A Twitter review of the weekend in racing
IN a stark contrast to conditions at Randwick, the 2017 Australian Guineas was run in perfect sunshine at Flemington where Hey Doc was championed.
The Tony McEvoy-trained runner was simply brilliant in winning the $750,000 feature which was the highlight on a good day of racing at headquarters in Melbourne.
The weather didn’t quite get the memo in Sydney as the $1 million Randwick Guineas was run on a heavy track. The outside rail was used frequently throughout the day, but despite the rain the punters still loved to sink their teeth into the betting markets.
Inference came out on top in the Guineas, but there were many highlight moments on the day and we have searched the Twittersphere for the best reactions from punters, trainers and anyone else who enjoyed the quality thoroughbred action on Saturday.
Hey Doc blitzes rivals in Australian Guineas
Hey Doc attracted plenty of support in the betting prior to the 2017 Australian Guineas and punters couldn’t have been more spot on.
The talented staying three-year-old was given a gun ride by Luke Currie and it never looked in doubt as the Tony McEvoy-trained runner kicked strongly in the straight.
Hey Doc was all smiles after the race with his right-hand girl by its side.
Hey Doc with his best friend, his strapper. Congrats, @mcevoymitchell. ?: @Racing__Photos pic.twitter.com/FcMVDRjcKz
— Ned Hunt (@nedhunt1) March 4, 2017
Punting is all about finding the right value and one happy Twitter punter was right on the lolly before the group one feature.
Hey doc just again ticks every box ! It's just betting again… looks $2.5 chance for mine #havetobethard https://t.co/LL7PHrSeMr
— Joel Singles (@bowenArow1) March 4, 2017
Heavy conditions no concern for Inference
It was surprising to see the lack of betting support for Inference in the Randwick Guineas markets, considering it was unbeaten in two second-up starts.
It had been a long time between drinks for the three-year-old, but class is permanent and some Twitter users believe it could take on the older horses in the Caulfield Cup.
@HorseMiller3 serious, serious horse Inference. Let's get the ATC Derby ticked off first, then onto the Caulf Cup. ✔️
— Brad ?? (@HorseMiller3) March 4, 2017
The good-looking colt continued to hot run for sire So You think and punters could be seeing it line up in either the Doncaster Handicap or the Queen Elizabeth Stakes during The Championships in April.
Group 1 winner Inference #randwickguineas #soyouthink pic.twitter.com/u1T62Mf23t
— Hawkes Racing (@HawkesRacing) March 4, 2017
Houtzen does it easy in Sunshine state
The important racing wasn’t just at Randwick and Flemington on Saturday as Eagle Farm hosted the unbeaten star Houtzen.
An easy win was expected by punters who took the $1.23 on offer, but with 63kg on its back it was never going to be a ‘good thing’.
The classy filly continued its run towards the Golden Slipper with an effortless victory and it’s still a $4.50 chance at Sportsbet for the Slipper, despite current favourite She Will Reign suffering defeat at Randwick.
Houtzen runs 58.29 eased down on a Soft 5 with 63kg. Outstanding filly. Should be Slipper favourite imo. #horseracing
— Stephen Rodgers (@Steve_Rodgers) March 4, 2017
It was a memorable day for winning trainer Trent Edmonds, who apart from saddling up Houtzen for another victory, he also became an uncle.
Well apart from obvious with Houtzen to be our first starter in Golden Slipper.. I am as of this arvo an uncle!what a day!! #ProudBrother
— Trent Edmonds (@TrentEd1) March 4, 2017
Now that’s what we call a good day at the races!
Le Romain gets the better of the champ
All eyes were on Chautauqua in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes as punters were eager to see the champion sprinter return to its best form.
The popular grey ran a super race, but the Kris Lees-trained Le Romain got the better of it near the line to land the prize.
Both runners will likely head to the George Ryder Stakes which should make for interesting viewing considering they will have to beat champion mare Winx.
For mine one of the highlights of the carnival will be the re-match of Le Romain and Chautauqau vs Winx in the George Ryder at Rosehill
— Darren Flindell (@hkdarren) March 4, 2017
Some disgruntled punters weren’t happy with the ride from Tommy Berry on Chautauqua. Berry dropped off the tail of the field and instead of coming around the field to make its run, he decided to run along the inside before shifting out in the straight.
The stewards grilled Berry over the ride, but we’re happy with it and the narrow margin is a testament to the quality of the thoroughbred.
No suspensions at Randwick today. Ugo Foscolo and Chautauqua featured in Stewards report Canterbury Stakes. pic.twitter.com/ZSpS5H651f
— Andrew Bensley (@AndrewBensley) March 4, 2017