From Left Of Centre with Steve Morris
GIVEAWAY
Last week we were after some feedback for the upcoming racing year. If you want a free copy of next weekend's Racing And Sports Final Report, simply tweet your 2014 racing predictions to @stevemorris38 using the #crystalball2014 hashtag. Best reply as judged by our esteemed panel is awarded the Giveaway?
What a mouth-watering week of sport.
Stan Wawrinka has jumped out of the box to become a real crowd favourite in Melbourne this year and has cemented his place in the Australian Open Final, whilst no doubt we will be treated to an epic clash between great rivals Federer and Nadal tonight to determine his opponent.
The Aussies continue to annihilate the Poms in the cricket.
The BBL Finals are approaching and what a success BBL03 has been with the addition of free-to-air broadcasting on Channel 10.
Throw in Super Bowl XLVIII between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks and it is all happening.
In addition to all of that we are beginning to see some superstars of racing return to the trials and the racing is heating up in a big way.
BONUS SCHEMES
Now is a better time than ever to get involved in racehorse ownership.
Last week I touched on the lucky ladies who received a $325,000 bonus for running second in the Magic Millions Classic for 2yos.
This week sees the running of yet another bonus races, albeit on a lesser scale. The $150,000 VOBIS Gold Star will be run tonight and only VOBIS Gold nominated horses are eligible.
Such is the benefit of these incentives, owners can now earn more than $27,000 in prizemoney with qualified horses for winning a maiden as opposed to the $9000 they would otherwise receive.
As the races get better, the bonuses continue to roll in. Just like other bonus schemes in other states such as BOBS and SABIS, these incentives make it more appealing than ever before to get involved in racehorse ownership.
If you have never done it before get some mates together and give it a go. A hair on its back is all you need to own for it to take you on the ride of a lifetime.
Racing Victoria this week launched 'Relaxed Racing', an initiative that goes down the line to James Cummings' way of thinking, to relax the feeling around the racetrack.
Racegoers are encouraged to ditch the traditional approach that leads to sore feet and sweat patches under suit jackets after a day at the track and substitute that for comfort. Partner this with on-course music and entertainment and all is in readiness for an enjoyable day at the track.
The great thing about this is the fact you are allowed to take your own food on-course and set up camp on the grass or the comfort of your rug for the afternoon.
You can take advantage of the reduced costs at every meeting throughout the 'Relaxed Racing' season. Hopefully the 'pretty' horses and colours can get home for the ladies and you can be rest assured everyone will go home happy.
UPCOMING
For me, this weekend is all about the 2yos with the most intriguing weekend of 2yo racing this season thus far.
With the running of the Blue Diamond Previews it would be fair to assume the main event would take place in Melbourne, however I don’t think that’s the case.
In the first event at Randwick, boom colt Rubick makes his debut and the confidence is quite obviously there with the $1.50 on offer in early markets taken and the Gerald Ryan colt now into $1.45.
Valentia, a son of Fastnet Rock and the highest-priced colt from last year’s Magic Millions Sales steps out for the first time.
Twirl, a daughter of Lonhro out of a full sister to Fastnet Rock, was the highest-priced filly in that same sale and makes her debut.
Create recently won a trial impressively by 6 lengths, whilst the other three runners are trained by Chris Waller (2) and Peter Moody (1). What a race!
Down in Melbourne the Previews look to be a lot more widely contested. One thing for sure and certain is that the picture will become a lot clearer after these three 2yo races are run and won this weekend.
Until next week.. Good luck and good racing!
