Written on Thursday, 22 July 2010 11:26
As we come towards the end of another Australian racing season, you'll be hearing a lot about horses destined to win awards for their outstanding achievements.
The Australian Racehorse of the Year will be held on September 5, with many categories already generating a lot of discussion.
I can't disagree that Typhoon Tracy is the clear favourite for the Racehorse of the Year title but it's a different tale for the stayers.
Sadly, Viewed no longer is with us after suffering complications from a twisted bowel in April but he left us with a stunning win in the 2009 Caulfield Cup. Carrying top weight of 57 kilos, Viewed surged up the inside under the guidance of Brad Rawiller to score a devastating victory.
But the win of Shocking in the Melbourne Cup also will rate highly in the award for stayers. After having watched Shocking race wide for the entire trip, trainer Mark Kavanagh thought all hope had gone at the home turn. Shocking, though, had different ideas as jockey Corey Brown ran away from his rivals over the final stages.
Now for mine, those performances are first class but what about the outstanding win by Zipping to claim his third straight Sandown Classic? The effort by the Robert Hickmott-trained horse was superb to win last Spring and while many might suggest the race lacked quality, Zipping displayed great quality to win a third straight Sandown Classic. (That's Zipping, pictured above, returning to the mounting yard after a late scratching from the Mackinnon Stakes on Victoria Derby Day last year).
Next week we'll discuss the sprinters award but here's a few names to think about. Starspangledbanner, All Silent, Wanted, Danleigh, Nicconi, Hot Danish, Black Piranha and Typhoon Tracy.
***
ONE HORSE in that group is Hot Danish and trainer Les Bridge is chasing further success in the Spring. Bridge told me Hot Danish had five weeks off after winning the Doomben 10,000 and even he's surprised with the way his champion mare is looking.
Bridge said Hot Danish had her trackwork stepped up this week with the aim to have her ready for the Melbourne Spring. Bridge hasn't ruled out another tilt at the Group One Myer Classic over 1600 metres during Flemington's Melbourne Cup week but she'll tackle sprint races early in her preparation.
***
WHILE I know this weekend is our punting priority, already there's great expectation on the Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield next Saturday. Gold Coast-trained Shoot Out has already arrived in Melbourne and will resume in the race. Trainer John Wallace told me on Sky Sports Radio, he's hoping to see the Australian Derby winner running home but it certainly wouldn't surprise if Shoot Out got the money.
Trainer Mick Price will saddle up Velocitea in the Bletchingly Stakes. Price was impressed with a jump out from the Goodwood winner last Tuesday and is confident she'll sprint sharply.
Price also confirmed that Predatory Pricer will get a chance of making it successive victories in the Liston Stakes. Since joining the Price stable, Predatory Pricer hasn't missed a beat but he hasn't raced for 10 months after suffering an injury in last year's Caulfield Cup.
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What about Zipping for Stayer of the Year?

Chris, Great response, exactly what I was hoping for. For what it's worth, I reckon the Bombers might just find a way to squeeze Hille in come September. Murray
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