The good news is that Saddler’s Lodge- once aimed at the Derby????- and Holyangelholy didn’t win and didn’t even run a place and could well be coming around the bend right now like a Creedence Clearwater Revival song. This one. I would have gone round the bend if they did.
The bad moon rising news is that Dougie Whyte’s dubious record this season of losing on short priced favorites continued with, at least, four hot pots being rolled.
Golden Bauhinia, I potted and was way under the odds. I didn’t think Simple was a genius that could win, while Gameskeepers, not a horse I ever follow, was given a perfect ride by the Whyte Man, but Howard Cheng- of all people- out-foxed him on the aptly named Smart Kids. But when he couldn’t get to the rails on Enthusing and was caught four wide, the normally cool, calm and collected Durban Turban looked like he had bitten into a spicy chapatti and seemed to be in shock!
His ride reminded me of that shower scene from Psycho and I could hear the Whyte Man screaming like a banshee as punters threw daggers his way.
Dougie???
With a great turnout, great weather and the Beer Garden flowing as Mad Dogs and Englishmen and some very nice Norwegian girls who are in Hongkers for a few weeks soaked in the atmosphere, it wasn’t a great race meeting, but a very enjoyable one and a good start to a wild Sunday night and when the Guru hopes to celebrate his own version of Oktoberfest with sausages and cheese being banged about all over the place.
German sausages.
On the racing side of things, riding honors were shared by the usual suspects- Vincent CY Ho, Matty Chadwick, the Zac Attack, while Wayward Weichong actually didn’t head off to McDonald’s for a McWing and won a race, The Chipmunk stole race 2 by leading all the way and Richard Fourie partnered a very smart type in Genuine Leader.
“Wanna see my Big Mac, pretty lady?”
I might be blowing my load too early, but this “Millie” Millard runner reminds me of the early days of what has come to become the brilliant Ambitious Dragon- also with “Millie” and set to open its account next Sunday.
As for the Jockey Of The Meeting, easy: Zac Purton. His ride to win on Frederick Engels was a beaut. Hell, it was patience personified and The Zac Attack is riding with superb confidence and to say he’s taking everything in his stride would be an understatement. To beat Dougie Whyte who was on Simple probably made the win even sweeter and with the John Moore-trained galloper winning the day’s Cup race- and another Cup for the trainer. The flops and disappointments were Diamond Elegance which was never a chance and those who followed the truckload of money plunged onto Glorie Horse- which tumbled from 10s to 4s- went down the crapper with the horse.
Moore also provided the day’s sole winner to Dougie Whyte when his Time After Time easily took out the last and proved that this is a horse destined for much better things- like Group 1 races. Whatever he might be- selfish?- and despite the safari suits, “Jungle” John is a very astute trainer and good businessman who knows how to play the game- and how to play to win.
“Jungle” John Moore in a real suit but still talking to the animals.
Walking around and taking it all in with my new Norwegian friends, I saw UK “racing expert” Wally Pyrah aka Max Headroom who does something or another for the HKJC. It was the first time I have seen the big wally in the daytime and it was a little off-putting. His fake (?) tan made him look like a purple onion and the girls started to perspire profusely and wanted to run away. But one must be gentle when taking the piss outta the Wally Man. Say anything “not on” and, I hear, his family start sending hate tweets. #Nosenseofhumour
Wally Pyrah?
Wally Pyrah?
While walking away quite quickly from Mr Wally, we heard Trackside’s Brett Davies and Clint Hutchison having what sounded like an argy bargy as to who was more “glorious.” “You be glorious”, said the Scarecrow while Starsky retorted with something like, “No, YOU be glorious” and then one of them wanted to “get on top.” Boys will be boys and I can see another trip for the two on the cards and where they’ll sip Pina Coladas in Bali.
Brett and Clint frolicking in Bali?
And that was another good day’s racing with the only other highlight being Jenny Chapman’s blouse. Jeez, she dresses well- and just for the paddock.
“David, is The Guru wearing that blouse I lost?”
Until next time, peace, brinjals, papadums and chapattis, my children.
The Guru
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