Stakes Day a Great Way To Finish

This year's Spring Carnival has thrown up a fair bit of controversy as well as some special moments.

A highlight for me would have to be Corey Brown's Group One winning double. His two rides on Monaco Consul for Derby Day and then on Shocking for the Cup went along way to establishing him as one of - if not - Australia's greatest jockeys.

The shock scratching of Changingofthguard on Melbourne Cup morning and the furore over David Hayes' 'demeanour' was a moment of real controversy.

Vigor missing a Cup run while in better form than Shocking caused a real stir. I’d say his trainer Danny O'Brien has learnt a valuable lesson that you must qualify and make the most of opportunities early doors.

It wouldn't be a Spring Carnival without mentioning Bart and him winning a feature.

Faint Perfume was fantastic on Thursday to win the Oaks. Valdemoro ran second and I think she’s one to watch come the autumn.

Racing rules stipulate that no jockey can hit the horse down the shoulder or forward of the saddle and Corey Brown's show of emotion was in violation.

It was a pure natural reaction on adrenalin but ultimately deserving of a $500 fine.

Stakes day is always a great finish to Carnival week. It brings back good memories for me - winning the race as a 16-year-old in 1987.
Vigor, who missed out on a Cup run, will be freshened up and running against So You Think who will rise four kilos in weight from his Caulfield Cup win.

$3 is a bit short for me on him.
Once again it has been a fantastic Carnival and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Simon Marshall's tip:

Race 6. No. 5