Coolangatta all the rage
Sky Racing’s Nathan Exelby and TAB’s Nicole Thomas reminisce about summer carnivals of years gone by and look ahead to who might be the star of the 2021-22 carnival.
Nathan: I love the way summer in Queensland has evolved in recent years. It’s gone from a few feature races scattered here and there and one or two big features on Magic Millions day, to a bona fide $20m showpiece with key lead-ups through five big days at Doomben and Eagle Farm onto that wonderful fortnight on the Gold Coast. What are you most looking forward to over these next eight weeks Nicole?
Nicole: Every race day brings with it the chance to find a potential Magic Millions day contender and an opportunity to bet into the futures markets.
I’ll be honest; it’s all about punting for me. As much as I love the horse racing, punting is my angle. And at this time of year, you want to be part of Magic Millions day and have some big tickets going into those races.
Nathan: Summer brings with it some great memories. Back 25 or so years ago and seeing Chief De Beers dominate the old sprint Triple Crown for a few seasons and then the likes of Takeover Target breaking a track record in the George Moore. Magic Millions day is truly special. Brave Warrior probably remains my favourite winner, but the chance to see a potential future superstar like General Nediym, Testa Rossa or Dance Hero is always there. Are there any particular moments that stand out for you?
Nicole: I like to see the local horses go well. As a Queenslander I’m very proud when that happens. Houtzen winning in 2017 and Boomsara’s Guineas was another one. When we can measure up as locals, I think it’s really wonderful. But one recent day that really stands out is four years ago. I remember being in the media room and every person in the room was on Sunlight … except me! I was on Jonker. They were all on at big odds and I had missed out. When she won it was just terrific seeing all the cheering and shouting, but it made me keener to get in earlier and try and secure those big prices.
Nathan: Magic Millions markets went up with TAB last week and Coolangatta is all the rage for the 2YO Classic after her dominant Gimcrack victory.
Nicole: We went up $2.50 and a lot of people said she should have been even shorter. With the form on the board, she’s going to be very tough to beat, but there’s going to be others that will improve in the next few weeks. Get In The Spirit is next at $15 and Honey Pot is $26 into $15 after the weekend. She looked like she had plenty of improvement to come.
Out of Ballarat on Saturday, Cusack is $51 into $26 and Cover Star firmed from $201 to $26. There’s also been some specking for a few roughies, including Mouette which is $201 into $51 after winning at the Gold Coast on Saturday.
Nathan: If the race was run today, no doubt Coolangatta would be considerably shorter and likely oddson, but there’s still a lot left to play out. I’m sure we’re going to see some good ones emerge in the next few weeks.
Nicole: No doubt. And I will be on the lookout for them!