Lady Of Camelot is a bank teller’s dream, those with access to a short-term loan for a quick return, in the Magic Millions Sunlight Plate the Gold Coast’s twilight extravaganza on Saturday.
Being a $3 million dash adds to the glitz of one of few carnivals over the decades that have improved, most have declined, since being taken over by a consortium including Gerry Harvey and John Singleton in 2011.
Now under the control of Gerry Harvey and Katie Page it exudes vitality, sadly lacking in Sydney racing at present.
As the title signifies the next two weeks on the Gold Coast abounds with bucks sprayed like confetti in prizemoney and yearling sales.
Once the currency of the realm evolved more in cash than cards, banks were the hub, and the vision expressed (by desperates) concerned employees working in financial institutions handling money.
Grab a stack on late Friday after the manager departed and have the stake back by 10am Monday when the doors opened. The dividend would be pocketed of what was regarded as put-in-and-take out, no risk gamble. Lady Camelot qualifies.
On paper Lady Camelot looks a good thing but, many in the same category, have foundered on turf.
Due to the conditions of the 1100 metre sprint the filly with a benchmark of 110, only has 55kg while the next highest in the rating is King Of Roseau on 77. If it was a handicap Lady Of Camelot, the Golden Slipper winner, would be conceding her rivals many kilos.
Even more imposing are her subsequent efforts: beaten under two lengths in The Everest, not Australia’s top sprint but one of the best, and second to Switzerland in the Coolmore Stud, down the Flemington straight six, another Group one of considerable significance.
Others favoured against her are Private Harry ($7), Arabian Summer ($7), Vestas ($8), Stoli Bolli, and Gerringong ($13).
Private Harry, and Gerringong are fresh out of 72 benchmark class, closer to the cart horse than Group One, Arabian Summer notched a set weight and penalties at the Gold Coast last start hardly flash while Vestas has more depth: two starts with only a maiden success to her but an imposing second race.
Potential, though, is the query. Just how good are they going to be?
Private Harry, turned by a rising star, Nathan Doyle, scored at Randwick in a manner signifying he will win much better races, Arabian Summer has the trainer Tony McEvoy influence, so good with the namesake of the race, Sunlight, Vestas last time out in the Red Roses, Group two much superior to benchmark 72, at Flemington on November 7 was runner-up. She carried “should have won” in the Racenet form guide.
Maybe Arabian Summer beat moderates but broke 33 seconds for her final 600 metres, a section of merit, and did it comfortably.
Stoli Bolli figures because of Nash Rawiller, 50 but riding young. Stoli Bolli was under a length behind Lady Of Camelot in the Coolmore Stud but the Rawiller motion propels advancement.
Gerringong, a stablemate of Lady Of Camelot seasoned with the Tulloch Lodge bone and muscle by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, has triumphed her only two attempts. She lacks the wow factor of Lady Of Camelot but should jump and lead under Tim Clark. Be out of the harm’s way.
Of course, Gerringong is raced by Singleton in partnerships promoting the memory of Parramatta’s first premiership win in 1981 against his Newtown Jets.
The Eels are represented by the mighty Mick Cronin, powerhouse Bob O’Reilly and Peter Wynne, now renowned for sporting gear, and Jets legends Barry Wood, Phil Sigsworth and Col Murphy, remembered well, too, by me for great Sundays at Henson Park.
In later years Wynne was distinguished in the Bondi Icebergs sauna, easing the aches pains of his gladiatorial jousts. It was also a must for tabloid hacks on Saturday mornings before the races.
Back to Lady Of Camelot?
Negatives?
Will the one gate of the filly come into play for or against? By the “Sunlight”, eight previous events could chop up the rail section presenting a bias.
Be comfortable with Blake Shinn finding the right ground on Lady Of Camelot.
And those tempted by the “bank tellers” urge? The Debtor’s Wing at Long Bay was loaded with them. Bet within your means.
Yes seems better than bank interest 110 rater against benchmark horses
Unfortunately Max there are no sure things these days with the current crop of average jockeys. It’s a far cry from the good old days. And it’s also a risky gamble backing any of Gai’s 2yos coming back, when most burnout.