With drones a possible form assist, the once vital “The Midweeker” and Mick Doyle are far subjects from $1.5 million The Winterbottom at Ascot in Perth on Saturday, closely associated with the world’s best sprinters.
With my predilection for character and vintage, Doyle, a former Australian Jockey Club committeeman, has savoured the delights of Group one success with the brilliant Show County but still gets a kick out of winning a bush race.
Yes, drone vision is mentioned as another angle for punters to get a further insight into backing a winner which already includes constant replays, head-on, and steward’s vision.
Still form as much as replays confirm West Australian hero Jokers Grin is a worthy rival for Overpass, within two lengths of world champion Ka Bling Rising in The Everest at Randwick last start and a half-length behind Jimmysstar, Australia’s best sprinter.
Under the astute management of Bjorn Baker Overpass, a seven-year-old, has accumulated over $12 million in prizemoney and obviously travels well, winning the last two Winterbottoms, a Group one sprint.
Overpass, by Vancouver, was a $75,000 yearling purchase while Jokers Grin, a five-year-old product from Maschino, service fee $8,800, was bred by his trainer Bernie Miller, 75.
Thus Overpass, a Darby syndication with many owners, and Jokers Grin produce a warm and fuzzy reaction being closer to the turf grass roots than the big spenders, souped up with overseas bucks.
Doyle’s Ticklebelly falls short of Overpass and Jokers Grin but still gives Doyle, a member of the Watson’s Bay fish monger dynasty, the brand of satisfaction for which he is noted.
Like Jokers Grin, the mare only cost a “few bucks” coming from a mare line Doyle purchased decades back. She has returned over $300,000.
Perhaps the recent triumph was the Gold Snake Gully Cup at Gundagai, a prelude to the Snake Gully Cup, immortalised by the radio serial, Dad And Dave that gave the race a Group one following.
Dad and Dave would have been delighted with the trophy (pictured) that has gained a pride of place with Doyle’s collection.
While Doyle has salt water in his veins, he did have a country seat down south featuring horses and sheep. Doyle invited mates to partake in “crutching”. I declined but offered Ken Callander as a substitute.
Being a former hurdle jockey, he lived dangerously. Fortunately, he survived and should win races on Saturday.
Like all the horse players of his era Hollywood George had little more than The Sportsman as a guide. Later came “The Midweeker”, specialising in the barrier trials, and “Pictureform” giving in-depth snaps of the race at different points. Newspapers did likewise but not as good. Replays were only on Channel Nine on Sundays.
Maybe it was just habit but I found it easier with their long-gone assistance in comparison with the screen service and statistical information currently available.
Drones? The sky-high angle? What then? Ground level, focussing on hooves, jockey cam (riders carrying the necessary apparatus in their head gear)? Will AI, an advance on computerised form figures, come into play?
For assistance my go, “Best Bets”, shows Jokers Grin from the rear beat Headwall in the $5 million Quokka last April over Saturday’s course and distance 1200 metre distance, with Overpass fifth.
Sydney sprinter Headwall has excellent short course credentials even if Overpass was over-extended leading. Overpass goes fast. Jokers Grin gets back.
Once when Eastern State invaders went to Perth it was tougher than diving off the Watson’s Bay pier at low tide.
Before the stewards on a careless riding charge, stewards asked visiting jockey Gavan Duffy about his tactics. “Getting them before they got me,” he replied.
It’s better now.
Anyway, Josh Parr on Overpass can jump and run. No drones required.
