Punt Drunk: Will we see Addeybb vs Verry Elleegant match race?
A lot has happened since #PuntDrunk last convened. The $10 million match race that never was will take top billing today, but that isn’t the only eyebrow-raising news on the agenda. So sit back and buckle up – this is going to be a doozy.
This would have been Verry interesting
ADDEYBB WINS #TheRematch
He takes out the Queen Elizabeth Stakes for @WilliamHaggas
Peach of a ride from @TomMarquand #TheChampionships pic.twitter.com/M2u1V3QukS— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 17, 2021
Is it a case of sore losers or genuine optimism? Well, we’ll leave this up to you, but Verry Elleegant connections offered up $10 million for their mare to take on Addeybb in a one-on-one rematch of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. In their eyes, it would be the two going head-to-head in arguably one of the best match races the world has seen. However, that idea will need to be parked for at least 12 months, as Addeybb’s regular jockey, Tom Marquand, is already back home in the UK following Saturday’s success. Addeybb’s trainer, William Haggas, admitted he would have given the idea stronger thought if Marquand was still in Australia, but it is now purely speculation. We expect Verry Elleegant’s connections to bypass the Arc in France and prepare the star mare to run in the 2021 Cox Plate. Imagine if she wins the Moonee Valley feature 12 months after taking out the Caulfield Cup. Legend status, anyone?
Written Tycoon coming back to Victoria
John Messara says, “We were delighted to stand Written Tycoon during his progeny’s best-ever season, we’re very pleased to have Arrowfield mares in foal to him and we wish him the best for his stud career in Victoria.” pic.twitter.com/tkSwWYEs6N
— Arrowfield Stud (@ArrowfieldStud) April 19, 2021
The most in-demand 19-year-old in the country is surely Written Tycoon? Sorry, you young pups who think you are all top dog, but have you sired 625 winners and a few Group 1 champions? No, we didn’t think so. Written Tycoon is making his way back to Victoria for the 2021 breeding season to stand at Yulong. With Group 1 winners Capitalist, Ole Kirk and Pippie to his name, he is on every breeder’s radar for the upcoming season. Yulong has long been a meme of the racing industry as their runners tend to have trouble winning, but with Tagaloa and Grunt also standing at stud with Written Tycoon this season, it could be a successful period coming up for the bloodstock.
Oh, you have an opinion? Here, have a fine
3️⃣ winners for Nathan Hobson
2️⃣ winners for Maddie LloydMiss Mitzie takes out the final race at Swan Hill. pic.twitter.com/fK82IGSCYd
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 11, 2020
What sort of world do we live in? We’ll tell you – a world where you get a $2000 fine (albeit suspended) for expressing your concern at the state of the Swan Hill track. Trainer Nathan Hobson believed that the condition of the track was to blame for the passing of two runners on February 17. Hobson trains horses for a living, and if he is concerned his runners are at risk at his local track, should he not be able to express those concerns? Deadset, some of the higher ups are a bunch of snowflakes, aren’t they?
Tuesday racing tips – April 20, 2021
Punt Drunk’s best bet of the day
The John Thompson-trained Battenburg had no favours in the running when breaking his maiden at Goulburn on April 8. He was up on speed and trapped three wide with no cover, but his work over the last 100m showed there are plenty of wins in store. From barrier nine, expect Keegan Latham to have him in the first four in the running. With a touch of luck, he should be too strong for this Class 1 field.
Race 5 – Battenburg (#1)About Punt Drunk
Welcome to Punt Drunk! Our new daily column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump…