Black magic set to continue

Posted by Amanda Coen on Feb 9, 2012 in Racing | 0 comments

Will Black Caviar run 1400 metres? Can David Warner hit a six?

Black Caviar won’t just win the Orr Stakes, she will win it in a canter. The arrogance with which she has been towelling her short-course rivals will be just as evident over the slightly longer trip. Naysayers argue she hasn’t been beating quality opposition and there will be a little more depth in the Orr with the likes of Caulfield Cup winner Southern Speed. But even she is not in the Caviar class. Ranked the best sprinter in the world, Black Caviar has been relaxing well in the run and destroying her rivals; how could she not extend another couple of hundred metres?

There are no champions in Sydney, but there will still be some enticing racing with a bumper 10-race program thanks to last weekend’s wash out. The feature is the Expressway Stakes (1200m), the traditional pipe-opener for the weight-for-age carnival contenders. Chris Waller should have a decent hand with stable darling Rangirangdoo returning after missing the spring with injury and veteran Danleigh lining up for possibly his final campaign.

Shoot Out is an interesting addition to the Waller stable. He will debut for his new trainer on Saturday but can he return to the vein of form he was in 18 months ago when he won the Bletchingly and JJ Liston Stakes in Melbourne? Saturday will be telling. Shoot Out has had four first-up runs for two wins, a luckless sixth and a wipe out. The wipe out was last campaign when he struggled for form. Seems if he is competitive first-up, he has a competitive campaign.

Waller also has high hopes for Red Tracer this autumn. She runs well fresh, likes rain-affected ground and looks set for her best campaign yet.

But what about burgeoning star Rain Affair? Already a two-time stakes winner, the Group Two Expressway will be his biggest test. Is he up to it? Absolutely. He is exceptional on wet tracks and is a genuine racehorse. Salade is an interesting runner. A former smart juvenile, he is now with Gwenda Markwell and is the unknown quantity. Interestingly, he is nominated for the Newmarket Handicap in Melbourne which could be a good pointer.

Could Salade cause an upset? Markets for Saturday’s races available at www.sportingbet.com.au.

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