before they break down with leg problems. Now those figures can't be held tight, but you get the idea. Tracks need to have a bit of give in them and when there's no rain to do the job properly, the track managers need to help things along a bit with the sprinklers.

- Peter Morley

Progeny of Umatilla - Orlavista Horse

Hi everyone, this is Orlavista, a 3yo gelding by Umatilla from Sandbagger.

He was entered at the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale in 2005, where we rated him 7.5/10 and noted him as "big plain bay-correct and worth looking at-needs time". However subsequent to the auction, he was withdrawn after suffering a colic attack which required surgery.

Retained by his owners, he was sent to trainer Robert Smerdon who gave him two runs on provincial tracks as a two year old where he finished unplaced both times. In one of those races, he featured significantly in the stewards report. He was then spelled and was recently offered for sale. That's when I got interested again.

His pedigree tells us that he'll run. He's by Umatilla who has produced such high class racehorses as Umrum, Streak, Umah, Boehemiath, Valedictum, Strasbourg, Kim Uma, etc...and boasts a 60% winners to runners record. Not bad for a stallion that stands for just $6,600! The Danehill mare Sandbagger has had 3 to race for 2 winners-both Full Brothers to Orlavista, including Oronoco who has won and been placed several times in Hong Kong!

It's my opinion, that this horse would have been better suited by being left until he was three years old before he raced. As it is, he's now been gelded and was recently purchased by Ballarat trainer Mr Anthony Cosgriff who has offered the horse to me to syndicate. After having investigated the history and potential of Orlavista, I'm willing to bring him on board and take a chance on him. I'm betting that the next time he goes to the races, this time as a three and half year old, he'll be much better suited to handle the rigours of racing. I'm not suggesting to anyone that he'll make a city class racehorse, however I'd be very confident in him being able to win a number of provincial races at the very least. Quite simply, he's a horse to have a bit of fun with, for practically nothing.

On November 17th 2006, he was scoped and passed an inspection of his upper respiratory system, and has also passed a routine vet check. So now he's on the Belhus team and we're taking a gamble with him.

He'll be trained at Ballarat by Anthony Cosgriff who is a qualified and very experienced equine vet having an impressive resume which includes vast experience in international racing. Anthony is now making the change from horse vet to horse trainer which will save us plenty on vet bills! He's produced his fair share of winners from just a handful of starters during his short stint as a trainer thus far, and and I'd say that your horse couldn't be in safer hands.

If you're interested in joining in and taking a share in this horse, Expressions of interest are now invited pending the completion of all paperwork and approval by the Lead Regulator.

I can tell you though that this will be a 12 Share syndicate priced @ $1,375 each. Syndicate fees of $220/month cover all normal racing costs, and commence in January.

Of course, at that price he'll be sold in a week, so register your interest now, (there's no obligation to buy), and I'll e-mail you a brochure when it's been approved.

- Peter Morley

Perth Summer Racing Carnival

With the Spring racing in Melbourne now in its final stages, our attention now swings firmly west for the commencement of the Perth Summer Carnival. Don't be caught out with the swift passing of time here. The $750,000 Group 1 Railway Stakes is only two weeks away, The $500,000 Group 1 Fruit n Veg Stakes is only three weeks away, and it's only 46 sleeps until the Perth Cup!

Tomorrow sees the running of two feature races, The WA Guineas and The Lee Steere Stakes, both races carrying $200,000 in prize-money. The WA Guineas for three year olds sees a very evenly matched field come together. There are no standouts in my opinion, and that's why I'm favouring the O'Reilly gelding, (Luv those O'Reillys!), Guyno, trained by Lou Luciani. He's third up from a spell today, and following an unlucky first up run in the Belgravia Stakes where he was beaten just 3 lengths, and then a fast finishing fourth to Vain Crusader two weeks ago, he should be absolutely cherry ripe for the 1600m of the Guineas. Jason Whiting rides and he'll be giving him every possible chance from barrier 6.

The Lee Steere Stakes is a time honoured classic sprint which serves as a vital lead up for Railway Stakes aspirants. It's 4/1 the field tomorrow and the main chances appear to be Daka's Gem, Mr Sandgroper, Belle Bizarre and Dr John. Look for the impressive Mr Sandgroper to be putting in his best work at the finish, with a view to being on him after he's had a run under his belt.
- Peter Morley

This One's a Flyer!

There are excellent reports from the track on trainer Paul Jordan's well bred two year old Shavano who makes his debut at Ascot tomorrow. A trial winner at his only start, beating subsequent Ascot winner La Coureuse, the Tribu colt may well be the one to be on tomorrow. He meets a moderate field first up and so long as there's a decent price on offer, he could be worth supporting.

Two New Syndicates

Brochures are now available for two of new syndicates which have just been released. There's a bay colt by Stormy's Son, and a brown filly by Key Business, both placed into 12 share syndicates priced at $5,950.

Check them out on our website at http://www.belhusracing.com.au/

Best Bets For the Weekend

BEST BET: GUYNO - PR7 No 8. (see Perth Summer Carnival article)

BEST EACH WAY: FRENCH FAVOURITE - PR2 No 7.

Very talented filly who's always competitive. Last start winner in easier company at Pinjarra but has shown she's city class already. Won't match the two equal favourite in the betting ring, but may just make them stretch their necks near the winning post. Should be 8/1 or thereabouts.

BEST PLACE: NECTAREIGN.

Our own Nectareign goes to Kembla Grange on Saturday and in race 5 it's hard to see him being kicked out of a place. A last start trial winner, he'll improve on whatever he does tomorrow, but in class 1 company, he'll give you a good run for your money!

- Peter Morley

Carnival Attention Swings West

With the show over in Melbourne after raceday attendances were smashed, (400,000+ over the four day Flemington meeting), the next city to showcase their racing is Perth.

The Perth Summer Carnival commences this Saturday with the running of the WA Guineas over 1600m for three year olds, and the Lee-Steere Stakes run at WFA over 1400m for sprinters-both Group 2 events. The carnival feature races are the $750,000 Group 1 Railway Stakes on December 2nd, the $500,000 Fruit n Veg Stakes on December 9th, and the $400,000 Perth Cup on January 1st.

Racegoers at Ascot on Saturday saw a potential champion in the making when the brilliant Marasco gathered up his opposition in the blink of an eye, and then went on to win by 4 lengths in emphatic style. It's not the first time he's done it either and trainer Fred Kersley will now set him for bigger races, culminating in the Railway Stakes to be run over 1600m which should suit his rising star down to the ground.

Racegoers all over WA are touting Marasco as "the new Northerly", all that is except is Fred, who as usual is his normal humble and unassuming self. He knows that the horse has a long way to go before reaching the dizzy heights of his former champion and is keeping his feet firmly on the ground. Bet he doesn't have any trouble springing out of bed early every morning though.

- Peter Morley

FREE Professional Punting Seminar in PERTH - TONIGHT!!

Our Perth subscribers are reminded of Garry Robinsons Winform Professional Punting Seminar at the Hyatt Regency Hotel TONIGHT (MONDAY) commencing at 6pm. Entry is Free with the compliments of Belhus Racing Stables. Call our office on 08 9296 1144 to reserve your seat tonight!

Five New Syndicates To Be Released The Month

With the demand for racing shares having never been better, (at least since I've been syndicating racehorses which is eleven years now), and an ever increasing number of people wanting to get into the racing game, we're releasing Five New Syndicates this month!

They'll all be under the $6,000 mark, and a few will be issued under $2,000 which will be affordable to almost everyone! The new horses are all 2yo's and they are;

Bay colt by Stormy's Son, Dam has had two to race for two winners (to be released this week).
Brown filly by KEY BUSINESS, Dam has had four to race for three winners (to be released this week).
Chestnut colt by Diatribe. Outstanding colt, a strong imposing type who'll impress anyone who inspects him.
Chestnut filly by Secret Savings. Pocket rocket who'll benefit by given time. For the patient client only...
Bay filly by Way Of Light. Tall, scopey filly, very correct and has a most unusual marking just below her whither in the shape of a black heart! Looks like a runner...

Full details when they come to hand.

- Peter Morley

It's Finished

After a tough week with wall to wall racing, it's time for some Melbourne Cup humour and rest...

Horse Wins Melbourne Cup - Again

Many people turned up to Flemington on Tuesday hoping to see a slice of history. But they walked away disappointed after horses again filled the major placings at this year's Melbourne Cup, their jockeys unable to mount a serious challenge.

But the Senior Marketing Manager with the Jockeys' Collective, Mr Roy Beadman-Higgins, said he remained convinced that a jockey would one day with the coveted Melbourne Cup.

"I still think it will happen one day," Beadman-Higgins said. "Unfortunately, this just wasn't our year."

"I really thought Frankie Dettori was a good chance to salute the judge. And that he did – it was just unfortunate that he saluted from well back in the field, long after lots of other jockeys and their horses had passed the post."

"That Japanese jockey on Delta Blues never had a chance – he's way too short. His horse was always going to cross the line first."

Beadman-Higgins said he was continuing his campaign to have the jockeys officially installed at third and fourth place-getters in the race.

"In a close contest like that, I concede that the two horses crossed the line first. But after that it was surely the Japanese jockey and Aussie Damian Oliver who were next home."

"I certainly hope it pans out that way, because I had a lazy $100 on Oliver at 300-1."

Beadman-Higgins conceded that the small size of jockeys was always going to be a stumbling block to their chances of finishing ahead of their horses.

With that in mind, he said the Jockeys' Collective is considering taller jockeys, or shorter horses, for next year's Carnival.

"I'm also hearing whispers that some jockeys are considering running without their horses next year," he said. "That could work."

Australian Horse Snatches Third in Melbourne Cup

This was the tongue in cheek headline run by the West Australian on Wednesday morning that raised quite a few smiles!

Opinions in the racing industry vary on what the eventual ramifications will be of the Japanese quinella, however one thing is quite clear. Now our northern Asian neighbours have "tasted blood" so to speak at just their second attempt, they'll be spending up big and devoting even more resources to do it again! Not only that, but others will be looking to dothe same on a bigger scale than they're even doing now. My prediction is that within four to five years, there will be just a handful of Australian horses gaining a start in the Cup-the majority of runners originating from overseas.

So, the message to Australians is clear. BETTER START BREEDING STAYING HORSES FOLKS! Sure you're unlikely to win a Golden Slipper with them, but let's not forget that in it's purest form, breeding thoroughbreds is all about breeding horses that have the stamina and speed neccesary to win a Derby or an Oaks as a three year old...and then the "Cups" races, traditionally also over the longer distances, as older horses.

More humour that made the headlines after the Cup;

• Johnny Letts signed as UN negotiator.


• Jockeys seen as sexually desireable objects minutes after Melbourne Cup, but back to normal soon after.


• Punter found with $10 left for Oaks Day.


• Marquee guest asks Sydney Mayor John So to say "Kerry O'Reilly" ten times.


• Cup goer checks out the norks on that.

Melbourne Cup Update - 0 Days to Go!

Its finally here! Today is the day that more or less the whole of Australia stops for a horse race! The Melbourne Cup-the race that stops a nation is just hours away!

Most of you will have seen the hype and write ups in the paper and on the news of late so there's no need for me to dwell any further-other than to give you a last minute update to either dispel or confirm your thoughts;

These two can't win:

Yeats - Rates highly but in my opinion, there are too many things against him. If he wins I'll give anyone 15% off a share in a horse before the weeks out.

Efficient - Three year old in the Melbourne Cup? Side with history and ignore him. Let him win without you if he can. Ditto with the share offer.

These 5 have Strong Chances:

Tawqeet - The 4/1 favourite is thriving and top trainer David Hayes has him spot on. Back him and you'll get a top run for your money.

Pop Rock - Good run first up in Australia and has the brilliant Damien Oliver on board. Another to give you a good run.

Delta Blues - The other Japanese horse and the one that trainer Gai Waterhouse is tipping for the Cup!

Dizelle Pete's Tip - I've been with her all the way and I can't drop off now. Poor barrier draw but that just means the price got longer. Top Chance!

Maybe Better - My ratings man says this will win. Reckons it should be a 7/2 chance!


These two are outsiders with a fair chance:

Kerry O'Reilly - Talented NZ stayer who but for interference should have won an Auckland Cup over 3200m. 33/1 chance who could give you a big thrill for a small investment.

Art Success - Smokey at around 40/1. Won the Brisbane Cup over 3200m and has been a touch unlucky at last two runs. The outsider if there is one.


And finally, here's the "Omen Tip" from the Morley household.

Dolphin Jo - The topical tip in our house as one of the kids sewed two dolphins onto a pillow cushion last night for her school project!

Pete's Tips:

1st - Dizelle
2nd - Tawqeet
3rd - Kerry O'Reilly

Good Luck in the Big Race, Timed to Jump at 3.00pm EST., 12.00PM in Perth.

Learn How to Bet Like a Professional!

Do you live in Perth? Do you like a bet? Would you like to Win more often?

If so, then next Monday Evening, November 13th commencing at 7pm, our Perth Clients will be able to attend our special "Professional Punting Seminar" at the Hyatt Regency Hotel - For Free!

Garry Robinson, punting & gaming consultant, and author of Best Selling books: "Make Racing Pay", "Racing Pays More" and "Professional Staking and Money Management" Seminars is your presenter for the evening. Garry is acknowledged as one of Australia's Top Form Analysts and is also the Editor of Horse Racing Australia Magazine. Over the past 11 years Gary has been presenting week-long and Interstate Seminars on professional punting. Now you can hear Garry For Free this Monday whilst he's in Perth!

Gary's Professional Punting Seminars provide the ideal pro-active approach to punting which will cater for beginners through to the Professional Punter who is serious about making a profit. It educates people on the principles of punting which enables people to enjoy horse racing, whilst winning at the same time.

During this 3 hour seminar, Garry will give you some very valuable information on how to win more (or lose less) betting on horse racing, and he'll present his latest, up to date strategies, systems and products. No one else has this exclusive information.

The cost to registered Belhus owners is Free with our compliments! Guest tickets are just $55.00. We have space for 30 people at the seminar and to date just 19 remain. Call me on 9296 1144 or email peter@belhusracing.com.au to reserve your seat! All attendees will also receive a 12 month subscription to Horse Racing Australia's magazine.

**NOTE: There is a slightly longer Perth Seminar on the previous day, Sunday afternoon between 1-6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency with tickets priced at $149.00 each which also includes $200 of giveaways! The website to book is http://www.horseracingaustralia.info.

Chance To Get On The Gai Bandwagon

Top Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse took all before her at Flemington on Saturday winning Two Group 1 Races and 1 Group 2 Race! Desert War, Dance Hero and Tuesday Joy all bolted in, and with a double at home in Sydney, Gai had a day to remember!

If you'd like to become an owner with Gai, then here's an opportunity. I have just one share left in So Sublime (pictured), a two year old gelding now in work with Gai.

The last share has proven very difficult to sell with not one but now Two People saying yes and then changing their minds, so perhaps it could be fate that You could end up with this share! 11/12ths sold-just 1/12th left at $5000 even. Contact me if you're interested.

Melbourne Cup Update - Only 4 Days to Go!

Well it's nearly here! Remember when we were saying 49 days to go, 36 days to go, etc-and it all seemed so far away? Well we're nearly there folks! The big two miler at Flemington-the race that stops a nation is just four days away! Now we won't know the final field until after Saturdays racing when we've seen the SAAB Quality, The MacKinnon Stakes and even the VRC Derby winner?

Saturday will see many contenders lining up and trying to make a last ditch bid to qualify for a Cup start. Regardless of what happens, I'm sticking with Dizelle as my tip for the biog race. A proven stayer who has been running on resolutely at the end of her recent races, she gives every indication that she's now strong enough for the 3200m, (as opposed to last year). The two Japanese horses impress me, and of course you won't go far wrong if you're on either Yeats or Tawqeet. Dizelle for me though at around 14/1!

Your tips for the Emirates Melbourne Cup

As per the Belhus Racing Newsletter, this is your chance to place your tips on the Emirates Melbourne Cup. To post your winner, just click on the comments button beneath this article and tell us who you think can win the Emirates Melbourne Cup!

Just 8 Shares Remain!

Akhenaton
2YO In Perth.
Just 8 shares now remain in this fabulous looking 2yo gelding. He's just started at the breakers and we should have this syndicate all sewn up by Melbourne Cup week. Don't You Miss Out on this horse!

He's an impressive type and won't cost you a lot of money either.

20 shares priced at $2,997 each. Brochures available through the mail, or I can email you one instantly if you send a request to peter@belhusracing.com.au

- Peter Morley

Pete's Best Bets For the Weekend

Best Favourite; Real Mak PR6 No 11.
Star 3 yr old unbeaten in four appearances to date. Should be suited for weight to age and has an electrifying sprint when asked to go!

Best Each Way; The One MR6 No 2.
Get on the O'Reilly colt - The One! The favourite is a big risk at short odds in this race. So get on The One at six or seven to one for this race.

Best Outsider; Shark Bite MR3 No 6.
In the money at each of his five runs to date. Blinkers and tongue tie on for the first time. Should see him improve even further.

- Peter Morley

Here's Gai's Tip For the Melbourne Cup

Gai Waterhouse is without a Melbourne Cup starter this year but the trainer has assumed the role as leader of the fan club for Japanese stayer Delta Blues.

The Caulfield Cup third placegetter galloped strongly at Tuesday's Breakfast With The Stars session at Flemington and Waterhouse was impressed. "I like Delta Blues, very much so," she declared after examining the six-year-old stallion while it paraded in the warm-down area. "He is a very strong, big horse. He is extremely fit and powerful and is a great-looking horse. He can win the Melbourne Cup."

Delta Blues galloped solo on the Flemington course proper moments after the Luca Cumani-trained pair of Glistening and Soulacroix worked with the Jamie Poulton-trained Land 'n Stars. Nash Rawiller rode Delta Blues in the Caulfield Cup but connections have called in Japanese jockey Yasunari Iwata to ride next Tuesday. Waterhouse isn't concerned with the new pilot, and is teaming up with Iwata on Tuesday as well. "There is no problem with the jockey, he goes good," she said. "He is going to ride Anapine for me in another race [Liberty Financial Stakes] on Melbourne Cup day."

Anapine is raced by Katsumi Yoshida, who is involved in the ownership of Delta Blues and stablemate Pop Rock, another Melbourne Cup contender. Pop Rock remained at the Sandown quarantine centre on Tuesday for a quiet work session along with the Cup second favourite Yeats. Keita Tanaka, stable spokesman for trainer Katsuhiko Sumii, was satisfied with Delta Blues' work. "Delta Blues was there getting used to the track, he had a look around and worked like we wanted him to," Tanaka said.

- Peter Morley

Posting Comment Tutorial

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