October
NovemberMoore brilliant
Watching Richie Callander on Racing Review (26/10), I wasn’t sure but was he criticising Ryan Moore’s ride on Adelaide?
Unable to get the box seat a la Nick Hall on Fawkner, I actually thought Ryan’s display was masterful, especially compared with the rides on Gai’s two horses.
As Moore later stated he knew it would be almost impossible to get up from last so his mid-race decision to move past two or three horses then hold fast for a furlong or so before letting loose, well, quite simply it was beautiful to watch.
The winner by the way, reminds me a bit of Better Loosen Up and his win in 1990, Ocean Park as well.
I went to Yarra Glen for Cox Plate day this year and hardly had a collect but knew my $100 straight out on Adelaide was in the bag before the home turn. He looked to have them covered.
Made the long trip back to Essendon much more enjoyable. Well done Ryan Moore, I say (not to mention the trainer, Mr O’Brien).
On a different topic, I have to disagree strongly with the stewards’ sole blaming of Michelle Payne for that interference in the Moonee Valley Cup.
In my opinion it was a “racing incident” and not attributable to any one jockey.
After getting roundly criticised for her ride on that favourite at Caulfield the previous week, what’s she supposed to do — not put her horse into the race?
She can judge herself very stiff, I feel.
Lastly, what a magnificent spectacle the two main races were at the Valley. That Manikato race on Friday night was unbelievable, a great example of horse racing at its very best. The Cox Plate was pretty bloomin’ good too!
Essendon (Vic)