Recovering from the Melbourne Cup hangover

The only bad thing about the Melbourne Cup, or the conclusion of Melbourne Cup week to be more specific, is that the Melbourne Cup and the lead up to the race is such a high point of the season that the next few weeks feel somewhat empty by comparison.

I know this is completely irrational, New Zealand Cup week follows directly on the heels of Melbourne Cup week and it really signals the beginning of the New Zealand summer of racing. I know by January I will be starting my Auckland Cup week countdown and the excitement will begin all over again.

I thought forward about all of the horse racing things I am looking forward to in the coming racing months.

Showcause - Was one of my favourites last year, great to watch him run. He was in pretty good form in Melbourne and I think a return to New Zealand will do him good. His connections would have loved to see him in the Melbourne Cup last week so he must be ready to run the 3200m.

Sir Slick - Is back!  He is a 10YO now, I thought he was done, but he has just changed trainers. He starts off back at one of his favourite playgrounds in the Bay of Plenty. While is is possibly past his best he has been such an entertaining horse over the years that just to see him out on the track will bring back a lot of memories. I can definitely see him surprising with some strong runs, he was pretty good last year up until about his last three starts.

Auckland Derby Nominations  - This begins next week. We know who a lot of these will be, but it is still exciting to start that count down and start thinking about who will be able to win over 2500m. 

The Levin Classic - Rock'n'Pop was impressive with that strong finish once he found a gap on the weekend. Both he and Anabandana settled well and looked in good shape to put in a good finish, this time he came out on top.  I was looking forward to this race as the Antonio Lombardo, Anabandana, Burgundy showdown. Now we wont see Burgundy for a while, but after a brave performance from Dollario, and Shanghai Bund's strong forth on the weekend, as well as a horse like Duckworth Lewis beating the older horses at Group Level recently, this race could be a great sight.

Our outstanding 4YO's - I have already discussed this here, but they should make excellent viewing as the season continues. 

Waikato Times Gold Cup Day - It is an event I  always look forward to, I get together with a large group of friends, load up chili-bins and enjoy a punt in the sun. Unfortunately I wont be able to attend this year (which is another story), I am not sure it has sunk in yet, and I am still hoping to get along for a couple of races early in the day.

Boxing Day - People I know mocked me last week, they were claiming I look forward to the Melbourne Cup more than Christmas or Birthdays. The truth is I look forward to a lot of things more than Christmas, the fact that Boxing day it infinitely more fun and exciting and it is just one day after is a great example. It is a day with a great atmosphere, and hopefully sunshine. It is a day where you can pick an option which suits, go as formal as you like, or just pay an entry fee and sit in the stands and take it all in. You can usually save money by finding a group ticket offer on the Ellerslie website.

Two Year Old Racing in the New Year - The Karaka Million is on the 29th of January. Not all 2YO's are eligible, but the build up for this really seems to start in November and continue. The New Year offers this and both of the Group 1's for the 2YO's.

Random Derby Lead Up days - Ellerslie seems to have meetings every two or three weeks between January and March.  On any given race day you can head down there, entry is usually free, sit in the sun and see amazing horses in their derby or Cup week prep. You will be one of probably only a couple of hundred people on course watching this. A great way to spend a bit of a lazy Saturday if you are around Auckland.

Derby Day - Infield, outfield, stand or party. In the sun or rain like last year this day just goes off.

Auckland Cup Day - New Zealand does not have a lot of 3200m races. There is something special about a full field over this distance for a big stake and a Group 1.

Diamond Day - It is underrated, firstly Whips and Spurs is always great. Secondly there are two Group 1 races, there are not many days in New Zealand which can offer that.

As you can see the upcoming season is going to be a great one. This has been excellent therapy, like taking a couple of Nurofen for my Melbourne Cup hangover. I feel better already.