Punt Drunk: Verry Elleegant propels herself to legend status
What a big weekend of racing that was! We’ll recap what we saw at Caulfield and Randwick on Saturday and take a look at the bumper week of racing we have to look forward to.
A Verry Elleegant win once again
Now, we will not name names, but there are people/experts out there who believe Verry Elleegant does not deserve the “champion” tag. Fair enough then, we’ll go one better in declaring her a legend of Australian racing. Her win in the George Main Stakes solidifies that statement.
The great mare looked like she would struggle to catch breakaway leader Riodini in the Group 1 over 1600m at Randwick on Saturday. However, in typical fighting fashion, she knuckled down late to get the better of Riodini and Think It Over in the shadows of the winning post.
All roads are still leading to a Cox Plate showdown with Zaaki, but it remains to be seen whether the nine-time Group 1 winner will stay in Sydney and compete in the Hill Stakes or head south and defend her Turnbull Stakes crown.
No matter where Verry Elleegant goes, we know one thing for sure: she will be extremely hard to beat!
Sierra Sue proves too strong in Sir Rupert Clarke
Having been a good thing beaten in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley at her previous start, the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained Sierra Sue took out the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon. Having run into plenty of rump steak at The Valley, birthday boy Daniel Moor made sure the mare had plenty of fresh air in front of her as they descended on the leaders from the rear of the field and handed Moor his first Australian Group 1 win.
Despite all honours going to the winner, it was hard to ignore the effort of the Nick Ryan-trained Dice Roll, who solidified himself as a horse to follow in the spring when going down by less than a bee’s appendage. I’m Thunderstruck was the other eye-catcher, finishing third in his maiden Group 1 appearance, with a start in the Toorak Handicap up next for the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jr-trained youngster.
Has Christmas come early for racing fans?
Punters, get ready for a big week! On Wednesday, we have the VRC Oaks and VRC Derby trials at Flemington. On Friday, night racing returns at the Sunshine Coast and Moonee Valley, headlined by the Group 1 Moir Stakes at The Valley with the return of Profiteer.
Then how is this for a Saturday: Zaaki in the Underwood Stakes at Sandown, into Anamoe in the Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill, into the 2021 AFL Grand Final at Optus Stadium?
Boy, oh boy, this is going to be a fun week! Keep your eyes on HorseBetting.com.au as our in-form tipsters attempt to steer you into plenty of winners throughout the week.
Monday Racing Tips – September 20, 2021
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…
