Twitter storm follows Bletchingly Stakes run at Sandown
IT was a huge weekend of racing following last week’s debacle at Caulfield, as Sandown hosted a double-header of features on Grand National Day.
The Bletchingly Stakes was run and won by Ability, but a return to form for an old favourite sent hearts racing that, in what could be Lankan Rupee’s final preparation, the horse could have another group victory in waiting.
Elsewhere in France, a contender for Australia’s The Everest may have ruled itself out of contention following a lacklustre performance in a group feature.
Let’s take a look at how Twitter assessed the weekend’s action.
Ability’s blistering Bletchingly Stakes win overshadowed by Sunday re-scheduling
After a forced cancellation of the original running of the Bletchingley Stakes, the group three feature was officially moved to Sandown on the following Sunday.
After the Caulfield raceday was called off due to high winds Racing Victoria quickly announced the race would be held the weekend after, and punters were left scratching their heads as to why a race of that stature would be shifted to Sandown.
One observer described the decision to move the group three race to a Sunday at Sandown in no uncertain terms.
Another example today of how dysfunctional Victorian racing is. Seriously WTF was the Bletchingly at Sandown instead of Flemington Saturday?
— ralph horowitz (@rtralphy) August 6, 2017
We did not have to search hard for his sentiments to be echoed.
What is going on with Victorian Racing? Bletchingly at Sandown, something is not right at headquarters!
— Garry Hay (@HayGarry) August 6, 2017
There were plenty of positives to emerge from the race however.
The return to form for former Sprinter of the Year Lankan Rupee gave enthusiasts plenty to smile about.
That was a better run than I expected from Lankan Rupee today – he's in for a good prep. Ran into a smart horse at absolute peak fitness.
— Matt Welsh (@Themodernpunter) August 6, 2017
While others weren’t as convinced it’s a true reflection of the horse’s upcoming preparation, they were pleased it was back somewhere near its best.
How good is lankan rupee, not the same horse but gallant in defeat
— john kissick (@jkissick30) August 6, 2017
The winner Ability stormed home late on a heavy track to register the group three race, and punters couldn’t help but compare the star on the rise to the horse it overcame.
Well, the snip worked well with Lankan Rupee and has clearly worked with Ability.
— Marc Ohlmus (@marcohlmus) August 6, 2017
One Twitter user even coined a rather dubious hashtag for the duo.
He goes good that Ability…the similarities between his career and & my other fav' @LankanRupee are becoming striking #whippedheznutsout
— Andrew Morris (@AndrewMozMorris) August 6, 2017
We’re not sure that will catch on, but we wish both horses the best of luck in the future.
Caravaggio capitulates in Group One Prix Maurice De Gheest
The plans to bring boom colt Caravaggio to Sydney for the inaugural Everest could be in tatters after a second consecutive disappointing finish in a French group one race.
After bombing the start badly, jockey Ryan Moore had his work cut out to bring the former group one winner into contention but it never eventuated, finishing sixth in unceremonious fashion.
Punters were happy to jump on board the even money favourite prior to the race, but the hype train was well and truly empty after the feature.
Bubble has well and truly burst with Caravaggio. Slow out and never a threat in France G1. Everest surely in big doubt @Racing
— Brent Zerafa (@brentzerafa) August 6, 2017
Racing enthusiasts are a fickle bunch, and while the finish to the Prix Maurice was a bitter pill to swallow, we think it is premature to write the horse off at this stage.
But that did not stop one Twitter user from declaring its Ascot win as a stroke of luck.
.. pair torched each other and the race fell into his lap.
— Myles Deering (@myles23thomas) August 7, 2017
It was not all doom and gloom for the investors in France however.
One punter absolutely nailed the race prior to the running.
Caravaggio must be the lay of the season at Deauville tomorrow. Evens is a joke.
— The Wanas (@TheMagus6) August 5, 2017
While others just marveled at the majesty of the horse itself.
It may not have taken out the group one race, but it certainly looked striking prior to the event.
CARAVAGGIO may not have won, but still was looking amazing!? pic.twitter.com/RvHxRETe9P
— Zuzanna Lupa (@zuzanna_lupa) August 6, 2017
We still have faith that Caravaggio can make the trip down under and have a crack at The Everest, but it has to be priority number one now for a team that has a tired horse.