Horses are lining up at the barrier. We have a star-studded field today – the best we’ve seen in years. In barrier 1 we have the top weight and raging hot favourite Oxy Patch. Dependable, with the ability to stay all day (or three) and able to handle the weight of expectations. His form has been patchy of late, but a change to the German Labtec stable seems to have crystallised his good form. Beautifully bred by Rosen out of Esra’s Choice, he is ridden by the top international jockey Neura Therapeutik. Punters have invested heavily on this one and the bookies will have field day if he is beaten. Still at good odds – thirteens on offer - but you’ll need to be quick. Rumoured to have attracted the interest of the Big Pharma syndicate.
Next is Bodyshaper, a full sister to Oxy. Initially a big disappointment but with a change of trainer has shown visible improvement. A renowned front-runner, she has shown some form in regional trials, but there remain doubts about her ability to run out the distance. Moved on from the UK Boots stable and now trained by Terry White and ridden today by David Jones. Drifted in the betting and remains friendless.
In barrier 3 is Mastitis Management – another youngster from the POH Pipeline stud. Lightly raced but shows early promise and has plenty of support. Apparently does all her training with the cows down on the farm. Ridden by seasoned hoop R.Slaughter who has won this race before so knows what has to be done.
Next to go in is Ena – only a young colt but looks like a seasoned stallion. Recent improvement has been amazing and has been backed for a fortune into second favourite. Has put on size and muscle, whilst speed and endurance have improved exponentially. There have been plenty of rumours but stewards have cleared the connections of any wrongdoing. Trainer says a change of feed is responsible for his rapid improvement. Ridden by R.Neely who knows how to get the most out of his charges.
Global Derma is in barrier 5. Resuming from a spell, it’s rumoured he’s had a skin condition but little is known of the owners or his recent form. Plenty of smart money for him, but it’s doubtful he is up to this company although will be better for the run.
Two potential international raiders fill the next two barriers – the Indian galloper Themis and Nippon Zoki from Japan. Both are promising types but have little form to show at this level.
An old favourite in Insulin is next. He showed a lot of promise in trials as youngster but hasn’t saluted the judges in a long while. Been in semi-retirement and owners say he is costing too much to keep and are putting him up for one last shot at the money. A longshot at 100 to 1.
Completing the field is Intas a youthful looking filly out of India but with little form to speak of.
Set. Racing ….
Bounding out of the stalls is Insulin who has quickly opened up a gap of three or four lengths, Bodyshaper trying to go with him, Oxy Patch tucked in on the rails, Mastitis Management sitting quietly on his outside. Intas showing some early speed, closely followed by Global Derma, with Themis and Nippon Zoki sticking close and, bringing up the rear, Ena who seems to be struggling with his new body.
Along the back straight and Insulin is going backwards at a rate of knots, Bodyshaper has taken the lead by three lengths, Intas has moved in to second place, Mastitis is up there as well, Oxy still sticking to the rails, Global Derma moving on up, followed by Themis and Nippon Zoki who are finding the going tough and, at the tail, Ena who is racing erratically.
On the home turn Therapeutik goes for the whip and Oxy Patch gets a split through on the rails to take the lead. Mastitis Management makes her move and Intas is holding her place. Global Derma is plodding on and Themis and Nippon Zoki can’t win. Neely seems to have got it together on Ena who is coming down the outside with the wind in his sails. Bodyshaper can’t carry the weight and has dropped back to second last and Insulin is nowhere to be seen.
Within sight of the post and I don’t think Oxy can be beaten. Wait, he’s stumbled and lost a couple of lengths. Ena sweeps down the outside and gets a nose in front. Mastitis in third place and improving. You can forget the rest.
Oxy kicks again and it is Oxy and Ena, no it’s Ena and Oxy, or is that Mastitis, Oxy and Ena? It’s too close to call as they cross the line locked together.
Who won? Unfortunately, we have to wait till the end of October for the print to be developed ….or till Q42014 if we need the FDA stewards to make a decision.
POH Price at posting:
16.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
(20min delay)