University Blacks Limited (ASX: UBL) stocks continued to defy the trend of stockmarkets around the world and were up an amazing 28% on Monday on the back of the announcement from the Rudd Government to re-introduce compulsory student fees to fund sporting clubs, healthcare, societies and other student amenities at the university. This followed on from other positive news in the form of the appointment of Marc Woolnough as senior coach and Luke O’Connell as u/19 coach. There was also a recent run on the stock following strong rumours of the return of a premiership coach to take the reigns of the 2nd XVIII.  

 

Club Treasurer Richard Wood was chuffed at the news: “Nugget (Rob Hamilton) left the books in terrible shape when I took over in early ’08 so news like this goes a long way in restoring shareholder confidence. I am not usually a big fan of Kevin Rudd[1] but I like his thinking on this one, it really will help the Blacks out.”
 

Nick Brooks, analyst from ABN Amro, (aka ‘Flemington budgerigar’) continues to back the stock in these times of economic uncertainty (note: the current economic conditions are not a tsunami – that is a giant wave). “In turbulent times, you just have to go back to fundamentals. A fresh coaching panel, a revitalised committee under proven performer Ray Wilson, the boys putting in a good pre-season and above all a large asset base of good blokes. I suppose it just confirms the old adage that you always back the Blacks in a bear market.”

 

 

Blacks coping in a Bear Market

(Editor's note: I realise that this a gratuitous re-use of a picture from an earlier edition, but funds are tight and I want to get my monies worth out of my photo shop efforts).

 

 

 

 

It’s that time of the year, post season post fanciers that the gentleman amongst us dust off our finest bowl of fruit this side of Khao San Road and that pretty ladies and dishevelled gents (re T-Bar) get the hair straightener working. Yes it is when Melbourne comes out of its football ensconced hibernation the focus shifts the equine fraternity.

 

There is something about these magnificent creatures that we can all be truly grateful for, some of us more than others. If it wasn’t for these noble animals the 1990 Coleman medallist would read as a blemish in the halcyon era of goal kicking legends Ablett, Lockett and Dunstall. Because Corowa boy John Longmire is known with affection (particularly by a few regulars of Albury’s Soddens Hotel back in the early 90’s) as “the horse”, he’s credentials can’t be disputed in such esteemed company. The moniker of “the horse” has become not just his call card it has become his calling.

 

Someone else who can be forever thankful of the equine analogies is a rock legend from the 70’s supergroup Sherbet of “Howzat” fame. This was a man destined to be remembered as another victim of 12^th man parody and whose only remanence of his glory days are of his lyrics overplaying channel 31 Essendon sub districts cricket highlights. “The Horses” in the form of his 1991 smash hit, has given Daryl Braithwaite cult status beyond his wildest dreams. For all those at Mooney Valley headquarters recently when Daryl whipped the crowd into frenzy at the start of the Cox Plate running, it is clear the horses have taken him away from the shallow lures of the RSL dinner dance circuit and back into the mainstream of punters. For that we are all truly grateful (really?).

 

The two month long Spring carnival actually takes place over some venues other than those featured below, however I will briefly reflect on what each venue has to offer and what makes the races so magical. Actually the only thing that makes the races magical is if you land the quaddie which is something you can do from the comforts of home.

 

Traditionally the Caulfield Cup represents when the spring carnival steps up in earnest. Conducted over 2400 m this handicap event is a good guide of who to back in the Melbourne Cup. It is damn gruelling, claiming sentimental stayer Mummify in 2005, yet this pales when compared to trying to get a beer or move around the place. It is the epicentre of underage misbehaviour and I swear I saw around 15 Corey Whirington body doubles there. It also could have been the Bacardi infused Gatorade I smuggled in.

 

Much Like its namesake Cameron, the Valley is always just simmering (sting). A real pressure cooker environment. This is evident with the running of the Weigh-For-Age 2040m classic The Cox Plate. Many a good horse is found wanting in this race and those who can’t go to battle, meekly surrender. It is little wonder Northerly, a fierce gelding known to bite out at opponents as they approached the finish line won back to back plates in 02/03. Tony Liberatore has lodged an application to run in next year’s event.

 

Simply the Mecca of horseflesh in Australasia. It is evident with the scheduling that Mooney Valley and Caulfield play Jarrod Roughead to Flemington’s Buddy. There is an absolute abundance of races over the week long meet to loose your hard earned on and no race is harder to tip than the one that stops the nation, the Cup. A field of 24 means you need to trust your convictions and will more than likely get a pasting. Anybody who tries to pick the trifecta for this race I believe is just plan stupid. It is not courageous. True courage is demonstrated below.

 

 

 

 

This week we go back to the season of 2004 and check up on exactly what former reserves Coach Matthew Fittolani is up to at the moment.

 

 After coaching the reserves to a famous premiership in 2004, Matt Fittoloni continues to work at Function Training Perspectives Group – Health, Fitness & Rehabilitation Centre in Ringwood, while supplementing his income as a body double for Mark Chopper Read. That scene in Chopper where Eric Bana chops off his ear? That was Matt.

 

 

 (Editor’s note: Another benefit of Matt’s Chopper work is that he’s raising money for prostate cancer through Mo-vember. If you’re keen to donate, click here).