Ch2 ODDS AND ENDS - not big enough for a thread of their own

[Messenger]

Adam Kelly and Gary Hoban both of Toolern Vale both have one runner in at Mildura tonight
It has to be 6hrs there and 6hrs home with a float
I hope the horses are going together

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML090519

[Adaptor]

Adam Kelly and Gary Hoban both of Toolern Vale both have one runner in at Mildura tonight
It has to be 6hrs there and 6hrs home with a float
I hope the horses are going together

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML090519

And then it poured rain and the races 4 through to 10 called off.

Training and driving are tough gigs!

[Messenger]

I wonder how much rain the track got Wayne
The Mildura weather station had had 4.6mm between 4.30 and 6.00
Race 3 was at 6.17 and by 6.18 the weather station had had 7mm and by 7pm had had 10mm
A fair bit of rain but not huge (< half an inch)

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDV60801/IDV60801.94693.shtml

Looking at Race 3 - it looked pretty wet

[Yabbie]

I have friends in Mildura who tell me the weather station is not positioned in the actual town and to always add several degrees to temperatures. I presume that rainfall readings would be affected in the same way.









I wonder how much rain the track got Wayne
The Mildura weather station had had 4.6mm between 4.30 and 6.00
Race 3 was at 6.17 and by 6.18 the weather station had had 7mm and by 7pm had had 10mm
A fair bit of rain but not huge (< half an inch)

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDV60801/IDV60801.94693.shtml

Looking at Race 3 - it looked pretty wet

[Messenger]

Now Kilmore has been abandoned tonight after R2

[Messenger]

See the new sticky (the first thread on this forum): 'Do not just open any old link'

[Messenger]

See the new sticky (the first thread on this forum): 'Do not just open any old link'

I have updated the above sticky to explain a little more about the type of links some of our newest members are using

Rest assured that 'nonsense/non harness links' will not be tolerated as this mod only has so much time to waste

We are a harness site. I have already banned one new member for wasting too much of my time - so other like minded posters be warned

[Messenger]

Has anybody seen the excellent series Billions?
You have to love the fact that our Billionaire skips his milestone huge birthday gig to go to the Yonkers trots with his wife

[Messenger]

Another way to lose your money for Crime Writer supporters in the last at Hamilton today
The actions of the disqualified Machbrad cost him the 1x1 and the race

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=HM100619#HMC10061902

[aussiebreno]

Race conditions for a Gp3 mares $30K race are absolutely abysmal. Royal Story missing out on a run to some of these horses is a woeful state of affairs.

"Preference is given to M2 or better mares and then the field will be selected based on dollars won in the last five (5) starts from the Highest Earner to the Lowest Earner.
NO CONCESSION CLAIMS"

[Messenger]

You know how supermarkets like to make prices seem less Eg $3.99 not $4.00
Well I think we should more or less do the reverse

At present in $7,000 races we pay $3,990 to first and $210 to fifth

I think we should make it $4,000 and $200
Sounds better to me

[Dot]

You have a valid point Kev, and for more then it just sounds good. The first figure in an $ amount is the one that has the greatest impact on people’s perception of value so a $4000 first prize is way more attractive to most then $3990 even though it’s just $10 more.

And on the reverse side, the previously advertised $10000 service fee, no discounts, for Lazarus as per his American owners requirements is now advertised on Yirribees website as $9900!

[Messenger]

I'm not sure Craig Rail is adding much by tipping favourites each way in 7 horse fields

http://www.harness.org.au/punting/punters-corner/form-analysis/?keyNum=252468

R2 and it ran 3rd

[Showgrounds]

You know how supermarkets like to make prices seem less Eg $3.99 not $4.00
Well I think we should more or less do the reverse

At present in $7,000 races we pay $3,990 to first and $210 to fifth

I think we should make it $4,000 and $200
Sounds better to me

Agree entirely! 10 bucks makes a big difference to perceptions. And, why should the winners fund the also-rans?

[Showgrounds]

Take it Laz is 9+GST Dot?

[Dot]

Yes Trevor, advertised as $9900 gst inc as required by Oz consumer law. NZ $8600 plus gst for those over the ditch

[hugdon]

Could someone please explain why the disparity between the two countries re Laz service fee

[Dot]

Not much disparity Jim, the Kiwis breeders only getting a $10 discount!

$8600 plus 15% gst equals $9890

[gutwagon]

Dot, $9890 NZD is equal to $9423 AUD so they save $467 AUD . When you remember they will be selling many of the foals to Aus it seem a bit unfair .

[Dot]

Rick I did consider the difference in exchange rates in “actuality” but I think you will find that Lazs owners are operating on the principle that $1US equals $1AU equals $1NZ, maintaining his fee at or near $10,000 as in the US.

On that principle his owners are taking the hit on exchange rates between the US and Aus/ NZ.

[Dot]

And somehow Rick I don’t think a potential discount of $467 is the reason Aussies buy in Nz

[gutwagon]

Dot , I was thinking that the NZ breeders would pocket the savings.

[hugdon]

Thanks Dot. Did not consider GST

[Messenger]

Jason Bonnington is trying to boost turnover
Most of his Suggested Bets are Flexi Trifectas
Now instead of stating cost as $8
He has it as: $40 gets 500%

https://www.harness.org.au/punting/punters-corner/form-analysis/?keyNum=253056

[Messenger]

Anybody know why R2 at Echuca was abandoned?

[Dot]

A further fall in take 2 of Race 2. Ryan Duffy straight to his feet. Race 2 declared a NO RACE
@TheTrotsComAu
Quote Tweet

Luke Humphreys
@WorldRacingLuke
· 6h
Kima Frenning conscious after a fall Race 2 Echuca. She is up and looks to be ok but sore. Damian Wilson got straight to his feet. Calaquendi is up and ok. 2 & 6 late scratchings. Decision

[Dot]

Kima in hospital under observation for concussion

[Toohard]

It is worth a thread but if I created one Kev would move it here anyway :)

Happy Birthday Kev!! Many happy returns!

[Messenger]

Shhhh

[Messenger]

Where are the video replays for today's Horsham meet ?

[Messenger]

What was the significance of the $19,999.14 races at Menangle on Saturday night?

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC060719

[Dot]

Don’t know Kev, I’d hazard a guess and say they are finals of a series for country based horses and if the race was worth 20k or more the winner would be excluded from eligibility for other races in the future under their programming. But very interested to know if someone knows the actual reason.

[Messenger]

An old poster suggested Letspendanitetogetha will have his work cut out for him with his Menangle and Albion Park races only an hour apart

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=AP130719#APM13071901

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC130719#PCM13071906

[aussiebreno]

An old poster suggested Letspendanitetogetha will have his work cut out for him with his Menangle and Albion Park races only an hour apart

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=AP130719#APM13071901

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC130719#PCM13071906
Pretty sure whoever used to drive Daryl Douglas around could give it a crack.

[Messenger]

Dot, I see one of yours today is up against a stablemate that ran in the $250k Gp1 Auckland Cup but is only assessed NR52

[Dot]

Oh I didn’t get past seeing that she’s drawn outside the backrow at the track she has never had any luck at! I don’t have anything to do with the noms Kev, and as I wrote previously having a lesser horse in the big stables often means they go where the rest go, not where they are best suited.

I haven’t looked at the ratings or recent form, or performance history of the other runners in the race Kev, but there are what appear to be anomalies more broadly, rightly or wrongly, in the transition process that others have commented on elsewhere. Part of that problem at least is that there is no retrospectivity to the process and horses transitioned over at a point in time based on their C and M ratings at that time, adjusted for some on performance between 1 May and 1 Jul. Similar happened in the transition to HWOE in WA, and there certainly were winners and losers on transition in both systems.

I dont know why the stable mate is rated a 52 but I’ll presume it is correct and no errors were made in the transition calculations. Low horse numbers everywhere and FFA conditions for group 1 races such as the Auckland Cup mean lowly assessed horses do chance their hand at them, and if they wernt placed highly in them it won’t impact on their transitions to our National Ratings system and if they didn’t win their HWOE assesment in WA.

On face value Kev it is dissapointing to be racing against a horse of apparently much superior class, and by that I mean as an measure of its ability not its assessment under the prior handicapping scheme, but in time the National Ratings should reduce the instances of that occurring, particularly if our ratings are adopted in NZ. But Kev any ratings or handicapping scheme is more a reflection of success not of a horses actual ability and there will be always be those progressive horses who’s rating or assessment is less then their ability as they work their way through the grades.

The only way to counter that is differential prizemoney that encourages connections to race them against horses of similar ability but not necessarily similar ratings.

[Messenger]

There might be 12 runners in R4 at Launceston on Sunday but Ben Yole is a certainty
Overall he trains 54 of the 88 horses at the meet

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=LN210719#LNC21071905

[Beltane]

Not to be out done by Ben, Grant Dixon is training 9 of the 11 starters in the "QBRED TRIAD - 2YO Colts & Geldings (Group 1)" at Albion Park this Saturday night.

[Messenger]

With the conditions of the R7 Trot for NR 56-120 at Kilmore tonight, it is a pity we didn't have a 120 trotter accept as it would be rather nostalgic to see a horse come off a mark of 120m!

http://www.harness.org.au/form.cfm?mc=KI180719&rc=KIC18071908

[Dot]

Dot, I see one of yours today is up against a stablemate that ran in the $250k Gp1 Auckland Cup but is only assessed NR52

Been some more talk on this horse, Raptors Flight NZ on twitter. He was a C2 M1 on transition but for some reason the M1 assesment for any horse was not considered in the translation, they transitioned on their C class only and last 5 starts, so he was 60 minus 8 for worse then 6th in races of $15k to 50k, races in the old metro class, to be NR52.

This does appear to be very unfair to horses who have never been assessed higher then the lower C classes on transition that a Metroploitan win assesment can just be discarded as not having existed on transition. Had Raptors Flight NZ been a C2 M2 he would have transitioned at NR87, NR95 minus 8 for his last five.

So 1 metro win was worth 0 rating points on transition, but a second metro win would have been worth, in this case at least, 35 ratings points on transition. Something not right here.

[Messenger]

A poster emailed me that social media has been abuzz that a BIG Harness Racing story is about to break

They also said that it was strange that although the Stewart stable was NOT mentioned by anyone
they tweeted "there is no basis to this innuendo"

The emailer also thought it might prove to be a Tassie story if there is a story at all

[Messenger]

The Gaths would have to be shaking their heads after proving too good for the Stewart odds on pop in R2 at Bendigo
Only to be beaten by the pole marker who ran several secs faster than she has ever run before
Yes she had the cushy run but she has had the same run several times of late

They could beat the Stewart stable but not the puppet

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN300719#BNC30071903

[Messenger]

I didn't know where to plonk this

Kiwis crossing ditch for Victorian winter

in case you missed it

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/nz-raiders-heading-to-vic-for-winter/

[Messenger]

I think someone is having a joke but I have never seen this before
Racenet under the Meeting venue give the weather and track rating
For Devenport today they say SNOW
I say it could be a joke as the forecast is not that bad down there today

https://www.racenet.com.au/racing-form-guide/devonport-20190825/great-northern-benchmark-64-hcp-race-1

[Messenger]

Check out the time between races on the 12 race Mildura card tomorrow (it is of course less as this is starting times)

23min
21min
20min
35min
35min
41min
39min
35min
38min
38min
25min

:confused:

I know it is the TAB's doing but it is all over the place

[Mytwobobsworth]

You seem to be a man in the know Kev.
Why have Victoria replays been so slow coming up lately?
At Menangle etc they seem to nearly be up before the race is finished.

[Messenger]

When I last contacted HRV about it Cody really only guaranteed me that they would be up in 24hrs and told me I can always find them on the TAB and Sky websites

[Messenger]

Damian Burns trained a double on the first day of the season at Stawell and took the same two horses to Ballarat tonight and won again at longer odds - particularly Mornings who paid $16

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA120919

[Messenger]

No race bettering 2 minute for the mile rate at Ararat tonight - that is refreshing in Vic nowadays :D

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=AR220919

[Messenger]

harness.org seems to be down tonight

[Messenger]

Both HRA and HRV sites seem to be down this morning

[aussiebreno]

Rc2 Menangle. I would have thought if driving $1.30 shot you pop off the fence. Be a few unhappy punters

Note: Didn't have a bet in race

[Messenger]

And from the Stewards' Comments column it would appear no questions asked!

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC191019#PCM19101908

[aussiebreno]

And from the Stewards' Comments column it would appear no questions asked!

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC191019#PCM19101908

There is a QDT now. Apart from Melb Cup day yesterday would probably be the biggest punting day of the year with big features in both Melb and Syd, Menangle Rc2 would have been hoping to piggy back some of that and it really does no favours for the cheats on seats perception.

[Beltane]

And from the Stewards' Comments column it would appear no questions asked!

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC191019#PCM19101908

Here's what the stewards thought about the driver, who appeared to get blocked in:


CONVICTION – Held up for clear running in the home straight and was not fully tested. When questioned regarding the tactics adopted, in particular the decision to remain on the marker pegs and not move out into a running line position prior to the 800 metres when covered by THE BETTORMACK NZ, Driver A Turnbull explained that in her opinion her gelding is not suited when racing outside the leader and this was considered following the geldings last preparation. Ms Turnbull stated that previously when outside the leader, her gelding had fired up in its runs and although racing well in fast time at Eugowra on 7 October 2019, this was in a lower class event. Ms Turnbull added that although being positioned in a pocket from the 800 metres, she had not expected THE BETTERMACK NZ to hold on as it had done in the home straight and also had considered MOTU GATECRASHER NZ the horse which she was following, would kick in the run.

[aussiebreno]

Here's what the stewards thought about the driver, who appeared to get blocked in:

Based on what? Last prep sitting outside Majordan in 1.50.1 first half 54.9 compared to 57.2 and start before at Bathurst where it was 3WE 3WM before getting the death. What a cop out. Completely different situation both times. Ran home in 54.2 so wouldn't have had chance or been a problem if fired up at that pace. Take it Stewards didn't even investigate further. Why didn't Stewards make those statements/ask those questions about the prior races being different circumstances and if they did why isn't it in the report?

[Messenger]

I have heard the term Teflon Turnbulls

[Messenger]

I have a new system for betting in Vic
Have $10 on each of Ben Yole's runners
They pop up up often enough and at very good odds

[aussiebreno]

Ride High V Colt Thirty One Saturday night at Melton with a few half handy sidekicks involved. I think this is a new race on the calendar so good job HRV.

[Messenger]

The Yarra Glen cup tomorrow could be a good contest

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=YG071119#YGC07111901

[Messenger]

Ride High V Colt Thirty One Saturday night at Melton with a few half handy sidekicks involved. I think this is a new race on the calendar so good job HRV.

Ride High now trained by Clayton Tonkin

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX091119#MXM09111907

[Messenger]

For a split second I got excited when looking at the Hamilton gallops fields for today

Trotters Coaches BM64 Highweight Handicap

I thought we may have seen the return of grass racing after all

(ps Hamilton has a trots meet tomorrow)

[Messenger]

Have you noticed that Thursday is the day for News
A pattern is developing where we always seem to have a dozen or more news stories on a Thursday

https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-archive/?pCategoryId=3

[Messenger]

An old poster alerted me to the unusual occurrence of stablemates dead-heating on Wednesday at Newcastle

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=NR201119

[Messenger]

Interesting to see in the Trotguide a full page ad stating
HRA's Deregistration and Deceased Notification Amnesty

https://nationaltrotguide.com.au/this-weeks-edition/

[Messenger]

It sure is nice to see a free-leg pacer

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GD231119#GDC23111910

The story behind him

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=42056

[Texas]

this morning we passed through hagley on our way to longford (the home of mick & the cleaner)

quiz question for a chance to win a lifetime's free subscription to the harnesslink forum:

What legendary pacer hails from hagley?

(source of info - the plaques around the cricket ground at nearby westbury

halwes...

[Messenger]

It was indeed Kev, I had to rack my memory as to when we went to Tassie - good memories

I might have to lock this thread and start a part 2 of it - it has got so big a search for something still leaves you with 50 pages to skim through

[Messenger]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12295425

They sure are lenient in NZ

[Messenger]

Wondering where the gallops are this week, I looked up racing.com
On Tuesday they are at Spendthrift Australia Park - that is all the detail they gave me
I hope we never become this ridiculously sponsor driven

I did a Google search for the above and I think it's Werribee (but I am not 100% certain)

[Messenger]

HRV's mini calendar on the home page of thetrots.com.au is still missing today (they may have had an excuse yesterday as there was no meetings)
It is the most important thing on the page as it is how people access the fields directly
I have emailed them, in the mean time you can either go to their calendar via racing tab or use the HRA site

ps Yesterday HRA's horse search would not take you from a Sires Progeny Summary page to lists of winners etc. They have assured me that they will fix it this morning

[Messenger]

Once again Belinda in HRV admin got back to me quickly saying she had forwarded to Communications
but once again no reply from them
For the whole day, the Warragul fields have not been front and centre on HRV's homepage
and more than likely Shep tonight will not be either

I will put it bluntly - some people at HRV are falling down in their role

ps As they promised, HRA have the Sires Progeny Summary page of their Horse Search up and running again

[gutwagon]

The whole website has gone down hill lately in my opinion. No trading ring, trial results take 4 or 5 days to show up if they even do. Still old news stories on front.

Why cant we have links to the trial replays as well ?

Wasn't the site recently sold off ?

[Messenger]

Field/mini calendar is now back on trots.com.au

[Messenger]

Feel for the Echuca club - IMO they did not get much for their buck, their $35,000 bucks as far as this year's Cup field

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=EC070220#ECC07022001

[Messenger]

Am I the only one who would like to see the nasal strips plastered on some horses banned eg Im Sir Blake last night
Our horses wear enough gear without defacing them further

[Showgrounds]

Am I the only one who would like to see the nasal strips plastered on some horses banned eg Im Sir Blake last night
Our horses wear enough gear without defacing them further

"Defacing" - really? Perhaps you need to talk to some race car engineers Kev. They might convince you about the importance of cold airflow into the engine as a fundamental means of improving performance. Nasal strips do the same for horses by ensuring the nostrils remain open. They are not an equine fashion accessory.

Note also Australasia's most successful stable, All Stars, seems to use them on every runner, not just from a performance view but also animal welfare. The reason you don't see them on every horse, I believe, is cost. If you have a horse racing from the Purdon-Rassmussen stable it's part of the deal.

[Messenger]

What will we do when it is proven that a Cathy Freeman type full body suit will shave seconds off a horses time :confused:

[Messenger]

At the bottom of the main forum page you will see Currently Active Users which tells you who is online

You will notice it states

Most users ever online was 5,810, 4 Weeks Ago at 01:48 AM.

Users does not mean members but can anyone explain to me how/why we would have that many online at that time!

[Showgrounds]

Get a Cathy Freeman suit for the horses, I suppose.

They are not performance enhancing drugs. As much as we oldies reminisce about hickory sulkies and leather harness and hopples that era has long passed.

Come to think of it, who other than Cathy wore that suit? I recall a similarly attired model in all the advertising material for the "new" Holden Monaro way back in 1968!

[aussiebreno]

I reckon trainers should start putting Nike Vaporflys on them! If a farrier can invent similar they would be in high demand

https://au.sports.yahoo.com/nike-vaporfly-shoes-5km-road-world-record-broken-joshua-cheptegei-000448424.html

[Messenger]

Did you hear the trainer of the Blue Diamond winner drop the Fbomb in the post race interview, everyone carried on as if it did not happen - I am almost certain he had no idea that he had done so

[aussiebreno]

Did you hear the trainer of the Blue Diamond winner drop the Fbomb in the post race interview, everyone carried on as if it did not happen - I am almost certain he had no idea that he had done so

No but heard plenty of Hanseatic backers drop the F-bomb!

[Messenger]

He was actually describing his feelings when he saw Hanseatic looming :eek:

[aussiebreno]

He was actually describing his feelings when he saw Hanseatic looming :eek:

He looked home at the 200m. Late jockey change Tim Clark gave him every possible.

[Messenger]

The $25k George Croxford Tribute for 3yo's should be a good race at Gunbower today

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GU230220#GUC23022007

[Messenger]

Ch7's big gallops day finding time to promote the fact that they have the tyre-biters on 7mate tonight
Holy crap
I'm not a fan of them as most of you know
If there is a prize for the sport with the greatest wastage it has to be them
Huge litters most of whom don't make it, super short careers so what is their solution - the want all of us to take one off them for a pet

[Messenger]

Jesse Tubbs must be scratching her head as to how she missed out on the Kerryn Manning gravy train at Mildura tonight
Kerryn drove 4 winners, one of them on protest over a Jesse Tubbs trained horse but not to worry, she has got Kerryn driving her $1.40 fav Hector Macray two races later - some times you just can't pull the right rein

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML060320

[Messenger]

The Invitational Drivers Championship at Horsham has been diminished by the small fields
It is spread over 4 races but only 2 of them have enough runners for the 10 drivers to all have a drive
Kima Frenning only has 2 drives
Nathan Dawson has 4 including 2 Emma Stewart favourites.
The Stewart stable will provide the favourite for all 4 races, her support unfortunately is unlikely to result in even chances for all drivers

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=HS090320

The penalty free status of the races appeals to many but unfortunately not enough to get us full fields for all races although that may have been a result of Abouttime and Hes Ideal's entries

[Messenger]

In the second race of the Drivers Championship (R3), Chris Alford takes on the Emma Stewart trained $1.10 fav and brings it undone (26.4 Q1) - I wonder how pleased the 'usual' boss will be

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=HS090320#HSC09032003

[aussiebreno]

In the second race of the Drivers Championship (R3), Chris Alford takes on the Emma Stewart trained $1.10 fav and brings it undone (26.4 Q1) - I wonder how pleased the 'usual' boss will be

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=HS090320#HSC09032003

Might have been worried Sugars would get all the drives if he got the win up!

[Messenger]

Sugars still probably the driver of the series, winning the last on a longshot and being nosed out on another the race before

[Messenger]

It catches my eye that Chris Alford wins 4 in a row at Cranbourne tonight and then it catches my eye that Luke Tabone trained two of them
I am no form student but I think to myself - why don't I know these two Odds On pops
I look at one and see it is an ex NZer
The other, Rocks Roy, has me puzzled
He has run 3rd at his last start at YV a week ago but he drew 1 that day and started at $54
Tonight he has drawn 9 and wins by 24m as a $1.40 fav, his first win in nearly 2 years
What am I missing?
Was the field super weak?
The form suggests that there were others that should have been considered a chance
I include a link to the form here (but it probably wont be available after midnight)

http://www.harness.org.au/form.cfm?mc=CR100320&rc=CRC10032004

Puzzling, lucky I am not a punter

[Messenger]

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/Consistency-key-to-drivers-champs-victory

Ridiculous to state:

The championship wooden spoon went to Mark Yole of Tasmania on a countback from Kima Frenning, both with 16 points and both as first-time competitors in the "Noel Smith".

as Kima Frenning had 2 drives while winner Kate Gath had 4

[Messenger]

I noticed Nathan Cahir as trainer/driver of a first starter in the 3yo at Terang on Wednesday, I don't think I have seen Nathan's name for quite a while
He is a half to a very good filly

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=TE180320#TEC18032006

[aussiebreno]

Not a fan of the colours on Armidale Rc2 No1 Glen Innes Boy today. Too close to the Knights colours which I think should be protected.

[Messenger]

I suppose colours are a bit like copyright, if they are current you should be able to object against anyone infringing on them
We have a wider family story that relates to colours. The in-laws had the colours black spots on pink long before (and still currently in use) the Black Caviar clan chose black spots on salmon - people think they copied Black Caviar's but the reverse is true

[Danno]

Not a fan of the colours on Armidale Rc2 No1 Glen Innes Boy today. Too close to the Knights colours which I think should be protected.

??? not too sure about the colours Brendan, but I was just pleased to see the horse finally win a race for his Owner Stuie Dawson, fair dinkum that horse has found the long way around to actually knock off his maiden.

[gutwagon]

Race 7 at Cranbourne yesterday, won by Vouchers with Forever And A Day running third. Both free legged pacers. Bet that doesn't happen very often. Even having 2 in the same race is rare.
I think as the breed progresses we will see more of this.

[Messenger]

Hey Wayne, I see you are making a trip down to the Yarra Valley on Monday
You have to beat Lotakevi ;)
I might head out to the nearby hills with my binocs - I am so trots starved

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=YG230320#YGC23032006

[Messenger]

Wayne, you may have got to compete at one of the last meetings for a very long time ????

[aussiebreno]

Whats the go with mostly 8 horse fields and so many emergencies drawn 1 and 2 tonight at Melton?

[Messenger]

As you would have seen Breno, most of them are PBD - lowest rated are emergencies

[aussiebreno]

As you would have seen Breno, most of them are PBD - lowest rated are emergencies
Cheers

[aussiebreno]

Kev, can you clear inbox and let me know once done please

[Messenger]

Kev, can you clear inbox and let me know once done please

Done

[gutwagon]

Am I the only one that thinks it's wrong that Jess Tubbs can have 3 runners in a race and G Sugars can drive for another stable ?
Even the board recognizes that they are an unofficial training partnership.

It does not help with the integrity image !

[Messenger]

There should be no such thing as unofficial training partnerships.
Are Alison and Chris Alford, Andy and Kate Gath, unofficial training partnerships too?
Heaven knows how long we put up with the Stewart/Tonkin unofficial partnership and who knows how that is working now

[aussiebreno]

harness.org should have honour rolls for all G1s

[aussiebreno]

You know when Greg has stuck fat with Im No Outlaw in Rc1 to get on. Result may well decide whats for dinner tonight ...

[Messenger]

harness.org should have honour rolls for all G1s

Is this what you mean Brendan?

http://www.harness.org.au/hra/feature/rc.htm

or there is always

http://classicfamilies.net/cf/ChooseRace.aspx?RaceName=a

[aussiebreno]

Is this what you mean Brendan?

http://www.harness.org.au/hra/feature/rc.htm

or there is always

http://classicfamilies.net/cf/ChooseRace.aspx?RaceName=a
Oo yes perfect!

[Messenger]

From another thread

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GP270320#GPM27032005

That was terrible

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=GP270320

Jeepers all right, if the stewards accept that crap from the Halls, they will accept anything

A little bit of revenge. Although favourite Howard Hughes trained by the Bonds was beaten, his making Major Martini work to get to the death/lead in the last lap, saw the Bonds Patronus Star able to get over the top of Gary Hall jnr driven MM in the $200k WA Derby

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GP030420#GPM03042001

[aussiebreno]

From another thread

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GP270320#GPM27032005

That was terrible

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=GP270320

Jeepers all right, if the stewards accept that crap from the Halls, they will accept anything

A little bit of revenge. Although favourite Howard Hughes trained by the Bonds was beaten, his making Major Martini work to get to the death/lead in the last lap, saw the Bonds Patronus Star able to get over the top of Gary Hall jnr driven MM in the $200k WA Derby

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GP030420#GPM03042001
Howard Hughes as favourite was entitled to kick up though.

If they were doing it properly they would have lead from the arm on Howard Hughes so Patronus Star never got pushed backed 3 fence to begin with.

Not clear from post if you think the drive on Howard Hughes was untoward or warranted so just checking.

[aussiebreno]

You know when Greg has stuck fat with Im No Outlaw in Rc1 to get on. Result may well decide whats for dinner tonight ...

That was horrible viewing. Main danger Arden Voyager misses kick by 100m. First half was quicker than the 2nd half I think - not often you see that.

[aussiebreno]

Can someone check on Lance Justice? Just handed up drawn pole on the favourite who is a usual leader.

And of course Sugars wins the race...

At least I have options for dinner. Can choose between beef and chicken 2minute noodles

[Mytwobobsworth]

Maybe I’m missing something obvious, hopefully someone can help me.

Albion Park Thursday Race 2 Number 10.
First starter ODM
Please explain.

[Messenger]

? Maybe he qualified but at subsequent trials has been poorly away ?
Only thing I can think of

Just looked him up

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/horse-search/?horseId=808209

He has had a lot of trials and qualified the last 2 but the previous 2 he broke - maybe he has to get away one more time to be back in the draw?

[Mytwobobsworth]

Might be different in qld but you are pretty stiff to be put out of the draw at the trials.

[Ray White]

I believe the trainer can request it as I have done in the past with an iffy horse

[Messenger]

Thanks Ray, I reckon that would be it then

[Mytwobobsworth]

Cheers Ray.
Have seen it plenty of times that people don’t try to get a particular horse(mostly trotters) back in the draw once they are ODM but just don’t think i have ever seen it with a first starter.

[aussiebreno]

Blake Jones was probably at a little bit of an advantage with the tempo of the race and horse he was driving but some of the concession drivers at Wagga tonight should be made to watch his drive in Race 4. You don't have to sit back smoking the pipe on a well fancied runner when they are running slow!

[aussiebreno]

Blake Jones was probably at a little bit of an advantage with the tempo of the race and horse he was driving but some of the concession drivers at Wagga tonight should be made to watch his drive in Race 4. You don't have to sit back smoking the pipe on a well fancied runner when they are running slow!
Bayley Duck take a bow

[Messenger]

Hectorjayjay closes in on a return

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=43426

I don't know how I feel about this one
He is 10yo going on 11
He has won over $1m for connections
He has not started for 2 years
Before that he only had 1 start before breaking down again
So his last real campaign was nearly 3 years ago

When do you put the horse first?

[aussiebreno]

Sugars sticks true with 3x Tubbs runners !

[Messenger]

Sugars sticks true with 3x Tubbs runners !

A Trifecta - Jess Tubbs the new Emma Stewart

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX110420#MXC11042012

[aussiebreno]

A Trifecta - Jess Tubbs the new Emma Stewart

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX110420#MXC11042012

Somewhere Secret nosed out of third....thanks god I was seconds away from putting a Stewart tri on

[Messenger]

Doing a bit of web surfing and noticed that WA had Trots, Gallops and Dogs meetings on Good Friday - unusual (no other state)

[thepacingman]

Up and down first 3 races at Bathurst last night for Amanda Turnbull.

Race 1 - $1.45 fav - first
Race 2 - $1.20 fav - last
Race 3 - $1.10 fav - last

[Messenger]

A new sire for everybody
Night of the Stars
You can see why you might give him a try in the barn
Star Galleria is his half bro while super producer Star of Venus is his full sis (think Self Assured)
But he has only sired two, both 3yo's with Split Ear debuting tonight in R1 at Kilmore while the other - She's a Hovercraft had a couple of 2yo starts before resuming as a 3yo with a 2nd a fortnight ago

[Messenger]

Brendan has done some Wagga tips for tomorrow night so look in the Selections forum (I would have moved them but I guess we should use the said named forum)

[KTQ]

A new sire for everybody
Night of the Stars
You can see why you might give him a try in the barn
Star Galleria is his half bro while super producer Star of Venus is his full sis (think Self Assured)
But he has only sired two, both 3yo's with Split Ear debuting tonight in R1 at Kilmore while the other - She's a Hovercraft had a couple of 2yo starts before resuming as a 3yo with a 2nd a fortnight ago

Very interesting stallion. One to watch for the future - his granddam is the dam of Fremantle Cup winner, Caviar Star (amongst other brilliant horses)

[KTQ]

Speaking of interesting stallions, will Poster Boy be standing at stud any time soon? Keen to see how Yankee Rockstar performs but I much prefer SBSW to RNR Hanover.

[Messenger]

Very interesting stallion. One to watch for the future - his granddam is the dam of Fremantle Cup winner, Caviar Star (amongst other brilliant horses)

He never got much of a chance Katie, those 2 services in 15/16 are the sum total of his stud career (to date)

[Messenger]

Speaking of interesting stallions, will Poster Boy be standing at stud any time soon? Keen to see how Yankee Rockstar performs but I much prefer SBSW to RNR Hanover.

Poster Boy is supposed to be resuming racing soon Katie, Anne told us all that he had been trialing

[Bonnie]

Poster Boy trialled very well at Ballarat this week and has been nominated for Saturday at Melton: fields out later today.( Just read the noms, only 4 horses doesn’t look like the race will stand up !) Victoria have a major problem with a lack of depth at the top end of the NR scale . The Len Smith Mile was his target, Covid19 has seriously reduced his racing opportunities. I love racing him but there have been stud enquiries and we must consider all options. There will be a reduction in the number of shuttle stallions : travel cost versus number of mares available makes shuttling a stallion very expensive unless his numbers are in the higher bracket. It’s still unknown if it will happen this year. Could be the year for a new stallion. Good reports on the Yankee Rockstar weanlings, good types and great natures.

[Messenger]

Thanks for the insight Anne

[Mytwobobsworth]

Have seen a number of his foals and can back up that they were indeed cracking types.

[hugdon]

Could be a boon for colonial stallions......

[Messenger]

Poster Boy trialled very well at Ballarat this week and has been nominated for Saturday at Melton: fields out later today.( Just read the noms, only 4 horses doesn’t look like the race will stand up !) Victoria have a major problem with a lack of depth at the top end of the NR scale . The Len Smith Mile was his target, Covid19 has seriously reduced his racing opportunities. I love racing him but there have been stud enquiries and we must consider all options. There will be a reduction in the number of shuttle stallions : travel cost versus number of mares available makes shuttling a stallion very expensive unless his numbers are in the higher bracket. It’s still unknown if it will happen this year. Could be the year for a new stallion. Good reports on the Yankee Rockstar weanlings, good types and great natures.

The race held up - PB in the last at Melton tonight

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX250420#MXC25042010

Chris Alford would be disappointed he cannot drive him

(I wonder what has become of poster Halwes - be sure to tune in if you are still with us Terry)

[Messenger]

Nice return - click on the link above to see him reel off a 54 last half

[Messenger]

Could be a boon for colonial stallions......

A couple of superbly bred trotters who should make stallions in the future are 4yo's Always Ready and Kyvalley Clichy

[Messenger]

Sportswriter filly Sports Package won the WA Oaks with Dylan Egerton-Green outpointing Chris Lewis IMO

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GP010520#GPM01052001

[aussiebreno]

Poster Boy trialled very well at Ballarat this week and has been nominated for Saturday at Melton: fields out later today.( Just read the noms, only 4 horses doesn’t look like the race will stand up !) Victoria have a major problem with a lack of depth at the top end of the NR scale . The Len Smith Mile was his target, Covid19 has seriously reduced his racing opportunities. I love racing him but there have been stud enquiries and we must consider all options. There will be a reduction in the number of shuttle stallions : travel cost versus number of mares available makes shuttling a stallion very expensive unless his numbers are in the higher bracket. It’s still unknown if it will happen this year. Could be the year for a new stallion. Good reports on the Yankee Rockstar weanlings, good types and great natures.

You're not allowed to retire him to stud!!! The victories he could have are priceless.

[Messenger]

You're not allowed to retire him to stud!!! The victories he could have are priceless.

He is so beautiful to watch (even in the Parade Ring Brenno - Turn on Trots Vision :))

I hope Halwes is still around. Halwes may have been a forum 'comet' - impressive but short lived

[aussiebreno]

I was just amount to make a post saying don't bother doing form for Melton during COVID-19 and just to back Sugars but Kate Gath produces a beauty on Arden Voyager. She has the favourite in the next, but still keen on my Sugars theory over the next few weeks.

[aussiebreno]

Dam Madrina Dee quinellas the 8th at Albion Park

[Messenger]

Have a look at R6 at Terang for an interesting example of how a stable had a plan to beat the $1.50 favourite (No HRV results up at all for this meeting so far, so you will have to wait or look elsewhere)
The Manning horse Onthecrestofawave burst off the gate to cross the fav (coming out of 1) but that was only Part 1 for then they put on the brakes so that the stablemate Yankee Lincoln could cross and put the fav 2 back on the fence (over the short trip)
It worked better than they could have expected as when the brakes went on the horse behind the fav contacted the fav's wheel who was then pulled out of the race (I am pretty sure the tyre wrapped around the sulky axle)
The Manning horses came 1-2

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=TE040520#TEC04052001

This link may work tomorrow when hopefully the results will be up

[KTQ]

Nearly had 3 horse pizzas from Tuesdays storm. Huge tree came down on our stables. 1 horse smashed through gate and escaped, 2 left terrified. Escapee has a cut butt and sore back and a ripped rug. Thankfully we have winter rugs on now or it coule have been worse



Cannot believe they didnt get more hurt, storm was its worst after dinner was over

1057
1056

[Messenger]

I hope the escapee recovers fully Katie. Gums really are bloody dangerous things.

[Messenger]

Being pedantic here, I know, but I wonder why Terang today is called a Twilight meet (the last is at 8.36) while yesterday's Melton was called a Night meet (the last was at 8pm)

[Messenger]

TheTrots.com Fields for Bendigo tonight were not the greatest guide to Odds/Favouritism

R1 Nominated Magic Smile as $4 fav, it started $8.60, Radiant Rose started $3.70 fav not the suggested $6
R2 Cmonbabylitemyfire nominated as $4 fav but started $7.10 with Nats A Christian $2.80 fav not $6
R3 Kvalley Senator AND Avimore $2.80 Equal favourites but KS started $1.40 while Avi was $6.80
R4 $2.40 not $3 was pretty close
R5 Dennis William started $1.20 not $2.20
R6 $1.70 not $2.40 happens (a lot at the trots)
R7 $3 pop started $4 2nd fav while the suggested $4 2nd fav ended up $3.70 fav so VERY CLOSE
R8 Delightful Mia nominated as $3.50 fav but started $9.10 while All Whitey Then nominated as a $9 chance but started $3.80 fav

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN250520

[Messenger]

Anybody know what caused R6 at Mildura today to be abandoned?

I keep seeing massive discrepancies between odds quoted with the fields and 'actual' SP
Just now R2 Shep Tasma Flash listed as $14 - paid $4

[Showgrounds]

Anybody know what caused R6 at Mildura today to be abandoned?

I keep seeing massive discrepancies between odds quoted with the fields and 'actual' SP
Just now R2 Shep Tasma Flash listed as $14 - paid $4

I was watching. Leaving the straight with two laps to go a horse racing midfield on the inside appeared (to me) to choke down and ran a horse outside it up the track, locked wheels in the process and tipped the driver out. Another horse appeared to go down. Between them they pretty well blocked the track and stewards immediately called it a no race. No other footage was shown, blink and you miss it kinda stuff.

[Messenger]

Thanks for the info Trev

[Messenger]

I am not sold on thetrots.com.au offering Goodform Gameplan's on Friday and Saturday nights meetings
I think they need to remember the GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY message and tone them down a bit
Anyone following Blake Redden's plan for tonight at Shep have started their weekend losing at least $280 on my reckoning
This included a $100 bet in one race (and not on the odds on fav)

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/the-goodform-gameplan-shepparton-friday-29th-may/

[Mighty Atom]

Anybody interested my new avatar is Alta Christiano huge loss that he is no longer with us.:(

[Messenger]

Our thoughts are with Paul (Toohard) after his promising mare Something Fast broke down in R4 at Cranbourne last night and could not be saved

[Danno]

Our thoughts are with Paul (Toohard) after his promising mare Something Fast broke down in R4 at Cranbourne last night and could not be saved

Yes mate, I know the family is shattered, young Luke was calling the race as well to further the pain. Bloody horses, at times like this you question your sanity.

[KTQ]

Im so sorry :( it is so awful when horses die at the track. There was one here at trials the other day. Wasnt even our horse and I cried:(

[Messenger]

Eureka was beaten tonight but it was a narrow defeat by a horse who had a cushier run.
Eureka has been racing for 8 months in what is really only his second campaign which has included a move from NZ so he probably wouldn't mind a spell soon

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN110720#BNC11072001

[Messenger]

It seems a fair while since I saw a Claiming Race in Vic.
I think they play an important part in keeping some horses racing

[Messenger]

It was most definitely NOT the right night to extend Ride High at Ballarat
The highest the Apparent Temp (Feels like) has been all day is 0.2 :eek:

[Messenger]

Markleigh Jill draws 5 and wins over 1650m at Bendigo on July 11 and pays $10.90
Markleigh Jill draws 4 and wins over 1650m at Bendigo on July 20 and pays $37.90

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN200720#BNC20072002

[Messenger]

An interesting article by Michael Howard about the 4 Stephens horses in at Bendigo tonight

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/trots-centre-the-stephens-gate-family-tradition-continues-tonight/

They all have Wingate in their name apart from Village Safari

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN280720#BNC28072006

I'm not sure I am a fan of using the same word in all your horses names but I suppose it is no more confusing than when a stallion's name appears in many of his progeny

[Messenger]

Got a black book reminder that Balraj is resuming at Menangle on Saturday
Interesting to note that Craig Cross trains 7 of the 10 runners
I also noted that Balraj despite winning 10 races, only has prizemoney of $57k

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC080820#PCM08082002

[Messenger]

How tight does a driver's helmet need to be?
The reason I ask comes from R4 at Melton today
You will see that Zac Phillips had to adjust his helmet 3 times due to Fanning, who was trailing him, pushing his helmet forward (over his eyes)
Does something like this have the potential to cause a serious incident?

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX070820#MXC07082005

[Messenger]

Onthecrestofawave has an incredible record at Ballarat
7 starts for 6 wins and 1 second (7 from 41 at other tracks)
She may manage one more there before the breeding barn beckons

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA080820#BAC08082009

[Messenger]

We're a friendly lot, harness people.
I know that Chris Alford is a favoured driver for the Brent Lilley stable - so they are close
Just watching how Lilley's Cruisin Around is happy to help keep the Alford's Wobelee calm on the track by letting him shadow him
It is a bit too warm and fuzzy for me
They're opponents tonight aren't they?
I cannot imagine Carlton helping Collingwood in a pre-game warm up

(All to no avail as Wobelee did not score up)

[Messenger]

Looking at the breeding of Summerhill 3yo first starter at Stawell tomorrow
I am thinking you should be a trotter
Peak DNK x Summerline (Sundon)
so I investigate
The trotters only started with the 4th dam Ahumai being mixed gaited
The 5th dam is actually a full sister to the legendary Caduceus

I was also looking at the other first starter in the race Lynnes Me Girl and wondering why she was bred
Her dam managed 1 third from 37 starts
and her 2nd dam 3 seconds from 11 starts
but this 2nd dam (by Muckalee Strike) is a half sis to the dam of NSW derby winner Denver Gift (by Muckalee Strike)
so this is the light that they are hoping will shine through the pedigree one day

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SW120820#SWC12082006

[Messenger]

I am sometimes guilty of suggesting collusion between stablemates and was half expecting to see it in R6 at Stawell today when The Bull Pen could not get the lead and dropped in for the sit behind Larajay Macray
but even though Steam Punk is not only trained but also owned by the same connections it was not so, Larajay was not pressured by the Punk and was allowed to run a 65.4 first half before coming home in 56.2
The Manning pair were the first two faves while Larajay was 3rd fav

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SW120820#SWC12082001

[Messenger]

10yo mare Village Art took 5 secs off her best winning time on what was supposedly a slow track at Bendigo tonight when recording 1.53
I reckon it was 4.5 secs faster than any time she has ever run too
She did get the perfect sit behind flying leader Seemepearlywhites

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN120820#BNC12082002

[aussiebreno]

https://nationaltrotguide.com.au/punters-lawsuit-against-trainer-over-lost-winnings-settled/?fbclid=IwAR2GMyM07ftbJ194qN80y4_q90Mx93TL2ymrpEw_ 4CYdHLhq27k3n4BMdhk

Good ! Bring it to Aust.

Although I would have used the defence the horse had EPO in it in other races so the exposed form stayed true and correct...in which case the punter still made a dud selection.

[Messenger]

I was just looking up the winner of the last race run at Shep - Robbie Royale and I had to go to HRNZ to find out about his sire
While I was there, I was reminded that it is that time of the year when Robbie Royale is 6yo in Aus but a 7yo in NZ
Isn't it time that we got our heads together and made this uniform
I know Covid as brought about a discussion on whether we should use a calendar year for the season all the time

[Messenger]

I can't help reading peterprofit's blog sometimes
But I think he should be fairer when he pings trainers for implausible time improvements for horses
He slammed the Cross stable for Bomb Suit winning in 1.52.7 yesterday saying the pacer had never previously broken 2 minutes
BUT although its one winning time was 2.00.2, the horse had only ever had 6 starts and beaten by only a head in its first start, it would have recorded the same time as the winner, that being 1.55.6 (17mths earlier)

[Messenger]

This article also suggests he may have gone a bit hard on Lazarus's US fertility as it states registrations work on a calendar year

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/Lazarus-prospects-looming-large

[Showgrounds]

This article also suggests he may have gone a bit hard on Lazarus's US fertility as it states registrations work on a calendar year

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/Lazarus-prospects-looming-large

A media response driven by the NSW Trotting Club or Club Menangle, whatever they call themselves these days. There is still plenty of conjecture as to how many foals on the ground Lazarus actually has and no proof, only projections, given by his promoters in this piece of hype. Regardless, Laz had problems that the stud and NSWHRC knew about earlier in the last breeding season but they kept taking bookings and left valuable mares empty (you don't send Shank's pony to him at ten grand). No doubt many breeders were burnt and feel, rightly, pissed off over the affair and the media release reeks of Frank Drebin's famous line "move along, nothing to see here" as the fireworks factory was exploring.

Which begs the question - how do NSWHRC members feel about their club diverting huge bucks away from its core business into this risky venture?

[Messenger]

How tight does a driver's helmet need to be?
The reason I ask comes from R4 at Melton today
You will see that Zac Phillips had to adjust his helmet 3 times due to Fanning, who was trailing him, pushing his helmet forward (over his eyes)
Does something like this have the potential to cause a serious incident?

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX070820#MXC07082005

I must have had a premonition as today at Melton Emanuel Portelli lost his helmet during R2

Same thing as a week ago - the horse behind nudging his helmet

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX210820#MXC21082008

It occurs just before the bell to the horse in the 1x1

[gutwagon]

I think Zac's helmet may have been knocked off a few years ago too, not sure but I've seen it happen before.
The helmet should be tight enough so that your head pulls off before the helmet does !

I remember when I was a kid some drivers didn't bother to do them up and would go onto the track with a fag in their mouth !

[Messenger]

Patronus Star was too good for them at GP last night and made it 8/8 since coming from NZ
Full older bro Billies A Star won 7 of his first 10 when he came over
There will be plenty of interest in the full sibling due to arrive soon in NZ
The McQuoids will no doubt race it at first before deciding whether to sell some or all of it

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GP210820#GPM21082006

[Messenger]

Is Glenn Douglas training with Roma Pocock nowadays?
I heard a caller refer to them as a partnership

[Messenger]

A 2yo albeit a late 2yo, racing and beating open age does not happen that often especially one considered a cert - he paid $1.04

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=EC270820#ECC27082003

He wasn't eligible for the 2yo race as he had won 2 races

[Messenger]

How's that for perfect handicapping
R2 at Melton the final fixed odds for the 6 horses were
$4.20
$5.50
$5.00
$4.00
$8.00
$4.80
Even on the tote they were all within the range of $3.90 to $6.50 bar one at $11.20
It proved a good viewing race too

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX280820#MXC28082004

[Messenger]

Looking at 6yo Vigoroso who will be going for 4 wins in a row at Kilmore today since coming over from NZ
In NZ he had 73 starts for 3 wins and 7 placings.
Between March 25, 2019 and March 22, 2020 he had 52 starts in 52 weeks (for 2 wins)
He didn't race until he was a 4y0

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=KI300820#KIC30082003

[alphastud]

A 2yo albeit a late 2yo, racing and beating open age does not happen that often especially one considered a cert - he paid $1.04

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=EC270820#ECC27082003

He wasn't eligible for the 2yo race as he had won 2 races

2yo's have decimated the lowest grade races (<NR45, <NR47) winning every race that they competed in during August in the Sydney region.

See below where they also fill the placings. They are often short priced and win by significant margins. The extended 2yo season will make it near impossible for the older horses to ever win these races while the 2yo's are eligible this season.

Their discounte rating because of their age enables them to stay in this grade longer and even after a few wins.

There is a <NR45 race tomorrow at Menangle where they are predicted to again fill the first 4 placings.

The ratings system has merit however programming here isn't working. Yes Covid doesn't help.

This programming will pressure Sydney trainers with horses <NR47 to sell or move their horses to another region and affect the local horse population.

Is there a way to run a few races for the <NR47 3yo+ or any other solution to keep these horses or are we better without them? These horses are usually trained by private trainers and the only way for them to win a race. Cross, Butt, Locke, Pizzuto, Fitzpatrick etc. rarely have runners in these races.

6th August Penrith <NR47
1st MARMITTA

10th August Menangle <NR45
1st WATTS UP SUNSHINE
2nd PLATINUM STRIDE NZ
3rd CAPTAIN BRAVEHEART

13th August Penrith <47
1st MALAKIE

20th August Penrith <NR47
1st ARMA RENEGADE
2nd OUR ACTION MAN
3rd CAPTAIN BRAVEHEART
4th MARMITTA

27th August Penrith <NR47
1st WATTS UP SUNSHINE
2nd MERRYWOOD LYNN

[Messenger]

Many of Vic's lowest grade races are for 4yos and older

[Showgrounds]

Looking at 6yo Vigoroso who will be going for 4 wins in a row at Kilmore today since coming over from NZ
In NZ he had 73 starts for 3 wins and 7 placings.
Between March 25, 2019 and March 22, 2020 he had 52 starts in 52 weeks (for 2 wins)
He didn't race until he was a 4y0

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=KI300820#KIC30082003

And won again! No doubt in NZ it was really another Cardigan Bay in disguise. Two wins, two seconds and two thirds from 34 starts this season with a best winning mile rate of 2:00.3 racing mainly on faraway South Island tracks. Obviously, trainer Denis O'Connell (51 wins from 879 starters over last 38 years) was keen to dodge the Allstars Stable. He hails from the Dunedin district, I doubt it was huge money being offered that forced his hand to sell.

The horse was cleared to Australia on 12 July and, despite already having 34 starts this season, got straight down to business as a member of the Amanda Turnbull stable.

25 days after leaving NZ the horse won on debut at Echuca in career best mile rate of 1:59.3. It achieved a PB on Victoria's smallest track; something it could not achieve on larger tracks back home. The smallest track it raced on was Forbury Park, Dunedin, at 1000 metres. Next up, Bendigo a month to the day the horse was cleared from NZ and the horse records another 10 metre win in an incredible (in the true meaning of the word) 1:55.3!

Twelve days later the horse steps out at Maryborough and wins by 35 metres! And 6 days later fronts up at Kilmore for another win!

The horse has led in all Australian starts and started at ridiculous odds of $1.04 at its past three. It was $1.40 first up.

While the horse has beaten nothing of substance it is nothing short of a remarkable resurrection from equine obscurity. Dual-state trainer Amanda Turnbull must be a rated a genius not only for this performance but by devising a way to get around border crossing restrictions. But I would honestly love to know how a 74 start plodder could improve so much in so few weeks.

[Messenger]

She sure is on a hot streak
Another NZ import wins the last at Shep tonight

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP010920#SPC01092008

[Messenger]

I wonder why Bruce Edwards Bettor Be Sorry winner at Shep tonight for the Aikens
changed stable after winning his last four and 5/7 for the Stewart stable.
By the way, I am not suggesting any owner discontent as it was just last Wednesday that the Stewart won with Bruce's very exciting 2yo prospect Act Now

[Messenger]

A 2yo albeit a late 2yo, racing and beating open age does not happen that often especially one considered a cert - he paid $1.04

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=EC270820#ECC27082003

He wasn't eligible for the 2yo race as he had won 2 races

Another one with Soho Bolinger (49) too good for the 51-54 class at Ballarat tonight

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA020920#BAC02092002

[Messenger]

I wonder why Bruce Edwards Bettor Be Sorry winner at Shep tonight for the Aikens
changed stable after winning his last four and 5/7 for the Stewart stable.
By the way, I am not suggesting any owner discontent as it was just last Wednesday that the Stewart won with Bruce's very exciting 2yo prospect Act Now

I was thinking his previous start was 3mths ago but it was 15mths ago so I would be guessing the Aiken's have been involved in a bit of rehab

[Messenger]

Somebody risked $5,000 to win a mere $200

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/big-bets-man-oh-man-that-was-a-painless-punt/

Somebody has a problem

[Messenger]

Amanda Turnbull produced another NZer to win at Maryborough today
What would be the price of a horse like Sabreur TeeCee?

[teecee]

In the current environment (I see exported July) not much i'm guessing

[Showgrounds]

Amanda Turnbull produced another NZer to win at Maryborough today
What would be the price of a horse like Sabreur TeeCee?

And Vigoroso made it 5 straight at Bendigo tonight, the last 4 at a crazy $1.04. Either she is a genius, the horse loves Victoria, it had something seriously amiss in all but 3 of 74 starts in NZ, we have superior chaff to NZ or its opposition has been absolute rubbish. More likely, a combination of all with a heavy emphasis on the opposition.

[Messenger]

They knew he didn't have the smoothest of gaits but after his mid race break last night, I think they may be a little concerned
It maybe explains why the Purdon clan would sell him. He has serious ability as his NZ replays show so lets hope he can get it right

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/trots-centre-will-he-be-rewarded-for-decision-to-go-west/

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=TE120920#TEC12092006

[Messenger]

Watched a couple of race replays from the Methven grass meet in NZ today
The R10 trot had a field of 18
The track must be smoother than it looks at the sulky wheels looked smooth as
Methven is in the middle of the South Island.
You can see snow on the alps after they cross the finish

https://youtu.be/qQHiUBGxx7s

[Yabbie]

Watched a couple of race replays from the Methven grass meet in NZ today
The R10 trot had a field of 18
The track must be smoother than it looks at the sulky wheels looked smooth as
Methven is in the middle of the South Island.
You can see snow on the alps after they cross the finish

https://youtu.be/qQHiUBGxx7s

Methane is only used for harness racing. A very good track

[Messenger]

In R2 at Stawell today several drivers were wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for harness man Philip Nott who passed away recently
The Big End OfTown which was owned and bred by him was outsider of the field but in a strange race it was never going to lose

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SW230920#SWC23092006

[Messenger]

Emergencies - how are they determined? Sometimes it is clear from the race conditions or NR but other times not so

Take Melton on Saturday, we have quite a few races with emergencies where I cannot see how the emergency was determined
eg R1, R3, R6, R8, R9

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX171020#MXM17102003

[Messenger]

It has been explained to me that there is no hard & fast rule. Sometimes there is a ballot. Sometimes depends if you are currently nominated for another race in coming week. And i know recently it's been determined based on how many starts you've had recently.
They are trying their best to make sure everyone gets a go.

[Messenger]

Although they managed to re-run Charlton R6 in the R7 timeslot after Austin Misfud was tipped out at the first attempt, I am guessing the rest of the meet may have been abandoned due to the lack of an ambulance

[Mytwobobsworth]

Although they managed to re-run Charlton R6 in the R7 timeslot after Austin Misfud was tipped out at the first attempt, I am guessing the rest of the meet may have been abandoned due to the lack of an ambulance

Another fall in the next.

[Messenger]

Ouch - I hope all are well

[Messenger]

The very first post in the first Odds and Ends thread started back in 2014 was about Mister Wickham

http://www.harnessracingforum.com/showthread.php?7400-ODDS-AND-ENDS-not-worth-a-thread-but-worth-a-post&highlight=Wickham

I am not a punter but I had $5 on him last start and never even thought about it tonight :(

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX231020#MXM23102001

ps It wasn't one of Dan's best calls (winner hit front 100m out) but that is alright Dan, you don't have to make excuses and excuses - we appreciate how hard it is

[gutwagon]

I had $10 the place on Mister Wickham last night ! His last few runs had been better than they looked on paper but I was not expecting him to win !

To be fair to Dan at one stage in the home straight there were about 10 horses spread across the track with very little between them.

[Messenger]

Matthew Craven has gone from Ecklin South (south of Terang) to Cranbourne for 1 horse and being in R1 he would have struck whatever traffic Covid Melbourne can throw at you.
We have to be looking at 7hrs of driving return and he then had whatever could go wrong in the race - go wrong
Crazy stuff

[aussiebreno]

Matthew Craven has gone from Ecklin South (south of Terang) to Cranbourne for 1 horse and being in R1 he would have struck whatever traffic Covid Melbourne can throw at you.
We have to be looking at 7hrs of driving return and he then had whatever could go wrong in the race - go wrong
Crazy stuff

Lucky he didn't have to there 4 hours early then with this horse !!!

[Messenger]

Chris Lang had a 7yo mare (8yo once upon a time) debut and win in the first at Shep tonight

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP301020#SPC30102005

[Messenger]

Anybody know why ClassicFamilies site is down?

[Messenger]

Something felt wrong about R5 at Melton tonight (I don't mean wrong in an underhand way), I don't know whether I was just surprised to see the stablemate put the sword to the long odds on fav or whether it was David Moran's timing or over estimation of Sirletic thus giving the winner the chance to have last crack

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX311020#MXM31102002

[Messenger]

Anybody know why ClassicFamilies site is down?

From John Peck. The server which hosts ClassicFamilies website (and others) has been attacked by bots trying to steal their info
so they have shut down until Tuesday

[Messenger]

Looking at the Mildura fields for tomorrow night, I just now noticed that Bernie Winkle has gone back to Julie Douglas
Geoff Lucas had him for 13 starts for 11 wins and 2 seconds and got the sack ;)

[Messenger]

Starting a new Odds and Ends thread as the trouble with 70 page threads is that it makes it bloody hard to find previous posts you are looking for

No I won't

For after all these years I have taken the time to read things properly and found that it is manageable

Let's say I do a search for 'Patronus Star' using the Search box that you see on the blue menu bar at the top right of every page
It finds this thread and another large thread for him
Until tonight I might have thought it will take me forever to find the post I am looking for in such large threads
But no - I click on the thread and use SEARCH THREAD on the grey menu bar at the top of the page and type in his name again and it lists the exact posts that he was mentioned in for me to simply click on and read

[aussiebreno]

Starting a new Odds and Ends thread as the trouble with 70 page threads is that it makes it bloody hard to find previous posts you are looking for

No I won't

For after all these years I have taken the time to read things properly and found that it is manageable

Let's say I do a search for 'Patronus Star' using the Search box that you see at the top right of every page
It finds this thread and another large thread for him
Until tonight I might have thought it will take me forever to find the post I am looking for in such large threads
But no - I click on the thread and use SEARCH THREAD on the grey menu bar at the top of the page and type in his name again and it lists the exact posts that he was mentioned in for me to simply click on and read

Also when you don't know the thread just go to google and type 'site:www.harnessracingoforum.com Patronus Star' and it will open to the right page of the thread. Although sometimes for this site it opens to an archived version of the thread which is annoying.

[Messenger]

I hadn't noticed before that Mildura still have an inner fence inside the poles (a tell that I don't watch a lot of Mildura)
I wonder why - what with safety considerations. I must pay more attention and see if it is the case anywhere else

[aussiebreno]

I hadn't noticed before that Mildura still have an inner fence inside the poles (a tell that I don't watch a lot of Mildura)
I wonder why - what with safety considerations. I must pay more attention and see if it is the case anywhere else

Most tracks in the Riverina are like this.

[Adaptor]

I hadn't noticed before that Mildura still have an inner fence inside the poles (a tell that I don't watch a lot of Mildura)
I wonder why - what with safety considerations. I must pay more attention and see if it is the case anywhere else

My suggestion is that this is to ensure that wayward horses don't damage the sporting facilities...football/cricket ovals inside the fence, although Boort, Charlton , Wedderburn and St Arnaud have North Central League football ovals inside their tracks..with no fence.

You can see the Mildura situation here:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mildura+VIC+3500/@-34.1964263,142.1650161,801m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x6ac30469ecf799c3:0x50579 a430a0d4f0!8m2!3d-34.2080167!4d142.1245535

[Messenger]

Inner fences must make it harder for Clerks of the Course to cover the track when assistance is required during a race
But my initial surprise that they still exist is of course due to the chance of an errant horse making contact with them

[Messenger]

From John Peck. The server which hosts ClassicFamilies website (and others) has been attacked by bots trying to steal their info
so they have shut down until Tuesday

An Update from John Peck. This attack is proving a bigger problem than anticipated - obviously ClassicFamilies will not be available until solved

[Messenger]

Just looking at Saturday night's results at Menangle
Craig Cross had 15 starters but only contested 3 races.
He had 9 of the 10 runners in R3
In the end 1 winner from 15 starters

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC311020

[Messenger]

Did something happen before Melton R1? I notice the races have all been put back one and that there were a couple of late scratchings (today was my one day of the year in the garden and missed it :D)

[Messenger]

What is going on in NSW - it is resembling Tassie. Craig Cross has 8 of the 10 runners in the Gp3 this time

:confused::confused::confused:

(This race was pushed back one too - so whatever pushed backed Melton seems widespread - TAB?)

[Messenger]

An Update from John Peck. This attack is proving a bigger problem than anticipated - obviously ClassicFamilies will not be available until solved

Is ClassicFamilies still down?
I am away from home and don't know whether the Prvacy Error message I am getting is still the problem or just the fact I am on my tablet

[Showgrounds]

Is ClassicFamilies still down?
I am away from home and don't know whether the Prvacy Error message I am getting is still the problem or just the fact I am on my tablet

Appears to be still down.

[Messenger]

Anybody know what is happening at Geelong?
They keep putting back R2

[Showgrounds]

Anybody know what is happening at Geelong?
They keep putting back R2

Weather Radar indicates a storm going through.

[Messenger]

Thanks Trevor, I had checked their rainfall but not the radar

[Messenger]

Oh how some owners would love such luck - in his 18th start Mach Dan has drawn the 2nd row for the first time at Melton tonight

[Messenger]

I'm not really a fan of $4,500 races but if we have to have them, aren't the horses going around in the last at Bendigo tonight supposed to be the ones that are racing in them?

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN171120#BNC17112005

[Messenger]

Amazing what necessity can produce. TAB is closing down at 11pm (they still have problems)
So with a 12 race program Mildura just ran their first 4 races in a bit over an hour

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML191120

[Messenger]

On the TAB, if you are looking for the Fixed Odds for Saturdays Crown finals, don't be fooled like me
The TAB have Melton listed twice for tomorrow!
The first listing only has FO for R1 and R10
BUT if you look below Menangle you will see Melton listed again
with the FO for races 2-9

[Messenger]

A couple of times lately I have heard commentators refer to a John Yeomans story on " xxxxxxxxxx " website.
Can anybody point me in the right direction?

[Yabbie]

A couple of times lately I have heard commentators refer to a John Yeomans story on " xxxxxxxxxx " website.
Can anybody point me in the right direction?

It’s the new Victorian Harness Racing Club website. www.vhrc.org.au

We will be featuring loads of interviews etc. There is also a direct link to trots vision and all RSN radio podcasts

Site to be officially launched shortly but access is now available

Hope you like it. Constructive comments accepted but remember it is a work in progress (eg I don’t think links to country clubs are working yet). Enjoy

[Messenger]

Thanks Carol, I thought it was you guys but when I searched I got the old site
http://www.vhrsc.com.au/
It didn't look too shabby as a homepage (I thought it was the new one) but I couldn't find the JY story

[Yabbie]

Thanks Carol, I thought it was you guys but when I searched I got the old site
http://www.vhrsc.com.au/
It didn't look too shabby as a homepage (I thought it was the new one) but I couldn't find the JY story



VHRC.ORG.AU, not VHRC.com.au = the search is bringing up the incorrect site.
The new site is totally different and the interview is available at the top of the home page or under the media tab


https://vhrc.org.au/


try this link

[Messenger]

Thanks Carol, I had already been to it and watched the interview.
I know the corner on which you find Homestead Farm very well, I had always thought that it had been the Rothacker farm but now discover that it was a little further up the road (and now a massive housing estate)

[gutwagon]

Re TAB problem, I hear it was a fire in Sydney somewhere that shut down the tab ! Disappointing that that could shut down the Vic TAB.
The are talking about merging it all into one site so just one tote dividend/pool over the whole country, wonder if that will mean more outages ?

[Messenger]

I read in The Age a suggestion that the TAB outage may not have been so long if many of their workers weren't still reeling after being told that they had to reapply for their jobs (just a couple of days before the outage)

[Messenger]

I'm not really a fan of $4,500 races but if we have to have them, aren't the horses going around in the last at Bendigo tonight supposed to be the ones that are racing in them?

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN171120#BNC17112005

R1 at Cobram was another example today. Falling Shards 2nd was her 4th placing (no wins) in 57 starts. They rated 2.04.5 and never broke 30 for any Q

[Messenger]

If you rule out owners who don't really want to sell their horse or the possibility that there will be plenty more rich claiming races coming up (I don't that this is so)
Then there are some ridiculous prices on some of the horses in Saturday's Claimer ($50k :eek:)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX281120#MXM28112006

[aussiebreno]

If you rule out owners who don't really want to sell their horse or the possibility that there will be plenty more rich claiming races coming up (I don't that this is so)
Then there are some ridiculous prices on some of the horses in Saturday's Claimer ($50k :eek:)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX281120#MXM28112006
Loorim Creek (probably the worst of all of the high priced.ones) and Somewhere Secret both won over $50K this season and could.continue to do so winning multiple Metro races under this rating system or the Menangle way of drawing fields. Ample Power was probably the best M1 in the country when he finally cracked his M1 last start and on his form back then would have turns taking wins still in sub par FFA fields that we see throughout the year. Crimson Prince should win more races and become a 100 rater.

Star of Memphis the only one materially overpriced but you can see why given he won a couple FFAs 12 months ago. Would only need to recapture that form.

The only thing I'd be worried about it is if you could improve these horses off those trainers or even kwep at same level.

[Messenger]

Fair points Brendan. We will have to come back and have a look in a years time :)

[aussiebreno]

No claims but I feel that could be as much to do with the trainers as the price tag.

Interestingly the one I said was possibly overpriced started favourite but was gone at the 800m. A reason may be forthcoming for its performance though.

[gutwagon]

I've noticed lately that more horses are receiving assistance from the clerk of the course during the circling before the start. Some are fired up and are being restrained and calmed others need turning around and lead ups towards the moving mobile.
Personally I don't think they should be assisting with issues related to the manners or poor behavior of a horse. What if more than 2 horses require this help, how do they decide who to help ? These horses should miss the score up and be tailed off at the start, the trainers and drivers should be fined or horses sent back to trials. If the horse is poorly educated it should not be helped by the clerk of the course, it should be stood down.
Horses and drivers need to get to the mobile without any outside help , clerk of the course should only assist with gear changes, broken gear , adjustments and driver less horses.

[Messenger]

It would be all about the 'betting' product (and why your suggestion although valid will not be enacted Rick)
I would guess that if there were more than 2 needing assistance they would call off the start

[gutwagon]

In my opinion they are assisting the horses performance . It's the difference between a horse missing the score up and being 50m behind the mobile or being in its correct position . I've been watching harness racing for 40 years and this seems to have only just started happening . It seems that many poorly behaved horses are qualifying to race when they shouldn't. Could be due to the lack of racing stock around. I hope it doesn't lead to more serious accidents in races.
Personally I think the safety of drivers and horses is more important than the betting image .

[Messenger]

Would you really want your child aspiring to a career in harness racing?
A golfer, a tennis player, football - maybe, but harness?

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/jazzy-and-sam-selected-for-pony-trots-scholarships/

[Messenger]

Does anybody know why Noel Alexander (and Jayne Davies) transferred Krafty Bart to Emma Stewart?
I noticed it for the Vicbred heats but it was not until he won today that I noticed Noel is the owner

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN241220#BNC24122003