A $5 million pop-up race! A lot of hype but it’s hard to get really excited about it. Public voting decides the majority of the field with four wild card entries offered by Racing Victoria. The syndicated owners of some of the donkeys got themselves organised with $90,000 for just turning up! It looks like a prizemoney arms race with Racing NSW is underway.

With so many donkeys it seemed like a good betting opportunity. I thought there were only four horses with a chance – Mystic Journey, Alizee, Hartnell and Grunt. In the yard both the favourites, Mystic Journey and Alizee, looked a bit unsettled with the two strappers and changing stride. Alizee had the red ear muffs to try and calm her down. Hartnell looked stunning, in total control and looking as if he owned the mounting yard. Grunt was gaping with crossed jaws.

So Hartnell was the bet. The pick of the yard. My only bet for the day. A standout if you can forgive the cross-over noseband, and I was in a very forgiving mood. A late surge for second at a very generous $3.10 for the place.

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I had a losing day. So near, and yet so far! In the Newmarket Sunlight looked fine but the favourite was nowhere to be seen. Then at the last minute Osborne Bulls was whipped in and straight out onto the track without even a circuit of the yard. Very disappointing not to display the favourite for such a big race. I caught a brief glimpse, but no see, no bet.

In the Australian Cup I really liked that unreliable conveyance, So Si Bon, but now much improved since losing his undercarriage. Head down, positive strapper, fit, and showing $6 for the place. The horse flashed down the outside and it looked like he had got up for third, but somehow Trap For Fools had held on. Losing is so much more painful when you think you have won!

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