June 22, 2019
Nanango trainer Brian “Bunny” Laherty had his eye on one of the mini-trophies on the table in Brisbane on Wednesday for almost the entire barrier-draw period for the Battle of the Bush.
Around 19 of the 22 “marbles” had gone when it was his turn to pick one out.
His choice was an ideal number three.
His Krupt mare, with Hannah English as her partner, is in the top handful in pre-post markets.
Those intending to have a punt should trawl through the guides to establish which horses have displayed their best recent form on turf surfaces.
The topweight Fab’s Cowboy comes in well under the quality handicap conditions.
However, it is a long time since the veteran prevailed on a grass circuit rated as good.
The favourite Deadly Choices, the Golden Snake gelding from Mount Isa, has thrived on dirt or sand tracks of late so has to be taken on trust on this weekend’s course.
South Burnett racegoers have reason to follow the fortunes of Music Scene, Marksfield and Tycoon Zip as their trainers and jockeys have all competed in the district.
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Ascot Goes Royal And Rural
Eagle Farm, scene for Saturday’s $125,000 Battle Of The Bush Final, was known earlier as Ascot.
Its railway station, opened in 1882, was named after the English racecourse that has just staged its annual Royal meeting.
On Saturday, the Brisbane venue will combine an early rustic flavour and a regal one later with the running of The Tiara.
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The Commoner And The Throne
Joe Janiak and his notable racehorse Takeover Target embodied the dual environments of the down and out back-blocks and the richer, loftier heights.
In short, the pair from Queanbeyan had to fight against the odds well before finding themselves in the presence of Her Majesty, The Queen.
They made three tours of duty to Royal Ascot and picked up the full honours in the King’s Stand Stakes (5f) and third money in the Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2006, plus a second place in the 2007 Golden Jubilee and the runner up cheque in the 2008 King’s Stand Stakes.
The $1375 purchase’s only English appearance in 2009 was in the July Cup at Newmarket.
The idol, that first faced the starter in the April of his four-year-old season, fractured a bone in his hind leg and was retired.
The bay’s 41 tasks netted 21 wins, 10 placings and more than $6 million in prizemoney.
The Celtic Swing gelding, unbowed after his first six runs, pulled off an incredible Group One victory in the VRC Salinger at next run.
His other Australian Group One success were the VRC Lightning and Newmarket Handicap, Doomben 10,000, AJC T.J. Smith Stakes and The Goodwood in Adelaide.
Other elite level wins were recorded in Japan and Singapore.
At a Bernborough Club charity luncheon on Stradbroke eve, Janiak recalled an experience he had with The Queen at Royal Ascot.
They were watching television coverage of the barrier loading and a galloper was reluctant to move up.
Her Majesty expressed some advice which, coincidentally, the attendants happened to follow.
Janiak suggested that the monarch should become a trainer.
Her reply was that she could not give up her day job.
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Reminder
To catch up on the news about Wondai’s upcoming Duff Memorial meeting on July 6, go to the Facebook site that is now under the South Burnett Race Club banner.
The Fashion theme is Winter Brights.
There is a useful two week lead in to the program for horses that run on the sand at Gympie this weekend.
Best of luck to Machu Picchu, the Lahertys and Hannah English for their exciting Eagle Farm appointment!
