Turf Talk with Ray Thomas and Christian Nicolussi

DAILY Telegraph writers Ray Thomas and Christian Nicolussi go head to head in the big horse racing issues of the day.

Doomben Cup Day. Race 6 won by Arabian Gold ridden by Blake Shinn. Pic Mark Calleja

DAILY Telegraph writers Ray Thomas and Christian Nicolussi go head to head in the big horse racing issues of the day.

NICOLUSSI: Raymondo, Queensland are in mourning after Origin I. How good would it be to see Arabian Gold win The Oaks in their own backyard. The locals will be crying into their XXXX - at breakfast.

THOMAS: One of the best games - the Blues were great but don’t get too excited yet, Nico. We must win game two here in Sydney because I don’t like the idea of going back to Brisbane 1-1. I do like Arabian Gold to win The Oaks the inside barrier ensures she will get the gun run and her jockey, Blake Shinn, is riding as well as Jarryd Hayne is playing.

NICOLUSSI: I like Arabian Gold and I like Agadir resuming in the Queensland Guineas. It’s a huge field, but I remember Kerrin McEvoy giving this horse a decent rap not long ago.

THOMAS: If the track stays dry, I’ll be having something on Havana in the Guineas. The best bet at Eagle Farm is She’s Clean in the Bright Shadow Handicap - how will they beat her? At Rosehill the best bet is the hot food served in the press room that’s a shameless plug because the Lynell and Annie at the ATC were unhappy with me last week.

NICOLUSSI: You’re always upsetting people. I’ll be upset if Masthead doesn’t win on Saturday. He was a good thing beaten at Scone, and he’ll be hard to beat if he runs at Rosehill or Eagle Farm.

THOMAS: Why do they call us the “Odd Couple” when we agree so often. Masthead, Arabian Gold, She’s Clean - maybe it’s because you wear those cowboy boots?

NICOLUSSI: Chicks dig men in cowboy boots. And I’ll be digging Exalted Warrior if he wins the first. Gai Waterhouse gave this horse a bit of a push on Wednesday, and his two runs to date finished second behind a pair of youngsters who contested the Golden Slipper.

THOMAS: I’ll go with Country Warrior but with no real confidence. Also at Rosehill, I’m keen on Sugar Rush (race 2) who is in super form. Kim Waugh’s horses are racing really well so stick with Oxford Poet (race 3), and I like a couple at big odds, Casino Dancer (race 6) and Pompidou (race 7) and finally the mighty Panthers to upset your Eels on Friday night.

NICOLUSSI: I’ve swapped to the Tigers now, Raymondo. Rock solid I am. I’m with you with Pompidou. Her run was huge at Scone, and she’s sure to relish the featherweight on her back on Saturday.

Guy Walter with wife Wendy at their Warwick Farm stables.

THOMAS: On a sadder note, the funeral service for Guy Walter on Friday is going to be tough, mate. It is still hard to come to terms with his passing. Gee, he was a champion bloke.

NICOLUSSI: You’re not wrong there mate. I tipped Flying Bay (race 5) on Saturday for Wendy. She won well at Kensington two starts back, then raced in the Hawkesbury Cup, which was much tougher than Saturday’s 1500m hit-out.

THOMAS: I would love to see Wendy Walter win a race, too. See you at Warwick Farm on Friday where we can celebrate Guy’s achievements in racing.

Originally published as Turf Talk with Ray Thomas and Christian Nicolussi