2008 Spring Carnival

Maldivian
(B G 6, Zabeel-Shynzi by Danzig)

Two runs into his 2008 Spring campaign 'Big Mal' looks to have overcome the setbacks that curtailed his Autumn preparation.

His first up run in the JJ Liston Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield was full of merit.  He hit the front in the straight but his condition gave out in the closing stages and he was claimed by boom gallopers Light Fantastic and Weekend Hussler to be beaten 3/4 lengths by a 1/2 head. 

Second up he posted a bold front running display in the Memsie, over the same course and distance, and was only caught in the proverbial shadows of the post by Weekend Hussler who held a long neck advantage on the wire.  Comeback galloper Pompeii Ruler was third another head away.

Maldivian will next run in the Dato Chan Nim Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 13.

Devil Moon
(B M 5, King Cugat-Classy Babe by Masterclass)

Devil Moon too looks to have overcome the disappointment of her failed Sydney Autumn campaign.  She charged home late for third in the Cockram Stakes at Caulfield at her first run back. 

She was again third in the Let's Elope Stakes, a race she won last year, after attempting to lead throughout.  Her condition gave out in the closing stages and she was claimed by Bellini Rose who herself went down a short head to the fast finishing Mimi Lebrock.

Devil Moon will back up on the Stock Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 13.

Whobegotyou
(C G 3, Street Cry-Temple of Peace by Carnegie)

One of the stable's up and coming types, Whobegotyou won two races from two starts as a juvenile.  He gave an indication that he might be above average with a hollow victory at Moonee Valley in June and was put away with a Spring campaign in mind.

He returned to racing at Caulfield on August 30 in the HDF McNeil Stakes and overcame difficulties in running to post a game short neck second to the highly rated filly Sugar Babe.

Whobegotyou's spring target is the Caulfield Guineas on October 11.

Cats Whisker
(B or Br F 3, Fusaichi Pegasus-Perfect Halo by Don't Say Halo)

Another improving type Cats Whisker, like Whobegotyou, won two from two during the winter.  She won by a big margin on debut at Seymour and made the transition to city class at her next start winning at Moonee Valley.

Cats Whisker's spring target will be the MRC Thousand Guineas at Caulfield on October 15.  She returns to racing at Moonee Valley on September 13.

Dr Doute's
(Br C 3, Redoute's Choice-No Limit by Dr. Grace)

Dr Doute's is another dual juvenile winner and another with the Caulfield Guineas as his spring mission.  This gun son of Redoute's Choice won his first start at Morphettville before travelling straight to Melbourne where he scored an easy win at Moonee Valley.

It is hoped that Dr. Doute's along with Whobegotyou will progress even further than the Guineas and perhaps onto the Derby?

Tobouggie Woogie
(B F 3, Tobouggie Woogie-Regal Flute by Royal Academy)

Tobouggie Woogie joins Cat's Whisker on the quest for the Thousand Guineas crown.  This filly, whose dam is a full-sister to 2007 winner Serious Speed, kicked off her campaign down the straight course at Flemington on September 6, recording a good third behind stakes winner Marveen in the Decjuba Fashion Plate. 

Sea Battle
(B H 5, Quest for Fame-Peppie by Danehill)

Sea Battle strung three wins together during the winter which culminated in victory in the Listed VRC Winter Championship over the Flemington mile.  The manner in which he won suggested spring riches were well within his reach.