The boys in the band were there. They were in fine form and had obviously benefited from last week’s practice. And new outfits! The Christmas present was pretty good, and the plum pudding was outstanding. But the turkey looked a bit dodgy, and might have been a bit overcooked.
The first was a race for two-year-olds with only six starters. The form experts told me that Bosnia was a moral, which immediately made me pay more attention. Sure, the colt looked cool, but I thought the Hayes filly looked better, very relaxed. The place dividends in these small fields are often outstanding so I backed Claudia Jean showing $4.00 for the place. Gai’s horse Lucky Fish was scratched at the barrier after dumping the jockey. This was a huge disappointment as I had already crossed it out for resisting the jockey and the divvy on Claudia Jean immediately shrank to $3.20 and finally settled on $2.90 at the jump. Craig was giving the moral a good whipping half way down the straight as Claudia Jean powered away to an easy win. One out of one! And today’s lesson? There’s no such thing as a moral!
In the second Pink Perfection was a standout at $2.10 and suddenly, after only two races I was two out of two!
In the fifth I had made copious notes on every horse except number 12, Alakris. The horse fell into third for $2.60. Three out of three!
And in the seventh Churchill Dancer was a standout and stormed to the line to win at $3.40 the place. Four out of four!
Occasionally you have days like this. One out of the box. My best in 12 months. Cashed up for Christmas!