TWENTY_THIRD CALCUTTA FORM GUIDE - 2014

Points

HORSE BREEDING and FORM

PUNDITS REVIEW

STATUS

35

C.SHARP MINOR

BY: SHARP MAJOR

OUT OF: DISCORD

JOCKEY: CRAIG SHARP

HANDICAP: 13

C/SHIP POINTS : 35

WIN/PLACE 0 / 13

This fine specimen could be the elephant in the room.  Hasn’t been able to accumulate bus-loads of points this year but is known to have more than one iron in the fire (if not in the bag).  If he pulls out the stops he could really route the course and take no passengers.

Got to be worth a gorilla.

Advise

0

THE LODGER
BY: SALESMAN
OUT OF: FARMER'S DAUGHTER
JOCKEY: RODGER CLARKE
HANDICAP: LAST PLAYED OFF 18
C/SHIP POINTS: 0
WIN/PLACE: 0 / 0

The Lodger only shows his face once in a while but when he does he usually means business.  Working at another track might have improved his stamina but the fetlock repairs limit his ability to sprint.  But a sure and steady pace has been known to produce results in the past.

If you like a rough-nut, this is the one to go for.

Nominated

7

OFF PISTE
BY: SLIPPERY SLOPE
OUT OF: CROSSCOUNTRY
JOCKEY: STEFAN BELEVSKI
HANDICAP: 8
C/SHIP POINTS: 7
WIN/PLACE: 0 / 2

Another year and still a bit flighty but hasn’t been seen on this track too often of late.  Youthful exuberance can sometimes outperform latent talent. 

Form is very hard to judge but could easily be worth an investment.

Nominated

7

LOW MARKER
BY: GOOD SWING
OUT OF: TALENT

JOCKEY: MICHAEL GOURLAY
HANDICAP:  3
C/SHIP POINTS: 7
WIN/PLACE: 0 / 3

This horse is new to the field but on the few showings so far he has shown that he can put in very consistent performances from race to race.  This might be just what is needed to bring home the bacon in this prestigious event

You’d be mad not to pick this one up

 

Nominated

12

MARS BAR

BY: TURKISH DELIGHT

OUT OF: SWEET TOOTH

JOCKEY: TREVOR JACKSON

HANDICAP: 24

C/SHIP POINTS: 12

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 2

Though he might have seen better days and sometimes struggles a bit to complete the course, regular resting has resulted in some better performances of late with a recent win and some prize money that boosted his morale no end.  There’s little to fault his eyesight or his memory

The staying power is a worry but if he makes the distance – who knows.

Nominated

17

BAGPIPE CHANTER

BY: ROCKY PEAK

OUT OF: HIGHLAND HOME

JOCKEY: CRAIG CAMERON

HANDICAP: 14

C/SHIP POINTS 17

WIN/PLACE 0 / 5

Another maiden that has shown some potential in the run up to this prestigious event.  Hasn’t collected any silver-ware yet but this could be just the occasion as his placings have been mostly strong finishes.

If you’re a betting man, back him

Nominated

30

LATIN LOVER

BY: EVIL WINK

OUT OF: BALMY NIGHTS

JOCKEY: KEITH DEL ZOPPO

HANDICAP: 20

C/SHIP POINTS 30

WIN/PLACE 1 / 8

Very much on the comeback trail, this old stager has been very much in the money of recent times.  Doesn’t say much but has a touch of the mongrel in him.  Definitely one to watch out for in this competitive field

The bookies will be shaking in their books if any amount of money is around on this one

Nominated

31

GROUNDED
BY: POLICEMAN
OUT OF: UNIFORM
JOCKEY: KAZIM AKDAG
HANDICAP:  8
C/SHIP POINTS: 31
WIN/PLACE: 1 / 7

The form of this young colt has slipped from last year with few appearances and some recent performances have been less than impressive.  Even racing at hidden tracks has been thin on the ground and the form scratchy.

Not much appeal but could easily surprise.

Nominated

35

FAT BOY SLIM

BY: MR SQUIGGLE

OUT OF: MISS PIGGY

JOCKEY: RYAN PORKER

HANDICAP: 20

C/SHIP POINTS 35

WIN/PLACE 2 / 8

This maiden colt has fairly burst out of the blocks and shown a fine turn of speed and can run a country mile.  Can be a bit erratic at times and wander across the track but if the owners use the blinkers and keep him focused he could easily be a force to be contended with.

Could be a bit overlooked so definitely worth a bob or two.

Nominated

37

SOMETIME

BY: IF I CAN

OUT OF: MAYBE I WILL

JOCKEY: ANDREW PETRICOLA

HANDICAP: 4

C/SHIP POINTS: 37

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 7

This colt has been stabled up north for most of the year but on the occasional forays onto the course he has shown that he hasn’t lost any form in the warmer climate.  A recent sea voyage has caused his ears to prick up and the prospect of a return to his home stable is sure to bring new vigour

The odds on this one are bound to be short.

Nominated

38

WOODCHIP

BY: STRONG BOUGH

OUT OF: PLANTATION FOREST

JOCKEY: HARRY BOUGHEN

HANDICAP: 18

C/SHIP POINTS: 38

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 13

The handicapper has tried to be kind to this gentle colt but he persists in showing enough potential to deserve a heavier weight.  The application of the flat stick in the straight doesn’t seem to be effective and a number of chances have gone begging.

A chance for a place on his day.

Nominated

57

CREWCUT

BY: HAIRDRESSER

OUT OF: PINOT NOIR

JOCKEY: CHRIS VINECOMBE

HANDICAP: 12

C/SHIP POINTS 57

WIN/PLACE 2 / 12

Another young colt with loads of potential that has left a lot of the field dead in their tracks since debut in the middle of the season.  Early form might have resulted in a generous handicap but the current level would seem to be fair and will give a good chance to shine here.

Likely to be in great demand so be prepared to bid up.

Nominated

63

ROUGH RUNNER

BY: STRATE LINE

OUT OF: CHECK THE CARD

JOCKEY: TARGE MIFSUD

HANDICAP : 18

C/SHIP POINTS: 63

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 13.

This little beauty is always gunner be good value.  His race day performance has improved this year but he is only carrying a fraction more weight.  Some recent poor showings could be just a ploy to decoy the ducks.

Almost certainly the shortest in the field

Nominated

64

SHAKEY ISLES

BY : ALL BLACK

OUT OF: MISS ENZ

JOCKEY: BRENDON MITCHELL

HANDICAP: 11

C/SHIP POINTS: 64

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 14

The potential showing at the end of last season has been maintained and this stayer is well up in the rankings.  Has been putting in some training with his sire who has something of a reputation as a sprinter across the Ditch.  The genetics are good but can the potential be converted into results.

Your bank manager is much more likely to spring you a loan on this one.

Nominated

65

ODDS ON

BY: THE PUNTER

OUT OF: TWO FLIES

JOCKEY: GORDON HILL

HANDICAP: 14

C/SHIP POINTS: 65

WIN/PLACE: 2 / 20

This fiery beast is without president (er precedent).  Has been known to try to emulate Fine Cotton by running in disguise but to little avail.  The rest of the field twigged early and the desired outcomes have largely eluded him as evidenced by the generous sprinkling of placings.

At the right price he could pay handsomely

Nominated

82

WINDY CITY

BY: CAPONE

OUT OF: VALENTINES DAY

JOCKEY: OLIVER GROSS

HANDICAP: 8

C/SHIP POINTS: 80

WIN/PLACE: 5 / 17

Last Year’s Horse of the Year, this stallion has maintained his form through this season as well.  Sources close to the stable have reported that this might be his last season and so the incentive to go out on a high note could play a big part in the result.

If you aren’t on this one you’re not in the event.

Nominated

82

NOODLES
BY: FLOUR’N’EGGS
OUT OF: PASTA MACHINE
JOCKEY: STEPHEN BUTTERFIELD
HANDICAP: 11

C/SHIP POINTS: 82

WIN/PLACE: 4 / 17

This colt is hard to control if there are fillies or mares around even if they are in the next paddock.  He even finds electronic devices distracting but is yet to be spooked by a waving flag but could easily break a bone if he is.  Despite this, his form this year has been good and if the connections apply the blinkers he could easily street the field

Definitely worth letting the moths out for a good chance of a dividend.

Nominated

88

WESTERN UNION

BY: NORTHERN LIGHTS

OUT OF: SOUTHERN AURORA

JOCKEY: BILL EASTOE

HANDICAP: 6

C/SHIP POINTS: 88

WIN/PLACE: 4 / 19

This beast has been rampaging all season and looked set to scoop the pool clean.  A recent resting and some foreign turf seems to have had a bit of an adverse effect with something of a slump in form.  However, the Kraken could awake at any time and the rest of the field had better watch out

Put the super on this one

Nominated

90

HIT IT HARD

BY: TIENMEN

OUT OF: STUFF U

JOCKEY: CHRIS PRIEMS

HANDICAP: 9

C/SHIP POINTS: 90

WIN/PLACE  5 / 24

This has been a much improved performance and the handicapper has taken some steps to try to rein him in but quality continues to show through.  A recent weekend with one of his plodding kin has gone a long way to getting him to settle down but is not known if the ring will be removed from his nose.  If the connections opt for the blinkers this one could be hard to beat. 

Would have to be odds on but the market could surprise.

Nominated

92

DAGS
BY: GOLDEN RAM
OUT OF: PRETTY EWE
JOCKEY: MEHMET AKDAG
HANDICAP: 9
C/SHIP POINTS: 92
WIN/PLACE: 4 / 25

The horse with the Golden Horn has been going like a veritable rocket this year with a veritable mountain of victories.  Maybe Mohammad will come to the mountain.  The question is, will the strain of trying to clinch the final victories for the year be too much and his force be spent for this one.

Couldn’t be a better place to invest according to the experts.

Nominated

0

DUTCH SAILOR

BY: ANY PORT

OUT OF: IN A STORM

JOCKEY: JAN SIEMON

HANDICAP: 15

C/SHIP POINTS: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 0

Rumour has it that this horse is to be brought out of retirement but the connections have been playing their cards very close to the chest.

The lack of any recent form makes him hard to recommend.

Not likely

0

TECHNOCRAT

BY: CORRECT SWING

OUT OF: SWIVEL HIPS

JOCKEY: ALLAN DAVIES

HANDICAP: 22

C/SHIP POINTS:  0

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 0

This magnificent animal had been put out to pasture but the IT factor proved irresistible and he is now back in harness which interferes with his racing.  Very few showings and a lack of known form makes this one hard to pick.

Better value elsewhere.

Not likely

0

CARPET BAGGER

BY: RUNNER

OUT OF: LONG PASSAGE

JOCKEY: RICHARD HALL

HANDICAP: 16

C/SHIP POINTS: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 0

The connections keep reporting a comeback but there is little evidence that he will front this year.  If he makes a come-back at this stage, questions will be asked

Unlikely starter and a rough one at best.

Not likely

1

 GRANDAGS
BY: FINGER TIPS
OUT OF: SCHEHERAZADE
JOCKEY: BEN AKDAG
HANDICAP: 15
C/SHIP POINTS: 1
WIN/PLACE: 0 / 1

If he fronts the starter this would have to be anybody’s guess.  There is little evidence that there has been any sort of training program in place so this horse would be relying on raw talent to bring him through to the winning post in front of the pack

Not beyond the realms of possibility but better value elsewhere at this stage.

Not likely

2

DARK HORSE

BY: MORNING SHADE

OUT OF: SUNRISE

JOCKEY: KEN GRIST

HANDICAP: 19

C/SHIP POINTS: 2

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 1

The darkest of dark horses here has been running consistently at another track so very little form to go on.  Is known to have planned a run over nine hundred metres but this is hardly adequate preparation for this field.

If he fronts he’ll have a chance but if he doesn’t he won’t.

Not likely

10

LICENSE 2 KILL .

BY: BOND

OUT OF: PUSSY GALORE

JOCKEY: MALCOLM FLEMING

HANDICAP: 22

C/SHIP POINTS: 10

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 6

Still sprightly after all these years, this secret agent has a few tricks up his sleeve and should be by no means written off.  Lack of exposure during the winter season and some recent repair work has interrupted the training but some recent straighter running could pay off and produce results.

Each way if not straight out..

Not likely

10

KIRRIBILLI

BY: THE LODGE

OUT OF : JOHN

JOCKEY: DAVID HOWARD

HANDICAP: 16

C/SHIP POINTS 10

WIN/PLACE: 1 / 2

Another fly-by-night who puts in the occasional appearance and does all right when he does.  Can sprint a bit and if he does quack it the rest of the field had better duck for cover.

If he doesn’t scratch, he has a chance.

Not likely

11

DENNIS THE MENACE

BY: DAVID LAW

OUT OF: GLORIA HENRY

JOCKEY: DENNIS TIERNAN

HANDICAP: 16

C/SHIP POINTS 11

WIN/PLACE 1 / 2

A long stretch in the Darklands has finally come to an end though he might have to dart off to another event before long.  Not much to show for recent outings but some runs earlier in the year did pay some dividends.

This outsider just could surprise.

Not likely

26

ARCHBISHOP

BY: CARDINALS PLEASURE

OUT OF: NUNS DELIGHT

JOCKEY: LAURIE MANNIX

HANDICAP: 20

C/SHIP POINTS: 26

WIN/PLACE: 1 /8

Some regular runs in recent times have started to pay dividends for this king of comeback.  The handicapper has given him a few more kilos to carry and this might weigh heavily on his aging back.  But with the right blessing, he could prove that age shall not weary them

Don’t condemn him just yet.

Not likely

36

BUCEPHALUS

BY: AUSSIE TRADER

OUT OF: WANTON DESTRUCTION

JOCKEY: MOSTYN GREGG

HANDICAP: 11

C/SHIP POINTS: 36

WIN/PLACE: 2 / 6

Despite a diet high in wheat and barley, this season has not been a good one with a series of veterinary problems and international commitments impacting the training program and the number of meetings attended.

Not impossible that he could compete and be in form after a long spell.

Not likely

47

BOUNCER

BY: HARD ONE

OUT OF: THE PITCH

JOCKEY: ROD WHITE

HANDICAP: 14

C/SHIP POINTS: 47

WIN/PLACE:4 / 5

This runner has an excellent win place ratio and with a greater number of barriers should have been much better placed in the competition.  Has been known to putter around a bit but can still perform with less than a full saddle-bag.

If he nominates you would be mad to miss out on this little beauty

Not likely

44

ARMPITS

BY: MCENROE'S CHOICE
OUT OF: PERFECT DEMEANOUR

JOCKEY: BOB MACDONALD

HANDICAP: 21

C/SHIP POINTS: 44

WIN/PLACE: 3 / 7

The rearranged plumbing has done this veteran campaigner the world of good with a much improved showing over recent years and the extra weight this year is evidence of that..  Recent form has been good and with the help of the occasional lucky bounce he could easily get the new season off to a flying start

Should be good value for money

Out of market

0

BIRDIE CHANCE

BY: STRATELINE

OUT OF: CHECK THE CARD

JOCKEY: TONY MIFSUD

HANDICAP: 16

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS: 0

WIN/PLACE: 0 /0

Hasn’t been spotted on this track in a gun-dog’s age but is known to train in secret.  Not short of talent on his day. 

If he uses his dispensation and nominates, look out.

Scratched

2

DANISH PASTRY

BY: SWEET THING

OUT OF: BUN IN THEOVEN

JOCKEY: MARK BERETHELSEN

HANDICAP: 27

C/SHIP POINTS 2

WIN/PLACE 0 / 1

One of the new horses in the field, this will be a maiden event for this runner.  Ran a place in one of his first runs around the course so looks as if he can handle the weight but whether he can step up in this field is a moot point.

Probably better value elsewhere.

Scratched

20

NORTHERN GENERAL

BY: GENERAL GRANT

OUT OF: MISS OHIO

JOCKEY: ROD GRANT

HANDICAP: 18

C/SHIP POINTS: 20

WIN/PLACE 1 / 5

This old horse is a bit heavily loaded after a couple of flashy runs a little while back.  Some tendon problems in the fetlock have impeded the training campaign but a recent trial showed some promise though the handicap did weigh heavily.

Probably not good value but worth an investment.

Scratched

35

CROW EATER

BY :RAVEN

OUTOF: MAGPIE LARK

JOCKEY: ANDREW BLIGHT

HANDICAP: 21

C/SHIP POINTS: 35

WIN/PLACE: 0 / 11

Has been known to take his time around the track but intermittent track work has put paid to a better performance this year.  The handicapper hasn’t had to pay him much attention this year so a winning performance would be well within the realms of possibility.

A bit of a roughie that could pay dividends.

Scratched

55

THE GENERAL

BY : LINCOLNS NEMESIS

OUT OF: GREY COAT

JOCKEY: DAMIEN LEE

HANDICAP: 5

C/SHIP POINTS: 55

WIN/PLACE: 4 /9

This fine steed has put in some sterling performances during the cooler wetter part of the year so obviously likes a bit of a wet track.  Other duties relating to an up and coming colt have put the mockers on a lot of action out of this stable and he is thought to be an unlikely starter.

Has a lot to recommend.

Scratched

64

A TOUCH OF BLARNEY

BY :IRISH EYES

OUT OF :SWEET COLLEEN

JOCKEY: STEPHEN O'SULLIVAN

HANDICAP: 10

C/SHIP POINTS: 64

WIN/PLACE: 4 / 12

This young stallion has been training well this year and is carrying a few more kilos as a result.  An excellent win/place ratio despite the lack of sleep tending to a new young filly in the middle of the night.  The cuffs will be off when this one hits the track.

One to watch and bookies beware.

Scratched

96

STAGEHAND

BY:  ARENA

OUT OF:  MAIN EVENT

JOCKEY:  ED KLOPROGGE

HANDICAP: 10

C/SHIP POINTS: 96

WIN/PLACE: 6 / 16

Has been looking over his shoulder in recent times with other horses breathing down his neck which might go some way to explain a recent absence from the money list.  But don’t be fooled, this nag is more than capable of running above himself which can get the opponents beside themselves.

There won’t be much for a place on this one.

Scratched