The rank longshot versus Winx who could change racing rules

Ben Dorries - Wednesday October 4

The inclusion of 500-1 restricted-class galloper Skyfire to tangle with the mighty Winx in Saturday’s Group I Turnbull Stakes could prompt a change in racing rules in the future.

Advertisement
Winx has scared off many rivals and now the inclusion of longshot galloper Skyfire in Saturday's Turnbull Stakes could bring about change racing rules in the future Photo: Winx

The David versus Goliath battle at Flemington on Saturday has sparked further discussion and debate amongst Victorian officials on whether to put a specific ratings restrictions on Saturday races.

With the Winx fear factor scaring off rivals and limiting the Group I Turnbull Stakes field to just seven, the Amy Johnston-trained Skyfire will be simply making up the numbers.

Skyfire, who ran fifth in a benchmark78 at Mornington at 100-1 last Saturday, has a rating of 61.

It’s only a lazy 71 rating points shy of the world’s best horse Winx (132).

While Winx ($1.16) will be aiming for 21 straight wins, Skyfire ($501) will be aiming not to finish last and be beaten the length of the Flemington straight.

It is debatable whether Skyfire should have been allowed into the field, given that just last month maiden galloper One Hot Dane was excluded from the Group II McEwen Stakes at Moonee Valley because his form was not deemed good enough.

Racing Victoria manager of racing operations, Paul Bloodworth, conceded Skyfire’s form was nowhere near up to Turnbull Stakes standard.

Bloodworth said officials had looked at the possibility under a Victorian rule of excluding Skyfire from the Turnbull field, but decided against it.

"If it had have been a weight-for-age race it might have been a different story, but the fact is under set weights and penalties conditions a horse like Skyfire is getting weight off horses like Winx and Humidor,” Bloodworth explained.

"In the end it was a decision for owners and connections whether they wanted to run in the race.”

Bloodworth said the Skyfire scenario had crystalized the need for ongoing discussions among officials about the merits of allowing some horses into Saturday races.

"The discussion we are having is whether we have a look at whether we might put some ratings restrictions on races on a Saturday, where horses who don’t have a certain number of ratings points should be excluded,” Bloodworth said.

"We will have that discussion and talk to the ATA (Australian Trainers’ Association) about the issue going forward.''

There is some good news for six-year-old Skyfire on Saturday after if he gets lapped.

Firstly, the Turnbull Stakes pays back $10,000 for running seventh (last).

Skyfire has only earned a bigger prizemoney cheque once in his 28-start career.

And Skyfire has some serious competition for last in the shape of Magicool ($301) who has barely fired a shot since winning the Group I Queensland Derby in 2015.

Magicool has a series of duck eggs next to his name in the form guide after being beaten 17.2 lengths, 12.3 lengths and 10 lengths at his last three racetrack appearances.

Magicool has had a crack at the Turnbull Stakes in the past. The son of Fastnet Rock finished 14th of 15 in the 2015 Turnbull Stakes when in the care of his previous trainer Mark Kavanagh.

You probably can’t blame the connections of Skyfire and Magicool for having a throw at the stumps in the Turnbull.

In some senses, it is like a park cricketer getting the chance to bowl to Don Bradman.

You know you are going to get whacked out of the park, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you can one day tell your grand-kids about.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Farnan Filly Impresses at Kembla
Selected as a foundation sire for Kia Ora Stud, Golden Slipper winner Farnan has provided a dream start for the Hunter Valley farm with a slew of smart winners from his first crop this season including Commanding Belle, who became his 11th winner on Thursday.
No Rush with Savaglee
Star colt Savaglee is likely to be a notable absentee from all spring feature events.
Smart Winner for Hanseatic
Rosemont Stud’s Hanseatic added a fourth winner to his tally on Thursday at Kembla when the John Thompson trained gelding Sea Admiral opened his account.
Sires With Winners - Thursday July 17
Here is the full list of 40 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Exciting Aussie 3YO Awarded Champion HK Griffin
The title of Champion HK Griffin is one not bestowed lightly on a talented three year-old with two of the past three winners being Champion Sprinters Ka Ying Rising (NZ) and Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) and the exciting winner for 2024/2025 was announced last night at the final meeting of the season at Happy Valley.
Karaka Graduates Shoot for Selangor’s Seven-Figure Prize
A quality cast of four-year-olds will clash in Malaysia’s richest race this weekend, with a significant NZB influence throughout the 16-horse field.
Another Aussie Stakes-Winner for Lope de Vega
It’s just as well Australian owners are keen on bringing in imported tried horses to Australia or the $200,000 Listed Grafton Cup (2350m) on Thursday would have looked a very skinny event, but as it happened there was a promising young stayer on top in Don Diego de Vega (Fr).
Unbeaten Filly a New Stakes-Winner for Ghaiyyath
Darley shuttler Ghaiyyath (IRE) is not returning to Australia this year after four seasons at Darley Victoria, but he was in the news overnight with a new stakes-winner after his unbeaten three year-old filly Al Uqda won the Listed Vichy Prix Madame Jean Couturie (2000m).
Breeding To Win – Crystal Ball – New Season 3YOs to Follow
Who are we highlighting this week? - Analysis of the G1 winning 3YO’s for this season has made us realise how many horses on this list took giant strides from two to three, so we are looking into the crystal ball to find some juveniles we believe could end next season as G1 performers if not G1 winners.
G1 Placed Lavalier Tops Inglis Digital for Godolphin
The fourth most successful Inglis Digital auction in history tonight concluded with 15 lots realising $100,000 or more, leading to a gross in excess of $7m.