Turf Talk with Ray Thomas and Christian Nicolussi

DAILY Telegraph racing writers Ray Thomas and Christian Nicolussi spar ahead of this weekend's big races.

Toydini

DAILY Telegraph racing writers Ray Thomas and Christian Nicolussi spar ahead of this weekend's big races.

NICOLUSSI: Greetings from downtown Broadmeadow. It's been a pretty cool carnival so far, Raymondo. How's Surry Hills? I'm confident Toydini will win the Epsom, but leave me out of the George Main Stakes tomorrow. How hard is it to find a winner? Hawkspur is flying, but how can you write off Sacred Falls, Streama, or even Royal Descent?

RAY THOMAS: I was wondering how you were doing up there? I’ve got to say it has been very quiet in the office this week….There has been some impressive efforts at the Newcastle Carnival particularly Toydini, Savvy Nature (I really like this horse) and Thunder Fantasy. But Group 1 racing returns to Royal Randwick tomorrow and what a race meeting. I’m with Chris Waller in the George Main Stakes but which of his four will win? I’m leaning to Royal Descent but with no great confidence. This will be an intriguing battle of tactics.

NICOLUSSI: I'd like to see Jimmy bring up the 100 Group 1 winners. There are plenty of favourites, but I'm tipping a few upsets, again. By the way, I just got a dodgy tip of one of the journos up here. I now have just $10 to play with tomorrow. Damn.

THOMAS: Geez, you had better go to the ATM because you will want some cash to play with tomorrow. John O’Shea’s stable is flying and he can get punters off to a flying start with Twisted Emotions in the first. Guelph is short but she will bounce back in the Tea Rose Stakes. The Heritage Stakes is interesting – surely no one will under-rate Va Pensiero again.

NICOLUSSI: I've finally tipped Va Pensiero. Did you know I used to play baseball with trainer Jason Coyle. He was a catcher. I was a star. And a good sort.

THOMAS: I’ve heard Ray Murrihy is about to hold a stewards inquiry into some of your outlandish statements and writings. How would you go in the witness box being cross-examined by the chief steward?

NICOLUSSI: I'd go to water, Raymondo. I still buckle when grilled by my mum. I ended up changing my tip in the last from Sessions to Tiger Tees. He loves the 1100m, and trainer Joe Pride is pretty upbeat about the speedster. Plus, he's a better price than the Darley flyer.

THOMAS: The Shorts is a really good race. I’m surprised you didn’t select your old favourite Hay List. Great horse and a super chance but I’m with the young up-and-comer, Sessions. I’m tipping a bit of an upset in the Hill Stakes with Sneak A Peek. I liked his run in the Hill Stakes. The Italian Stallion is looking good – that’s Sneak A Peek, not you mate.

NICOLUSSI: I've gone with Bayrir, who is sure to fire third-up. Moriarty is the other horse I like. It could be another big day for owner Neil Werrett with Moriarty in Sydney and Foreteller trying to get the cash in the Underwood.

THOMAS: Do you think Atlantic Jewel is vulnerable in the Underwood?

NICOLUSSI: I don't think she's worth backing, but worth admiring. Does that make sense? I want to see her win, just to keep her record intact. I don't mind Silent Achiever at decent odds to run a place.

THOMAS: Everyone seems to have forgotten about It’s A Dundeel – he did win the Triple Crown earlier this year and there was nothing wrong with his Memsie Stakes effort. Back to Randwick and I’ve got to stick with Malavio – he was good to me in the Tramway and if anything, the Bill Ritchie Handicap is an easier race.