SECRET VAULT THE FORGOTTEN FILLY

Top class 2yo filly SECRET VAULT appears to have lost favour lately and has not rated a mention in any press articles relating to the KARRAKATTA PLATE this weekend. To be honest, I am quite happy about that and not the slightest bit concerned about going into the race as the "forgotten horse".

Having won the KARRAKATTA PLATE twice before, I would have to say that this filly ranks every bit as good as any of my previous runners and I am looking forward to the race. The filly hasn't raced for two weeks and will have a solid gallop in the morning which should bring her to her peak for the big race this weekend. Although it may appear to be a slightly unorthodox preparation with the filly, I have had to juggle keeping her fresh enough and fit enough as the filly has been in work for quite a long time.

In saying that, the filly is bright and happy and will not take a backward step when the real dog fight takes place in the home straight on Saturday.

THREE FOR THE DERBY

After not having a genuine Derby horse for quite a while, this week end will see us have three acceptors for the states most prestigious 3yo race. At this stage, we will be represented in the race by GUYNO, OUTSIDE EDGE and CELT CODE.

All three of these horses have good form and only OUTSIDE EDGE has had a slightly interrupted program. Saturday week ago the horse was scratched from what was to be his final lead up race after he kicked the back of the barriers prior to the start. The horse trialled on the Monday and then stepped out over 1800m at Ascot on Saturday, running a very bold race and hitting the line strongly. It will come as no surprise if this horse shakes the life out of the race.

At this stage it must be said that Guyno will be the favoured runner by the tipsters however the run of CELT CODE in the W.A. OAKS should not be underestimated and I am happy with her progress since the race. I won't be complaining if either of my runners wins and I may even take a ticket on the trifecta!!

CELT CODE MORE THAN A ROUGHIE.

Although the early price assessors probably have CELT CODE at about 25/1 or more for the WA OAKS tomorrow, don't let the price put you off her.

This filly has had no luck in her races so far this prep, apart from the day when she just got beaten in town two starts ago. Last start at Bunbury the filly covered more ground than the early explorers when getting caught wide going out the straight and still finished the race off better than anything else in the race.

It was especially nice to see that DION shared my thoughts about her efforts and elected to ride the filly in front of a few other more fancied chances. I hope the filly doesn't let him down. I am confident that she will still be there at the finish when the real staying fillies pull away from the less stout types. It shapes as a very good race.

BOILLED LOLLIES OR CHOCOLATES???

The next few weeks could prove to be a huge time for my stables. Over the next few weeks. Ascot race course will showcase the Autumn Carnival with races such as the WA DERBY, the WA OAKS, the KARRAKATTA PLATE and the SIRES PRODUCE STAKES. We will have runners in all those races and we only need a little bit of luck to win one of these races.

Our main chances in these races are CELT CODE, GUYNO, OUTSIDE EDGE and SECRET VAULT. Don't underestimate any of these horses along with any other runners we have over the next few weeks. This year will see my best chance since HARD ACT ran in the big race to win a DERBY. Guyno certainly doesn't have the physical presence of Hard ACT but I reckon he is a better stayer.A horse called NEW SPICE looks the one to beat and he is a very very good race horse who has had the wood on us so far.

But as they say in the classics, "the game ain't over till the fat lady sings"

STRIKEN AT LAST

Consistent 3yo gelding STRIKEN finally broke his maiden status at Ascot on Wednesday when winning first up over 1200m. The horse has promised so much for so long and it came as no surprise to see him break through. what was a surprise is how long it has taken for him to do so. The horse has had a few "mental" issues to deal with during his short career and I am not convinced he has fully overcome them yet. When and if he does I have no doubt he is an open class horse. I know his rider Jason whiting will certainly be hoping that the horse "grows up" quickly!!!!

Plenty of interest at AMELIA PARK PARADE

The second ever AMELIA PARK parade day held last Sunday proved to be a huge success again with plenty of interest shown by many new clients. It was also pleasing that just about everyone involved with the first syndicate were keen to secure a share in the new group of horses.

After enjoying a few "heart starter" glasses of champagne, the guests were treated to a parade of all the yearlings to be included in this years AMELIA PARK CLUB. Everyone was then given the opportunity to wander around and take in and inspect the first class facilities on offer at Amelia Park, before enjoying a BBQ and a few more drinks.

I have to say that Steve, Robyne and Grace had the horses looking in great order and they certainly did a terrific job in showing them all off during the parade. The new parade ring built by WALSHY to have days like we had on Sunday, shows how Peter leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit of excellence at the property.

Hopefully at the next parade day, we will be able to show off a few winners amongst the group of horses. Good luck to all those going into the 2007 AMELIA PARK CLUB and keep following this site for updates.

I hope to have a list of the horses including their breeding listed on this site within the next few days.

PARADE DAY AT AMELIA PARK

Don't forget the PARADE DAY at AMELIA PARK STUD tomorrow. The yearlings which will race for the Amelia Park Club for the next few years will be paraded between 12.00 and 3.00 along with a BBQ lunch and refreshments.

The weather looks like being kind to us all and it should be a great day. Anyone interested in joining up as a member of the Amelia Park Club is welcome to attend and register their interest. If you can't make it down on the day, feel free to give me a call and I will give you all the necessary details.

I look forward to catching up with you all for a quiet little drink.

Placings, Placings, Placings.

It has been a frustrating week here at the stables with all my horses racing well but none winning. Last Saturday we ran second and third with GLAMOURZON and GUYNO then on Wednesday we ran second with CELT CODE.

Although it is disappointing that these horses haven't been winning, I have to say that the way they are racing suggests a good win is in store for them very soon. GUYNO especially has his hoof on the till for a big win real soon.

Today we start off in race one with top class two year old SECRET VAULT who should prove hard to beat if she doesn't cop the same problems she encountered last start. This will be her last run before the Karrakatta Plate. We then have promising 3yo filly SHASHTI running in the second race . Her form suggests she should run another top race.

Later in the day we have KING OF THE STALLS resuming after a long break. He is a smart galloper but has had more than his share of problems. We are keeping our fingers crossed with him. GLAMOURZON steps out in the second last race and she steps up to 1800m for the first time. The way she is racing suggests she should also run a top race. Here is hoping. It will either be a feast or a famine!

Four runners at Ascot

Saturday looks like being a busy day for the LUCIANI STABLE with four runners on the eight race card.

We start off in the first race with 2yo gelding, BEHIND YOUR BACK who needs to improve a few lengths on his first up run to make him a chance in this race. The horse works well but is still a bit new and may take a run or two to work out exactly what this racing caper is all about.

The last three races on the card gives us a real chance to win a race with all three runners having a better than average chance of earning money. GUYNO steps up to 1800m, a distance he has had one start at for one win. He meets very stiff opposition in this race, however I am confident that he will perform well.

My next runner is consistent mare Glamourzon, who is back into mares company after running third against the boys last weekend. She is game and honest and although I think she may be looking for a bit further now, she should run a mighty race again. SPORTIVO and SECOND UP look hard to beat. My last runner in race eight is last start winner OUTSIDE EDGE who showed by his win last week that he has a few more wins in store for him over the next few months. He takes on the older horses in this race on Saturday but he is big enough and dumb enough to look after himself so I wont be to worried about that fact.

Happy punting!!!

Outside Edge

Outside Edge shows his winning style at Ascot last week when racing second up. There is plenty to suggest from the way that he won that this will not be his last win. I think he is a horse well worth following over the next few weeks.