Punt Drunk: Drought over as Astro Castro salutes at Colac
Punt Drunk Daily – March 1, 2021
G’day, punters, and welcome to another week of #PuntDrunk!
We have four massive Group 1 races to build up to this weekend as Flemington plays host to the Australian Cup and Newmarket Handicap, while Randwick will host the Canterbury Stakes and Randwick Guineas.
We have a fair few days before we get too involved with those Group 1 races, so let’s crack on with today’s top stories and betting tips.
Astro Castro ends dry streak in style
Astro Castro, you absolute son of a gun! The veteran was sent around as a $2.50 favourite at Colac yesterday afternoon, but plenty of punters must have screwed up their ticket after he blew the start. The natural front-running galloper had to settle at the rear of the field and had a fair amount of ground to make up, but make it up he did. After 2.5 years without a victory, the Aaron Purcell-trained eight-year-old rounded up the field and hit the line like a true winner. While it was a shit day on the punt across the country, it is safe to say the nation roared together as one Astro Castro’s well-documented dry streak came to an end. It makes you wonder what connections were thinking having him lead up the field in most of his starts since his last win.
Humma Mumma delivers another McArdle prospect
A 2nd SW for @NewgateFarm's Capitalist as Tycoon Humma lives up to favouritism in the Listed Very Special Kids Plate at @FlemingtonVRC. The @RedgumRacing trained 2YO was sold by Flinders Stud for $240k at the 2020 @inglis_sales Melbourne Premier #ItPaysToBuyAustralian pic.twitter.com/K1HZmB6Ae1
— Aushorse (@Aushorse_TBA) February 27, 2021
When Lot 87 of the Inglis Premier Sale stepped out, there was only one trainer who was realistically coming away with the Flinders Park prospect. The Zoustar x Humma Mumma filly was a pricey pickup for John McArdle, who already trains Humma Mumma’s progeny Tycoon Humma and Humma Humma. Tycoon Humma made it two from two when taking out the Listed Festival Of Racing 1000 at Flemington on Saturday, while the now five-year-old mare Humma Humma has three black-type results under her belt. You would think Tycoon Humma’s win on Saturday might have driven up the price for Lot 87, so McArdle will be hoping his latest acquisition can deliver similar results.
Monday’s Racing Tips – March 1, 2021
Punt Drunk’s best bet of the day
The Graeme Murray-trained Nicci’s Song was backed as if unbeatable at Wagga last time out on February 11 and won like a good thing. Having won over the 1000m at the Sapphire Coast already, the three-year-old filly looks well placed to bring up a hat-trick of wins on Monday afternoon. From barrier seven under Brock Ryan, expect her to settle in the first four and then power away from her rivals over the final furlong.
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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…
