A double header. Flemington on Friday and out to Sandown for the Saturday. Plenty of time to look at the two-year-olds as for once it’s the second race on the programme. Lloyd’s half a million dollar colt Divan looks a picture, with the usual two strappers and a lovely arched neck. The favourite, Moroney’s Merion, looks terrific too, but at the last minute does a dump with the jockey up. I’m left with a standout! The gates bang open and Divan blunders out, nearly tossing the rider and losing a good couple of lengths. Oh, no! There goes my bet! But the horse pulls out wide and steams home from the turn with Merion winning easily and Greg Miles calling four horses lined up for second and third, but no Divan. Oh, well. Methinks, Divan was nearly there. The run of the race. Greg calls the four horses in contention in the place photo again and still doesn’t mention Divan. I look at the replay. He could be nearly there, maybe fourth! It takes a good five minutes to sort out the photo – and then a dead heat for third. I check the replay again to reassure myself. Yes! Only half the $3.60 place dividend, but how good is that. I’m up and away. This is going to be a good weekend. And that’s how it goes. Three out of three, with Gotta Take Care in the stayers and El Mina in the last. Gotta Take Care is nine years old, but as we were reminded during the day, age shall not weary them!
On to Sandown and the weather turns nasty but the streak continues. Hotel Sierra, hanging on for third, a fourth with Mr Backchat, which blotted the copybook, then home on a roll with Scatcat and Specter. Six out of seven collects!
Long may it continue.