Hawera

[Walt]

I won't be betting as this meeting for a list of reasons. Biggest reason being the big question mark of the motivation for horses / trainers to give 100%. I've seen thousands of these meetings over the years that for a percentage of runners, it's little more than trials....with some pocket money thrown in.

Having said that, there is one stable / driver combination that is screaming out "WINNER".

David Butcher.

R2 # 3 CAULFIELD.   I'm confident this horses first two runs were treated as little more than trials / educational runs. That is despite the horse starting hot fav. I'm feel certain had the driver been more motivated in it's first two runs, the horse would have enjoyed bigger paydays.  Coincidently, the winning driver in the horses first two runs was David Butcher's son Benjamin. The Stewards were looking in Caulfield's second placing at the last Hawera meeting when Butchers drive in the home straight was very quiet only to then be narrowly beaten late. The investigation was adjourned to the second day of the meeting but that day was abandoned. I'm unsure if there was ever a result and or if that result was predictably another free pass. One thing for certain, Butcher will be very aware his drive will be watched closely today by the same Stewards and a few frustrated punters. I'm confident the horse will not be driven vigorously. That would only put handcuffs on himself. Having said that, I feel the horse has the measure of this field and could win that race with the right run without having to give it a wake up call. If I was betting I'd take the shorts all day. I should also point out for interest purposes of course, there are no other family members driving in the race.

R3 # 5  ALCIPPE'S DELIGHT.  Now trained by David Butcher. The horse was a solid enough second at it's last start and there is not a lot of depth in this field. The main reason I think it will win today is due to being so confident Caulfield will win the previous race. I subscribe to the theory that if the stable / driver is in winning form, pay close attention to all stable runners on that day. Once again, no other family members driving in this race.

R5 # 1  CLAUDIA SCHIFFER. Trained and driven again by David Butcher. Horse had a poor draw on a slushy track last start but finished faster than anything else in the race. Should enjoy the firmer footing today from the ace draw here. Didn't have all favours last time she raced at Hawera from the same draw. She's no star but with the stable / driver likely winning with it's two earlier runners, this mare should make it a treble of wins. Having said that, I'm not as confident as I am with the two stablemates. If I was betting I'd see the 1.35 for a place as money for old rope especially if the stable performs today how I feel sure it will. 

[eljay]

Caulfield.      Hope you didn't anchor it!