The simple fact that the Group 1 George Main Stakes (WFA 1600m), run at Randwick on Saturday, is early in the spring makes it difficult for three-year-olds to have an impact – only 10 have won the race since it was first run in 1945.

The last three-year-old to win was the high-class colt Viscount in 2001. Viscount, trained by John Hawkes, had won the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, as a two-year-old, in the autumn. After the George Main he went on to run third in the controversial Group 1 Cox Plate (WFA 2040m) at Moonee Valley behind champions Northerly and Sunline, after failing in protests against both for interference in a tight, incident-packed finish.

Patinack Farm’s Onemorenomore is on a similar path to Viscount. Whether he has the same level of class is still to be proven and the George Main looks like it will be a signature race that will determine the rest of the spring program for the Red Ransom colt that owner Nathan Tinkler hopes will include a run in the Cox Plate.

Former trainer Jason Coyle, who recently handed over to John Thompson, said at the start of the season that Onemorenomore was “an ideal Cox Plate horse”. The colt will need to win on Saturday to remain a contender.

Against that, only one horses has won a George Main and a Cox Plate in the same season – the great Kingston Town did in successive years (1981-82).

Onemorenomore also won the Champagne Stakes, and like Viscount, he goes into the George Main chasing his first win as a three-year-old.

In recent years, only two three-year-olds have run in the George Main – Duporth came in fifth behind Mentality last year and Dane Shadow was a good fourth behind Grand Armee in 2004.

The weather will play an important role in Saturday’s outcome. Vision And Power has been gradually working up to fitness on hard tracks, and he comes right into calculations if the predicted rain arrives. His wet track form in the autumn produced Group 1 wins in the Doncaster Handicap (1600m, Randwick) and the George Ryder Stakes (WFA 1500m, Rosehill).

Two past winners – Mentality (2008) and Racing To Win (2006) – also will clash. Racing To Win showed his class with a dominant win in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on September 12 – the same race he won before he won the George Main in 2006. 

View Saturday’s Randwick weights.

RECENT RESULTS

Year

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

BACKGROUND

First run: 1945 (won by Modulation). Group 1 since 1980. Run at Warwick Farm 1983 & 2001.

Last mare to win: Ma Chiquita (1986).

Last 3YO to win: Viscount (2001); No filly has won. Note: 10 3YOs have won the George Main.

Multiple winners: Kingston Town (1981 & 1982); Regal Rhythm (1967 & 1968); Count Radiant (1964 & 1965); Shannon (1946 & 1947).

Fastest time (1600m): Racing To Win (2006) 1:33.75

Notable winners: Mentality (2008); Racing To Win (2006); Grand Armee (2004); Lonhro (2003); Shogun Lodge (1999); Juggler (1996); Durbridge (1994); Shaftesbury Avenue (1990); Campaign King (1987); Emancipation (1983); Kingston Town (1981-82); All Shot (1973); Baguette (1971); Wenona Girl (1963); Martello Towers (1961); Kingster (1956); San Domenico (1950); Shannon (1946 & 1947).

Warwick Stakes & George Main Stakes: 7 – Lonhro (2003); Defier (2002); Kingston Town (1981 & 1982); Party’s Pride (1978); Nippon (1972); Tarien (1953); San Domenico (1950).

Tramway Handicap & George Main Stakes: 4 – Shaftesbury Avenue (1990); Tullmax (1980); Imposing (1979); Landy (1957).

Theo Marks Stakes & George Main Stakes: 6 – Racing To Win (2006); Defier (2002); Inspired (1984); Ricochet (1970); Martello Towers (1961); Shannon (1946).

George Main Stakes & Epsom Handicap: 4 – Racing To Win (2006); Imposing (1979); Ricochet (1970); Chantal (1966).

Theo Marks Stakes & George Main & Epsom Handicap: 1 – Racing To Win (2006).

George Main Stakes & Spring Champion Stakes: 1 – Coronation Day (1992).

George Main Stakes & Yalumba Stakes: 4 – Lonhro (2003); Juggler (1996); Kingston Town (1981 & 1982); De La Salle (1948).

George Main Stakes & Cox Plate: 1 – Kingston Town (1981 & 1982).

George Main & Yalumba & Cox Plate: 1 – Kingston Town (1981 & 1982).

Leading jockey: George Moore, 8 wins (Baguette 1971; Zephyrus 1969; Chantal 1966; Count Radient 1964-65; Martello Towers 1961; Tarien 1953; The Groom 1949).

Points of interest: Grey Boots was runner-up in three consecutive years – 1950 (to San Domenico); 1951 (Oversight); 1952 (Montana). Inspired (1984) won the 1984 Golden Slipper. Baguette (1972) won the 1971 Golden Slipper. No horse has won a Warwick Stakes, George Main Stakes and Epsom Handicap in the same year.

The weather man will not deal the Moonee Valley Racing Club a winning hand if the predicted weather pattern for Friday night’s Group 1 Manikato Stakes (WFA 1200m) is any guide.

Bitterly cold and wet weather is forecast, which is a shame for this revamped Grand Final eve meeting. Of course, it must be in the Valley’s favour that the weather bureau gets it right as often as my local coat-tugger’s tips.

In the past 15 years, the Manikato has been run on a heavy track once – 2004 – when the noted mudlark Spark Of Life scampered around the tight circuit to beat Yell and Dilly Dally. Spark Of Life backed up in 2005 to beat Perfectly Read on dead ground.

The Manikato Stakes, formerly known as the Freeway Stakes, was first run in 1968 and won the grand old galloper Winfreux. The race was upgraded to Group 1 in 1989 when the kiwi sprinter Our Westminster won for trainer Gnaire Frazer.

Champion sprinter Manikato, after whom the race is named, won it in 1979 and 1982.

The Manikato is shaping as an outstanding race of the highest quality, headed by the champion sprinter Apache Cat, who resumes from a spell, and well supported by the rising star 4YOs Nicconi, Mic Mac and Swift Alliance.

Other Group 1 winners nominated include Danleigh, Duporth, last year’s winner Typhoon Zed and last Saturday’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m, Caulfield) winner Turffontein, who is certain to back-up on a rain-affected surface.

The 2009 Golden Slipper Phelan Ready adds to the intrigue. Trainer Jason McLachlan has been forced to run the gelding in the Manikato after Phelan Ready was taken out at the barrier on veterinary advice from the Group 3 Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield last Saturday.

McLachlan is adamant there is nothing wrong with the horse, and he is pressing ahead with plans to run him in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m, Caulfield) on October 10.

The brilliant David Hayes-trained Nicconi is trying to become the second horse to win the Group 3 Ian McEwen Stakes-Manikato Stakes double, joining the wonderful mare Miss Andretti who completed the feat in 2006.

Track specialist Lucky Secret – six wins from seven Valley starts – will back up from his win in last Saturday’s Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill. Interestingly, Hong Kong-based ex-pat Brett Prebble has been booked for the ride. Prebble will be in Melbourne with fellow Hong Kong stars Douglas Whyte, Howard Chang and Olivier Delouze as part of an international jockeys’ serious on Friday night.

View the Moonee Valley weights.

RECENT RESULTS

Year

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

BACKGROUND

First run: 1968 (won by Winfreux). Group 2 1979-89. Run at Flemington 1976 & 1995. Known as the Freeway Stakes until 1984.

Last mare to win: Gold Edition (2007). Note: Nine mares have won.

Last 3YO to win: C&G – Redoute’s Choice (1999); Filly – Dual Choice (1970). Note: Dual Choice is the only 3YO filly to win.

Multiple winners: Spark Of Life (2004 & 2005); Spinning Hill (2002 & 2003); Manikato (1979 & 1982); Tauto (1973 & 1974); Dual Choice (1970 & 1971).

Fastest time (1200m): Miss Andretti (2007) 1:09.29

Notable winners: Miss Andretti (2006); Sunline (2000); Redoute’s Choice (1999); Dane Ripper (1998); Rancho Ruler (1988); Rubiton (1987); Strawberry Road (1983); Manikato (1979, 1982); Century (1972); Dual Choice (1970 & 1971); Vain (1969).

Bletchingly Stakes & Manikato Stakes: 1 – You Remember (1995).

Ian McEwen Stakes & Manikato Stakes: 1 – Miss Andretti (2006).

Manikato Stakes & Australia Stakes (same season): 2 – Miss Andretti (season 2006-07), Dual Choice (season 1971-72).

Australia Stakes & Manikato Stakes (same year): 3 – Spartacus (1997); Manikato (1979); Winfreux (1968).

Manikato Stakes & Salinger Stakes: 2 – Dual Choice (1970); Vain (1969).

Manikato Stakes & Schweppervescence (Moir) Stakes: 3 – Spinning Hill (2002); Manikato (1982); Scamanda (1976).

The Galaxy & Manikato Stakes (same year): 2 – Typhoon Zed (2008); Spark Of Life (2004).

Manikato Stakes & Cox Plate: 3 – Sunline (2000); Rubiton (1987); Strawberry Road (1983).

Leading jockey: Gary Willetts, 3 wins (Strawberry Road 1983; Manikato 1982, 1979).

Leading trainer: Bart Cummings, 4 wins (Dane Ripper 1998; Never Undercharge 1993; Lord Dudley 1975; Century 1972).

Points of interest: Three horses have won the Moonee Valley’s “big three” races – Manikato Stakes (1200m), Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) and Cox Plate (2040m) – in one spring campaign: Sunline (2000); Rubiton (1987); Strawberry Road (1983).

WE SAW IT

Another week, another batch of horses make their claims for the rich carnival plums and rocket up the all-in markets, and another lot don’t do so well and fall down the betting boards. The punting yo-yo is in play.

If you’re thinking of betting, Bits & Pieces liked the look of these at Caulfield and Rosehill – Irish Lights (b f 3, Fastnet Rock-Aspen Falls (USA), by Hennessy (USA)) is on track for the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 14, for which she is $4.20 favourite, with a cruisy win in the Prelude (1400m). Mont Fleuri (br f 3, Cape Cross (IRE)-Great Manners, by Rubiton) is getting ready for the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 5 with her strong third to Irish Lights. Liking the run of runner-up Set For Fame (b/br f 3, Reset-Northpoint, by Dehere (USA)), however, gets us nowhere – she bled and is out for three months.

And liking the run of More Joyous (b f 3, More Than Ready (USA)-Sunday Joy, by Sunday Silence (USA)) in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill mightn’t do any good in a Thousand Guineas sense, either – the filly showed she is good as trainer Gai Waterhouse keeps saying she is, but she’s a delicate thing and Gai is talking about pulling the spring pin after the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 3. She is $5 for the Thousand Guineas, so if she doesn’t head south, Irish Lights will be a lot shorter.

Not to be outdone, the boys put on a display for October 10’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in their 1400m Prelude, none more so than Trusting, just beaten by the impressive Demerit. Trust us – we are from the media! – when we say that this youngster (b c 3, Tale of The Cat (USA)-Legible (NZ), by Zabeel (NZ)) is good. Demerit (Br c 3, Lonhro-Shame, by Scenic (IRE)) is good, just not as good, and Darley and the Snowdens won’t rush him.

Trusting shares top Guineas billing at $4 with Demerit’s boom stablemate Denman (br c 3,Lonhro-Peach, by Vain), who goes around in Sydney next Saturday. The other one in the market is $5.50 chance So You Think (b/br c 3, High Chaparral (IRE)-Triassic (NZ), by Tights (USA)), Bart Cummings’ latest boom horse, who was enormously impressive in winning the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Cummings has the shorter Guineas in mind, not the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.

The 3YO races were warm-ups for later in the spring, but at Caulfield they were warm-ups for the Group 1s later in the afternoon, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (WFA 1400m) and the Underwood Stakes (WFA 1800m), races of high drama.  From the Clarke, take note of Raffaello’s super third. The Encosta De Lago 5YO (from Sweet Delight, by Rancho Ruler) can be ranked up with Mark Kavanagh’s top handicapper Sea Battle. Interestingly, Estee (b/br m 4, Redoute’s Choice-Tycoon Lil, by Last Tycoon (IRE)), later declared a non-runner, ran well after hopelessly missing the start in the incident that saw Gold Salute (also a non-runner) stay in the barrier and his rider Mark Pegus fall out the back of it.

From the Underwood, there is plenty to take forward through the spring. If you fancy any of the following in one of the bigger races, feel content: Maldivian (feel especially content), Master O’Reilly, Red Ruler, Vigor, Predatory Pricer, Viewed and the first two home, Heart Of Dreams and Whobegotyou.

The Group 3 How Now Stakes (1200m) threw up Neroli (b m 6, Viscount-Dalquarren, by Canny Lad), already a Group 1 winner, for the Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington on Derby day.

The Naturalism did no favours for Speed Gifted (b g 6, Montjeu (IRE)-Good Standing (USA), by Distant View (USA)) as Lee Freedman tries to qualify the imported stayer for the Caulfield Cup, but the gelding did enough to show that he’ll be in it to his ears if he gets there, perhaps via the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick, although Freedman also is thinking of staying home for the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.

At Rosehill, Bits & Pieces loved the pluck of the fragile Lucky Secret (b g 6, Rubiton-Won’t Tell, by Rory’s Jester) in the Starlight Stakes (1100m). Don’t discount him if trainer Tony Vasil backs him up in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night – he’s six from seven at the track.

Vision And Power (b g 7, Carnegie (IRE)-Escada (NZ), by Centaine) went up a notch when fourth in the Hill Stakes (WFA 1900m) third up at Rosehill – but be warned, he needs the sting out of the track.

There were more; and next week there will be more again … only the names will change. For now, this is what you will get if you want an early punt on the big three ­ …

Spring markets – TAB Sportsbet offers these odds (all in):

Caulfield Cup (2400m) October 17

$6 Vigor

$10 Predatory Pricer, Daffodil

$12 Red Ruler

$15 Master O’Reilly

$17 Maldivian, Whobegotyou, Speed Gifted, Kirklees

$ 21 Raffaello, Roman Emperor

$26 Cima De Triomphe, Viewed, Hissing Sid

$31 Zagreb, Efficient, Red Lord, Light Vision, Shocking, Precedence, C’Est La Guerre

$41 Rangirangdoo, Harris Tweed, Zarita

Cox Plate (2040m) October 24

$3.80 Whobegotyou

$9 Maldivian, Heart Of Dreams

$9.50 Predatory Pricer

$10 El Segundo

$12 Trusting

$14 Black Piranha, Jolie’s Shinju

$15 So You Think

$18 Vigor

$26 Manhattan Rain, Daffodil, Red Ruler, Mic Mac

$31 Onemorenomore

$35 Zarita, Vision And Power, Raffaello

Melbourne Cup (3200m) November 3

$9 Vigor

$12 Master O’Reilly, Efficient

$14 Viewed, Profound Beauty

$16 Daffodil, C’Est La Guerre, Roman Emperor

$26 Speed Gifted, Precedence, Cima De Triomphe, Changingoftheguard

$31 Maldivian, Dandaad, Red Ruler, Mourilyan, Unsung Heroine, Zipping

$41 Zagreb, Munsef, Joe Blow, Whobegotyou, Kirklees, Cape Cover, Hissing Sid

Top trainer Laurie Laxon won Singapore’s Group 1 Kranji Mile on Sunday when he stepped Waikato to 1600m for the first time, and is looking forward to his runner-up Big Maverick getting to the winners’ list in the absence of local star Jolie’s Shinju, who beat Big Maverick in the Singapore Derby (2000m). New Zealander Laxon will push Big Maverick to two more Singapore Group 1s, the Raffles Cup (1800m) on October 18 and the Singapore Gold Cup (2200m) on November 8.

“Big Maverick has a big win in him after that run,” Laxon told turfclub.com.sg. “I’m just glad that Jolie’s Shinju is in Melbourne (for the Cox Plate) and it will give him the chance at winning a big race.” Jolie’s Shinju (b/br m 5, Jolie’s Halo (USA)-Endearing Quality (USA), by Danzig (USA)) is a $14 chance in Australia richest WFA race after a first-up third to Whobegotyou and Mic Mac in the Dato Tam Chin Nam Stakes (WFA 1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 12.

Australian John Powell rode Waikato (B g 2003, Pins-Skywalker Wilkes (USA), by Skywalker (USA)) when usual jockey Saimee Jumaat preferred Big Maverick (B g 2004, O’Reilly (NZ)-Ajfan (USA), by Woodman (USA)). Waikato has won 14 of 29 starts, Big Maverick seven of 22.

Laxon’s quinella relegated Australian trainer Michael Fredman to an unwanted “trifecta” - he finished third, fourth and fifth with Cheyenne Dancer, Any Honour and Jabal Tarik.

THEY SAID IT

“He’s a very good boy for three (kilograms), and she found something under him.” – that was trainer Lee Freedman’s comment after claiming apprentice Jason Maskiell won race two at Caulfield on tiny mare Romneya. Maskiell had two rides for two wins, collecting the first on Tribunal for Mick Price and continuing to collect cheers for a career on the rise. With eight wins this season he sits in elite company with Damien Oliver and Craig Newitt in second place on the jockeys’ premiership behind early leader Craig Williams (10).

“There’s still plenty of exciting times to come,” said West Australian trainer Jim Taylor at Belmont on Saturday after Hay List made it seven from seven – the Listed Birthday Stakes (1200m) at Belmont in two weeks will be his biggest test, and he’s shaping as if he’s up to it. The giant Hay List (b/br g Statue Of Liberty (USA)-Sing Hallelujah, by Is It True (USA)) has won from 1000-1400m and has earned a touch over $210,000.

WE’LL WATCH IT

Moonee Valley is going all out to make a go of top-class night racing this Friday, despite a planned fireworks display disappearing in a puff of smoke over concern for horse safety. The Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) is a headline act, day or night, and the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m, 3YO), Group 3 Champagne Stakes (1200m, 3YO fillies) and the Listed JRA Cup (2040m) are strong support races.

On top of that, three of the minors will form part of a major jockeys’ challenge featuring Victorian and Hong Kong guns. Craig Williams, Damien Oliver, Craig Newitt and Dwayne Dunn represent Victoria; Douglas Whyte, Brett Prebble, Olivier Doleuze and Howard Cheng ride for Hong Kong on a flying visit – they will go around at Hong Kong’s Happy Valley on Wednesday night and at Sha Tin on Saturday. Whyte and Doleuze were given two-day suspensions over rides yesterday but won’t start their time until they return to Hong Kong.

Boom apprentice Matthew Chadwick had a double again at Sha Tin yesterday, for his master Tony Cruz, and with five wins setting the pace from seniors Whyte, Beadman and Alex Lai (3).

Aussie combos to win were David Hall-Prebble with Taverner and John Moore-Beadman  (Classic Reunion).

Sacred Kingdom, the Hong Kong sprinter ranked equal best in the world with Australian Scenic Blast, is out of the Group 1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) in Japan on October 4 with a foot injury. Trainer Ricky Yiu hopes to get the Australian-bred Sacred Kingdom (b g 6, Encosta De Lago-Courtroom Sweetie, by Zeditave) to the Group 1 Hong Kong International Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on December 13, a race still on the agenda for Scenic Blast (b/br g 5, Scenic (IRE)-Daughter’s Charm, by Delgado (USA)), who is chasing a million-dollar bonus if he can win the Japanese leg of the Global Sprint Challenge.

The Group 1 George Main Stakes (WFA 1600m) at Randwick is the weekend’s headline race at Randwick, which also has the Group 2 Stan Fox Stakes (1400m), which should determine if the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas favourite Denman comes to Melbourne for the 3YO classic on October 10.

There are metropolitan meetings at Doomben, Morphettville and Belmont.  Victoria’s meeting is at Mornington because of the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne. The $100,000 Ansett Classic (2400m) is the main race. 

Jarrod McLean was all smiles after Saturday’s Group 1 Underwood Stakes (WFA, 1800m) at Caulfield. The young trainer declared his horse Kibbutz had just run “the best 10^th I have ever had”.

Kibbutz, in fact, came home 12^th behind Heart Of Dreams in the Underwood, beaten eight lengths. The placing was irrelevant to McLean, who was looking for Kibbutz to race truly, keenly and hold his ground under pressure in a strong weight-for-age race.

“It’s the first time that he has pinned his ears back, put his head out and found the line,” McLean said. “We can press on from here with some confidence.”

McLean is entrusted with the task of trying to resurrect the racing career of the 2007 Group 1 Victoria Derby winner – a career that is languishing on a fine line between retirement and a campaign towards the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington November 3.

Kibbutz (b g 2004, Golan (GB)-Misskap (NZ), by Kaapstad (NZ)), who suffers from terrible foot problems, is a testing patch-up job – he hasn’t finished closer than seventh in eight runs since that last-for-first Derby win that saw him regarded as a future Melbourne Cup winner. He missed the 2008 autumn carnival with the hoof injury, and hasn’t been the same horse since.

Trainer David Hayes gave up on trying to get the best out of Kibbutz after the horse pulled up lame when eighth of nine behind Road To Rock in the Listed Sportingbet Gold Cup (2000m) at Caulfield in February.

By then Hayes and Kibbutz’s owners, headed by managers Terry Henderson and Simon O’Donnell (OTI Racing), had already called upon the rehabilitation skills of McLean, who trains at Warrnambool with the help of the cooling waters of the ‘Bool’s Lady Bay. Kibbutz did all his pre-training over the summer months with McLean before returning to Hayes, but the firm tracks again played havoc with the horse’s feet.

Kibbutz resumed in the Group 2 Makybe Diva Stakes (WFA 1600m) at Flemington on September 5 and there was some excitement in the camp when, ridden by Blake Shinn, he made considerable ground from last to be midfield on the fence at the 300m before tiring to finish last (of 12, beaten 11.5 lengths) behind Vigor.

McLean’s enthusiasm for the performance was quickly tempered when Shinn was far from impressed by Kibbutz, claiming that the horse hung in very badly under pressure and didn’t finish off the race as he would have liked.

The decision was made to remove the blinkers to allow Kibbutz to race in an open bridle and Chris Symons, who rides with a long rein, was employed for the Underwood.

Kibbutz was always at the back of the field, but he held his ground in the sprint home to finish in a pack with other leading spring contenders Efficient (9^th), Viewed (10^th), Scenic Shot (11^th) and C’Est La Guerre (13^th). McLean said that the rain-affected track suited the horse.

Kibbutz has only 52.5kg in the Melbourne Cup, a very enticing weight for a Victoria Derby winner.

Kibbutz is not the only spring project for McLean – he also has the former top Perth stayer Cats Fun (b g 2002, Catbird-She’s Zeel (NZ), by Zabeel (NZ)) in his stable. Cats Fun, the winner of the 2006 Group 1 WA Derby (2400m) and the 2008 Group 2 Perth Cup (3200m), ran a very encouraging ninth, beaten only 3.5 lengths, in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.

Cats Fun was bought by OTI Racing after his Perth Cup win and sent to Lee Freedman to prepare for last year’s Cup, but injury sidelined him after only two starts. The gelding has had four starts from an 11-month spell, and the healing waters at Warrnambool have the gelding on track for a run in the Melbourne Cup. He is weighted on 51kg.  

Watching Peter Moody inspecting a yearling is a time consuming experience. Moody is never in a rush when he finds something he likes.

The big man, rarely without a cigarette out of the side of his mouth, watches from all angles; he likes to see the yearlings walk, a lot, and sometimes he just parks against a rail, occasionally studying the catalogue, but usually studying the horse.

He has a good eye, and that eye found Hanks, the impressive 3YO gelding who is unbeaten in two starts and shaping as a Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) prospect.

Hanks (b g 2006, Encosta De Lago–Sister Fromseattle (USA), by Seattle Slew (USA)) was sold as a yearling for NZ$150,000 on Moody’s bid at the 2008 NZB Karaka Premier Yearling Sale, from the Curraghmore Stud draft.

The colt was one of a batch of yearlings sent across the Tasman by Coolmore Stud, specifically for the New Zealand sale. It’s not hard to understand Coolmore’s thinking, because Hanks, a big, raw, stretchy horse would have been a square peg in a round hole at either the Magic Millions or Inglis Easter Sale.

Hanks has a wonderful pedigree. His dam is a half-sister to leading sire Dehere (Deputy Minister-Sister Dot, by Secretariat), but Hanks has none of the precocious speed of the family. When he won at Sandown on Wednesday, he came hard, wide out, with long, loping strides to win easily. He looks every bit a stayer, and Moody has high hopes for him.

Definitely Ready’s record breaking 1000m win (55.07 secs) at Sandown on Wednesday was helped by a fast surface and a gently pushing tail wind, but also he was aided by a pedigree that boasts a cross that is really proving hard to fault.

Definitely Ready is yet another fine produce from the mating of a Danehill mare to star young sire More Than Ready (by Southern Halo (USA)).

So far three of More Than Ready’s five Group 1 winners  – Benicio, Sebring and Perfectly Ready – are from Danehill or Danzig-line mares. The brilliant Group 2 winner More Joyous is from a mare whose dam is by Danehill, while the dual Magic Millions winner Augusta Proud is from a mare by a son of Danzig, Danehill’s sire.

In Definitely Ready’s case, he is from the one race winner Defiant, a Danehill mare who is from the 1997 Newmarket Handicap winner Ruffles (ch m 1992, Zeditave–Paris Miss, by Opera Prince).

There are solid genetic reasons why More Than Ready nicks so well with Danehill – MTR’s grandsire Halo (by Hail To Reason) is closely related to Danehill. Halo’s dam Cosmah (by Cosmic Bomb) is a half-sister to Danehill’s great granddam, the wonderful Natalma (by Native Dancer), who also is the dam of the breed-shaper Northern Dancer.

Definitely Ready cost trainer Mark Kavanagh $140,000 at the 2008 Magic Millions Gold Coast Premier Yearling Sale.

The results of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale – down more than 30 per cent on average – suggests that the global financial crisis is still hitting hard in the northern hemisphere.

There is a perception that a continued decline is unlikely at Australia’s yearling sales in the first half of 2010: Australia’s economy has been less affected by the recession than North America and Europe – although we will be doing well to hold our position on this year’s figures – down 25 per cent  down, across the board, on 2008 figures.

Economies aside, there remains a lot of difference between what happens in thoroughbred breeding north of the equator and in Australia and New Zealand.

The incredible success of the big grey horse, Unbridled’s Song (1993, Unbridled (USA)–Trolley Song (USA), by Caro (IRE)), is one example. Unbridled’s Song is generally regarded as a failure in Australia, but he’s top of the tree on his own dirt track patch.

Four of the top seven yearlings to sell at Keeneland so far are by Unbridled’s Song, who won the 1995 Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (1600m) before his much-heralded arrival in Australia to stand at Arrowfield Stud in 1997.

I remember inspecting Unbridled’s Song in his first season, and my amazement when the big horse was led from his box. “Steeplechaser,” was my unkind remark, although it was taken well enough by the Arrowfield staff because I wasn’t the first or last to make a similar assessment of the monster 17hh steely grey.

Unbridled’s Song was a struggle for broodmare owners, too. It was difficult to find the right mare to suit him, and he only covered 88 mares in his first season, and only 63 in 1998 and 78 in his last Australian season in 1999.

Yet a study of his Australian figures suggests he did a lot better than the failure tag he carries – 10 Stakes winners from only 181 live foals is far from a flop. His best horse, and only Group winner, was the tough gelding Grey Song, who won the 2002 Group 3 VRC St Leger and the 2005 Group 2 Blamey Stakes, and was runner-up to Mummify in the 2003 Group 1 Caulfield Cup.

Unbridled’s Song stands at Taylor Made Farm, Kentucky, at a fee of US$125,000. It’s worth noting that Taylor Made believe the big horse produces his best results when mated to big, heavy mares – a contrast to what you’d expect was put to him in his time at Arrowfield.

The Thoroughbred Magazine Club’s filly Belleluia went straight into full work on returning to Cranbourne under the care of trainer Robbie Griffiths.

Griffiths, who said the filly has grown and strengthened, is delighted with the way she is going about her early striding work.

“She is doing 600 metres in evens (15 secs to the 200m) and doing it nicely,” he said. “We will next step her to 800m evens, and I expect to have her galloping home her last 400m by mid-October.”

Griffiths said the filly remains on track to begin racing early in November. “It’s the right time to have her in work, as there are many options for her after the Flemington carnival.”

To view Belleluia working at Eliza Park before she returned to Cranbourne, CLICK HERE. 

Belleluia has settled in well to her work at Cranbourne.

She has been striding 600 metres evens (each 200m in 15 secs) and she is strong and keen. We will continue to build her work until she is galloping her final 600m, towards the end of October, when she will be ready for a trial.

The Thoroughbred’s Perth racing expert Josh Rodder is unavailable this week, as he partakes in the joys of The Round, at Kalgoorlie. To help line your pockets,  The Thoroughbred has analysed the meetings at Belmont and Kalgoorlie and suggests the following horses to follow:

BELMONT

Race 1, # 6, Power Princess: beaten by an absolute star in Sir Hallowell over 1200 metres last week, after racing on the speed in what will turn out to be a hot form race. Back to 1000 metres this week, with Paul Harvey up. She looks the perfect entrée to a big day’s racing.

Race 2, #2: We’re loving the early races at Winter headquarters. The unbeaten speed machine Hay List looks a wonderful candidate for a running all-up. You might wonder the concept of him going from 1000 metres through 1200 metres to 1400 metres over the past month, and now back to 1000 metres. We don’t. We think he’s capable of doing whatever trainer Jim Taylor asks of him. If the odds are too short, sit back and enjoy the show.

Race 4, # 2: This is certainly one to watch, rather than one to bet. Brava Fortune, the winner of the Sires and Karakatta as a 2YO went through last autumn winless, but she was a great first-up second to Flight Path over 1200m at Ascot. She comes to this first-up off a fourth to Quiz Time in a 1000m trial. Watch and save up for her to have a quality preparation.

Race 6, # 5: We’re inclined to look for a good eachway bet on Dvoryan, freshened since fourth to Kasabian over 1650m at Belmont on August 15. Dvoryan seems to race best off a break – he was terrific winning over this trip first up on July 1, then did it again 17 days later. A month between runs has him ready to swoop late.

Race 8, # 7, and #8 # 9: Another race we’ll be watching with great interest. We see the return of the very good mare Flight Path (off a soft warm-up trial behind Francina on August 31), up against Naku Penda, who put up a remarkable performance to beat Glenmore over this trip on September 9, and On The Warpath, who had no clear running when third to Catcorp second up on September 9. For all that, Naku Penda is the fascinating watch: not only did he race three deep for the trip, he did it outside the leaders. Tougher grade, but what a win.

Quaddie: Field/5,6,8/1,2,3,4,7,9,11,13/7,8,9

($396 for 50 cents)

KALGOORLIE

Race 2, # 2 and # 6: Two city class runners in this sort of grade, Round Tuit and Nalingason, should fight out this moderate event. Both are swoopers suited by the Kalgoorlie racing pattern. Round Tuit has won three from five here, and Nalingason is one from three, and a fast finishing third here on opening Sunday. We’ll be taking the quinella with confidence.

Race 6, # 2: Brunello looks a good thing on his east coast form, but there is more depth to this race than might appear at first glance. Based on his last-to-first slashing win on Sunday, the veteran Campbells Chariot (# 7) must be included – he’s now six wins with eight placings from 33 at Kal. Go short (Brunello), and wide in the quaddie.

Race 8, # 1, #2, #5: Reverend Lovejoy has been racing like Phar Lap since March, winning seven of 10 starts, including the first two of the big Kalgoorlie treble (Coolgardie and Boulder Cups). A win here over 2300m will get him the $100k bonus on top of the $104k first prize. He has not won beyond 2000m (one win, one second from two), and not raced beyond 2100m (one start, fifth). He’s in hot form, but be wary. Dante’s Banquet has won three in a row from the front of the field, and this is a great track for front-runners. Gondorff, narrowly beaten twice here by the Reverend, has not raced over staying trips in WA, but was placed in Victoria over 2400m (0-68) when trained by Danny O’Brien.

Quaddie: Impossible!!!