It has been a long time coming for him, but well done to Dean Yendall on finally cracking a Group One victory.

It was a well judged ride on a very good filly.

Yendall deserves more, and better opportunities in Group races. He is more than just a good country jockey.

What are your thoughts on this fella?

I feel that at best, he should only be playing T20 internationals.

He lacks the disciplines to play any longer forms of the game, and there are many other players performing in the domestic scene who deserve one day and test berths before this fella, who in all honesty, appears to be a bit of a one trick pony.

Since the Spring Carnival has finished, it appears that the forum has degenerated unfortunately, seeing the usual trolls (you know who you are), regurgitating their usual dribble, and getting their jollies by getting slightly peeved responses from some of the more normal forumites.

Roll on Autumn..... please......

Racing on the improve in the West now with the return to Ascot

The top sprinter Barakey is back after injury, has trialled well, and his clash with Settle Strada and Power Princess will be a highlight

A couple I like are

Race 3 - On The Ropes - very promising horse

Race 5 - Bippo No Bungus - good second up record. Nice value around $8

Race 8 - Shining Knight - beat Barakey in a trial. Darlington Abbey looks to have come back well, a shame she has drawn wide. Quinella maybe.

Ben Melham - 4 x whip use fines in one meeting...

Best jock in Australia - bar none

Has anybody got any spare places in leagues that they need filled?

I'm keen to make up numbers, only participating in one league at the moment.

Cheers

Squid

I've had a couple of quiet beers, and I am reflecting on the magnificent innings of the Aussie Captain, Michael Clarke. In my eyes, the jury has been out on him for some time, form wise and captaincy wise. We do set the bar high in Australia

It has been said many a time, Clarke tends to polarise our opinions. He has the blonde tips, the tatts, the gorgeous partner (a little more low profile these days than Ms Bingle). As Captain, not as successful as some of his predecessors. So people tend to love to hate him. (I would think mainly outside of NSW).

I remember a very illustrious forumite in McGarrett posted about Clarke around 3 or 4 years back. From memory he was incredibly impressed by Clarkes' attitude and humility (I think it was at a coaching clinic he took his young bloke to). When I read that, I really took some notice.

Now us in the general public really only get to form opinions based upon what the media feeds us. People like McG have a brief interaction with the players, first impressions are often the best, and Clarke obviously created an impression. We have all heard about the dustup in the SCG rooms when Simon Katich supposedly pinned Clarke up against the wall during the Bingle era. Katich was (and still appears to be) a passionate player who gave his all for the Baggy Green. Clarke appears to be no different.

The general public don't see the blood, sweat and tears that go in to being an elite sportsman. Not many are fortunate enough to receive a Baggy Green, many dream. Even less are afforded the responsibility and public profile that goes with being the Captain.

Michael Clarke should be very, very proud of his achievement today. Yes it is only one innings, but he made the runs on his home ground, in front of his home crowd, on the occasion of the 100th test match at the SCG. He said at his press conference that he hoped he gained more respect today.

Michael, in my eyes you certainly have. I just hope that the masses cut you a bit more slack in the future.

Perth Cup Day on New Years Eve, a little unusual in the timing, but should be a big day today.

Race 1: Elusive Image will be short but should be winning. Only doubt is the step up from 1,200m to 1,500m. Wicked Game the danger, who has won at 1,600m.

Race 2: I like Smart Twister here, despite the top weight. Very consistent horse. Dancin On The Wind had a gut buster last time out, I'm shying away from him.

Race 3: Scorn Saxon looks very promising indeed, and I reckon will get getting the chockies. Good to see Benny's Halo back, he was one of the best 2yo's last year, I also think I read he had a wind operation while spelling. Trialled ok recently, big watch on him.

Race 4: This is a very even race. Saytorio should be ridden a little more quietly with the senior jockey on, I think this is his race. Kerrific great first up, very good second up record too, he is the danger.

Race 5: I really like Metalman, and he is my best of the day. Comes in two stalls with the scratchings. S O'Donnell one of the best jocks, has won twice on him. Main dangers are drawn wide in Thunderluv'n & Lee Rani.

Race 6: Great mares race. Rosie Rocket brained them last time, but for some silly reason I always try to find ways she can lose. With a 7 from 19 record that is pretty stupid, so I will tip her. Watch her lose now. Bontiara improved last time, she is a very good mare. Peg's Pride an interesting runner back to mares class.

Race 7: The Summer Scorcher, and scorch the turf they will. Werd drawn the rails, he will fly along. Latoria goes forward, as does The Entourage. I think it will be set up for All Friared Up to come over the top. She has a dazzling sprint on her, and her last two starts tell me she is back to near her best.

Race 8: The Cup. Where do you look? Not the worst Cup field I have seen either. Luck in running obviously will be vital. I'm tipping Veracious, good form in similar company. Western Jewel will need luck from the barrier, the weight drop from last time assists her. Tranquility will run well. If you are looking for a real roughie, Double Barrel is the one. Missed a start in the Cox through a setback but I was taken by his run in the JRA. To me is the forgotten horse.

Race 9: If you are still standing and not broke by now, you could be romping to fame with Romp To Fame. Lovely draw, in good form. Caves Road would have been my tip had he not drawn the outside. He is the obvious danger.

Hope you all have a safe and happy New Year, and have a win today to finish 2011 with a smile on your dials.

All the best
Squid

Here's one for the numbers punters.

Bart Cummings born 14th November (14/11)

Two horses in the Cup.

Illo - Number 14

Precedence - Number 11

Going for Cup number 14.

If they had have drawn 1 and 4, the stars would be aligned. They drew 1 and 2.

Just a thought...