Belhus Racing Stables

Danish Sea Wins at Belmont Park

2007-07-06T16:05:00.000+08:00

CONGRATULATIONS go to the owners of DANISH SEA, (Arena-Our High Seas) who broke through for her second career win when she took out the class 6 handicap over 1600m at Belmont Park on Wednesday.

Suited by racing in a small field and ridden to perfection by Daniel Staeck,
Danish Sea showed what she was genuinely capable of by demolishing the opposition to win by an increasing five and half lengths!

She's always shown us some ability, and on the day it was her turn for things to go right. The bookies were generous too offering as much as 14/1 about her which many stable clients snapped up in some sizeable each way bets!

Officially she started at 11/1 but paid much less on the three totes, no doubt due to our nationwide client support...

Swiss Watch Wins at Northam

2007-07-06T16:04:00.000+08:00

CONGRATULATIONS to the owners of SWISS WATCH (Danetime-Smooth Mover) who scored his maiden win at Northam on Thursday taking out the first event of the day, an all age maiden over 997m.

Perfectly ridden by Brad Parnham who had him quick out of the barrier and well positioned throughout, the chunky son of Danetime was always in command of the race, eventually winning by half a length with something in reserve...

Trainer Paul Jordan has done an excellent job with the young horse who now has the record of 1 win and two seconds from just four starts.

He's obviously a city class horse in the making and with his consistent style of running, should prove to be a handy horse for punters to follow.

Beadman to Break Record Tomorrow

2007-07-06T16:01:00.000+08:00

Champion jockey DARREN BEADMAN (Mr Beadman-Mrs Beadman) is oh so close to breaking his own record of 152 wins in a season.

He has six rides at Rosehill tomorrow and needs three of them to salute.

On paper, most of them look like being at fairly generous odds, however his final mount of the day looks to be the best.

It's GRAND CAUSE in race 8, trained by his partner in success, John Hawkes.

The horse clearly wasn't suited on the Heavy track last week and should be much better suited in this race. It may not be tomorrow, but it's a near certainty that
D.Beadman will break his record before the end of the month!

New Syndicate in Perth

2007-07-06T15:57:00.000+08:00

Introducing our new horse "Joe" by Danish Harmony from Only With You.

This is a 10 share syndicate priced at $4,400 each and brochures are now available by return e-mail.

Check out the short video on him by clicking on this live link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzpE8LPC3KM

New Syndicate in Sydney

2007-07-06T15:56:00.000+08:00

I've just purchased a horse that we're going to have trained by Rick Worthington who's property is near Bowral in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Rick has one of the best strike rates of any trainer in the country.

The horse is a 2yo colt by the emerging stallion DYSLEXIA from Nureyev Again.

He's a cracker of a colt who looks every inch city class. Full details aren't ready to be released as yet, but your registrations of interest are invited...

Announcing Our Brand New Website!

2007-05-04T14:34:00.000+08:00

Today is the official launch of our new look website www.belhusracing.com.au

Whilst the old one served us well for so many years, (remember when we didn't even have one??) the time has come for a revamp. It's a fresh new look, a little more corporate than the last one and of course we'll be adding to it and improving it all the time. Please take the time to have a good look around it and feel free to email any thoughts or suggestions. We're in the process of adding a testimonials page, (so if you've got any nice words to say about us please send them in!), and also a results/statistics section. It won't be too long before we have audio and video clips on there too!

Big Weekend For Gai Waterhouse

2007-05-04T14:27:00.000+08:00

Randwick's leading trainer Gai Waterhouse is preparing for a busy weekend with an impressive line up of 15 runners spread over three meetings. Her best chance in Sydney appears to be Prince of Truth who won over the same track and distance last Saturday and is shaping up to be a Cups contender. The stable have a big opinion of him as relayed to me last week when I was at Randwick for trackwork, and he'll give you a good run for your money. Beauty Watch should win race seven and push her winnings past the $600,000 mark. She's a terrific mare who's always competitive and comes off the back of a win in the Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury a fortnight ago.

In Queensland, Gai has sent more than a handful of horses up there for the carnival and the standout is Desert War, 5/2 on favourite for the Holindale Stakes. Now that's no good to you or I, (unless you're like the "car washer" who used to bet with me when I was a bookie at the trots but that's another story which you're welcome to call me about if you've got a lazy five minutes...), but she's also got Cheeky Choice in race 4 with Nash Rawiller on board who's around the 2/1 mark and should win.

Fred Kersley and William Pike

2007-05-04T12:36:00.000+08:00

Top Perth hoop William Pike is winning everything at the moment and so is trainer Fred Kersley. A certainty to win the WA jockeys premiership, (but only because Paul Harvey is out with a crook shoulder), Willie even went to Warrnambool yesterday and rode a double! William's got a top book of rides at Belmont Park on Saturday but perhaps the best value runner amongst them is in the opening event when he jumps on board Danana Smoothie who'll be making her raceday debut for Fred. The filly is a full sister to our own Swiss Watch so we're hoping she can win first up and give the family a bit of a kick along!

New Victorian Racing Syndicate

2007-05-04T11:41:00.000+08:00

Here's the best looking filly in Ballarat! It's our new filly by Dubai Destination from Bylaw to be trained in Ballarat by "Vet turned trainer"-Anthony Cosgriff.

I've bought this filly with a view to developing her into a stayer. Her mother won over 2400m and was stakes placed in France, there's plenty of stamina throughout her pedigree, and she certainly looks like she'll stay. She's almost as tall as the Empire State Building and will mature into a magnificent "Empire Rose" type of mare. There are 12 shares at $3,850 each which is PEANUTS to get into such a nice horse. Book your tickets for Flemington! Check her out on the new website http://www.belhusracing.com.au/

Kingston Classic Bolts In!

2007-03-08T11:22:00.000+09:00

It's a bit of a fair old hike to Esperance in the southern region of WA, but Kingston Classic did the miles, started a 5/4 favourite and duly won the Cup down there last Saturday! That's six cheques from his last six starts and trainer Steve Wolfe has him racing as good as ever-albeit in slightly easier company than he's previously been used to.

However, a small group of owners also shared the trip down to the Bay of Isles and enjoyed a fabulous day of real grass roots country racing-made even better of course by their horse winning the feature event! Jockey Lane Moloney racked up a winning treble on the day by riding Kingston Classic to a hard fought 1/2 length win. All being well, KC will now head to Mt Barker for their Cup this Sunday!

- Peter Morley

Open Eyre Bolts In!

2007-03-08T11:16:00.000+09:00

Well, he looked like Lonhro, Kingston Town and Octagonal all rolled in to one on Saturday-especially as he let down in the run to the line, lengthed out and donkey licked the oppostion by nearly four lengths!

OK it wasn't Randwick or Flemington, but it was a big day for the small seaside town of Esperance and the finely tuned, muscular, slick black coat of Open Eyre's stood out like a beacon as the best presented horse by far of any horse at the entire meting. He didn't let favourite backers down in the opening event either.

To be fair, he beat a bunch of hacks that couldn't run out of sight on a dark night. They had to pay the rider of the last placed horse double time and a half for all the extra hours he spent in the saddle! But a wins a win and Open Eyre is certainly capable of achieving similar results in better company.

Special mention must be made of syndicate members Ian Haddon who "baggsed" the honour of leading Open Eyre back to the Winners Circle to the adulation of the large crowd, and Neil Munroe who has raced horses for FOUR YEARS before finally getting a winner! Now there's a stayer!

- Peter Morley

Its A Group 1 Win For Gai Waterhouse Again

2007-03-08T11:08:00.000+09:00

Champion trainer Gai Waterhouse was at it again last Saturday when she racked up another win at the highest level with Aqua D'Amore (pictured) taking out the Group 1 Futurity Stakes over 1600m at Caulfield. This tough as teak mare, which had been placed in her previous two races in Group One company, finally broke through to win beating the red hot favourite and arch rival El Segundo. If Aqua D'Amore can repeat the dose in this Saturday's Australian Cup, she will have the opportunity to contest the $875,000 Prince of Wales' Stakes over 2000m at Royal Ascot on June 20 - and win her owners a $500,000 bonus!

- Peter Morley

Gai Waterhouse Yearlings List

2007-03-08T10:51:00.000+09:00

Gai called me last week saying that she'd love to invite more West Aussies into her stable as owners. Consequently, and obviously as we're Perth based, she's given me a list of the yearlings she's purchased recently that still have shares available in them. The $2 Million colt is all gone, however there's plenty more quality there! The typical 10% share in one of these higher priced yearlings sells for between $15,000-$40,000. So, if that interests you, then e-mail our office peter@belhusracing.com.au and we'll send you the list.

- Peter Morley

Kingston Classic Wins Again

2007-02-23T12:08:00.000+09:00

Our seven year old gelding Kingston Classic brought up his second win in this campaign when turning yesterdays 1800m open handicap at Albany into a one horse affair winning by over 2 lengths. It was a mere training gallop for KC and the further they went the further he bounded away from them. Trainer Steve Wolfe now has his sights on the Esperance, Mt Barker and Albany Cups treble to be run over the next month or so! CONGRATULATIONS go to all members of the Belhus Racing Stables' "Cups King" syndicate on their success!

Girl in a Storm Wins at Ascot

2007-02-23T12:04:00.000+09:00

Girl In A Storm chalked up the fifth win of her career when she won at Ascot last week on Magic Millions Day. By the ill-fated Champion Western Australian stallion sensation Metal Storm, the mare is steadily improving her value as a potential broodmare with each preparation. Trainer Michael Pateman has done an excellent job with Girl In A Storm, despite her being an unpredictable, and often dangerous horse to ride. It's not generally known, but in her career, she's easily put at least 6 people into hospital, and has thrown a rider at least 20, maybe 30 times or more!

I've really enjoyed working with Michael since giving him Girl In A Storm, and as a reward I've given him our Bletchley Park filly which I purchased at the yearling sales last week to prepare for the Magic Millions/Karrakatta Plate double this time next year...By the way, Michael is currently second on the WA Trainers premiership. The filly can be viewed on our website at www.belhusracing.com.au, and just a couple of shares remain in her.

- Peter Morley

It's Marasco Time

2007-02-23T12:01:00.000+09:00

Boom WA Galloper Marasco heads to Caulfield tomorrow to take on all challenges in the St George Stakes over 1800m. Many consider the step up in distance could be a stumbling block for Marasco, but trainer Fred Kersley is training him to run out a strong 2000m in the Australian Cup next month and tomorrows step up from 1400m to 1800m shouldn't pose too great a problem for the brilliant son of Scenic. There's some tough opposition in the race and Pompeii Ruler and Gai Waterhouse's Aqua D'amore will be there if there's a chink in his armour!

- Peter Morley

Horses to Follow

2007-02-23T11:58:00.000+09:00

There's some top racing action right around the country over the weekend. Check out the sensational looking black colt Hoystar with D. Beadman on board in race 2 at Rosehill, and get on Apache Cat with G. Boss atop when the pair go around in the Carlyon Cup at Caulfield. On Sunday, Gai's got four going to Gosford for their big meeting, and she fancies her chances with Master Magic in the Gosford Guineas. He's never missed a place at any of his seven lifetime starts and should be a good each way bet for you.

A West Aussie for Royal Ascot

2007-02-19T15:39:00.000+09:00

WA's Champion sprinter Miss Andretti won the Group 1 Australia Stakes in a hand canter at Moonee Valley on Saturday. The powerhouse mare won her second Group 1 race in a fortnight and is now on course for overseas riches.

Currently entered for both Australia's Gr1 Newmarket Handicap & Dubai's Gr1 Golden Shaheen during March, trainer Lee Freedman has the luxury of choice. Following Saturday's win, Lee warned the only certainty in her future campaign is a trip to England in June for Royal Ascot's Gr2 King's Stand Stakes (5 furlongs) & Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes (6 furlongs): the 3rd & 4th legs of the 2007 Global Sprint Challenge. Freedman confirmed: "We're keeping her in those races (Newmarket & Golden Shaheen) but we're not guaranteeing we're going anywhere other than to England, because there's a lot of things to be considered in the meantime." I bet there'll be a few West Aussies who make the trip with her too! The question is, what will they look like in top hat and tails?

Girl in a Storm Wins at Ascot

2007-02-19T15:13:00.000+09:00

On a lesser note, but certainly more of a thrill because she's ours, Girl in a Storm won the fifth race of her career when successful at Ascot last Wednesday. It was a close finish with Champion hoop Paul Harvey having to use all of his vigour and experience to lift her over the line. It was a big week for our syndicate, because in addition to winning with Girl In A Storm, they also sold two horses at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale in Perth, a Bletchley Park colt for $90,000 and and a Right Wing colt for $16,000!
- Peter Morley

Magic Millions Yearling Sales Buy

2007-02-19T15:07:00.000+09:00

On a personal basis, I went to last weeks sales and decided to go for quality rather than quantity. I managed to secure what I thought were the best colt and the best filly by Champion Western Australian stallion Bletchley Park. We've got a huge opinion of the stock of Bletchley Park. For a start, we won the Group 1 WA Derby with our chestnut colt Hot Jules, and have a couple of smart BP's in the stable right now. Champion jock Paul Harvey has described Arranbrae as a potential superstar, and trainer Paul Jordan has big wraps on Kilindini who went shin-sore at his only start in a race. Paul is setting him for the WA Guineas-such is the high opinion he has of the horse.

The colt we purchased by Bletchley Park from Lots of Secrets is a full brother to the outstanding juvenile Secret Vault winner of his first 3 starts, and is from a stellar black type family which includes amongst others, the Group 1 Railways Stakes winner Covertly.

I think it's really important to buy horses from families that just keep on producing winner after winner after winner-and this is certainly one of them.

This colt has a strong sprinters pedigree and should run like the wind in anything up to a mile. He's a very athletic young horse and once again, appears to be a nice Guineas prospect-a race we've won before with Devilish Dealer. The colt will be trained at Ascot by Paul Jordan.

The filly I purchased by Bletchley Park from Lady Baleen is just electric. She's a real jump and run two year old type and is just the type of horse we're likely to be bring back this time next year to have a crack at the $250,000 Magic Millions 2yo race-followed by the Karrakatta Plate. She's a 3/4 sister to the exciting Baleen Magic who has run 3rd and 1st at her only two starts, (won at Ascot last Saturday week), and of course, being a filly with two GROUP 1 winners close up in her pedigree, she'll have plenty of residual value as a potential broodmare when we've finished racing her. The filly will be trained at Lark hill by Michael Pateman.

Both yearlings are nigh on impossible to fault from a conformation point of view. Their outstanding physiques are backed up by black type pedigrees, and both have been reared by leading vendors who feed the best from the time the youngsters are weaned from their mothers.

Both the colt and filly will be sold into 10 share syndicates at a price to be released later this week.

- Peter Morley

Two to Follow

2007-02-19T14:58:00.000+09:00

Verglas two year old Paris Ritz was a shade unlucky at Ascot on Saturday. I know the stable have a big opinion of her, and only the inside barrier and a lack of race experience stopped her from winning on debut. It'll definite pay to follow this one. Our own horse Kingston Classic ran a bottler for third in the last event on Saturday. He'll now chase the feature events in the Southern region and will be extremely difficult to beat in the Esperance, Mt Barker and Albany Cups.

This is the Race of the Weekend

2007-02-09T17:28:00.000+09:00

The best race of the weekend from a racing spectacle point of view, (because the real best one is where you back the winner!), is the CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. A star-studded field will contest this year’s race over the 1400 metres at Caulfield, a race synonymous with class. Past winners include Elvstroem, Lonhro, Redoute’s Choice, Saintly and many other quality gallopers. The top chances include last start winner El Segundo, the hardy galloper Pompei Ruler, the class filly Miss Finland (who'll love the WFA conditions of this race), and WA's latest boom galloper, Marasco (pictured). Whilst he may not win tomorrow, Melbournians will get a look at the awesome untapped ability of this Scenic gelding and it's certain that he'll be doing his best work on the line. The WFA conditions may not suit him tomorrow, but he'll pay to follow at his next few starts...Pete's tip-the Champion (and she is) filly Miss Finland. Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, DON'T MISS this terrific race tomorrow!

Introducing the Intelligent Punter

2007-02-09T17:02:00.000+09:00

Take a look at the new website- The Intelligent Punter. It's a website that has been designed and developed to give you the edge over the average punter. Professional thoroughbred racing analysts bring you full pre-race analysis including speed maps for metropolitan meetings and suggested bets. Suggested investments are available every day for all tracks. Post-race analysis and articles of interest are also available.

The Intelligent Punter is holding an Autumn Virtual Stable Competition with over $5000 in prizes to be won. Entry is free for registered members with entries closing by midnight on Friday 23rd February 2007. Registration is free and as a registered member you will be able to access all areas of the web site for free until 15th April 2007. This free period allows you to assess the benefits of joining as a paid member of the Intelligent Punter web site. As a subscriber to this newsletter the Intelligent Punter is offering you an extra free month of access until 15th May 2007. To take up this offer it is important on registering to fill in the “Promo Code” field with the letters “belhus“

Increase your punting IQ at www.intelligentpunter.com.au

Where Have all the Skinny Kids Gone?

2007-02-09T17:01:00.000+09:00

In Ireland, Turf Club chief executive Denis Egan "expressed serious concern at the decline in the number of apprentices coming into racing, a development that could have serious long-term implications for the sport," ITC figures for 2006 reveal "the number of licences issued to apprentice riders slumped by 13%, leaving Ireland with its smallest-ever pool of future stars" & Egan declared: "The decline is a serious concern. There has been a 63% decline in the number of apprentices signed on by trainers since 2004, with only 10 indentured in 2006." And Egan warned: "This is not a surprise in view of the statistics presented in our body-weights study with regard to the increase in the body weights of teenagers."

Over the past 30 years, the average weight of teenagers joining the Irish Racing Academy & Centre Of Excellence in Kildare "has increased by a massive 30 pounds". Falling numbers is also a worry in Britain "where the Horseracing Authority has noted a year-on-year drop in apprentice numbers from 147 in 2002 to 128 in 2005".

Australia has the same problem too and my tip is that within 10-15 years, there will be more female jockeys than male jockeys!

Another Champ From WA

2007-02-07T10:47:00.000+09:00

Outstanding West Australian mare Miss Andretti wrote a new chapter in her remarkable career when leaving her eight talented rivals for dead in the Group One VRC Lightning Stakes, the first Australian Group One event of 2007.The Lee Freedman trained five year-old was simply breathtaking over the last 100 metres of the race when she idled up to the leaders and then accelerated in lethal fashion to put the issue beyond doubt, eventually winning by a length and a half in track record time of 57.22.

A track specialist, Miss Andretti now holds the course record at Moonee Valley for 1200 and 1000 metres and became racing’s newest millionaire on Saturday, the $300,000 purse for first prize boosting her earnings to $1.2 million, amassed from 14 wins and five placings over 22 starts.

In breeding terms, Miss Andretti is somewhat of an anomaly, a world class sprinting mare that has emerged from a non Black Type family and her sire Ihtiram (IRE) pretty much unheard of until her emergence.

Born and bred in Western Australia where she did her early racing, Miss Andretti was sent to Lee Freedman after Ultra Tune boss Sean Buckley purchased a controlling share with her original owner/trainer David Mueller also retaining an interest. She is the first foal of unraced Peggie’s Bid, a daughter of Sydney Cup winner and highly successful WA based sire Marooned (GB), notable as the broodmare sire of champion three year-old filly of a few seasons back in Special Harmony, also trained by Lee Freedman.

Her sire Ihtiram (IRE) is a blue-blooded son of Royal Academy who won a Listed race over ten furlongs in England and was sent to Australia by Shadwell for a possible Cups campaign with Peter Hayes. The only Cup he ended up winning was the Benalla Cup and he was duly retired to Western Australia to stand at Ray Cochrane’s Wayandah Stud where he covered just 15 mares in his first book after suffering from severe travel sickness.

In subsequent seasons Ihtiram (IRE) has fared marginally better and then in 2005 following the arrival of Miss Andretti he covered 83 mares and did 93 last year which is his biggest book to date. Despite his modest race performance Ihtiram (IRE) is the real deal in terms of pedigree, a half-brother to four other stakes-winners including Group One winner Second Empire (IRE) who is a pretty handy sire himself. His stakes-placed dam Welsh Love is a half-sister to legendary producer Flame of Tara, a European version of our own Eight Carat (GB).The success of Miss Andretti gives hope to all smaller breeders aspiring to produce a champion without the assistance of top dollar service fees and commercially accepted mares.

- Peter Morley

Kingston Classic Returns to the Winners Circle

2007-02-07T10:42:00.000+09:00

The old stager Kingston Classic bounced back to the winners circle at Mt Barker last Thursday when he took out a 2000m event by 2 lengths.

Now trained by Steve Wolfe at Albany, Kingston Classic has relished the change to beach training, and this shows in his form. From three starts down in the Great Southern region, he's been in the placings each time and obviously the competition he's facing down there isn't so strong either. He's bound for the Albany Cup in March but may also look at the AHA Cup at Bunbury later this month-a race in which he's previously run second (beaten a short head) previously!
- Peter Morley

Marasco Lands in Melbourne

2007-02-07T10:35:00.000+09:00

Another potential champ for WA..

Western Australia's latest boom galloper Marasco has landed safe and sound in Melbourne on his way to a run in the Group 1 Australian Cup. Trainer Fred Kersley has plans to run Marasco first up in Melbourne this Saturday in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes against a star studded line up of high quality horses.

At Caulfield trackwork this morning, Marasco worked from the 1000 metres at even-time and picked up pace to run the last 600 metres in 36 seconds and the last 400 metres in 25 seconds. “The times were nothing out of the box, but the work was excellent,” track rider and Kersley stable foreman Paul Dyson said.

A winner at six of his last seven starts, Marasco's followers will get the opportunity to secure a decent price on their horse as he lines up against some of Australia's best! One has to remember that this Saturdays isn't Marasco's main goal, but it'll certainly tell us all where he's at in relation to the other top liners who have already proven themselves at the elite Group 1 level.

- Peter Morley

What This Country Needs is a Good "Lifestyle" Racing Show!

2007-02-07T10:30:00.000+09:00

One of the main points of discussion at the recently concluded 31st Asian Racing Conference held in Dubai, was the need for the sport of horse racing, (let’s call it the sport-not the industry; not the business) the sport- to reach out to a new, younger audience.

We who earn our living from the sport all know that racing for the main, has an ageing customer base. Other forms of entertainment clearly do not. Think lotto, casinos, aussie rules, the rapid emergence of soccer, etc…

Without a doubt, free-to-air television is the best way to get racing into the minds of people-both young and old. For example, who would have thought that a Melbourne gardener could become one of Australia’s most well known faces? But Don Burke did it when he almost single handedly got everyone out into their gardens after watching “Burke’s Backyard”. And what of the of the checkered cloth cap-the humble, everyday vet, Dr Harry Cooper with his phenomenally successful “Harry’s Practice”? If we didn't have a dog, cat, budgie or goldfish before Harry came along-our kids certainly made sure that we do now! And then of course, there’s the cooking shows that have been around forever, together with a growing proliferation of holiday and handyman shows etc.

What Australia desperately needs is a weekly, prime time half or one hour lifestyle show centred on racing.

Take a look at what has happened to snooker, darts and golf once they were properly promoted on the small screen. The former used to be a game played by old men in hazy, smoke filled billiard saloons. Darts was played with a pint in hand at your local pub and rarely anywhere else, and golf was largely misunderstood. Nowadays however, with the advent of TV, their heroes are heroes too-and most of them have become very wealthy as a result of it! More household names than you can poke a stick at-all stars-all millionaires, but most importantly, all household names and all bringing their talent and personalities into the homes of millions-thereby creating a BOOM in their chosen sport.

The good news is that racing is half way there. We get excellent coverage on the pay TV Channels-but to really get into the homes of millions across the country, and to give the programme ultimate credibility, it needs to be on free-to-air in prime time. Four days of the year for the VRC carnival is simply not enough.

So, racing needs a white knight. Surely one of the major commercial channels has enough nouse to create a weekly lifestyle programme centred on the sport of horse racing? Surely they can create new identities that can become household names-just as those over paid carpenters and handymen have become? And surely, they can make even bigger stars of the real heroes that those of us in the game go to see in the well groomed flesh week after week? The horses. Just the mention of the words Makybe Diva, Northerly, Marasco, Takeover Target, Choisir, Danehill or Phar Lap, are almost guaranteed to make the hairs on the back of your neck bristle to attention. Blood rushes to flush and warm your cheeks. We know the feeling all too well, now millions more need to feel it too.

There are hundreds and hundreds of subjects and interesting stories that such a programme could flood suburbia with. Race clubs, syndication companies and the like would clamour to advertise and provide promotional products to give away on the show. That’s what’ll get the rusty turnstiles clicking over a little faster. A visual reminder that racing is a sport that everyone can participate in and enjoy-even as a spectator-and all-if necessary for free.

All it needs is a push. The vision is there, the money is there-all it needs now is the right people to step up to the plate

- Peter Morley

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sales Report

2007-01-16T09:19:00.000+09:00

Want to buy a yearling? Well, based on the average price paid at the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale held over the last four days, you'd need to have a cool $182,000 to spare!

The first section to the 2007 Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale came to a close on Sunday with new records claimed across the board. Over the four days some 595 yearlings changed hands with records for the sale aggregate, average price and top prices for both colts and fillies set during a hectic four day sale that made headlines around the world.

All up over $108 million was traded at a record average price of $182,191. The sale aggregate leapt some 35 per cent on last year's figures and the average also soared an impressive 30 per cent. Highlights of the four day auction included the $2 million paid by champion trainer Gai Waterhouse for a Sadler's Wells colt from Sunday Silence's Group One winning daughter Sunday Joy. Also on Friday the record for a filly at the sale was smashed when a sister to Redoute's Choice's Group One winning son Snitzel sold to Darley's John Ferguson for $1.4 million.

The sale kicked away to a brilliant start last Thursday when the Redoute's Choice colt from stakes winning mare Liberty Rose (pictured) was purchased by Lee Freedman for $1.5 million.

2007 Sales Facts at a Glance

2007-01-16T09:14:00.000+09:00

The 2007 sale saw:

a new record average price of $182,191 - easily beating last year's previous record of $140,083

a new record sale aggregate of $108,403,500 - smashing the 2006 figure of $80,127,500

a new record price for a yearling ever sold by Magic Millions - the $2 million Sadler's Wells-Sunday Joy colt purchased by Gai Waterhouse

a new record price for a yearling filly ever sold by Magic Millions - the $1.4 million Redoute's Choice-Snippets' Lass filly purchased by Ferguson Bloodstock

the leading buyer for total spend was Gai Waterhouse at $7,550,000

the leading international buyers was South Africa's Laird Racing Stable with 18 lots at $6,485,000

the leading sire on average (for five or more sold) was Redoute's Choice at $471,286 for 35 sold

the leading first season sire on average was Exceed and Excel at $232,857 for 28 sold
successful buyers during the first four sessions were from Australia, New Zealand, France, South Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, Japan, Ireland and the UK.

The average price paid for stock of the following stallions were as follows;

Redoute's Choice: 35 sold at average $471,286

Encosta de Lago: 27 sold at average $336,852

Stravinsky: 8 sold at average $287,500

Zabeel: 6 sold at average $280,000

Exceed And Excel: 28 sold at average $232,857

Dehere: 5 sold at average $230,000

Red Ransom: 15 sold at average $223,200

Lonhro: 20 sold at average $214,750

Hussonet: 20 sold at average $196,250

Johannesburg: 11 sold at average $195,909

Iglesia: 9 sold at average $181,111

Anabaa: 18 sold at average $180,278

But it's not all bad news for buyers. The average price paid for a yearling in 2006 in Australia was $62,030. The average has risen steadily from ten years ago when it was a paltry $23,294.

Among the Riches

2007-01-16T09:12:00.000+09:00

Australia has four races in the top 30 events in the world based on prizemoney. The Melbourne Cup is sixth, followed by the Cox Plate (12th), the Golden Slipper (16th) and the Caulfield Cup (30th). The three highest prizemoney races are all run in Dubai.

Winners and Losers

2007-01-16T09:09:00.000+09:00

Just when the master Bart Cummings looks like being taken for granted, he returns to bite in the majors. With the modern-day super-stables of David Hayes and Lee Freedman flourishing with two-year-olds, Cummings, foaled in 1927 but with a silver sheen to his grey crop, produced another example of the training art with Mimi Lebrock in the Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast on Saturday. He left them scrambling for the crumbs with Husson Lightning (Hayes) and Royal Asscher (Freedman) being placed.

Not only does Cummings train horses to the highest pitch, but also horsemen. Advancing their equine education under him are John Thompson (grandson of Vic and son of Vic jnr, who established Crown Lodge for the Inghams), and a new foreman at Rosehill on Saturday, Tim Murphy (son of Lindsay, the Sydney Turf Club racecourse manager and brother of Patrick, the very capable apprentice).

Perhaps his most successful pupil, though, will be son Anthony, who promises to be a major opponent in the Golden Slipper. Maybe Mimi Lebrock left Anthony's Solo Flyer in her wake in the MM but Anthony has Danehill Smile fresh and rarin' to show that the decision she holds already over Mimi Lebrock was no fluke.

Perth Cup - Monday

2006-12-28T15:06:00.000+09:00

The Perth Cup is wide open for 2007. The better chances for mine are Daka's Gem, , Purde, Pantini, Zero Engagment and Mr Sandgroper as the sneaker at big odds. I'll be on Daka's Gem who drops from 58kg the other day to 54kg in the Cup. I've invited the owners to be with us in our private box for the day so we'll all be cheering them on!

Pantini is the best over the distance and can win first up as he's done in the past. I reckon he's the danger. Purde could be the run on horse and has put in three good efforts over 2400m. I was on Black Tom big time last year but I'm knocking him this year. My thoughts are:

1. DAKA'S GEM
2. PANTANI
3. PURDE
Best outsider - Mr Sandgroper

- Peter Morley

Update in the Belhus Stables

2006-12-28T14:42:00.000+09:00

Girl In a Storm kicks us off at Pinjarra this Saturday when the normal city meeting at Ascot is replaced by this provincial meeting as a one off. She'll go down the straight 1000m in a class 4 event which looks tailor made for her. She's drawn barrier 1 which is actually like the outside draw as in most of these races, the majority of the runners (and hence the majority of the winners) come down the Grandstand side of the track.

William Pike who currently leads the WA jockeys premiership will again take the ride, and following her very good first up effort when second at Ascot recently, and bearing in mind she's won over the course (track and distance) previously, Girl In A Storm should prove hard to beat.

Mexican Mist also runs second up at Pinjarra on Saturday. He's been entered in the feature event, the $30,000 Mandurah Cup over 1600m, and he's also drawn barrier one! Trainer Paul Jordan has the galloping grey looking in first class order, and Mexican Mist disposed of 1000m in even time at Ascot this morning on his ear, (as you'd expect). He should get a nice run tucked away off the pace in this event and with a clear passage in the straight should be very hard to hold out. Regular rider Troy Turner again jumps in the saddle.

Baron Orczy is a last start city winner who will drop back to 1200m for his next assignment, a 3MW (Metro Wins) special conditions event at Ascot on Perth Cup Day. The race is no stronger than the one he won last time out and once again, the marbles have fell for us having come up with barrier one again! He should get the run of the race in this and once again be hard to beat. I can't see any reason to split a winning combination, so jockey Paul King has retained the ride.

Encipher impressed when he showed a return to form by finishing third at Ascot last time out, and he gets his chance to break through for his first win when he steps out on Cup Day in a 1400m special conditions hcp. Trainer Trevor Andrews is very happy with him, and hasn't felt the need to do a great deal with him since he last raced. He'll give him a bit of evens to top him off tomorrow morning, and he'll look magnificent for the HUGE CROWD who'll be at Ascot on Monday. Shaun O'Donnell will ride and the pair should be hard to beat from barrier 7.

At the trials and Zabrinski makes his reappearance at the Randwick on Friday. Trainer Gai Waterhouse has given him plenty of work in preparation for this campaign and she's very happy with his recent gallops. It's only a 740m trial, and there's no doubt that he'll be better suited by an extra furlong or two down the line... Our pint sized Royal Academy filly With Honours is progressing in fine style for trainer Paul Jordan and he'll be taking her to the trials at Lark Hill this coming Tuesday, NOT Belmont on the 8th as previously mentioned to owners. She flew at the track this morning with Troy Turner in the saddle, going evens from the 1000m and a working gallop up the straight. Troy kept her going up the hill and she looked very impressive with that daisy cutting action of hers. This should be a profitable campaign for her and she appeals as the galloper in our stable that can win for punters at decent odds.

Of the others in work, Open Eyre worked well this morning. He'll be entered in a provincial maiden at either Bunbury or Pinjarra early next month for his next start. Harrasser is just one good gallop away from a race. He'll do a little bit tomorrow morning and then have a solid hit out on Tuesday morning which will have him just about ready to go to the races. The Black Flash is a fortnight from a race. He's been off the scene for a long time now but new trainer Ken Williamson has him looking a picture with his coat the glossiest it's been since he last raced. The black son of Don't Say Halo is thriving on plenty on beach work and he'll have a gallop on the main grass at Belmont on Saturday morning before trialling on January 8th. My Charvae is another black horse that's looking and going well. He's been jogging up at Ascot for Brendon Fitz-Gerald for three weeks now and trainer Trevor Andrews will pick him up after Fridays trackwork and start to increase his paces. Kingston Classic is a couple of gallops away from a return to racing. New trainer Steve Wolfe has him looking in excellent order at his Albany stables, and Steve has some very encouraging words to say about him. He'll race on either the 9th or 16th January.

Orlavista is our new horse in Victoria and this is the one we're taking a bit of a punt with in the hope that we can improve him. Anthony Cosgriff is training him from his stables located right next to Ballarat racecourse. The horse is all sold bar the last share now, and Anthony says he's only a fortnight from making his race debut for us. He'll start to wind him up now and have him ready for mid January. Also in Victoria are Magnetic Bay and Red Geisha who are both in work with Dale Sutton at Tylden. Both are just going steady for the moment as their campaigns re commence after spelling. Make Some Noise has done plenty of legwork in his pre training in rural NSW and is booked to go to trainer Guy Walters stables next Tuesday.

Kilindini went to the track this morning and did two slow laps. He looks a ZILLION DOLLARS, is educated perfectly and if he can't run I'll go and get a job on the roads!Likewise Arranbrae. I've never handled a nicer horse. He'll make into the most magnificent stallion-all we need to do is get him to the races! If we can get black type success with him he's a million dollar plus horse. He's had a few leg problems and he's no certainty to make it, but we're all doing our best. He started work this morning after a lengthy break due to an infected fetlock...Verdanna also started work this morning. He'll have a month at the pre trainers working on his tractability more than anything else. He can then go to the Ascot stables of John Price. John also has Tiger O'Reilly on his books and although still in the paddock, Tiger has started treadmill work today. He'll do this for 10 days or so as we test out his heel that he injured a while ago. All being well, he'll be back into Ascot the weekend after next. There are a few others that are coming along slowly but surely through the process. All are well. The spellers are well.

We have two at the breakers. The Akhenaton 2yo is just about all done and nicely educated now. He goes good. The KEY BUSINESS filly is being mouthed right now-just applying the steering and brakes, and is just a few days from being ridden for the first time...The new Diatribe colt goes to the breakers next week.

Perth Cup Countdown

2006-12-18T11:23:00.000+09:00

Respect and Pantani are two Eastern States horses that have landed in Perth in a bid to take out the $400,000 event on January 1st. They join Land N Stars, Bay Story, Purde, Jukebox, Johnny, and one or two others that have all travelled West to win our biggest staying event.

Pantani is a very good stayer who runs well fresh and will be a genuine chance in the two miler. He'd probably have the best record over a journey of any other horses in the race-and trainer Robbie Laing is in fine form at the moment too! Respect is a last start winner of the Queensland Cup over 3200m!With the influx of Eastern States and overseas horses coming here for the race, it's shaping up to be the best Cup field in over 25 years!

- Peter Morley

Fred Kersley to Carry on Training

2006-12-15T11:16:00.000+09:00

The wife of legendary horse trainer Fred Kersley has declared he will return to training horses despite his horrific accident on Tuesday.

“It was just a freak accident,” Judith Kersley said of the incident in which her husband was kicked in the face by an unraced two-year-old. “It’s his life, it’s what he loves to do.”

Judith said the couple never discussed the possibility of accidents – though she conceded she had worried about him in his harness racing days. “I guess when he was driving you always had that little thought in the back of your mind,” Mrs Kersley said. “But you can’t go through life worrying about those things, can you? You’d never get anything done. You can say the same about every time you get in a car.”

The 67-year-old racing icon is now resting at home after being released from hospital yesterday. He suffered a broken jaw and nose, several fractures of the skull and cheekbones, and a deep wound to the back of his head. Kersley underwent successful surgery in Royal Perth Hospital, with specialist surgeons operated on him for six hours. He has shown considerable improvement since the accident at Ascot on Tuesday morning.

His daughter, Kellie, said Kersley would return to hospital for major surgery, probably early next week. “The doctors say they can’t operate until the swelling goes down, so it was a matter of him waiting in the hospital until then or coming home, where he’ll be a lot more comfortable with his family,” she said. Kellie Kersley said doctors were confident that her father had not sustained any brain injury. “Our whole family is feeling much better about things than we were 24 hours ago,” Kellie said. “It’s a really positive sign he’s been allowed to come home, even if it’s just for a while, and the doctors are confident he’s escaped any damage to his brain.”

Kersley, who was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital's emergency ward after the accident, requires reconstructive surgery, especially to his top jaw. “That’s all shattered and there are pieces of bone floating around,” Kellie said. “At first they were hoping to avoid that surgery, but there is now no question about it. He'll have it, it’s just a matter of when. They are saying it will be early next week. “They have done all the superficial work, like stitching up the back of his head, which he cut when he landed after the fall, and also stitching back up his top lip. “It’s fair to say he doesn’t look flash at all, but all that matters to us right now is that the doctors are saying he should have a complete recovery.”

Kersley is one of the greatest trainer-drivers in harness-racing history, but achieved even greater fame in the thoroughbred code as trainer of the mighty Northerly. Northerly won 19 of his 34 starts and more than $9.3 million during a wonderful career that included triumphs in a Caulfield Cup, two Cox Plates and two Australian Cups. Kersley is also the trainer of Perth's latest emerging star, Marasco, winner of the Group II Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

- Peter Morley

Best Bets for weekend Racing

2006-12-15T11:11:00.000+09:00

Here is a list of Peter's Best Bets for the weekend 16th - 17th December

BEST BET: BLESSES SUE - PR3 No 4.

BEST EACH WAY: SILVER SEAM - PR5 No 2.

BEST PLACE: FIRE FROM ICE - PR4 No. 9.

Ascot Group 1 Railway Stakes Drama

2006-12-05T11:11:00.000+09:00

It was 30 minutes of high drama and fluctuating emotions at Ascot last Saturday after Glamour WA mare Belle Bizarre won the $750,000 Group 1 Railway Stakes.

Trainer Rod Bynder was the star of the show as he entered the mounting enclosure, waving his jacket in sheer excitement and lapping up the adulation of his home crowd. Rod's been one of Perth's battling trainers for over 20 years now and is one of the nicest blokes in racing, having first broke in a horse for me over 12 years ago. The fact that his mare had recently come back from a Spring campaign in Melbourne, had beaten one of the horses from the powerful Hayes stable in a photo finish (pictured above), and had just won the Group 1 Railway, had Rod's beaming smile lighting up Ascot racecourse!

The emotion of the moment changed dramatically however as we all watched Rod run from the presentation after a Perth Racing official whispered in his ear. News had broke that his father Ken had just suffered a heart attack whilst making his way down from the upper level of the grandstand. Ken was in a bad way and part of the crowd watched, (as people do) as medical staff worked frantically to revive Ken. His heart stopped an incredible 31 times and as luck would have it, he survived and was taken to hospital and is now due to have a coronary bypass operation after surviving what would normally have taken the life of most people.

It sure was a day he'll never forget. With Dad being well looked after in hospital, it was business as usual back at the stables on Monday morning. Rod is taking delivery of our Akhenaton-Foxy Tudor 2yo gelding this week as he finishes off the breaking in process at Ascot. He'll familiarise the horse with trackwork, put him through the barriers, and make sure that he's a tractable and safe horse to ride before handing him back in a week or so when the horse will be sent for a short spell.
- Peter Morley

Racing at Ascot - Fruit and Vege Stakes

2006-12-05T10:56:00.000+09:00

It's being billed as "Super Saturday" at Ascot this weekend! The $400,000 Fruit N Veg Stakes is shaping up as a most exciting race with plenty of the contenders from last weeks Railway Stakes fronting up once more to do battle. If you can possibly get to the races at Ascot on Saturday, then you really shouldn't be missing the spectacle of this event. Some of the other chances also likely to be running include Purde, Zoometric, Guyno, Marasco and Co. It'll be a cracker to watch!

The supporting programme along with a stack of entertainment will be first class too. So if you're in Perth, better get to Ascot and I'll buy you a beer!

- Peter Morley

Perth Summer Racing Carnival

2006-12-05T10:54:00.000+09:00

Nominations for the feature staying events of the Perth Summer carnival close today. The Cox Stakes, a $150,000 race over 2400m, and the Perth Cup a $400,000 race over 3200m will be the second and third legs of the Carlton Draught Million Dollar Treble.

A horse winning the Fruit n Veg Stakes at Ascot this Saturday has the option of going on to try and win the million dollar treble by winning the longer races at it's next two starts.

- Peter Morley

David Hayes Has the Top Three Runners

2006-12-01T09:47:00.000+08:00

I'll bet Champion trainer David Hayes has never had the top three saddlecloths in a Group 1 race before, but he'll do it on Saturday when Niconero, Confectioner and Polar Bear represent his stable in the $750,000 Railway Stakes at Ascot. All three are right in the market for the race, and all have the recent form and constitution to win the big Perth mile.

The Hayes family have supported Perth racing since the mid 1970's and it's heartening and very much appreciated to see them back again for another tilt at the good prize-money on offer in WA.

Each of the Hayes runners will be going around for the first time at Ascot, and in a big pressure race like the Railway, this could be a risk for punters. Mind you, they have the form on the board and wouldn't have come all this way if they weren't spot on and up to the big ask. If you fancy one of them, get on-you're bound to get a good run for your money.

- Peter Morley

Why the Two Favourites Can't Win!

2006-12-01T09:45:00.000+08:00

The two favourites for the race, Vain Crusader and Always a Devil are big risks for punters. Time has told us that the Railway isn't a race for three year olds such as Vain Crusader. Marjoleo and Jungle Dawn won it many years ago, but with the weights compressed even more now days, he'll go around without me supporting him.

Waiting for Fruit n Veg day (run at WFA) would have been a much better option if he was mine. And as for Always a Devil being the 6/1 favourite, well that's just ridiculous. Punters have come in like lemmings off the cliff backing this bloke. Four starts ago he won a provincial class 2 race south of the border somewhere and everyone knows he was lucky to win the Peters Stakes when everything else was held up in traffic.

There's been a doubt about how he's backed up after his last run, and I'm saying that he can't win when up against the Hayes boys and co. I'll be surprised if either even manage a place.

- Peter Morley

Damien Oliver to Ride Favourite

2006-12-01T09:39:00.000+08:00

Champion Victorian (but WA born and bred) jockey Damien Oliver flew into Perth yesterday on a special mission to win his home states most valuable race, the Group 1 Railway Stakes.

Damien will be ride one of the main fancies for the race, the Dan Morton trained gelding Scenic Shot (pictured). A winner at his last two starts, both in welter company, isn't usually the form required to win a Railway, but this horse has always been an impressive, if not slightly unlucky type, who may get all the dice rolling favourably for him tomorrow.

He's had the perfect preparation going into the Railway, and Damien will no doubt have him well positioned from barrier 4 at the mile start. With just 52.5kg on his back, Scenic Shot will get every possible chance to win the biggest race of its career. He looked terrific at the track on Tuesday morning, and you should be on him!

- Peter Morley

New Victorian Horse Syndicate

2006-12-01T09:33:00.000+08:00

It's not very often we syndicate them out this cheap, but here's one that both trainer Anthony Cosgriff and I think we can improve. His name is Orlavista and he's a big strapping three year old by Umatilla from Sandbagger.

So why am I putting my good reputation on the line with a horse that's run unplaced twice at the Vic provincials? Find out why, and check out the offer on our website www.belhusracing.com.au

- Peter Morley

Best Bets For the Weekend

2006-12-01T09:27:00.000+08:00

BEST FAVOURITE: FOXY BOY - PR2 No 5.

BEST EACH WAY: GUYNO - PR1 No 4.

- Peter Morley

When Are These Track Managers Going to Prepare Tracks Properly?

2006-11-20T10:01:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-20T09:57:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-17T10:42:00.000+08:00

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!

2006-11-17T10:39:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-17T10:37:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-17T10:34:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-13T16:21:00.000+08:00

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!!

2006-11-13T16:19:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-13T16:17:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-13T09:52:00.000+08:00

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

Horse Wins Melbourne Cup - Again

2006-11-13T09:49:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-13T09:44:00.000+08:00

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!

2006-11-07T10:03:00.000+08:00

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!

2006-11-07T09:59:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-07T09:56:00.000+08:00

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!

2006-11-03T16:02:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-03T15:50:00.000+08:00

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!

2006-11-03T15:23:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-03T15:17:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-03T15:05:00.000+08:00

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

2006-11-01T16:34:00.000+08:00

It has been recently brought to my attention that people are having difficulty commenting on the articles within this blog, due to member registration.

I have altered the settings of the blog so that anyone can now freely comment.

When commenting, click on the comment button, you may then type your comment within the "Leave Your Comment" field.

Once you have typed your comment, underneath you will see "Choose an Identity". Select the 'other' button and then enter your name and if you have it, a webpage.

Once this has been completed, click publish your comments

Just please remember when commenting as a non-member, to include your contact details for the DVD competition, so that if you win we can actually get back to you!

Thanks for your feedback

- Liam Webb

Famous Racehorse Owners - Win a Cox Plate DVD!

2006-10-30T11:15:00.000+08:00

Right now, for marketing purposes, we're putting together a list of famous racehorse owners!

They can be famous historical figures, (dead or alive), celebrities, or even sporting personalities. As long as they're famous and it's known that they've owned racehorses, we want to add them to our list.

People such as HM The Queen, Sir Winston Churchill, Mickey Rooney, Bob Hawke, Alan Jones, Kevin Sheedy, Dennis Lillee, etc.

Just leave your list on the blog and we'll select one winner at random to receive a fabulous video of either the Cox Plate or the Melbourne Cup!

Please enter your selection in the comments section of this article.

- Peter Morley

Melbourne Cup Update - Only 8 Days to Go!

2006-10-30T11:11:00.000+08:00

Latest Market:

- 4/1 Tawqeet
- 9/2 Yeats
- 13/2 Pop Rock
- 10/1 Delta Blues, Zipping
- 12/1 Dizelle, Our Smoking Joe
- 14/1 Railings , Activation
- 16/1 Geordieland, On A Jeune
- 25/1 Mandela,
- 33/1 and upwards others.

Our Smoking Joe put the writing on the wall for a great MC run when he finished a close up fifth in the Cox Plate on Saturday. It's clear that all Joe needs on Cup Day is a spit of rain, in fact the more the better for him, and he'll be right in the finish. Zipping redeemed himself for being beaten in the Caulfield Cup when he took out the Moonee Valley Cup on Saturday by a narrow margin.

Quite a few contenders will go around in the MacKinnon Stakes this Saturday including Cup outsiders Railings, Headturner, Sphenophyta, Growl, and Legs (NZ). Dizelle will go into the Cup without another run and trainer John Hawkes is reported to be very happy with her progress.

- Peter Morley

Latest Syndication - Impressive Akhenaton Colt in Perth

2006-10-30T11:07:00.000+08:00

With ANOTHER prizemoney increase happening in Perth next Saturday, NOW is the time to own a racehorse in Perth! The normal Saturday city races are worth a MINIMUM of $45,000 as of Oct 21st, and with a further winning Westspeed bonus of $11,250, this should be an offer you should look at.

He's a stunning colt by Akhenaton from Foxy Tudor. An exceptionally strong looking 2yo, a cracker of a colt who's been given plenty of time to mature, he's a half brother to a stakes winning horse in Malaysia- the mare has had three to race for two winners.

There are 10 shares in this new syndicate priced at $2,997 each. He'll be trained at Ascot by Paul Jordan who has won over TWO MILLION DOLLARS in prizemoney for our clients! Brochures are available through the mail, or I can e-mail you one instantly if you send a request to peter@belhusracing.com.au.

- Peter Morley

Fields of Omagh Wins Second Cox Plate!

2006-10-30T11:03:00.000+08:00

The grand old racehorse known as "Foo", considered past his best and having his final career start, treated racegoers Australia wide to one of the most famous wins in Cox Plate history at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

The nine-year-old veteran, a $19 chance, proved age shall not weary him when he stormed home late to grab a last stride nose win from El Segundo ($4) with a long head to Pompeii Ruler ($15). As the trio hit the line, no one was sure who won. It seemed everyone was hoping it was Fields of Omagh. When TAB No 2 for Fields of Omagh was flashed as the winner, the massive 35,000 plus crowd roared as one. Then they stood to cheer the old champion in the most fitting farewell to racing you could imagine.

Fields of Omagh gave all conquering trainer David Hayes the Caulfield Cup-Cox Plate double and his fourth Group 1 win of the season. "He put in this great lunge right on the line, his last great big effort and it got him there.''

Part owner Bryan Martin confirmed Fields of Omagh will now be retired to stud as the winner of 13 of his 45 career starts. "He's definitely retired, he's earned it,'' Martin said. "There's no better way for him to go out.'' He joins an elite band of gallopers to win two Cox Plates, and will now be retired to the new Living Legend Retirement property for former champion race horses at Greenvale just outside of Melbourne. The property, the brain child of Martin, will be home to Might and Power, Doriemus, Saintly, Rogan Josh, Better Loosen Up, Paris Lane and Sky Heights.

- Peter Morley

Tips on the Mark!

2006-10-30T10:59:00.000+08:00

People pay fortunes for a tipping service and from my experience, most are no good. The Belhus tipping service however is free and provided as a service to the interested audience on our database.

Since starting the service we've had 6 winning weeks out of 7! This weeks best bet Daka's Gem won after we secured $4.20 and the best each way The One ran second showing a profit. Followers of "Pete's Black Book" on our website www.belhusracing.com.au had three bets on the weekend for two winners, Daka's Gem and Belle Pia!

- Peter Morley

Melbourne Cup Update 11 Days To Go

2006-10-27T16:04:00.001+08:00

The big news today is that this morning, Cup equal favourite YEATS had his first serious gallop since being in Australia, and he came through it with flying colours. With race jockey Kieran Fallon on board, Yeats worked over 2400m and proved that not only was he holding fitness, but has taken no harm from his sojourn from the UK. I predict he'll start favourite in The Cup but there's a few yet to go around and we could see the market change some more before race day. The big one will be Our Smokin Joe if it's wet-and of course he goes around in the Cox Plate tomorrow...

Cox Plate Tomorrow

2006-10-27T16:04:00.000+08:00

This years Cox Plate is a beauty and a race not to be missed by thoroughbred followers. It's too hard a puzzle for me to decipher so I'll just be a interested bystander. If I was forced to go for a selection though, I'd be looking towards the filly Miss Finland with a mere 46kg on her back as she's pitched in with the weight, and also track specialist Lad Of The Manor who's last start duck egg can be forgotten. He does have the class to win a race like this, and ran fifth in last years Cox Plate...

Pete's Best For The Weekend

2006-10-27T16:02:00.000+08:00

BEST FAVOURITE; DAKA'S GEM PR6 No1. Racing third up from a spell, this talented galloper from the Alan Mathews stable should be ready to win. His two runs in have been very good and has won 11 races to date and over $300,000 in prizemoney so he's got a bit of class on his rivals.

BEST EACH WAY; THE ONE MR5 No2. Promising staying type of three year old by O'Reilly. Just getting warm last start in the Guineas and should be ideally suited here in the AAMI Vase with Greg Childs on top. I'd expect him to shorten for the VRC Derby after this race too....

BEST OUTSIDER;ACCUMULATE MR6 No10. Put your trust in Bart Cummings to get one ready for cup day. This one's drawn wide tomorrow but he hasn't been that far away at his latest starts and Bart could just throw his hat into the ring with this one in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup.

The death of Phar Lap - Australia's greatest sporting mystery - has finally been solved

2006-10-23T11:54:00.000+08:00

It can now be revealed that scientific tests using breakthrough technology have uncovered evidence the legendary racehorse was poisoned with arsenic just hours before his 1932 death in the US. The startling revelation adds credence to the theory Phar Lap was killed on the orders of US gangsters, who feared the Melbourne Cup-winning champion would inflict big losses on their illegal bookmakers. Scientists used a US synchrotron, or particle accelerator, to unlock the 74-year-old riddle of Phar Lap's mysterious death. The proof lies in Phar Lap's hair.

A scientific report shows a large dose of arsenic was ingested by Big Red about 35 hours before his agonising death in California on April 5, 1932. "The arsenic in the hair structure is consistent with a single large dose of arsenic," the report says. The exact cause of his death was never proved, with suggestions ranging from the foul play theory to acute bacterial gastroenteritis.

But evidence of an arsenic overdose has been uncovered by scientists bombarding a strand of Phar Lap's hair with a beam of intense light. "We've made observations which could be explained by poison," Australian Synchrotron Research Program scientist Dr Ivan Kempson said. "We can't explain it by any other way."

Dr Kempson and Museum Victoria's Dermott Henry made the Phar Lap breakthrough by searching for minute traces of chemicals in the structure of Phar Lap's hair. Hair incorporates blood products and these can provide a timeline of exposure to toxins that can be unlocked using synchrotron technology. In 2000 the technology was used on six strands from a lock of Beethoven's hair to identify the cause of his illness and death - lead poisoning.

The latest CSI-style hunt to find what killed Phar Lap began in February last year when a sliver of hide was cut from his preserved skin. The 2mm square sample was cut from beneath the mane. A whole hair was then removed from the sample hide and analysed at a synchrotron outside Chicago in June last year and June this year. The tests revealed a high concentration of arsenic. "The arsenic in the hair structure is consistent with a single large dose of arsenic between one to two days prior to death," the scientists' report says.

The arsenic stretched about 900 microns along the hair from the root bulb, with a potentially deadly concentration found between 450 microns and 500 microns. Assuming a growth rate of 1cm a month, the scientists estimated Phar Lap was poisoned 35 hours before he died. Tests on two more hairs produced the same results. The behaviour of arsenic in the hair strand was also consistent with results from a test on the hair of a pig that had been poisoned with arsenic.

There have been many theories on what caused the giant five-year-old's agonising death, including accidental poisoning from lead insecticide. But many, including Tommy Woodcock - Phar Lap's devoted strapper - remained adamant the champ had been murdered by US racing and crime interests who feared an unbeatable outsider. It seems that he may have been right...

Melbourne Cup Update - 15 Days to Go!

2006-10-23T11:48:00.000+08:00

We have a NEW FAVOURITE for the Melbourne Cup!

The English import TAWQEET followed up on his win in the Metropolitan Hcp last month with victory in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup on Saturday. The Cup was vitally important as a lead up to the big two miler at Flemington, and there were both positive and negative outcomes from it's running.

But let's look at the revised TAB short market first:

5/1 TAWQEET
11/2 YEATS
7/1 POP ROCK
9/1 DELTA BLUES
10/1 ON A JEUNE
14/1 DIZELLE, RAILINGS, ACTIVATION
20/1 ZIPPING, OUR SMOKING JOE

TAWQEET is now a deserved favourite based on those two latest wins. YEATS has shortened since he arrived safely from the UK and he is the European Champion stayer.

The Japanese pair of POP ROCK and DELTA BLUES impressed on Saturday and they're looming as huge chances in the cup. The Caulfield Cup was full of promising MC performances and there were none better than DIZELLE who was just starting to get warmed up at the end of the 2400m.

ACTIVATION was a good run and so was OUR SMOKING JOE who is still looking for the heavens to open up. ZIPPING fell out of favour a bit with a lacklustre performance, and ON A JEUNE goes around in the Geelong Cup tomorrow-the race that he won this time last year..

Cox Plate this Saturday

2006-10-23T11:45:00.000+08:00

One of the best races you'll ever see is the WS Cox Plate run in the fabulous arena style setting of Moonee Valley racecourse.

It's a top field that's been assembled-not a vintage field, but nevertheless one that'll have you glued to the screen or cheering your head off as they come around that tight home corner if you're lucky enough to be going along!

Whilst my early tip is the three year old filly Miss Finland (pictured) who'll fly with only 46kg on her back, we'll look more closely at the race on FRIDAY...

Tawqeet takes out Caulfield Cup

2006-10-22T11:32:00.000+08:00

Trainer David Hayes won the second Caulfield Cup of his career when Tawqeet took out the $2.5 million Group One race this afternoon.

Tawqeet ($19) enjoyed a rails-hugging ride under jockey Dwayne Dunn and flew down the final straight of the 2,400-metre race to score from the Gai Waterhouse-trained Aqua D'Amore ($24) and long shot Delta Blues ($133).

With 300 metres left in the race Waterhouse would have been confident of securing her first major Spring race with Aqua D'Amore enjoying a commanding lead, but Dunne managed to sneak Tawqeet in between the leader and Our Smoking Joe and bolt home to score by half a length.

The five-year old will now shoot to the top of Melbourne Cup betting after his dominant run in the traditional lead-up race to the 3,200 metres handicap at Flemington.

Hayes, who won the race in 1993 with Fraar and expected Growl to be his best chance at a win today, said Tawqeet had been aimed at the Melbourne Cup and had plenty of improvement left in him before the big race on November 7.

"I thought he was probably number two [behind Growl], I didn't think Caulfield would quite be his track," he told ABC Grandstand.

"He's been set for the Melbourne Cup but it's a fantastic lead-up race to win.

"He's got what it takes and he can quicken at the vital part of the race and he races inside horses, outside horses.

"He's only going to be better for the Cup, he's big and round and got plenty of improvement left in him."

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200610/s1770390.htm

Melbourne Cup Countdown - 18 Days to Go!

2006-10-20T14:58:00.000+08:00

The Caulfield Cup is one of Australia's BIG 3 Spring races in Melbourne, and the BIG lead up race to the Melbourne Cup.
This years running, as usual, is wide open with more than a dozen chances. It's more a viewing spectacle than a sound betting event, so whatever you do, don't miss tomorrow's running!
With the exception of current Melbourne Cup favourite YEATS, most of the other fancied runners in the MC are going around tomorrow. Apart from the obvious chances, I like that Japanese entrant POP ROCK, and also look for improvement from RAILINGS and HEADTURNER, and don't forget to look for my old mate DIZELLE finishing off the race well as a good pointer to the first Tuesday in November...

Watch Paul Harvey at Caulfield

2006-10-20T14:54:00.000+08:00

Champion WA hoop Paul Harvey rides at Caulfield tomorrow and should be followed by punters seeking a winner. Paul's there specifically to ride EGOMANIAC, a horse whose ownership is managed by his wife Janelle, and is trained by his good friend Trevor Andrews.

Egomaniac makes his Melbourne debut on Saturday in the Norman Robinson Stakes and with the benefit of two recent wins over 2000m+ in Perth, he's in with a great chance of winning. Current VRC Derby favourite, the unusually named Ankh Morpok will be hard to beat, but Andrews is a top trainer and it wouldn't suprise me at all if EGOMANIAC were to win tomorrow and go on to win the VRC Derby too. The report from Trev, speaking this morning on Racing Radio, is all good with the horse.

Paul will also team up with two other West Aussies racing at Caulfield in BELLE BIZARRE and CAT'S FUN.

Both could be handy each way bets.

Akhenaton 2yo Gelding

2006-10-20T14:51:00.000+08:00

With ANOTHER prizemoney increase happening in Perth next Saturday, NOW is the time to own a racehorse in PERTH! The normal Saturday city races are worth a MINIMUM of $45,000 as of Oct 21st, and with a further winning Westspeed bonus of $11,250, this should be an offer you should look at.

He's a stunning colt by Akhenaton from Foxy Tudor. An exceptionally strong looking 2yo, a cracker of a colt who's been given plenty of time to mature, he's a half brother to a stakes winning horse in Malaysia- the mare has had three to race for two winners.

There are 20 shares in this new syndicate priced at $2,997 each. He'll be trained at Ascot by Paul Jordan who has won over $2,000,000 in prizemoney for our clients!

Brochures are available through the mail, or I can e-mail you one instantly if you send a request to peter@belhusracing.com.au.

Saturday's Best Bets

2006-10-20T14:46:00.000+08:00

BEST EACH WAY 1: BARON ORCZY PR6 No2.
Our very own BARON ORCZY is poised to bounce back to the winners circle when racing returns to Ascot tomorrow.
His work can't be faulted since he last raced and his home track should suit him down to the ground. Willie Pike resumes on The Baron and he has a 3 from 3 winning record on him!
I am worried about our black booker Dee Picked, but it'll have to be right on his mark to beat the Baron!

BEST EACH WAY 2: EGOMANIAC MR4 No4.

Trainer Trevor Andrews and co aren't in Melbourne for their annual holidays. They mean business which means we should all get on EGOMANIAC (pictured here winning at Belmont) in The Norman Robinson Stakes. You'll get a great run for your money.

Belhus Racing Stable Update

2006-10-18T13:59:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone, we have four runners this week, one on Thursday, two on Saturday and the other on Sunday! Interestingly, they're racing in three different states!

EVERT steps out in race 6 at Northam on Thursday at what will be her first start in this preparation. She's had the benefit of two recent trials which has her looking quite fit for the 1400m. Her trackwork last Friday and Tuesday morning was hard to fault and we're looking forward to seeing her run. There's a couple in there that might be hard to get by first up, but I'm sure she'll run a forward race at decent odds! Steven Parnham will ride.

BARON ORCZY has his second run this preparation and his first ever at Ascot as he steps out in a 3MW (restricted to horses that have won 3 or less Saturday races) race over 1100m. He's drawn very wide in barrier 15 at the weights stage, but may come in a few with scratchings and Willie Pike will jump back on board after missing the ride last start through suspension. All's well with the Baron though and he'll improve 6 lengths on his last effort. This will be his stiffest task to date but we're confident he'll be good enough.

MAGNETIC BAY goes around on his home track at the Gold Coast on Saturday in a 1600m event which should be right up his alley. All the reports are that he's crying out for more ground, so he'll certainly get that here and should be one of the hardest to beat. Chris Whitely who won on him previously is being chased for the ride and I'll confirm with the owners when we know for sure who's on top. Magnetic Bay's work is very good and trainer Dale Sutton expects him to show up.

Dale also has ANABAA STAR going around from his Victorian stables, and she's another first up runner for us. She'll be going to Seymour on Sunday. She too has trialled twice prior to running and with the addition of blinkers to her gear, she'll be sent forward in an attempt to lead. Dale describes her as a timid horse who may be better suited out in front rather than being surrounded by other horses. Her work is excellent although I'd rather see what she does at the races before declaring her as a bet. Mark Pegus will take the ride.

NECTAREIGN trailled at Randwick on Tuesday and ran just behind the placegetters in fourth place after being slow away and forced to race wide. He needed the run though and trainer Gai Waterhouse will trial him again, as she normally does, in 10-14 days time.

RED GEISHA is working well since her first up run last week and is programmed in to run at Ballarat next Friday. The trainer told me "she'll walk in" which I hope means she'll win easy, and all being well she can go to Flemington on Cup Day for a 1400m fillies race after that.

DANISH SEA was entered for two races this weekend but has drawn wide for both. We'll save her for another day. She's holding her form and looked in top order for trainer Paul Jordan at Ascot trackwork on Tuesday morning. Paul had quite a few others there too on Tuesday including SWISS WATCH who'll be entered for a race next week, OPEN EYRE, FIRE FROM ICE and MEXICAN MIST who have all just returned to the stables after spelling well. The galloping grey. Mexican Mist in particular looked a million dollars after a lengthy spell, and he went around two laps quiet with his head on his chest. ENCIPHER did a bit of evens and is looking strong and shaping up nicely. He'll trial in two and half weeks time. GIRL IN A STORM and ASCOLTA are in light work and HARRASSER returns to trainer John Price's Ascot stables this weekend. The other two greys in Perth, the Kenvain filly and Verglas colt have both just started pre training during the last week.

In the east again and JAKE THE MUSK has returned to trainer Guy Walter's stables after a period of pre training. The reports are all good on him and the track rider there said he felt very powerful under saddle and predicts that he'll "really gallop". MAKE SOME NOISE is at the same place where Jake was and will start pre training in the next week. Also just starting in light work is ZABRINSKI, who has spelled well. The SUCCESS EXPRESS (who has just been gelded) and ROYAL ACADEMY 2yo's with Gai are doing well and coming along as expected. RED HOT FOX is due back next week after completing a 6 week spell.

ARRANBRAE has had a setback with an an infection that he's picked up and he has been out of work for a week and a half. He's at the vets as we speak and we're keeping our fingers crossed with him.

All the spellers are doing fine. We had our big AKHENATON colt gelded on our property this week, and he's recovering as nicely as one could expect.

- Peter Morley

Racing Returns To Ascot!

2006-10-18T13:57:00.000+08:00

Just a reminder for our WA clients that racing returns to ASCOT this Saturday for another exciting season. Racegoers will see many improvements and the track looks sensational. Stewards have told me that it'll be officially rated as GOOD on Saturday.

- Peter Morley

Traditional Odds Or Metric? What Do You Prefer?

2006-10-16T10:42:00.000+08:00

Since I started doing the Belhus Racing Blog, I've been quoting odds in my favoured traditional style, for example 6/4, 3/1, 50/1 etc. Now that's created a bit of a storm with emails, telephone calls and even one bloke getting right up me at the races! Australia went decimal in 1966, but the traditional odds traded on the racecourse stayed around until a couple of years ago - but I still use them!

Now I know it's the way things are nowadays, but as an ex bookie myself, I just reckon that sometimes, the old ways are the best. There's just something very different about a bookie shouting "$2.75", instead of "7/4 this favourite", (if you're lucky enough to hear a bookie shouting his odds nowadays"!).

There's no doubt the language of the racecourse is all but disappearing. The "grand" of course is still around in today's language, but gone are the "monkeys", "ponies" and "Archie mores". And instead of "even stevens", "levels ya devils" and "yours for mine", all we get today is a very sterile "$2.00".

So, let me know which you prefer. Do you want the odds as they were, or would you prefer the new fangled decimal odds as quoted in newspapers, TAB's, etc...

- Peter Morley

Melbourne Cup Update - 22 Days To Go!

2006-10-16T10:29:00.000+08:00

Things are starting to get really serious now as the 90 horses left in the Cup start to sort themselves out with a view to a Cup start. Remember that with 24 runners in the final field, 66 will miss out! THE CAULFIELD CUP will be run this Saturday and the picture will be much clearer afterwards. Trainer John Hawkes holds a strong hand with HEADTURNER, RAILINGS and DIZELLE all strong chances. MC fancy ZIPPING needs to get a run at Caulfield and that decision will be made by the VRC handicapper tomorrow. Perhaps the best lead for the Caulfield Cup came yesterday from Champion hoop Damian Oliver. Here's the report from Mike Hedge.

Damien Oliver sorted out one of the mysteries that surrounds the record contingent of international horses in Melbourne this spring when he piloted his intended Caulfield Cup mount Pop Rock for the first time on Sunday. The former champion jockey worked the Japanese galloper over 1200m at Sandown with his stablemate, Caulfield Cup top weight Delta Blues, and came away confident he was on the better prospect.

On a day when the international challenge got moving, Oliver and Pop Rock gave Delta Blues a couple of lengths start and the jockey said he had the other horse's measure on the line. "I thought my horse had the other one covered on the line, I'm pretty happy with him," Oliver said. Oliver is looking for a record-equalling fifth Caulfield Cup and he believes Pop Rock is the horse that can get him level with riding legend Scobie Breasley.

As well as being impressed with Pop Rock as an individual, Oliver believes his form entitles him to be an outstanding chance in the Caulfield Cup. "He's a horse that's really on the rise," Oliver said. "I expected him to be a high-class horse and he gave me that sort of a feel today."

Pop Rock has won his past four starts in Japan, something Oliver said was testimony to his quality. Oliver, who has ridden extensively in Japan, said a horse had to be special to rise through the grades in the way Pop Rock has. "It's very difficult for a horse in Japan to keep stepping up in grade," he said. "Because the races are all set weights, they go up in class and stay up in the weights."

As good as his form may be and as fit as he is, Pop Rock has one major problem: he isn't in the field for next Saturday's race. After Saturday's Caulfield meeting, Pop Rock is one of three horses who are equal 18th in the order of entry into the 18-horse field. But it is likely that Grand Zulu, who is above him on the list, will not be there which could mean the Melbourne Racing Club committee will have to use its discretion to determine which horse takes the final place in the field.

One of the others in equal 18th place is English stayer Land 'N Stars who today had his race jockey Nick Ryan in the saddle for the first time. Land 'N Stars worked with Geordieland over 1600m and left Ryan with a good impression. "He has the feel of a very strong stayer," Ryan said."His work was good and he pulled up very well after it, I couldn't be happier."

Geordieland also worked well, carrying several kilos more than his compatriot and shading him at the end of the gallop. It was also his most testing piece of work since he arrived in Melbourne almost two weeks ago. Geordieland is being reserved for the Melbourne Cup, as is Wunderwood who continued his preparation today with slow pacework.

The Godolphin entrant Imperial Stride also had a light workout on Sunday morning and is expected to do something more serious when race jockey Kerrin McEvoy partners him in a gallop on Tuesday.

The Market

8/1 YEATS, (Europe's Champion stayer-could be shorter if he arrives safely tomorrow)

9/1 TAWQEET

10/1 HEADTURNER, SPHENOPHYTA

11/1 RAILINGS, OUR SMOKING JOE (could be favourite if it's wet on the day), ZIPPING

14/1 ON A JEUNE (runner up last year), ACTIVATION

16/1 GEORDIELAND. IMPERIAL STRIDE

20/1 SERENADE ROSE

25/1 POP ROCK (Japan), PENTANE (NZ'er)

30/1 DIZELLE (STILL MY SELECTION), WUNDERWOOD

40/1 ACCUMULATE, DELTA BLUES, JAGGER, GLISTENING, ICE CHARIOT

50/1 DRACS BACK, GRAND ZULU, THE VRC DERBY WINNER (if they decide to run)

UPWARDS OTHERS

Latest Sydication - Impressive Akhenaton Colt In Perth

2006-10-16T10:23:00.000+08:00

With ANOTHER prizemoney increase happening in this Saturday, NOW is the time to own a racehorse in PERTH! The normal Saturday city races are worth a MINIMUM of $45,000 now, and with a further winning Westspeed bonus of $11,250, this should be an offer you should look at. He's a stunning colt by Akhenaton from Foxy Tudor. An exceptionally strong looking 2yo, a cracker of a colt who's been given plenty of time to mature, he's a half brother to a stakes winner in Malaysia-the mare having had three to race for two winners. There are 20 shares in this new syndicate priced at $2,997 each. He'll be trained at Ascot by Paul Jordan who has won over TWO MILLION DOLLARS in prizemoney for our clients! Brochures are available through the mail, or I can e-mail you one straight away if you send a request to peter@belhusracing.com.au.

Winform Professional Punting Seminars and Free Racing Magazine

2006-10-16T10:16:00.000+08:00

If you're interested in WINNING MORE with your betting, then you must attend one of Garry Robinsons Better Punting Seminars which are happening right now at venues all around the nation.

The Winform Professional Punting Seminars provide the ideal pro active approach to punting which caters for all levels of bettors who are keen to win more from the races. Pro punter Garry Robinson will present topics including, "Introduction to Professional Punting", Winning and Losing Streaks", How to Find Winners", "Risk Free Sports Betting", and much more! Plus he always allows plenty of time for an extensive questions and answers session.

Each seminar will will run on a Sunday afternoon between 1pm - 6pm. Brisbane was yesterday so that's gone, It's over to Sydney next Sunday (Oct 22nd), down to Melbourne (Oct 29th), then on to Perth (12th Nov) and finally in Adelaide (19th Nov).

The cost to attend is $149 and you can reserve your place by calling (02) 4950 1747 or click on www.horseracingaustralia.info/Bookshop.

All attendees also receive a 12 month subscription to Garry's "Horse Racing Australia" quarterly magazine.

For a FREE COPY of "Horse Racing Australia" (which will be mailed directly to you), simply click here.

Get On Miss Finland This Wednesday...

2006-10-16T10:15:00.000+08:00

MISS FINLAND was a certainty beat last start and she'll be out to make amends in the prestigious Group 1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield on Wednesday.

The flying filly has won five of her nine career starts including the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes where she came from well back to win running away. She then stepped straight up to the Group 1 Champagne Stakes and finished runner-up behind Mentality.

After a spell she beat Haradasun in the McNeil before toughing out a neck win over stablemate Anamato in the Tranquil Star. At her last start in the Edward Manifold Stakes, Craig Williams took her to the front but said she worked hard within herself as she went out to a big lead throughout the race and although battled on well was run down late.

The filly has raced at Caulfield three times and her only defeat was when runner-up in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes as a juvenile after being slowly away on the wet track.

Champion trainer David Hayes wasn't fazed by her outside draw (9 out of 11) today, commenting "She’s perfect this morning and is the one they have to beat-take the short price on her.”

Melbourne Cup Countdown - 25 Days To Go + Free $100 Bet!

2006-10-13T15:50:00.000+08:00

This year sees the strongest contingent yet of overseas horses travelling down under for a tilt at our $5.1 Million, two mile handicap.

When second declarations were taken for the Cup earlier this week, 90 horses (including 11 internationals) remained in contention. With the exception of the third favourite YEATS who we pretty much know all about, the rest require a bit more research. So, bearing in mind that all are quoted at very generous odds by the satchel swingers, once again in an effort to make you the "racing oracle" around the water cooler, here's a brief rundown on some of the other internationals that can potentially make up 40% of the Cup field!

Delta Blues and Pop Rock-Japan. Highly rated Japanese stayers who have been working the place down at Sandown over the last fortnight. Delta Blues who has won over 3000m and 3600m, has won over $4.75million in prizemoney and is rated a higher than Pop Rock, although Pop Rock has won six of his eighteen races and at his last start beat Eye Popper back in May. Remember that Eye Popper ran a close second in the Caulfield Cup last year, so don't let these two get under your guard!

Geordieland-England. Nice English stayer who has won 5 and placed 9 times from 25 starts. Last ran when 4th in the Ebor Hcp (2800m) at York,and before that ran second to Yeats over 3200m at Goodwood. Is a Group 2 winner in France over 2400m-not as well performed as Yeats but does meet him on better weight terms in the Cup.
Glistening-England. Has run second over 2400m at Ascot in June and July, and then came out and finished runner up in one of England's strongest staying races,the Ebor Hcp (2800m) at York. Definite chance.

Imperial Stride-England. 5yo gelding owned by Godolphin Stables, this top horse has won his last five starts in row! However, he could be a bit sus at the distance in the Melbourne Cup and may be a better Caulfield Cup prospect...

Land 'n Stars-England. Winner of 5 of his 25 starts on the flat, he'll be ridden in the Cup by Nick Ryan. Led all the way when a winner over two miles a couple of starts ago and has also won over 2400m in Dubai. Although beaten in a track gallop by the Japanese pair earlier this week, he's not fully wound up yet and should be considered.

Soulacroix-England. Purchased by Australian interests, he's a moderate performer who still has plenty to do to even get into the Cup field. It's wait and see with him and he'll probably go via the Geelong Cup to make his mark...

Wunderworld-England. Good stayer and winner of the Duke Of Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot two years ago. Winner at 2 of his last 3 starts, the latest over 2800m at Salisbury. Should get the distance and is trained by David Elsworth who has twice run third in the Cup with the evergreen stayer Persian Punch.

SPORTINGBET have a very interesting novelty bet available on the Cup. They're betting on the ORIGIN of the winner!

Here's the market;
Australia 1.70
New Zealand 2.70
Europe 5.50
Americas 8.50
Asia 26.00

To open a Sportingbet account (where you get best odds all the time), click on this link, http://www.sportingbet.com.au/partners.asp?btag=a_181, and you'll even get a FREE ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BET if you open a new account with a minimum deposit of $30....

Red Geisha - Phenomenal First Up Run!

2006-10-13T15:48:00.000+08:00

Our three year old filly in Victoria, RED GEISHA produced an amazing effort at Pakenham on Monday - one that had to be seen to be believed! Making her raceday debut, she stunned everyone by producing a whirlwind finish to come from last on the home turn to run second-just a head from the winner. Her sectionals must have been awesome, and she showed an amazing turn of foot to flash home as she did. Now obviously we know it was only a provincial maiden, but I haven't seen a run like that for many a year! She's DEFINITELY going in the BLACK BOOK as one to follow!

New 20 Share Syndicate!

2006-10-13T15:46:00.000+08:00

With ANOTHER prizemoney increase happening in Perth next Saturday, NOW is the time to own a racehorse in PERTH! The normal Saturday city races are worth a MINIMUM of $45,000 as of Oct 21st, and with a further winning Westspeed bonus of $11,250, this should be an offer you should look at. He's a stunning colt by Akhenaton from Foxy Tudor. An exceptionally strong looking 2yo, a cracker of a colt who's been given plenty of time to mature, he's a half brother to a stakes winning horse in Malaysia- the mare has had three to race for two winners. There are 20 shares in this new syndicate priced at $2,997 each. He'll be trained at Ascot by Paul Jordan who has won over $2,000,000 in prizemoney for our clients! Brochures are available through the mail, or I can e-mail you one instantly if you send a request to peter@belhusracing.com.au.

The Weekends Best Bets

2006-10-13T15:42:00.000+08:00

BEST FAVOURITE:CHARLIE BEAU Perth R9 No 7.
Bolted in last start breaking 34 for the last 600m-and this is no harder. Top jock, good barrier, right distance and should win.

BEST EACH WAY:TANGO FIRE Melb R3 No7.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse, this talented filly has had two wins from three starts. Gai has taken her to Melbourne so she must have a big opinion of her. Had the one run Melbourne way so will be better off now and does meet a few much better off at the weights here. On pacer with Chris Munce in the saddle-she's at each way odds..

BEST OUTSIDER: None.

- Peter Morley

Racing Stables Update

2006-10-11T12:21:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone, there are three of our stable runners entered at Belmont Park today and all appear to have solid chances. Swiss Watch kicks us off in race 2, a 3yo colts and geldings race over 1000m. With two second placings from as many starts, he should again give his lucky owners a good run for their money.

His recent work is good leading into this race and he's also drawn pretty well at the barriers in number 5 which should enable him to race up on the pace again which is where he seems to like it.. There is a late riding change as jockey Paul King was injured at trackwork yesterday morning and will be replaced by Brad Parnham.

Baron Orczy makes his comeback to racing in race 3, a 1000m class 6 event. He's drawn awkwardly in barrier 7 but with the experience of Jason Whiting, he should be able to keep out of trouble and be a chance in the finish. Only a lack of fitness will stop him winning as most of his opponents today have runs under their belt whereas he doesn't. His class should pull him through though.

Danish Sea goes around in race 5 today. After some close up finishes at her last 4 starts all in the city, she's drawn to win here starting from barrier 1, and with apprentice Jess Hill's claim, she'll carry just 51.5kg. Her work is good and although it's a more than handy midweek field, she appears to be our best winning chance for the afternoon.

Red Wine again goes to Northam tomorrow in an attempt to break through for a long overdue win. He's becoming a bit frustrating although if you haven't quite worked it out yet, frustration is a BIG part of racing! Troy Turner climbs into the pigskin again and following a top gallop last Friday morning, and given normal luck in running, the pair should be hard to beat despite once again drawing a wide barrier.

Anabaa Star was entered for a race in Victoria today but has been scratched for no other reason than the wide barrier. I just don't want to chance her getting caught wide and having a tough run first up. Better waiting for another day with her. There's plenty of races in the next week or so.

Having said that, she's going particularly well in her trackwork, and in the opinion of trainer Dale Sutton, going better than Red Geisha who made her racetrack debut when she went to Pakenham on Monday. Although she ran second beaten a head, the run had to be seen to be believed as she thundered home down the outside after being second last on the turn and last at the 150m. It was a phenomenal effort and a real "be on me next time" run. She's pulled up fine from the run and will have one more provincial start before being tried in the city-hopefully at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day!

Evert went to the trials on Monday and after losing six lengths coming out of the barrier, she ran on to finish fifth to the unbeaten Real Mak. With two trial runs now under her belt, she's read to go to the races and I'm sure she'll be hard to beat first up in the right race. It'll more than likely be Northam next Thursday.

Magnetic Bay was a shade unlucky when unplaced at the Gold Coast on Saturday. If not for receiving interference, he would surely have finished second-although no match for the winner who won by six lengths. We'll up the distance of Magnetic Bay's races now and enter him for a 1600m race back at the Gold Coast on Saturday week.

Nectareign is flying in his work at Randwick and will trial next week.

Girl In A Storm and Open Eyre return from spells this week as do our unraced and unnamed Kenvain and Verglas two year olds. All are well.

All the others coming through their programme are fine. All the spellers are well.

Melbourne Cup Countdown - 29 Days to Go!

2006-10-09T17:00:00.000+08:00

The weekend's racing saw a new Melbourne Cup favourite installed after Tawqeet put in a blinder of a performance to take out the Metropolitan Handicap in Sydney on Saturday. It's now the new 7/1 favourite for the big 2 mile event run on the first Tuesday in November. Headturner and Railings put in moderate efforts and slipped a fraction in the betting, with Spenophyta firming into equal second favourite after winning the Turnbull stakes.

Now just so that you can all go to the pub or sit around the lunch table at the office and sound like you know what you're talking about, here's how I see the Cup at this stage (in Market order up to 20/1)...

Tawqeet 7/1.
English handicapper now trained permanently in Oz by David Hayes. Should get the distance easily and a deserved favourite at this stage although I'm not a big wrap on the Metropolitan as a form guide. 1kg penalty for winning on Saturday too...

Headturner 8/1.
Keeps promising to show something but his heads on the chopping block now. The short odds are based on promise and apart from winning the Derby as a three year old, has to step up. He's under the odds for me..

Sphenophyta 8/1.
Won big time on him on Saturday when he was my best bet for the day, but the Flemington two miler may be a bit different. I'd rather be backing him in the Caulfield Cup...

Yeats 9/1.
Best stayer in Europe but still to get here and an obvious risk. He'll run first up in Australia in the Cup so I'll let him run without me.

Activation 11/1.
Good run when second in the Metropolitan, but not one of my favourites.

Our Smoking Joe 11/1.
If it's wet on the big day-YES. If it's not-NO.

Railings 11/1.
Need to do more to get me in. Another one a bit short in the market going on promise.

Zipping 12/1.
He's the BIG CHANCE and the one you should be on now. A proven stayer and a super run when flashing home on Saturday.

On A Jeune 14/1.
Second last year and a one paced stayer who may have had his chance. Finished a close up fifth on Saturday in an average race and he'll be finishing the race off over two mile though..

Serenade Rose 16/1.
Good run to dead heat for third in the Turnbull. A quality galloper who's raced without luck recently but she's always a chance in anything she contests.

Further out in the market is Pop Rock at 25/1 who has won his last four starts in Japan over staying journeys which includes a last start win over Eye Popper who we saw here last year. My old mate Dizelle is at 40/1, and I've backed her to win Karen a big fat juicy diamond! So for me as of today, it's Zipping and Dizelle..

- Peter Morley

Your tips for the BMW Caulfield Cup

2006-10-09T16:58:00.000+08:00

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

Gai's Back

2006-10-09T16:56:00.000+08:00

At the beginning of this racing season, did you hear all the whispers about Gai not producing winners the same as she should be doing? They were right of course, but it was just the lull before the storm, as Gai and Robbie holidayed in Europe and the stable staff were preparing for the Spring.

The stable sure has bounced back over the last few weeks with Gai landing a Group 2 double with Desert War in The Hill Stakes and Cheeky Choice in the Tea Rose Stakes a fortnight ago. On Saturday, she was to the fore again winning THREE Stakes races including the G1 Flight Stakes with Cheeky Choice, and the G3 double of The Shorts with Bentley Biscuit and the Craven Plate with Cateclipse. Amazingly, Gai has won the Flight Stakes for the last three years now with Cheeky Choice following on from Lotteria and Fashions Afield who won in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

Bentley Biscuit, (pictured above) has been a great money spinner for his owners, bagging 9 wins and 2 places from just 12 starts, amassing over $500,000 in prizemoney along the way! There's doubtless plenty winners more to come, so keep following the Randwick stable as they're a monty to keep churning out the winners over the next month or so.

- Peter Morley

Baron Orczy Returns

2006-10-09T16:27:00.000+08:00

Our Rory's Jester four year old Baron Orczy (pictured with part owners Geoff and Kathy Baldwin) makes his return to racing this week when he resumes in race at Belmont Park on Wednesday.
Although trainer John Price has been impressed by The Baron's track work, he does caution that the majority of the opposition will have the edge in race fitness on him. Will The Baron have the class to win first up whilst obviously not being 100% fit? Well, as a winner of his last three starts, we certainly hope so, but of course we won't know until Wednesday afternoon.

Whatever happens though, he's sure to be improved by the run and will strip much fitter for the more important races when the Ascot season begins on October 21st...

- Peter Morley

Pete's Black Book

2006-10-09T16:23:00.000+08:00

One of the best runs from Saturdays racing at Belmont Park came from trainer Alan Mathews' gelding Daka's Gem. Starting first up in an unsuitable 1200m sprint-and with the steadier of 57kg, the gelding was a conspicuous last approaching the home turn, but rattled off the fastest 600m sectional for the race to finish right on the heels of the placegetters-just over 2 lengths from the winner. A versatile galloper who has won 11 races from 1100m to 2200m, and over $300,000 in prizemoney, he's definitely one to follow when he gets up to 1600m or thereabouts.
Also from the weekend's racing, I thought at Belmont the win of Bella Pia was special, and Dee Picked was a certainty beat after getting a torrid run throughout. At Flemington, Miss Finland got beat but only because she got a kick in the ribs coming out of the gates and fired up racing to an eight length lead. She'll win the Thousand Guineas on her ear if she draws well. Dizelle came from last to get us again and run fourth in the Metrop. She'll win when no one's on her and along with Zipping who thundered home in the Turnbull Stakes, she's my Melbourne Cup horse. Sphenophyta showed courage to lead around the corner and fight off all challenges up the long Flemington straight. He was our best bet for the weekend, so I hope you followed my tip and got the $5.50!

- Peter Morley

Just 1 Share in Eternity Range Filly

2006-10-09T16:21:00.000+08:00

Trainer John Price was all smiles at Belmont Park on Saturday when he trained Local Legend to win the Birthday Quality Stakes. John is ALWAYS in the top ten trainers in Perth every season, and is well know as one of the most likeable trainers in the business.

I've asked him to train our up and coming two year old chestnut filly by Eternity Range from Sky Chant. Just ONE SHARE now remains so if you're looking to get into a nice horse with residual breeding value too, for practically no money at all, then email today and I'll send you the brochure straight away. $2,475.
She's too cheap really...

- Peter Morley