20 Things to look forward to during Auckland Cup Week

Auckland Cup Week is nearly upon us, it will be an excellent week to celebration New Zealand Racing, although I will no doubt look more closely at some of the feature races as we get closer to the main event, here are a list of things you can look forward to during Auckland Cup Week at Ellerslie.

1. Infield Partying
There are really only a couple of race days a year where the track is packed to the point the infield is used, Saturday the 3rd of March (TV3 Derby Day) will be one of them. I recall last year cramming under a makeshift shelter in the infield with about a dozen friends only coming out to brave the conditions to restock alcohol, place bets and watch races, but it was great fun, very memorable. I eventually made a run to the grandstand to watch Jimmy Choux do his thing, but the party atmosphere in the infield is always a great time. Boxing Day 2011 had one of the biggest crowds I can remember seeing at Ellerslie, the infield was packed and people were having a great time. Ellerslie does a great job of putting on peripheral entertainment, this year featuring Kimbra, I have no idea who that is, but they sure seem to be pushing it.

2. James McDonald
Last year Opie Bosson had an amazing Auckland Cup Carnival, he rode Titch, The Party Stand, and Anabandana to victories in the Auckland Cup, New Zealand Stakes, and the Diamond Stakes taking out three of the four Group 1 races during Auckland Cup week. That seemed an amazing feat, well this year James McDonald has a chance to replicate that feat as pointed out in the Waikato Times. Can he do it will be a sub-story of Cup week, Silent Achiever is currently Derby favorite, Shez Sensational is looking very good for the Cup. The article talks about Scarlett Lady, and if that is favoured in the New Zealand Stakes, however it looks like it has been withdrawn from nominations (at least they are not listed in on the NZRacing Website), if that is the case you might assume she will be in Australia. The question remains, who will he ride in the remaining Group 1, he rode Choice Bro before Matthew Cameron rode him to victory in Taranaki, he rode Silk Pins in its last start before the Karaka Million, he has ridden Deakes and Toaist Master who are potential nominees. I have no idea who is likely to be in this race, or who he is likely to ride, however looking at some of the potential names you have to figure he is a good chance in that Group 1. Assuming Shez Sensational opts for the Cup and Scarlett Lady is not in the NZ Stakes, James McDonald will no doubt get a ride in this race, however looking at recent 2000m WFA races it is harder to see a likely favourite he might ride, so this may be the one which gets away, either way a possible Mcdonald-Sweep is something to look out for during Cup week.

3. The Nathan's Memorial
As discussed last week two of the last three Auckland Cup winners have come second in this race on Derby Day. This seemingly typical 2200m event will likely feature horses racing as a lead up for the cup against others who simply see it as a good value Open Handicap event.

4. New Zealand's Top Horses
Take away the 4 Group 1's and the handful of other races at listed level and above, the fields are stacked throughout the week, even the midweek meeting. Last year Veyron won a 1200m rating 90, he is now a three time Group 1 winner. High stakes are on offer all week which brings in the top horses from around the country.

5. The Telecom New Zealand Derby on TV3 Derby Day
A major feature of Auckland Cup week, and this year promises a number of contenders who all have their merits. Silent Achiever is the favourite, but there is a lot to like about Ocean Park, Zurella and Rock'n'Pop who I can see potentially taking it out. Shuka you would think would need some luck, and Travolta and Carick looked good in the Avondale Guineas. Don't sleep on any of the longer shots they have tended to feature in recent years, it is the Derby, anything can happen.


6. Something for everyone
Looking back at last year, over the 30 races there were essentially an even number from 1200m, 1400m, 1600m, and 21/2200m, as well as races over 1100m, 2000m, 2400m and 3200m. Again an even number of the maiden's, Rating 70, 80, 90 and Open level races, four races for 3YO's a couple for 2YO's and Fillies and Mares. Whatever you are into there is something for you, it also gives trainers and connections opportunity to find the right race for their horse to compete which should increase the racing excitement.

7. Sunline Vase You don't want to sleep on this potentially explosive event. It is a listed race for the 3YO Fillies over 2100m, but there should be some real talent on display. Look back at the Sir Tristram Fillies Classic a couple of weeks ago, some of those contenders will be on display in the derby, but it is evident that we have a talented group of 3YO fillies, many of these will be taking on this event before the Oaks in a couple of weeks, this is a race to keep an eye on.

8. A major Citywide event
There is certainly a buzz around Auckland leading up to derby day. Not a crazy buzz, this is not an All Black's game, but people are definitely aware it is on, there will be a significant turn out all three days. Auckland Racing Club does a good job promoting this event and making people aware of how fun a day at the races can be.

9. TV3's new Sponsorship
Telecom is a great Derby Sponsor, TV3 certainly has great potential to bring additional life to the event. I can imagine their sponsorship should see more coverage of races outside of the Trackside channels. I thought Sky TV did a great job on Karaka Million night, and although I will be at Ellerslie on Derby Day it will be interesting to see what TV3 can do showing off the sights and sounds.

10. A 3200m Group 1
A very unique event, yes it is annual, but still not a lot of these major staying tests in the country, this year's field is starting to look like it is a very solid one. The Stella Artois Auckland Cup is a race which dates back until 1874 (at least if Wikipedia is to be believed). It is really the great unknown, many of the runners who accept wont have started a race over 2400m, it will a great test of stamina, a big field will line up which will make it s tactical challenge, and a stunning sight for the spectators, there will be questions on every runner as they enter the parade ring, there will be no certainties. Look at the Current favourites, Shez Sensational, Booming, Single Minded, Titch and Six O'Clock News, some questions include distance, weight, distance, form, and consistency amongst others. The winner will see it as an opportunity to look at other Cup races in the future as well as adding a/another Group 1 to their resume.

11. An office sweepstake opportunity
Do you really need an excuse? if it is good for the Melbourne Cup why not the Auckland Cup, it is on in a lot of pubs, get the team together, set up a sweep, drink beers, have fun, it is a simple recipe.If you are the person in your office who is into racing, take charge, set it up.

12. Diamond Day Whip'n'Spurs
If you have not yet experienced a Whips'n'Spurs party you should make this the one. They are a great event, relatively cheap, filled with people all dressed up, you get a great view of the track, and can party all night. You can get your tickets here.

13. Fashion and Stuff
It is not what brings me to the races, but it does tend to attract a lot of Women, and that is never a bad thing. Whenever I can get a good group together to attend these major race days I get to witness how much time an energy females put into wardrobe, hair, makeup, accessories. They go crazy for this stuff and despite the frustration which accompanies making five outfit changes in a morning before the races they clearly enjoy it. I am not in a position to mock, I spend multiple hours studying form in the week leading up to the races and typically get less out of it. The best bit, have you see a woman try to walk in high heels after three bottles of bubbly in 25+ degree temperatures, it is fun for the whole family.

14. New Zealand Stakes
 What do you expect? Shez Sensational has won two Group 1 WFA races over 2000m this season, but take her out of it and this will be a wide open race. Look at the results we have seen this year in the Windsor Park Plate, the Spring Classic, the Captian Cook Stakes, the Zabeel Classic, the Darci Brahma International, and most recently the Otaki Group 1. We wont see Mufhasa, we most likely wont see Shez Sensational or Jimmy Choux, but you can see the quality these races are attracting and the mixed variety of results behind the winners. Veyron's plans are not certain, but given how well he went over 2000m on Boxing day, his love of Auckland and the form he is in, it could be an interesting race.

15. Changing the colours of the Jockey statue
Will we be seeing Titch's colours adorn the Jockey statue for another year? It is a quirky but awesome tradition at Ellerslie (and many other tracks), the winner of the Auckland Cup will have their colours painted on the statue in the back parade ring for the next year.

16. It is happening all over town
I don't want to get to carried away talking about the other codes, but Auckland Cup is not all about the Thoroughbred's. It is happening at Alexandra Park too, they actually kick it off this Friday night with their Oaks followed by their Derby/Cup night the following week, the details are here. If you are into the dag's (you like dag's?), they have their cup too, next Thursday night, details here.

17. Diamond Stakes
The first Group 1 for the Two Year Olds this season. It is shaping up like an outstanding one. The Two year olds have been going at each other this year, contenders are stepping up and then getting knocked down, it is fascinating stuff. I have no idea what to expect from this year group, it is not like there is a dominant Anabandana this year.
18. Enjoy a day in a beautiful park
Ellerslie is stunning, I was out there the other week for the Avondale Guineas day and the course and grounds are looking in excellent condition. You can essentially boil the day down to a picnic in the park, only with 20,000 other people. Even without the added entertainment, it is almost worth the price of admission just to enjoy the surroundings.
19. Midweek Racing of consequence
Having significant racing during the middle of the week is great. The Cup is at the perfect time to knock off work and head down to the pub, or if you are in the Auckland area just take the day off, a lot of other people will be. Better yet, arrange a 'team building' exercise and get paid to go to the races.

20. Leading international Jockeys
Craig Williams recently won the Karaka Million on Ockham's Razor, it is just another example of the success that international Jockey's have had when they venture to our shores. Cup week last year we saw wins from Jim Byrne, Douglas Whyte, Shane Scriven, other internationals Glenn Boss and Craig Williams riding here not to mention other Jockeys who were based in New Zealand who won that week like Mark Du Plessis, Jason Collett, Opie Bosson who are either overseas now or were at some point in the past 12 months riding. The prize money is not quite what is was last year, but there is still potential to see some internationals making the trip to New Zealand.

Making a profit at the Ellerslie Twlight Races

Do you believe a penny saved is a penny earned? if so I have a betting system I think will profit from the first Ellerslie Racecourse Twlight meeting of the 2011/12 Summer. It is simple, it breaks down as follows.

Step 1 - Set a budget? is it $50, $100, $1,000 or several thousand dollars.
Step 2 - Take a look at the form guide for Race 1
Step 3 - Hold your pen, and put a cross through every horse.
Step 4 - Repeat steps two and three for races two through six.
Step 5 - Return money to bank account.

I have had a look at the form for today and it is scary, the only way I will profit is if I receive a significant error in my favour when change is returned to me at the bar.

Actually it is perfect for this type of meeting. The races are about going out and having fun, throwing around a little money, and in the case of these Twlight races simply enjoying the atmosphere. Maybe you are with friends, maybe on a Christmas party, it will be an excellent night, one I am looking forward to, but not one I am expecting to make money on.

The crowd in attendance is most likely to be the typical "Easy Bet" crowd, one without a lot of racing aficionados, just people looking to have a thrill, pick their favourtie colour or a horse with a cool name. Looking at the fields the Easy Bet Strategy (if you can call it that) may not be the worst, I can definitely see some upsets or long shots coming in, and it may be a way to hit a big winner. For more serious punters looking at a $200k pick six, good luck! you will have to spread your money wisely because it will be a difficult one to hit.

However in saying that I can't go to the races and not have a bet. I have had a look at the form, and these are my top selections for each of the six races.

Race 1 - The Edge Maiden - 2200m
#7 - Grande Bellezza - Simply looks the most consistent and you have to assume that she is a winning chance here. It sure looks like the she has finished strong in races over a bit of distance where she may not have got a lot of luck. She was well supported last start and should be again today.
#1 - Back Burner - Interesting runner who has showed best form going right handed. Built up to 2200m this prep and will be better for having a run at that distance about two weeks ago.
#9 - Gaybrianne - Has been pretty consistent and been close in most starts. Definitely comfortable over more distance and will probably travel well from barrier three.
#10 - Erlicheer - Experienced, with a good Ellerslie performances in the past, looks to have stepped up well over 1600m and 2000m recently so 2200m should be well suited.

Race 2 - Cardinal Logistics Rating 65 - 1200m
#7 - Open 'N' Shut - Everything we know about his first start suggests win number two can happen here.
#8 -  Midnight Senorita - In contention here, has been consistent with form on the course and over the distance. Placed 2nd up last prep and is 2nd up here today. Won well last start when well supported.
#4 - She's Prestigious - She raced in better class than this as a 3yo. Best record is over this distance and at Ellerslie as well has having a win 2nd up.
#3 - Tsar Bomba - Great name. Won last start after a promotion. However has been well supported and in the mix in all races.
As a bit of an outsider I can make a case for #9 - Monarch - hasn't been the best recently, but has placed 9 times in her 27 race career, all of those have been at Ellerslie and over 1200m, this makes her an interesting place chance.

Race 3 - Network Visuals Maiden for 3YO Fillies.
#2 - Diamonds are Blue - A consistent and well liked horse judging from support in previous races. Certainly appears that she is ready for 1400m or beyond, so another crack at that distance should be beneficial.
#7 - Bella Kaiane - Drawn barrier two, very well supported in first two runs, has the talent but needs the luck.
#3 - Mapmaker - Second in only start to date. Whilst that Second was distant to the winner the finish was strong and a bit more distance will be a help. She had some work to do and was featured in the Stewards report, so with a clean run she can figure today.
#1 - Caprisious - Drawn wide, but last start was at Group 1 Level. She looked good prior to that so you know she has talent. Really have to include this in anything more exotic.
I have also looked at #9 - Light the Way as an outsider in this race. I thought she raced in good company as a 2YO, she has had one start at age three over 1400m and should be benefited returning to that distance today, she also knows the course very well.

Race 4 - Dunstan Feeds Championship Mile

#11 - Chicharita - Artistic, Holy Moly, Anabandana, Antonio Lombardo are probably four of the top 3YO's in the country, they were the only four to beat Chicharita at Group 3 level two starts back. Last start she was beaten by Randall and Release another two good ones. This is easier.
#2 - Feel One - Once again I hate the barrier draw. However 1600m at Ellerslie gives a lot of time for a horse to settle in a good position before the bend and it looks like Feel One could get a soft lead, if that happens he can feature.
#3 - Gunsmoke - A consistent horse who has been slowly brought back after a long lay off. He has shown enough and been well enough supported to see as a contender here.
#4 - Te Karo - Barrier thirteen, but this looks slightly easier than some recent races. Seems to like Ellerslie and worth considering on that basis.
Probably the hardest race to pick of the day, I think I highlighted about seven who I thought could feature. Althought I had #8 - Chaparrone rated seventh of those seven I still like it as an outsider. She was 9th when 1st up, but last prep improved on that each start until winning its fifth start. Ran against some better horses last prep and seemed to go best over the 1600m. When selecting an outsider it is good to have a Jockey you can rely on and Sam Spratt is definitely one who can help this horses chances particularly when coming from an outsider barrier.

Race 5 - Barfoot and Thompson Twlight Cup - 1600m
#9 - Runningdownadream - This consistent 5YO mare loves Ellerslie, she also likes it wet, so keep an eye on the sky's, if the track is downgraded at all she will be harder to beat. She should be near the front and able to give them a good contest.
#1 - No Fear - Almost the opposite of Runningdownadream, you have to like No Fear more on a good surface, he seems to awlays put forward his best efforts at Ellerslie. He will claim 4kgs and this is significantly easier company than some he faced recently and last year. Wins have come 4th and 5th up, so expect a good show 3rd up here.
#5 - Nacho Bella - I like this horse and think she should be more than comfortable in this company. The distance should suit and she will look to improve on consecutive seconds. 
#2 - Crown of Thorns - The weight scares me a bit, even after the 1kg claim. However he has been consistent in better company a drop in class should give an advantage, the record at Ellerslie and over the distance as not been great but he has won over the distance and on the course.

#15 - Mr Pedantic - Not sure if it is in this race, if it is replace Crown of Thorns with Mr Pedantic and maybe have a value place bet on Crown of Thorns.

Race 6 - Auckland Co-Op Taxi's Maiden Mile
#11 - Centre Point - This filly has been consistent over her last couple of starts which have both come over this distance (including one at Ellerslie).
#2 - Showmethemoney - According to the Stewards report he was slow away last start and never got into it, so if you are happy to forgive that and hope for a better performance then you might get some odds today. He has been well supported and looks like he will go better over 1600m, this is slightly easier too.

#9 - First Response - Going back up to 1600m will suit this mare as that is where the best performances have come. Gets better with a bit of racing and 3rd up should be when you start to see some improvement. The draw should help.
#3 - Even Better - Placed in a trial here, then came home well at big odds for 3rd over 1400m from the back of the pack. 1600m could be a good distance.