2017 Interdominion

[Fan of Jate]

Let the games begin

http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=34399

[KTQ]

Gareth Hall reports that Hector Jay Jay has broken down and is out :( What a friggin shame


http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=34658

[Messenger]

First rankings

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Inter-Dominion-first-ranking-released

Mark Purdon at 1,4,9 & 16

[aussiebreno]

Only 38 acceptances. There must be some danger the heats wont be full fields.

[Messenger]

We are down to 43 in the latest rankings

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=35170

[aussiebreno]

Soho Tribecca into 2nd favourite. On his recent runs I have him 2nd pick for the series behind Lazarus and just ahead of Chicago Bull, but it surprises the market as a whole has Soho in front of Lenny.

[Messenger]

3 of the top ranked 29 scratched

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Stars-scratched-from-Inter-Dominion-series

[Messenger]

Unfortunately only 28 final acceptors

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=35421

[aussiebreno]

Fields out for Round 1 heats and the first heat looks the best on paper.

Soho Tribeca drawn 2 V Lazarus in 9. With Devendra and Run Oneover drawn 1 and 4 respectively I wouldn't think the early lead is there for Soho but I would imagine if he went knocking those two would hand up. If Lazarus puts in a dominant performance here he would have to tighten in to even money for the series.

Heat 2 and Lenny is drawn to lead and win. Tiger Tara I would suspect to go to the chair and give a sight but I wouldn't expect him to seriously challenge the way the draws have panned out.

Heat 3 and Chicago Bull has drawn to lead and win. Interesting to see how San Carlo measures up.

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GP241117

[KTQ]

800

This form comment on Lenny The Shark. #WorkExperienceKid

[Messenger]

This is WA's Big event - unprofessional work like that should never happen

If you are having trouble reading Katie's post, it reads

Not produced in trials and market may be best guide

http://www.harness.org.au/form.cfm?mc=GP241117&rc=GPM24111757

ps He trains from Avenel not Menangle

[KTQ]

This is WA's Big event - unprofessional work like that should never happen

If you are having trouble reading Katie's post, it reads

Not produced in trials and market may be best guide

http://www.harness.org.au/form.cfm?mc=GP241117&rc=GPM24111757

ps He trains from Avenel not Menangle

I keep laughing out loud at how ridiculous it is. Even Tiger Tara (and Lazarus) is hilarious - "Makes WA debut here for visiting trainer Kevin Pizzuto." No sh*t Sherlock.

The form guide hasn't been finalised yet and it's completely unprofessional that it is not finalised this close to the biggest race in the southern hemisphere for Pacers. Are the form guides automatically populated in the interim between fields being released and final form guides going out?

[aussiebreno]

It looks like the comments that used to go in the paper years ago (they probably still do - I just don't get the paper) that were done by the AAP (Australia Associated Press).
The AAP form comment was done by some young journalist student who probably knew nothing about racing. They would record the basic data after a race (eg beaten 2m 5th 2.01) with a basic comment eg ran home late. The comments were then able to be reproduced for the next start.
Could even be a computer generating the comments these day.

[Fan of Jate]

WA never does an analysis of the horses racing on the HRA website in the format as done by Vic and NSW. It uses the form guide style of analysis and selecting the winners, which they have done for years It is quite basic but I suppose in some ways effective. What you guys are referring to is the "cut and paste" method they use such as"not produced in trials" which is a bit ordinary. This information is then used in other publications such as the herald sun in the Friday racing roundup. I know they do quite a bit of video type form guide with trainers and drivers and the chief WA writer does his summary in various print and online as well. Wayne Currall also did an article yesterday in the WA HRA section in which he described lenny as in "red hot form"

[KTQ]

Fixed Odds out for all races on Inters Opening Night:
https://www.tabtouch.mobi/#fobracing/fff/trots/1062716/2017-11-24?selectiondate=2017-11-22

Wish I could bet on Tabtouch from over here in Canada. The TabNZ site is awful

[Showgrounds]

The form guide and comments for Gloucester Park has been updated since this afternoon. Take the 4YO Classic. Ultimate Machete (barrier 1) appears to have had 3 starts since this arvo and won some hick race called the New Zealand Free For All last Friday.

All very good but they still pick Rocknroll Legend (barrier 3) to win. His form is OK, but 24 starts, 6 wins, 5 seconds and 3 thirds for $49,159 doesn't stack up on paper against Ultimate Machete's 21-9-6-4 and $573,827. And rated a handy(!!!!) 1:51.9 from the death last Friday.

Good thing nobody puts their name to to the selections because, in these litigious times, they might be sued for misleading the public. Does nothing to put the sport in a positive light.

[arlington]

Will the bookies give the punters a little treat and let Lazarus' price out a touch after that? Doubt it.

Ameretto and Kezz, all those Stawell wins behind Kezz.

[Messenger]

As much as I love small track atmosphere - when it comes to sprint distances tracks like GP make drawing well essential

[Messenger]

Ultimate Machete ran the fastest time of the night in the 4yo Classic.
Interesting to note the prizemoney distribution - the winner takes $80k of the $125k

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GP241117#GPM24111750

[Fan of Jate]

I think the prizemoney allocation is reasonable- most winners get about 60-65%, the exception at GP is the interdom heats where the winner gets about 51%. I think those interdom heat winners should get a few grand more for sure.

[Fan of Jate]

Ultimate machette should have run time time, he just won $150,000 in FFA company in NZ at his last start.

Total bullshit that an international horse can come over here after that type of win against FFA horses and then draw 1 in a 4 yo group 1 race in WA and win by 10m. I dont care if Australians or Biafrans own the horse. The quicker officials bring in a qualification rule i.e 5 starts in the state or domiciled for 3 months before being allowed to enter Group 1/2 races the better. The only exception to be the Interdominion. Then watch the squealing go on.

[Messenger]

Teecee brought it up before he arrived Pat (see below)

http://www.harnessracingforum.com/showthread.php?8745-Handicapping-Farce/page3

I don't know that putting an end to international racing is necessarily the way to go

I have made it clear in the past that I don't like seeing all the money going to NZ but what if Tiger Tara had won the NZ Cup

[aussiebreno]

ultimate machette should have run time time, he just won $150,000 in ffa company in nz at his last start.

Total bullshit that an international horse can come over here after that type of win against ffa horses and then draw 1 in a 4 yo group 1 race in wa and win by 10m. I dont care if australians or biafrans own the horse. The quicker officials bring in a qualification rule i.e 5 starts in the state or domiciled for 3 months before being allowed to enter group 1/2 races the better. The only exception to be the interdominion. Then watch the squealing go on.
lol.

[arlington]

Ultimate machette should have run time time, he just won $150,000 in FFA company in NZ at his last start.

Total bullshit that an international horse can come over here after that type of win against FFA horses and then draw 1 in a 4 yo group 1 race in WA and win by 10m. I dont care if Australians or Biafrans own the horse. The quicker officials bring in a qualification rule i.e 5 starts in the state or domiciled for 3 months before being allowed to enter Group 1/2 races the better. The only exception to be the Interdominion. Then watch the squealing go on.


I see Breno's post was edited, anyway, really Pat?! Really...the Golden Nugget as well? Add the Chariots :(
Maybe some sort of PBD for the first two Perth races, still entice the top class 4 yo's with the RBD Nugget, but there would come a year the locals would be squealing.

[teecee]

Isn't the concept of group racing to pit the best against the best? Always has been for as long as I can remember in all spheres of racing.
Austalian, and for that matter Nth American or European have always been welcome to compete in Group events down under.
NZ even sets aside a space in each heat of the JEWELS specifically for and Austalian entry. WE want to see your best and our best competing at that elite level.

Also as an aside..
It is the intention of NZ clubs and HRNZ to bring back a Trotters ID championship. Afterall the official title of the Interdoms was and still is..."Interdominion PACING AND TROTTING Championship".
They will be at Group level and all will be welcome.

[Showgrounds]

Just to cheer you up a bit, Pat, the FFA won by Ultimate Machete was the $234K (NZ) New Zealan Free For All. It was probably one of the weakest in recent memory, partly by the decision to run the Inter Dominion heat 7 days later 6,000 kms away. And a lot of the "good" NZ horses are no longer in NZ.

In the 4YO Classic 7 of the 12 runners were either NZ bred, raced or owned. And, despite your rant, 16 of the 28 Inter heat contenders were either NZ bred, raced or owned. What a great series it would be running 3 rounds of heats with just the remaining 12!

Save your best rant for later in the season Pat, because a horse the equal (I reckon better) than Ultimate Machete will be in the eastern states to dominate the big 4yo races. And, like Ultimate Machete, he will be a 4yo racing in 4yo races! Outrageous!

[Showgrounds]

I see Breno's post was edited, anyway, really Pat?! Really...the Golden Nugget as well? Add the Chariots :(
Maybe some sort of PBD for the first two Perth races, still entice the top class 4 yo's with the RBD Nugget, but there would come a year the locals would be squealing.

And squeal they will!

[Showgrounds]

Perhaps Donald Trump might build a wall at Eucla?

[Fan of Jate]

Yes, it was a rant for sure and we do want to see the best against the best but for mind in that race it wasn't the case. Prizemoney won should come into the equation here and I think I have bought that up before. We talk about odds on favourites in harness racing and no wonder this horse started as red hot favourite. There is no possible chance any other horse could have won that race. The international horses in harness cannot be compared to gallops either as seen by an outsider winning the Melbourne cup this year. Can you imagine a horse from Ireland coming over and starting at $1.20 race favourite in the melbourne cup? I dont think they would let it happen. Definitely not an even playing field.

Tiger Tara has only been over here 12 months probably less, so has it been adopted already?

One of the obvious answers to the issue you raised Trevor that if international horses did not race then the race would fall over, is that the spots would be filled immediately by local horses. There would never be a small field or non existent race just because international horses were not represented.

[Showgrounds]

"the spots would be filled immediately by local horses. There would never be a small field or non existent race just because international horses were not represented"

Really, Pat? There were 28 final acceptances for the series. Where were the "local" horses? WA racing would fall over without NZ-bred horses, do the maths.

No good coming out now wanting to turn a FFA series into PBD's. Do the same with the 4yo Classic and it would soon lose its sheen. Of course, this would suit the parochial fans but I fear we would soon be running the ID at Broken Hill or somewhere as non-descript because the sport would shrivel on the vine.

[Mighty Atom]

Perhaps Donald Trump might build a wall at Eucla?

I was thinking along the lines of extending and elevating the rabbit-proof fence and electrify with 66,000 volts to keep the eastern hordes out.

[aussiebreno]

I was thinking along the lines of extending and elevating the rabbit-proof fence and electrify with 66,000 volts to keep the eastern hordes out.

Which leaves the WA industry where? 66 horses with NZ suffix raced (or emergency) for racing Friday night. Only 11 of those were temporary for the big races. 55 with NZ suffix are WA trained!

115 total raced (or emergy). Less 20 visitors = 95 total WA trained horses.

55/95 WA trained horses with NZ suffix.

[Showgrounds]

Which leaves the WA industry where? 66 horses with NZ suffix raced (or emergency) for racing Friday night. Only 11 of those were temporary for the big races. 55 with NZ suffix are WA trained!

115 total raced (or emergy). Less 20 visitors = 95 total WA trained horses.

55/95 WA trained horses with NZ suffix.

58% of the starters on opening night of an Inter Dominion Championship were bred about 6,000 kms away from Gloucester Park. On the other hand, last year's "NZ" Inter winner was Wangaratta-bred.

The horse I believe to be the best currently in NZ (while Lazarus is in WA) is NSW bred.

[Messenger]

Twilight heats tonight

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=FV281117

East coast workers can watch them and still be in bed by 10pm :)

[Messenger]

I am glad I heard Sky1 mention the exclusive Inter coverage on Sky2 after the 2nd heat.
I cannot find any mention of it anywhere - even on the WA site
Did they do this for the first round of heats last week?

[Messenger]

The extended coverage gives you a look at the crowd (outside at least) - it looks pretty average, Tuesday twilight or not.

ps Can't we ban horse nose strips - as if we need more gear on harness horses

[Messenger]

Tiger Tara has taken 1.5 secs off the Tk Rec and Lazarus has gone super
With the 2 WA hopes looking good, we just need them all to hold it together for 2 more races for what shapes to be a fantastic final

[Fan of Jate]

Tiger tara went brilliantly and may be capable of an upset in the final if it gets a draw. Been performing very well at the top level for some time now. The buy of the century for the Pizzuto clan.

[Danno]

Mark Purdon is quietly playing them all off a break, he hasn't asked any more of Lazarus than absolutely necessary so far and will have the horse 110% on final night. Only bad luck will beat him in the final and i haven't seen him in the heats.

[Yabbie]

I am glad I heard Sky1 mention the exclusive Inter coverage on Sky2 after the 2nd heat.
I cannot find any mention of it anywhere - even on the WA site
Did they do this for the first round of heats last week?






No, it was because there wasn't much international racing till later in the night and the heats were scheduled earlier than last Friday - you may have noticed that after the third heat last night, all the international gallops meetings started. Shame they did not advertise the all night coverage earlier - I only happened on it on twitter as I was leaving work at 6.30pm Melb time. I would not expect to see it for the final heats on Friday nor for the final. It was fantastic coverage though - see what they can do when they try and give our sport the coverage it deserves and needs :)

[arlington]

Does anyone know what the Soho Tribeca adjourned inquiry is about?
http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=FV281117#FVM28111724

[Fan of Jate]

Mark Purdon is quietly playing them all off a break, he hasn't asked any more of Lazarus than absolutely necessary so far and will have the horse 110% on final night. Only bad luck will beat him in the final and i haven't seen him in the heats.

A big call Danno. Lazarus has been a beaten favourite both times. The difference in prizemoney is $54k by running 2nd instead of first. I am not sure any trainer or owner would play that game. He may get a better draw in the final but the race distance is longer. The big guns have all qualified so no major shocks. I will wait until the draw and then pick one out, it is a close call at this stage.

[Fan of Jate]

Correction...Lazarus was second favourite in the first heat. Beaten 11m by Soho Tribeca.

[arlington]

A big call Danno. Lazarus has been a beaten favourite both times. The difference in prizemoney is $54k by running 2nd instead of first. I am not sure any trainer or owner would play that game. He may get a better draw in the final but the race distance is longer. The big guns have all qualified so no major shocks. I will wait until the draw and then pick one out, it is a close call at this stage.

Agree Pat, M P has expressed a little concern Lazarus has done more work than hoped in the first two rounds, without being able to win.
The heats have certainly shown it's all about the draw in the final.

[arlington]

For the Vics, just heard San Carlo, has drawn 1 in his heat.

[aussiebreno]

Draw not as crucial for Lazarus in the final. Easier to make up 20m over 2900m than it is over 2100m. Sectionals much more likely to suit Lazarus in a 2900m race. Lacks a tad bit of zip as evidence Waikiki Beach taking ground off him Miracle Mile and unable to catch Lenny. Can run all day as evidence NZ Cups and Vic Cup. Over 2900m Kim Prentice can't run the deadly middle sectionals to put Lazarus out of the race - Prentice needs to leave a bit more in the tank for Soho that in turn puts Lazarus in the race. Tiger Tara not going to go a 26.2 final quarter in the 2900m final. Lazarus still a deserved favourite.

[arlington]

Junior giving Mark a hip and shoulder somewhere :D

[teecee]

https://www.hrnz.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/6147-interdoms-purdon-on-round-2

https://www.hrnz.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/6154-lazarus-still-inter-dom-favourite

[teecee]

Fields for Round 3

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GP011217#GPM01121715

[arlington]

Lazarus due for a draw in the final.

Heat 7 Barrier Draw:
1 CHICAGO BULL NZ (WA)
2 MAJORDAN (NSW)
3 CODE BLACK NZ (NSW)
4 LETS CHASE THE DREAM NZ (WA)
5 SHANDALE NZ (WA)
6 TIGER TARA NZ (NSW)
7 MOTU PREMIER NZ (WA)
8 OUR JIMMY JOHNSTONE NZ (WA)
9 THE BUCKET LIST NZ (WA)

Heat 8 Barrier Draw:
1 SAN CARLO (VIC)
2 SIMPLY SUSATIONAL NZ (WA)
3 DEVENDRA (TAS)
4 CUT FOR AN ACE (WA)
5 AMERICANBOOTSCOOTA (WA)
6 MAJOR CROCKER (VIC)
7 LENNYTHESHARK (VIC)
8 MR MOJITO NZ (VIC)
9 SOHO TRIBECA (WA)

Heat 9:
1 EGODAN (NSW)
2 GALACTIC STAR NZ (NSW)
3 OHOKA PUNTER NZ (WA)
4 TANAKA EAGLE (WA)
5 VULTAN TIN (WA)
6 JAMBIANI (WA)
7 LAZARUS NZ (NZ)
8 YAYAS HOT SPOT NZ (NSW)
9 HAVE FAITH IN ME NZ (NZ))

[Messenger]

Still sweating on that link to provide fields for heats 8 & 9
Cannot find them on the WA or Inter sites either (I don't find either of them to be current enough)

EDIT Teecee's fields link now has them all

[Messenger]

Lazarus gets easiest heat

[Danno]

A big call Danno. Lazarus has been a beaten favourite both times. The difference in prizemoney is $54k by running 2nd instead of first. I am not sure any trainer or owner would play that game. He may get a better draw in the final but the race distance is longer. The big guns have all qualified so no major shocks. I will wait until the draw and then pick one out, it is a close call at this stage.

Agree Pat, M P has expressed a little concern Lazarus has done more work than hoped in the first two rounds, without being able to win.
The heats have certainly shown it's all about the draw in the final.

Not going to repeat myself lads, but I will have to say I told you so after it's all over........

[Fan of Jate]

$10 for Lenny is good money in the final, especially if it was just a one off finishing third at Bunbury. A bit early to write him off, he is probably the most proven topline horse at the Inters, he has gate speed and stamina. Be a worry though if he cant run San Carlo down on Friday night.

[Messenger]

$10 for Lenny is good money in the final, especially if it was just a one off finishing third at Bunbury. A bit early to write him off, he is probably the most proven topline horse at the Inters, he has gate speed and stamina. Be a worry though if he cant run San Carlo down on Friday night.

I know Lenny is just an 8yo and many standardbreds peak around this age but I would not be surprised if Lenny feels it a bit more nowadays. Fresh he looked fantastic but I wonder whether that is the go with him now - the next start may tell us. 3 races in 8 days is no easy task at this level. I reckon he will appreciate the week to the final if he can get an easy run on Friday but it is a case of the old star v the new stars

[aussiebreno]

I know Lenny is just an 8yo and many standardbreds peak around this age but I would not be surprised if Lenny feels it a bit more nowadays. Fresh he looked fantastic but I wonder whether that is the go with him now - the next start may tell us. 3 races in 8 days is no easy task at this level. I reckon he will appreciate the week to the final if he can get an easy run on Friday but it is a case of the old star v the new stars
Lenny may struggle with the back up but the reality is his best is still just as good as he ever been.
4x big wins in Open age career.
-WA Interdom was a FFA
-Last season Vic Cup and Miracle Mile extra 10metres Smolda beats him
-Vic Cup drawn 1 in a walkover

His biggest 2-3 have come in past 6-12 months so certainly not past it. He has had wins where there has been 1x Grand Circuit star in the field but the only time he has won a race with multiple grand circuit stars in the field was the Miracle Mile and Smolda nearly had him and a mile suits Lenny but isnt Lazarus go.

His record sees him being beaten by Beautide, Christen Me, Smolda, Hectorjayjay in years the Grand Circuit has been thinner, but now with 3 absolute top liner 5yos suring up the Grand Circuit ranks Lenny may be as good as ever, but it wont be good enough.

[Fan of Jate]

You may be on the money Kev, a few good ones coming through now and will test him. He often gets underestimated though, Soho Tribeca is trading in unknown waters and I cant see him winning if he draws a back row. Despite the Lazarus admirers he has not won a heat yet so he cant be going at his best and yet is still favourite for the final. Not convinced Tiger tara can keep backing up either but he is certainly flying at the minute. So that leaves the Bull and the only query on him is not having raced in Group 1's against the very best, but this is his home track and he can break track records to win. It is Lenny or Chicago Bull for me.

[teecee]

https://www.hrnz.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/6157-interdoms-tougher-than-he-imagined

[Messenger]

https://www.hrnz.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/6157-interdoms-tougher-than-he-imagined

I love this

Meanwhile, Alexandra Park hold rare back to back meetings tonight and tomorrow night to accommodate their huge pre-Christmas bookings

You would love to have this 'problem' all around Australia

[Messenger]

It is Friday so the workers on the East coast can stay up late :D
Heat 7 : 9.54pm AEDT
Heat 9 : Midnight AEDT

[Fan of Jate]

I love this

Meanwhile, Alexandra Park hold rare back to back meetings tonight and tomorrow night to accommodate their huge pre-Christmas bookings

You would love to have this 'problem' all around Australia

The kiwis have this down to an art form

[arlington]

For the Vics, just heard San Carlo, has drawn 1 in his heat.

Big congrats to the San Carlo team, through to the final. Bec Bartley joins a fairly exclusive club, I D heat winning driver and finalist. http://www.harnessracingforum.com/images/icons/icon14.png

[Messenger]

As highlighted in tonight's coverage - the draw is all important as Galactic Star is the only horse to win a heat without leading

[arlington]

Chris Lewis and Have Faith In Me, the renewed kids on the block.

[KTQ]

Have faith in me is being sold to the US
. Runoneover had been sold to the US

[aussiebreno]

Every final quarter has been low 27s or 26s. The exception Lazarus 27.9. Shock horror draw didn't matter because he drew wide and then worked to the lead.
Last year the Inter final final quarter was 28.4. Consolation 29. Heats compared to 2900m finals are most likely different run races. Last year heat results remarkably like this year 7 leaders and a death won heats, plus Bling from the 1-1 mostly in low 27 final quarters.

Leader and death horse last years final did an Egodan/Yayas. Quinella came from back in the field.

So many different scenarios the way the race could be run, including many possible scenarios where a wide draw wins, that this infatuation with saying "the draw will be crucial' just seems like such a simplistic view to me. If one of the big guns does draw gate 1 and leads its not like he is going to be left alone for 2900m.

[arlington]

Hoping for a war with margins of a hd x hd, looking at the draw another way, I'm thinking the other big guns might be thinking it's crucial Lazarus doesn't draw 1. If he was to get the lead easy the other's are going to completely forget about the $160000+ 2nd place just to bring Lazarus undone? Only a simplistic thought.

[Fan of Jate]

that this infatuation with saying "the draw will be crucial' just seems like such a simplistic view to me

Firstly you need to check the meaning of the word infatuation and also the context in which it is used. I've just read at least 6-7 articles this morning from respected writers /trainers on the interdominion and not one of them mentioned the barrier draw. The barrier draw has been mentioned by a few posters in this form and backed up with a commentary on why.

[Fan of Jate]

Big congrats to the San Carlo team,

Great run by San Carlo in probably the strongest heat, proved the value of drawing 1 if you are tough enough. Wonder what odds he will be in the final? Great story about a horse who didnt commence racing until he was 5.

[aussiebreno]

Firstly you need to check the meaning of the word infatuation and also the context in which it is used. I've just read at least 6-7 articles this morning from respected writers /trainers on the interdominion and not one of them mentioned the barrier draw. The barrier draw has been mentioned by a few posters in this form and backed up with a commentary on why.
Enlighten me.

[arlington]

(1) Tiger Tara (NSW)
(2) Lazarus (New Zealand)
(3) Vultan Tin (WA)
(4) Soho Tribeca (WA)
(5) Galactic Star (NSW)
(6) Lennytheshark (VIC)
(7) San Carlo (VIC)
(8) Shandale (WA)
(9) Have Faith In Me (New Zealand)
(10) Chicago Bull (WA)
Emergency 1 - Ohoka Punter (WA)
Emergency 2 - Devendra (TAS)
Emergency 3 - Major Croker (VIC)
Emergency 4 - The Bucket List (WA)

[aussiebreno]

Lazarus wins unless someone cruels their own chances.

I wouldn't imagine anything crossing Tiger at the start. More chance of Tiger galloping than being crossed.

Which leaves these scenarios:

Probable: Tiger leads and hands up to Lazarus. Lazarus wins unless Tribeca or something comes on suicide mission.
Highly probable: Tiger leads and parks Lazarus. Lazarus wins unless Purdon is overzealous in wanting the lead or Tribeca or something comes on suicide mission.
Possible: Tiger leads. Lazarus crossed at start. Lazarus works to death and wins unless Tribeca or something on suicide mission.
Unlikely: Tiger leads. Lazarus crossed at start. Purdon stays in running line. Opens the race up a little bit. Tigers to lose.

Can't see anyone going on a suicide mission or Purdon putting in a bad drive so Lazarus just wins. Only way he could get beat on merit is if everything goes right for the Bull and he can outsprint him late - but even if everything did go right Lazarus probably still too good.

I'll change my top picks slightly from page 1 of this thread to include Tiger as a place chance.

$2.10 Lazarus looks juicy. $5.50 Tribeca a bit skinny. Probably couldn't take the $4 Tiger either. Probably won't place but Have Faith In Me must be a touch overs $5 solely on last weeks run - last 12-18 months been ordinary.

[Messenger]

Enlighten me.

I think you will find that Pat already has Brendan when he said 'backed up with a commentary on why'
Infatuation generally refers to 'unreasoned' passion

ps I like your scenarios exploration in post 88

[Messenger]

Lazarus wins unless someone cruels their own chances.

I wouldn't imagine anything crossing Tiger at the start. More chance of Tiger galloping than being crossed.

Which leaves these scenarios:

Probable: Tiger leads and hands up to Lazarus. Lazarus wins unless Tribeca or something comes on suicide mission.
Highly probable: Tiger leads and parks Lazarus. Lazarus wins unless Purdon is overzealous in wanting the lead or Tribeca or something comes on suicide mission.
Possible: Tiger leads. Lazarus crossed at start. Lazarus works to death and wins unless Tribeca or something on suicide mission.
Unlikely: Tiger leads. Lazarus crossed at start. Purdon stays in running line. Opens the race up a little bit. Tigers to lose.

Can't see anyone going on a suicide mission or Purdon putting in a bad drive so Lazarus just wins. Only way he could get beat on merit is if everything goes right for the Bull and he can outsprint him late - but even if everything did go right Lazarus probably still too good.

I'll change my top picks slightly from page 1 of this thread to include Tiger as a place chance.

$2.10 Lazarus looks juicy. $5.50 Tribeca a bit skinny. Probably couldn't take the $4 Tiger either. Probably won't place but Have Faith In Me must be a touch overs $5 solely on last weeks run - last 12-18 months been ordinary.

Does the little Bull stay on Tiger's back?

[Fan of Jate]

How perfect that worked out for Lazarus, we could'nt even give him the carpark.......absolutely brilliant draw. I can hear Purdon and co laughing loudly. The horses who drew 1-5 will be eternally grateful they are in that position to start the race. 6-10 will be chasing tail for 3k. Not sure if Lenny or the bull can run them down. This is the strongest field of the last three Inters.

[aussiebreno]

Does the little Bull stay on Tiger's back?
I think so. Worst case 3rd horse on the fence (unless Hall has other plans I cant see Vultan Tin being able to drop in). The way Lazarus will run them along the gaps should come. Otherwise he will be 2nd horse on the fence and will be within striking distance.

[Messenger]

Seeing as though Lazarus is poised to become Bettor's richest offspring

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/Lazarus-poised-to-become-richest-offspring

and he is a stallion. I thought I would take a look at his family to see if it had produced any sires of note.
Lazarus will have to be a trailblazer in that respect for family U307

http://classicfamilies.net/cf/FamilyWinners.aspx?FamilyNumber=u307&SE=qTimeGroup&AD=ASC

Apart from Stars and Stripes the other noted performer that caught my eye was trotter Melpark Maid
She was a star for Don Smith

http://classicfamilies.net/CF/History.aspx?HorseID=10012679&SE=TimeAmountClass&AD=ASC

Her relationship to Lazarus is distant as his 9th dam is her 7th
There is another prospective star in U307 who is closely related to her however =
Cruisin Around whose 4th dam is Melpark's 2nd
We will have to see if he can add to his stellar 3yo season

[Showgrounds]

Some pretty good trotters in Laz's family when you go through it Kev. Always liked families with plenty of trotting blood in the distant pedigree, when a good pacer comes along they are usually pretty tough. And Lazarus is REALLY tough!

[KTQ]

Dad has Cruisin Arounds little brother. Not sure he's as good but he goes ok. Surprised to hear he's distantly related to Laz. Thanks for the heads up Kev

[Messenger]

Interesting read/insight from 3 of the key drivers

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=35658

[Danno]

Interesting read/insight from 3 of the key drivers

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=35658

only it should read GATE speed....spell check has so much to answer for!!

[Speedy]

only it should read GATE speed....spell check has so much to answer for!!



No Dan, that is the correct spelling.

[Danno]

No Dan, that is the correct spelling.

Sorry Patrick, when we are referring to barrier speed we say GATE speed because we are referring to how quickly they leave starting GATE, not gait as in the pacing or trotting gait they are using.

[Speedy]

Sorry Patrick, when we are referring to barrier speed we say GATE speed because we are referring to how quickly they leave starting GATE, not gait as in the pacing or trotting gait they are using.



Dan if you read it carefully he isnt referring to gate speed when using "gait" - he is referring to the name of a radio program.
"Mark Purdon, Kim Prentice and Chris Alford joined RSN 927AM program Gait Speed (https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=159124) "


Later he references the "gate" that you mention
"That would potentially open the door for Lennytheshark, the eight-year-old Victorian with genuine gate speed and strength"

[aussiebreno]

Sorry Patrick, when we are referring to barrier speed we say GATE speed because we are referring to how quickly they leave starting GATE, not gait as in the pacing or trotting gait they are using.

Here here.

The radio program have it wrong. Whether they have it wrong because they don't know the correct spelling, or whether they have it wrong because they're trying to be quirky or unique it is stupid.

[Messenger]

A combination of these two possibly?

[Messenger]

Kevin Pizzutto is being
(a) Mysterious
(b) Clever
(c) Honest ie not wanting to say and he didn't want to lie
(d) All of the above

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/InterDoms--Pizzuto-s-secret-plan

ps Don't forget 11pmAEDT will reveal all

[Fan of Jate]

a)....or d)

[Fan of Jate]

Interesting that none of last years contestants are in this years Interdominion.

[aussiebreno]

Interesting that none of last years contestants are in this years Interdominion.

Was the same story last year as well I think. Lenny the only horse to make two finals over the three years. Waylade and Bucket List made final/consolation two of the three years. Major Crocker about the only consistent result having made three consolations.

[aussiebreno]

Kevin Pizzutto is being
(a) Mysterious
(b) Clever
(c) Honest ie not wanting to say and he didn't want to lie
(d) All of the above

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/InterDoms--Pizzuto-s-secret-plan

ps Don't forget 11pmAEDT will reveal all

I don't know how Pizzuto works, but if I wanted to lead from the pole I would probably be telling people "Hey I've drawn the pole and I'm going to lead so back off". I wouldn't want to give them a sniff that the lead is there. Maybe he giving them a sniff so he can take a sit, thus put Bull out of the race and hope a gap appears (which is likely over 2900m if Lazarus or even Soho setting the speed) coming into the straight?

[Messenger]

Prizemoney: $1,100,000 - 1st $605,000, 2nd $165,000, 3rd $110,000, 4th $66,000, 5th $44,000, 6th $22,000, 7th $22,000, 8th $22,000, 9th $22,000, 10th $22,000
(Winner of Consolation = $21,000)

It really is the pinnacle, there are not too many races in Oz/NZ where the winner gets $110k and that is only 3rd place here

[teecee]

Compliments of All Stars Website....

MARK
It has been a good week here for us and I am confident of the condition of all the horses going into the final night. It's been tough on the phone too ! I think radio stations from every state in Australia has rung in the last couple of days but its all part of the buildup.
Piccadilly Princess has what seems like the worst draw but the mare* (former Kiwi Eden Franco) she is drawn behind does have high gate speed and I think she will hold up. That gives us more options or maybe a nice run.*Ultimate Machete should be able to hold up from one in his event. One of the horses who sent him along last week has drawn the second line and the other is in another race. So he should be well placed and being in front is always good here going by the results.
The draw has added interest to the Final but we are quite well placed* to have options. I have fie horses on my list of hard to beat and some *of them are capable of hot early speed so it will be interesting to see if Tiger Tara stays there or holds up. Naturally you have a thought about going to the front but the way this race is going to be run if you do that you run the risk of being run down late by a horse like Chicago Bull who looks the hardest to beat to me. That is because not only is he a very good horse but he could get the ideal run toe mount a big finish. I never decide on a locked in plan until the race unfolds but most important to me is that Lazarus is ready for a big one
Have Faith In Me has done well too and while his draw is not the best the extra distance again will suit him and might go better than most expect. You have to bear in mind though that his was not the strongest heat last week so he will need to step up again.
We have decided that* Lazarus* will stay over for the Fremantle and WA Pacing Cups after the Inter Dominions. It was a bit hard to work out because there is a gap when staff could be a problem but Poi will now stay with him and Have Faith In Me who is with us for those two races.*Ultimate Machete will return to Sydney with Piccadilly Princess as he needs to qualify for the Chariots of Fire.**

[Danno]

I don't know how Pizzuto works, but if I wanted to lead from the pole I would probably be telling people "Hey I've drawn the pole and I'm going to lead so back off". I wouldn't want to give them a sniff that the lead is there. Maybe he giving them a sniff so he can take a sit, thus put Bull out of the race and hope a gap appears (which is likely over 2900m if Lazarus or even Soho setting the speed) coming into the straight?

Not sure if Kevin Pizzuto has his mind made up yet Brenno, he has a great horse that can possibly win if he leads and doesn't get hammered, but he is probably a near certainty to run second to Lazarus if he hands up to him...I don't think you will see anybody lining up to take Lazarus on if he finds the front either.

[Fan of Jate]

Probably unlikely that a horse can hold the front for the 2900 metres although much better to be there than the 6-10 positions. You would hand up and hope for a run in the last 600. Lazarus is probably the only horse who could do it but the Bull will be looming very large on any of the front runners and you can tell that all other trainers are very aware of that. He will just have to get off the fence late. Tiger Tara might bring him undone if he starts to tire which he may do after 5-6 starts in a month. 3 back the pegs would be ok for Chicago bull.

Washakie was the last great frontrunner at GP but 2900m is just that bit longer and the gaps will open up coming around the bend for sure.

[Messenger]

A superb run by Ameretto in the Mares Classic but the first lap told in the end while at the same time ensuring Piccadilly never saw daylight

[arlington]

Is the I D supposed to be on 7mate tonight?

[Greg Hando]

Yes it is supposed to be

[arlington]

Is the I D supposed to be on 7mate tonight?


Back on air now.

[Messenger]

No whip needed driving this champ - other than for a salute

[Butchers Hook]

Felt embarrassed watching the drive of C Lewis.....what was he thinking?

[Showgrounds]

I had absolutely no doubt the winner was a true champion before the race. Anybody who doubted his greatness will quickly be reassessing their thoughts.

Pure Steel, Popular Alm, Gammalite, Preux Chevalier, Village Kid, Westburn Grant, I'm Themightyquinn - all champions. And all of them would be in awe of Lazarus tonight. And his trainer / driver is something else as well.

The great thing for Australian racing is Laz will be staying here for all of the big races. No doubt some will be grizzling about him stealing the prizemoney but he is a promoter's dream and will be a great boost for the sport. Might even get some (unpaid) editorial space in the daily papers?

[Danno]

Mark Purdon is quietly playing them all off a break, he hasn't asked any more of Lazarus than absolutely necessary so far and will have the horse 110% on final night. Only bad luck will beat him in the final and i haven't seen him in the heats.



Pat, Wayne, how are you travelling Gents? as predicted Purdon played them all off a break, right down to taking the horses head check off as a last minute gear change, best horse in the race by a long way all he needed to do was ensure the horse was 110% right on final night, but I thought the gear change was a classic piece of gamesmanship. Thoughts?

[Messenger]

I switched over to 7mate and it is good stuff - it will be even better exposure when the Inter is on the East coast

[Fan of Jate]

Danno....if you read my last post you will see it was as if I had a crystal ball....Quite magnificent I thought.

[Greg Hando]

The best horse I have seen in my short life so far 30.3,29.7,27.4,27.2. Last 1/2 54.6 last 1/4 27.2 LAST MILE 1.54.6 phenomenal

[Fan of Jate]

I dont think any horse disgraced themselves either, there was only 16m between 1st and last. A good effort over that distance.

[Showgrounds]

I dont think any horse disgraced themselves either, there was only 16m between 1st and last. A good effort over that distance.

True, but it was slow in the first half of the race. From there on, most of them got sucked along in Lazarus's slipstream. Only one horse was ever going to win. Plenty of huffing and puffing in the media from the Chicago Bull camp but, after having the run of the race, he was left wanting when Purdon looked over his right shoulder. The connections of Vultan Tin would be stoked with his 4th.

[arlington]

Pat, Wayne, how are you travelling Gents? as predicted Purdon played them all off a break, right down to taking the horses head check off as a last minute gear change, best horse in the race by a long way all he needed to do was ensure the horse was 110% right on final night, but I thought the gear change was a classic piece of gamesmanship. Thoughts?


All good Danno, when he drew two it was all about the exotics :):):)


The gear change, gamesmanship or horsemanship?

[arlington]

Todd and Mark were on the same page.

[Greg Hando]

"I dont think any horse disgraced themselves either, there was only 16m between 1st and last. A good effort over that distance."
"True, but it was slow in the first half of the race."
They were running 30 quarters in the first part of the race.1.39 lead time.Average 200m speed of 14.61 for the trip.

Lazarus has now won $3,317,139 ave $82,928 per start just amazing.

[Fan of Jate]

The best horse I have seen in my short life so far 30.3,29.7,27.4,27.2. Last 1/2 54.6 last 1/4 27.2 LAST MILE 1.54.6 phenomenal

I havent seen Lazarus race yet but the mighty quinn takes some beating especially as he had that wow factor.....on those long sprints to the finishing line.

[Fan of Jate]

All in All...a pretty good nights racing at GP.....had everything for the punter and anyone who attended. A few longshots and the expected favourites in the big races got home. The crowd size looked ok...

[Danno]

All good Danno, when he drew two it was all about the exotics :):):)


The gear change, gamesmanship or horsemanship?

Only Mark Purdon and his camp will know whether it was gamesmanship Wayne, my personal take is it was, when you are the one to beat it helps if you can throw in a "funny hat" to distract your opposition. Great horse hey, he can outstay them or outsprint them as he did last night, the draw helped but he could have done what he did if he drew 10 or 11.

[teecee]

Compliments All Stars website....

All the talk before the race was about the tactics and the running luck as you would expect. But deep down everyone knew. Lazarus with average luck was going to be too good and as it happened with average luck he was way way too good. Mark stalked them with two laps to go and sitting parked and cruising had the Inter Dominion won a long way out. Rated the best Mark has handled Lazarus has now won 33 of 40 starts, tops $3m in earnings and threatens Monkey King ($3.4m) as our richest horse ever. He could achieve that feat before he leaves West Australia on January 20 after the Fremantle and West Australia Pacing Cups*
Have Faith In Me, who was unable to make real ground from the back from a bad draw, was unplaced.
"I thought I had Tiger Tara covered quite a long way out and there was nothing coming outside only Chicago Bull in the trail and he wasn't going to get out easily" Mark said afterward. "I was always confident because the horse was so well and I know how good he can be"* * * *While there was a suspicion in some quarters that Mark might surprise and wrest the early lead and put Chicago Bull three back because Laz is so good in front, he settled for similar tactics to those he used from a worse draw with Smolda last year. Laz's win was a lot easier because he was just far ahead of his rivals, some of whom may not have been quite as good as the pre- race hype suggested. aCertainly there were far fewer moves in the race than had been predicted and slower sectionals especially early on. But that is what Inter Dominions are all about. It is the way Lazarus wins his major races that points to him being a great pacer.*
Not spectacular- but* the *"deadly assassin" when the big money is up.* And the next "kill" isn't far away,* * * *

[arlington]

No doubt about it Dan, he's a great horse, $70,000, or whatever it is, per start says it all. Wouldn't have thought you'd pull the headcheck off for (the need for) gamesmanship with this horse. May have been mentioned somewhere on the night the headcheck was removed to help the horse feel more comfortable around the bends.

Changing tack, I know you guys love a play on words :p when Chris Lewis took off early, did he discontinue due to Chris Alford indicating he wouldn't let him around? Your thoughts Dan, in an I D final is it all bets are off? Would you disregard another driver's gesture?

[Danno]

No doubt about it Dan, he's a great horse, $70,000, or whatever it is, per start says it all. Wouldn't have thought you'd pull the headcheck off for (the need for) gamesmanship with this horse. May have been mentioned somewhere on the night the headcheck was removed to help the horse feel more comfortable around the bends.

Changing tack, I know you guys love a play on words :p when Chris Lewis took off early, did he discontinue due to Chris Alford indicating he wouldn't let him around? Your thoughts Dan, in an I D final is it all bets are off? Would you disregard another driver's gesture?

I didn't notice any gesture from Alford Wayne, however, if there was such an indication anyone would be mad to simply ignore/disregard it. As a great a driver as Chris Lewis is, I thought he may have miscued thinking it was someone else in the death, not sure either. The short answer is that when you are out there you are making decisions very rapidly without the panoramic view we get from the sideline and while all that is going on you are taking in all sorts of other information about what is going on around you and in front of you and of course how your own horse is travelling. But yes the gloves are off most certainly, that is the case when you are driving against mates in ordinary races, bit of push and shove, bit of bluff, sometimes we get a bit terse with each other on the track and then its all over. Go and have a beer and a laugh about it with each other.

[Showgrounds]

My take - Have Faith in Me was a little unruly during the run last Friday night when he ran a huge second. He was a bit the same last night. Lewis appeared to have some difficulty settling him in last spot and the horse decided it was time to go.

Lewis may have let the horse run along a bit but then saw Lenny was also behaving like a first-time-in-the cart yearling and eased back.

With regards to the head check, Purdon explained the removal before the race. Lazarus has raced without it in NZ and many of the All Stars horses race successfully without them. Turning back the calendar a few decades, my experiences in WA highlighted a large number of stables and horses raced without head checks. I put this down to the fact that many WA trainers were perfectionists at balancing their horses with expert shoeing. Phil Coulson and Fred Kersley come to mind as trainers who raced a lot of horses without head checks. Come to think of it, very few of Fred's horses wore knee boots either. And none of his horses knew what it felt like to wear a rug.

Would it be stretching the truth to call Fred a perfectionist? No. Always was, always will be. Then there is that quiet fellow with the funny accent who trains and drives Lazarus. I reckon he and Fred have more than a bit in common. I would hate to be playing a game of three-handed poker with those two, your every pulse would be studied, analysed and digested into the brain for later reference before you lost every hand.

Sorry, I forgot to say I don' t believe there was anything unusual in last night's race. Once Lazarus got to the death without travelling 3 wide on a bend it was all over.

[teecee]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/racing/99672352/kiwi-pacing-hero-lazarus-wins-inter-dominion-final-in-perth

MARK
* I will appeal the length of the suspension I received at Gloucester Park. It is a tricky situation there. No other horse was affected and there is no passing lane there so you have got to take your chances. I thought it was* a smart move at the time but even though another horse is not checked there is a regulation to cover it.*
*
I am heading back to Rolleston and should be there by Sunday. I will probably head north then to look after the team up there. We haven't made any decision about horses like Vincent at this early stage.*
It was of course a tremendous thrill to win the Interdominion Final and the Golden Nugget. Lazarus was always travelling and he probably had it won a good way out. He is an exceptional horse and he just keeps building a record few horses can match. Unfortunately I didn't have time to celebrate because by the time we went through the judicial system and today I am packing up. Poi will stay here with the horses.*

[teecee]

Have faith in me is being sold to the US
. Runoneover had been sold to the US


Compliments All Stars website...

*Sale of Have Faith In Me to US confirmed

[Showgrounds]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/racing/99672352/kiwi-pacing-hero-lazarus-wins-inter-dominion-final-in-perth

MARK
* I will appeal the length of the suspension I received at Gloucester Park. It is a tricky situation there. No other horse was affected and there is no passing lane there so you have got to take your chances. I thought it was* a smart move at the time but even though another horse is not checked there is a regulation to cover it.*
*
I am heading back to Rolleston and should be there by Sunday. I will probably head north then to look after the team up there. We haven't made any decision about horses like Vincent at this early stage.*
It was of course a tremendous thrill to win the Interdominion Final and the Golden Nugget. Lazarus was always travelling and he probably had it won a good way out. He is an exceptional horse and he just keeps building a record few horses can match. Unfortunately I didn't have time to celebrate because by the time we went through the judicial system and today I am packing up. Poi will stay here with the horses.*

I watched the replay of this race twice this afternoon. It appears Purdon copped the wrath when he came from behind the leader and ran to the front. For the life of me, I couldn't see any genuine interference. Vampiro had gone forward out of the gate but McCarthy was already easing him. He probably went a half metre wider than he should have but was easing for a sit. No contact made. Worth a 26 penalty? What would the stewards done had Mark opted to stay behind the leader?

Of greater concern, Ultimate Machete was stood down pending a vet certificate after the race. Any clues as to what his issue is? Interesting Purdon said after the race Ultimate Machete "may have turned the tables on Vincent this year". Interesting only because Vincent hasn't raced this season as yet. Looked pretty good to my eye winning his trial at Ashburton on Tuesday. The battle for the honour of being the All Stars' second best horse is a three way fight - Heaven Rocks (reminds me a bit of Mel Gibson's character in Lethal Weapon - hugely talented but has deep emotional issues), the Machete and Vincent.

[arlington]

I reckon M P was lucky to be cited only once for this infringement over the carnival. As for the option of not causing interference, the no sprint lane defence, worth a try ;) but not sure if the A Piccadilly Princess race helped with that defence. Ms Scott seemed to be ok with it, obviously M P wasn't ok with Ms Scott.

RACE 7 – RETRAVISION GOLDEN NUGGET (GROUP 1). 2536MS
ULTIMATE MACHETE – An inquiry was opened into the reasons for VAMPIRO racing three wide on the first turn. The evidence disclosed that after being beaten for early speed, M. Purdon on ULTIMATE MACHETE shifted off the marker pegs off the back of MACZAFFAIR to a two wide position while VAMPIRO was racing to his outside and as a result of M. Purdon’s movement up the track, VAMPIRO has been carried up to a three wide position, forced to cover more ground than necessary, and tightened onto IM ROCKARIA. M. Purdon pleaded guilty to a charge under Rule 163(1)(b) for forcing another horse to cover more ground than necessary. In determining penalty stewards took into account M. Purdon’s guilty plea, his good record and the RWWA Group Racing Penalty Policy that stipulates any driving offence in a Group race will attract higher penalties. M. Purdon had his licence to drive in races suspended for 26 days.
M. Purdon suspended for 26 days under Rule 163(1)(b). M. Purdon was found guilty of a charge under Rule 231(2) of misconduct for comments made to stewards at the conclusion of the inquiry in which he received a 26 day suspension. In determining penalty stewards took into account M. Purdon’s subsequent apology and his good record. M. Purdon was fined $1000 with $500 to be suspended for a period of two years on the condition he not offend under this or a similar rule in that period.

A post race veterinary examination of ULTIMATE MACHETE revealed the colt to be lame in the offside foreleg. ULTIMATE MACHETE has been stood down from racing until a veterinary certificate of soundness is received.

edit: Just scrolled through the stewards reports from the heats. M P reprimanded for this infringement first night of the carnival on the same horse.


Lenny seemingly racing erratically when he was outside Lazarus? Sometimes it pays to watch a race muted, not be influenced by race callers. For a moment I thought M P may have had thoughts about coming out late :D but I think C Alford saw the gap behind Laz and restrained for a look in.

A big C Lewis fan, the Darren Gauci of harness racing, stemming from an underage betting win on Carclew (btw Trevor, did the very good mare Verona beat Carclew at the showgrounds in a stand around that period? Was part of my very juvenile reasoning, if he could run second to Verona he'd jump to the front and win the I D ;))
Pretty sure C Alford gave a couple of subtle head shakes a couple of times when C Lewis took off, C A was only interested in handing up to Laz or Tribeca? I couldn't have it C Lewis miscued.
Definitely not into potting drivers, no grandstand driver here, moreso I enjoy analysing races, looking at the little things but have to fess up, I did have Have Faith In Me in a First4 :o I think he'll do wonderful things in the US.

[Showgrounds]

Fair enough after reading the Stewards Report, it was up on the website when I looked. Purdon obviously thought the stewards are a mentally unstable lot and suggested as much. Ultimate Machete being lame is if concern. He is a big, bulky horse; one that has probably slated for short but brilliant career. It will be interesting to follow up on his progress.

Carclew was a 1968 foal, Verona 1967. Verona worked her way through the classes as a 5 year old an I first became aware of Carclew as a 3 and 4 year old when driven by John Lewis, Chris's father. He was pretty smart then and I have a distant memory of him racing at the Showgrounds. I took a shine to the horse as he was by Sheffield Globe, statistically the greatest colonial bred sire we've had - 115 winners from 182 live foals. Not even Classic Gary can match that. I remember Carclew was off the scene for a long time prior to winning the '76 Inter, I think from a broken pedal bone?

My year books only go back until 1976 so I will have to resort to old racebooks to get a definitive answer, Wayne. Missus will kill me if I do that today.

Like you, I have a special reason to be a C. Lewis fan (same age but MUCH more talented horseman than me). Because I followed Carclew for a long time I did have a little nibble at him on the tote the night he won the Inter, I was at Wrest Point Casino that night and once he jumped to the lead I knew I was the smartest person in the room! Nearly 42 years later Chris is the driver all the wannabes want to be.

Agree, Have Faith in Me will be sensational in the US; already the fastest ever in the Southern Hemisphere.

[Adaptor]

810

[arlington]

810

I wonder how many caught it on 7mate?

[Mighty Atom]

I wonder how many caught it on 7mate?

I did. Great coverage, a great background of the track, the grandstands and the people. Much better than that apology for live racing Sky Racing1.:)

[Yabbie]

I did. Great coverage, a great background of the track, the grandstands and the people. Much better than that apology for live racing Sky Racing1.:)



Shame it wasn't advertised on the HRA site so all harness supporters could watch ....

[Adaptor]

Shame it wasn't advertised on the HRA site so all harness supporters could watch ....

Agreed Carol
Way too late to find out after the event. I'm sure that the 20,000 views on Sky would have been much bigger on free to air.
WE have to do better and work together !!!!!

[Fan of Jate]

I did. Great coverage, a great background of the track, the grandstands and the people. Much better than that apology for live racing Sky Racing1.

I didn't, and was not even aware of it. I did watch it on Sky 1 which was a pretty stock standard uneventful coverage.

[DRUIDRACING]

Promotion of these big events is poor in my opinion...........no hype no nothing, come on people get the word out there / we surely need it at the moment

[Mighty Atom]

I didn't, and was not even aware of it. I did watch it on Sky 1 which was a pretty stock standard uneventful coverage.

Hi Pat, If anyone isn't sure just check in with the seven network to see what they are televising at the time. Quite often they are covering these events without a lot of pre-publicity. That's what I did.

[teecee]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/racing/99672352/kiwi-pacing-hero-lazarus-wins-inter-dominion-final-in-perth

MARK
* I will appeal the length of the suspension I received at Gloucester Park. It is a tricky situation there. No other horse was affected and there is no passing lane there so you have got to take your chances. I thought it was* a smart move at the time but even though another horse is not checked there is a regulation to cover it.*


APPEAL DISMISSED. Penalty stands