Victoria Derby Field

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday November 1, 2008

Craig Young

1 WHOBEGOTYOU

STINGER'S VERDICT

1st

For

If you are into hype then this lad is the way to go. Has this ability to finish a race like Usain Bolt. Coasts over the line and is usually in front of the rest.

Against

The Jamaican is a sprinter and this is just short of a marathon considering it is for spring three-year-olds.

2 CARNERO

STINGER'S VERDICT

6th

For

If perseverance counts, be on this one. Trainer was kicked in the face by a thoroughbred but it hasn't stopped him getting this colt to the big dance.

Against

Think of Usain Bolt and the way he settles into stride. This one had plenty of trouble doing that last weekend.

3 REBEL RAIDER

STINGER'S VERDICT

12th

For

If you like a second-time-lucky theory then this South Australian is the way to go. Jockey Clare Lindop came up short in the race three years ago.

Against

The wider you draw, the more chance of trouble. This one starts from the extreme outside.

4 PRE EMINENCE

STINGER'S VERDICT

2nd

For

Trainer Mick Price struck early at the carnival and has this colt primed to run the race of its life. Winning form is good form.

Against

You have to wonder about the last-start victory. A bit like playing second division before a World Cup final.

5 THE TIGER

STINGER'S VERDICT

9th

For

Has the stamina on mum's side and showed it last time out. Leads from the front and will be out of trouble.

Against

On dear old dad's side it is all about shortcourse sprinters. The father won a Golden Slipper. Surely it is a worry.

6 WOOKAH

STINGER'S VERDICT

10th

For

Is a half-brother to Desert War. Might not have beaten the greats but he made them earn victory.

Against

The brother was at his best over shorter distances. When leaders hit that brick wall, an oxygen mask is usually required.

7 TUSCANY VIEW

STINGER'S VERDICT

14th

For

Strathalbyn has a loyalty card which makes shopping cheaper. An aspiring loyalist, this one.

Against

When it is every horse for itself, as the 15 gallopers charge up the Flemington straight, loyalty will count for nothing. Sad but true.

8 BUFFETT

STINGER'S VERDICT

4th

For

Chased home Usain Bolt last weekend, and trainer Danny O'Brien has three horses in the Cup.

Against

The thoroughbred version of the Olympic sprinter went past this one last week. Had lead boots instead of running spikes or racing plates.

9 LARRY'S NEVER LATE

STINGER'S VERDICT

5th

For

If you think that Pre Eminence has a shot then keep Larry because it didn't have a lot of room last time the pair clashed.

Against

This young upstart might have started winning early on but can't seem to repeat the performance.

10 ST CULPE

STINGER'S VERDICT

13th

For

The bloke in charge has scored an upset in this race and the Melbourne Cup. The bloke in charge made the colt jump logs. The logs work.

Against

It is time to stand up and be counted but I have a sneaking suspicion the horse already has.

11 ORCA

STINGER'S VERDICT

3rd

For

A squirt of rain won't hurt his chances especially when Dan Nikolic pushes the button. This fellow will run the trip. The sons of Arc winners stay.

Against

This one is a maiden. To think it can break its duck in a staying classic just doesn't make sense.

12 RELENTLESS LAD

STINGER'S VERDICT

11th

For

This one caught the eye at Flemington this week. Tuned up for this most testing of assignments when jumping a few logs. May have done the trick.

Against

Why send a colt out for a jumping session? Might it have something to do with a lack of ability at this level?

13 PADDY O'REILLY

STINGER'S VERDICT

7th

For

Trainer is known to strike, and the jockey on board is Glen Boss, who won three Melbourne Cups on Makybe Diva.

Against

Another maiden. Has had six goes on the track for three thirds. Back maidens in these events and you'll go broke.

14 MY SCOTSGREY

STINGER'S VERDICT

8th

For

An orphan, this galloper has made it all the way across the ditch to Flemington. That's reason enough.

Against

Unfortunately, seasoning counts. Goes into this race with three career starts. Conquering Mt Everest would be easier.

15 FLASH'N DOUGH

STINGER'S VERDICT

15th

For

Go back three runs and you'll find this non-winner ran second at Mornington. Not sure how good a second.

Against

Go back three runs and you'll find this non-winner ran second at Mornington. You can figure that out for yourself.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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