Trainers and Drivers

[Messenger]

Chris Alford is off to a flying start for the season with a 44% winning strike rate from his 34 drives so far

http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/top20/index.cfm/drivers/default/sort/wins?d=10092018

Especially amazing when his main source the Stewart stable are taking a break

[Diablo]

I was nearly going to title this topic as "Does Chris Alford Think He is God?". Last race at Hamilton trots today he has a horse back from a spell and although it has trialled extremely well, he gets involved in a speed duel having to go 25.9 for the first quarter to hold the lead. I'm not sure if his ego has got so big that he expects everyone to lay down in order for him to dictate to them but surely he knows the form of the other runners and traits of the other drivers that he should have know he was going to be pressured for the lead and therefore had a plan 'B'. If it were a Junior driver, he/she would be still sitting in the Stewards Room being grilled harder than a T Bone steak. Time will tell if he had a case to answer but bad decisions for a driver of his calibre are a bad look to most onlookers.

[Messenger]

Although I agree that a driver has very likely got it wrong when he goes a 25.9 Q1, maybe he thought Wardan Express was his danger and he could not afford for it to get any easy lead - it would have been correct as after doing all that early work Wardan has come home the winner. Even though it got a cushy fence trail mid race, I was still surprised to see it finish it off, although everyone would have expected the fav to tire

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=HM240918&ms=vic#HMC24091801

[Dot]

I was nearly going to title this topic as "Does Chris Alford Think He is God?". Last race at Hamilton trots today he has a horse back from a spell and although it has trialled extremely well, he gets involved in a speed duel having to go 25.9 for the first quarter to hold the lead. I'm not sure if his ego has got so big that he expects everyone to lay down in order for him to dictate to them but surely he knows the form of the other runners and traits of the other drivers that he should have know he was going to be pressured for the lead and therefore had a plan 'B'. If it were a Junior driver, he/she would be still sitting in the Stewards Room being grilled harder than a T Bone steak. Time will tell if he had a case to answer but bad decisions for a driver of his calibre are a bad look to most onlookers.

Oh please....
A whole lot more questions to be asked if he meekly hands up to the second fav and it boots away and brains them. Alford was entitled and all things considered I'd say expected to lead, Craven was entitled to challenge and then got a fortuitous trail when he couldn't lead, fav then copped a little more pressure in the run and was found wanting in the end, whilst Cravens horse with a second wind flew home, it happens. Cravens horses flying here on the day, and been going exceptionally well all month, probably only thing wrong here is by the last the Stewart and Craven runners should have been closer in the market.

[Diablo]

Oh please....
A whole lot more questions to be asked if he meekly hands up to the second fav and it boots away and brains them. Alford was entitled and all things considered I'd say expected to lead, Craven was entitled to challenge and then got a fortuitous trail when he couldn't lead, fav then copped a little more pressure in the run and was found wanting in the end, whilst Cravens horse with a second wind flew home, it happens. Cravens horses flying here on the day, and been going exceptionally well all month, probably only thing wrong here is by the last the Stewart and Craven runners should have been closer in the market.

You use the word 'meekly' to exaggerate your point. Many horses taken on in an early speed duel go a bit harder in order to 'gas' the outside runner then hand up especially when there is a sprint lane on offer later on. If Wardan Express can come from three fence after going the early burn, why couldn't Alford's horse be effective from behind the leader? A rather weak response on your behalf. You seem to have taken affront to someone making a negative comment about the country's best driver. We all know his record but as I asked earlier, would there be an outrage if a Junior or lesser qualified driver had driven that horse, that way?

[Diablo]

Chris Alford is off to a flying start for the season with a 44% winning strike rate from his 34 drives so far

http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/top20/index.cfm/drivers/default/sort/wins?d=10092018

Especially amazing when his main source the Stewart stable are taking a break

His strike rate is irrelevant. The issue is either poor judgement or he was out driven in this race. Possibly, if he used better judgement he would have a slightly higher strike rate.

[Messenger]

His strike rate is irrelevant. The issue is either poor judgement or he was out driven in this race. Possibly, if he used better judgement he would have a slightly higher strike rate.

I wrote that post 2 weeks before your post Greg - it did not pertain to his Hamilton drive

[Messenger]

You use the word 'meekly' to exaggerate your point. Many horses taken on in an early speed duel go a bit harder in order to 'gas' the outside runner then hand up especially when there is a sprint lane on offer later on. If Wardan Express can come from three fence after going the early burn, why couldn't Alford's horse be effective from behind the leader? A rather weak response on your behalf. You seem to have taken affront to someone making a negative comment about the country's best driver. We all know his record but as I asked earlier, would there be an outrage if a Junior or lesser qualified driver had driven that horse, that way?
Only if the Junior had been on Wardan and kept challenging the way Craven did but then he would have been off the hook if he got up a won the way Matty did.
I think it makes a bit of difference - who is inside of who, if Alford had been outside of Wardan then it is definitely questionable (unless you win)

[Dot]

And your point is Diablo? We all know Chris Alford and the Emma Stewart stables record, it includes many short priced, first up going hard early, holding the lead, or in the middle stages to get the lead, running fast time and winning often by open lengths. Yet when one gets beaten by likely a better horse on the day and perhaps a better drive you come out with a thread titled Chris Alford and "does Chris Alford think he's God". Maybe you should have titled your post Matty Craven "gee looks like he had the fitter horse and got the better of Alford in the last at Hamilton today" or do you expect Alford to have a 100% strike rate!

You didn't ask if a junior driver would be grilled you said they would be. You said strike rate doesn't matter but that Alfords strike rate might be a little higher if he showed better judgement. One race where maybe he could have done things differently and his strike rate isn't good enough for you? No doubt he expected a challenge for the lead, does anyone expect that he should have known that challenge would result in a 25.9 quarter before it was run? If Alford and Craven had persisted at that speed, or one and a junior, or two juniors beyond the quarter then they would have been called in, but they wernt juniors and they weren't called in. Maybe the result would be different if he handed up, maybe it wouldn't but how do you know better then the driver and the stable that a horse that has won 5 times leading will be better if it takes a sit? Time will tell if he has a case to answer, I'd say it already has, the stewards haven't queried the drive, and I don't expect the Stewart stable will be sacking him any time soon.

Are you talking through your pocket Diablo, I haven't seen you wrap a winning Alford drive, just this one where he hasn't won, didn't you get the memo "be kind to your driver" ?

I don't punt so no chance I'm talking through my pocket, but my last word on this: good on you Matty Craven, you've got your team flying!

[Diablo]

I wrote that post 2 weeks before your post Greg - it did not pertain to his Hamilton drive

Puts it in perspective. I thought it a bit strange that your post was placed above the topic starter. All good.

[Diablo]

And your point is Diablo? We all know Chris Alford and the Emma Stewart stables record, it includes many short priced, first up going hard early, holding the lead, or in the middle stages to get the lead, running fast time and winning often by open lengths. Yet when one gets beaten by likely a better horse on the day and perhaps a better drive you come out with a thread titled Chris Alford and "does Chris Alford think he's God". Maybe you should have titled your post Matty Craven "gee looks like he had the fitter horse and got the better of Alford in the last at Hamilton today" or do you expect Alford to have a 100% strike rate!

You didn't ask if a junior driver would be grilled you said they would be. You said strike rate doesn't matter but that Alfords strike rate might be a little higher if he showed better judgement. One race where maybe he could have done things differently and his strike rate isn't good enough for you? No doubt he expected a challenge for the lead, does anyone expect that he should have known that challenge would result in a 25.9 quarter before it was run? If Alford and Craven had persisted at that speed, or one and a junior, or two juniors beyond the quarter then they would have been called in, but they wernt juniors and they weren't called in. Maybe the result would be different if he handed up, maybe it wouldn't but how do you know better then the driver and the stable that a horse that has won 5 times leading will be better if it takes a sit? Time will tell if he has a case to answer, I'd say it already has, the stewards haven't queried the drive, and I don't expect the Stewart stable will be sacking him any time soon.

Are you talking through your pocket Diablo, I haven't seen you wrap a winning Alford drive, just this one where he hasn't won, didn't you get the memo "be kind to your driver" ?

I don't punt so no chance I'm talking through my pocket, but my last word on this: good on you Matty Craven, you've got your team flying!

Previous record is totally irrelevant. That doesn't excuse bad judgement or a brain explosion. There is no need for me to rap any C Alford drive. If you want to give the guy a rap then start your own thread The point is about his drive in this particular race. Punters make this sport go around and when they see very short priced favourites continuously get rolled and see ill judged tactics etc, they tend to think there is something untoward going on and they stay away. I don't talk through my pocket. I see enough bad drives and bewildering results to know that's part of this sport and I also read about the poor excuses offered up to Stewards which they swallow and expect punters to accept.

[Messenger]

I think the drives that most discourage punters are the ones where the driver never puts the fav into the race

[Danno]

Horses are not motor cars, they have a brain and communicate with drivers, Drivers are not robots they have brain and communicate horses, the wind does not always blow in the same direction and the sun and the moon are constantly moving in relation to earth which is constantly turning around it's own axis.

There are not many people who drive as a well as Chris Alford, I would say in Australia probably about 15 maybe 20 drivers are at that level fairly consistently.

BUT all drivers make mistakes, the difference is how often and how big a blunder and that is where the best of our drivers make their mark.

I understand punters get upset when their cash changes homes, but hey it's racing AND punting, when one punter loses another wins and there can only be one winner in each race.

Chris Alford in a great driver, is he perfect?? of course not. Its always easy to criticise others, quite a different task to be better than them yourself.

[Messenger]

Spot on

[Messenger]

I was nearly going to title this topic as "Does Chris Alford Think He is God?". Last race at Hamilton trots today he has a horse back from a spell and although it has trialled extremely well, he gets involved in a speed duel having to go 25.9 for the first quarter to hold the lead. I'm not sure if his ego has got so big that he expects everyone to lay down in order for him to dictate to them but surely he knows the form of the other runners and traits of the other drivers that he should have know he was going to be pressured for the lead and therefore had a plan 'B'. If it were a Junior driver, he/she would be still sitting in the Stewards Room being grilled harder than a T Bone steak. Time will tell if he had a case to answer but bad decisions for a driver of his calibre are a bad look to most onlookers.

A bit surprised that a 25.9 Q1 did not result in any questions or a mention in the Stewards Report

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=HM240918&fromstate=vic

(Race 8)

[Messenger]

What were the majority of the drivers in the 2nd Derby heat thinking?
Giving Natalie that sit behind the leader AND a whole lap before she had to come out on Im Another Masterpiece

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA190119

[Showgrounds]

What were the majority of the drivers in the 2nd Derby heat thinking?
Giving Natalie that sit behind the leader AND a whole lap before she had to come out on Im Another Masterpiece

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA190119

They were probably thinking they couldn't win. And they were right.

I think, in hindsight, Muscle Factory's 1:49.6 win at Menangle may ave been the cause of their reluctance to go forward. In the end, Natalie's horse looked effortless in winning.

[Dot]

I guess you could argue Puppet should have made an earlier move, certainly would have been more consistent with his and the Stewart stables usual driving patten except they didn’t have the leader. But yes Muscle Factory’s Menangle run may have put some doubts in other drivers minds about occupying the death, and had he gone earlier Centanario would have been giving cover to Lochinvar Art who certainly didn’t want the death and argueably went even better then Muscle Factory at Menangle, or Im Another Masterpiece if Nat opted for the one one instead of posting him if he’s come around earlier.

Nat likely gets the last laugh either way, and probably was having a bit of a chuckle to herself well before them, though going earlier may have given Centenario a better option for making top four but we’ll never know.

[Messenger]

Would it simply be the Kima factor (she has ousted Salted Caramel as the flavour of the Summer) for why Michael Bellman did not retain the drive on Idle Times in R1 last night
(Of course he simply may not have been available)

[Dot]

Kima and concession claim I’m thinking Kev. Horse is a C2 and it was a C1 race

[Messenger]

But the results don't show any concession for her

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA190119#BAC19011904

[arlington]

M B had nearly a full card of drives at Mount Gambier last night.

[Dot]

Wayne on the money then. It’s a little confusing as horse is a C2 and race a C1 but looking closer was a final of a C1 series so heat winners C2s but no claim required.

[Messenger]

“Gavin and Chris drive extremely well because they are extremely good horsemen, and why shouldn’t they be?” Graeme said. “I remember my mother going crook at me because I would let them drive fast work at home when they were seven or eight years old."

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/southern-star-langs-revel-in-pennys-success/

[Messenger]

Rod Petroff would have to be disappointed at not getting the drive on Dance Craze in the GSS as he had the previous 9 starts for 4 wins and 3 seconds

[Showgrounds]

Rod Petroff would have to be disappointed at not getting the drive on Dance Craze in the GSS as he had the previous 9 starts for 4 wins and 3 seconds

I am sure Mark Purdon would be pretty happy (as would the connections) with his 1 from 1. An absolute gem of a drive as was his drive on Carlas Pixel half an hour earlier. With his success as a trainer, it's easy to forget how good this bloke is as a driver. Last night, he gave everybody watching a reminder!

[Messenger]

Brilliant move by Greg Sugars enabled Little Peanut to win the feature race at Maryborough today and pay $19.50

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=UK310119#UKC31011901

[Messenger]

Training must be easy

Andy Gath takes 3 horses to Maryborough today for 3 wins

Emma Stewart takes 4 horses to Kilmore tonight for 4 wins

[Messenger]

And as an encore 2 wins from 2 starters for the Gath's at Mildura today.
$1.40 and $1.20 - you had to figure they were certs for the stable to make Mildura their meet today instead of Shep tonight

Edit : maybe they don't patronize Shep - surprised to see our 2nd leading stable not in the top 10 at Shep

[Messenger]

I cannot see where Kima Frenning is driving tomorrow night?
Maybe she is stable rep for Max Delight at Menangle?

[Messenger]

Ours is a complicated game sometimes (especially for casual punters?)

The Gath's had Night Spirit in the 2nd Breeders heat tonight at Shep
Kate usually drives him but instead was on the winner for the Stewart stable
Sure the Stewart runner was considered and proved to be the better prospect
And the Stewart stable are aware that when qualifying multiple runners they will be needing multiple drivers
But it isn't like Kate is a freelancer - Andy and Kate are a partnership and wouldn't an owner expect her to be on their starter
I suppose it gives even the casual punter a clear indication who not to bet on :confused:
I was suprised at Night Spirits odds of $190
2 starts ago he finished 4th in the Gp1 Vicbred final

Thoughts?

[Messenger]

Greg Sugars drove in the last at Maryborough today at 5.03pm
He is driving in the first at Ballarat tonight at 6.24pm
The trip is 54min to Ballarat and so I would say close to the hour with the track on the other side of town
He would have been running out of Maryborough at 5.10 at the earliest and he will be running into Ballarat to make it for the warm up

I noticed it only because I was looking up to see if today will be one of those rare days that Chris Alford does not drive a winner and the answer is yes as he struck out at Maryborough and is not driving at Ballarat

[Galli]

Nah. He'll be right. 54 mins from Carisbrook to the track in Ballarat.

[Messenger]

A banned substance detected in the urine sample taken from driver Mark Reed at Gloucester Park during track work on
Wednesday 11 September 2019 has resulted in a suspension of licence for 12 months, effective 1 November 2019.

http://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article?news_id=41756

[Messenger]

Followers of Kate Gath would have done well to take the Daily Double on the features at Geelong tonight
It was a Kate double and paid $194
Phoenix Prince broke the 2570m Tk Rec in the Cup with Emma Stewart's 3 runners filling the Trifecta

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GE231119

[Messenger]

A good variety of trainers in the winners circle for the big card at Melton on Saturday night - some of whom we don't often see winning in town

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX141219

[Messenger]

As I have posted elsewhere, anybody following Michael Bellman's drives in the last couple of weeks would be well in front

Just notched up a $53 winner at Melton

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX040120#MXM04012006

[hugdon]

Race 2 Pinjarra today. 7 starters
6 by the same sire - Follow The Stars
1 by Pet Rock
5 trained by the same Trainer Peter Anderson
5 Owned by the same owner Alwood Stud
What are the odds of a Sire/trainer/owner filling the trfecta?

[Messenger]

I saw this story about the Trittons going to the US on Racenet (not somewhere I normally look but Harness Cafe supplied the link)

https://www.racenet.com.au/news/star-harness-duo-to-leave-for-usa---with-a-warning-for-australian-officials-20200121

What I found most interesting is the fact that this harness story on a gallops site could garner 50 comments in just a couple of days - the comments make interesting/sad reading

[aussiebreno]

I saw this story about the Trittons going to the US on Racenet (not somewhere I normally look but Harness Cafe supplied the link)

https://www.racenet.com.au/news/star-harness-duo-to-leave-for-usa---with-a-warning-for-australian-officials-20200121

What I found most interesting is the fact that this harness story on a gallops site could garner 50 comments in just a couple of days - the comments make interesting/sad reading

Comments on social media are f'd and sadly they represent the communities attitudes. Punters.com Facebook is littered with Cheats on seats comments at every chance people get on a harness article. Today Peter Moody rumoured to make a comeback and 99% are in support.

[Messenger]

Emma Stewart stable 0 runners on Hunter Cup night

[gutwagon]

Emma Stewart stable 0 runners on Hunter Cup night
Apparently the team has split so one member may start having less success .

[Messenger]

Yes, I was emailed about a split some time back but it seemed that the operation might continue as before but then we started seeing a couple of horses in Tonkin's name

[hugdon]

Trainer/driver Clinton Hall suspended indefinitely for refusing to hand over his phone. As the industry struggles to become relevant why people try to circumvent the rules and bring the sport/industry into disrepute is beyond me

[Messenger]

He is claiming family reasons and wanting to know when he would get it back

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Hall-claims-Family-grounds-for-phone-refusal

[Danno]

In today's world asking someone to hand over their phone with no reasonable explanation and no time frame for it's return is unreasonable and I for one believe Clinton Hall has done the correct thing and refused, I also think it's unreasonable to assume he has done anything to bring the game down without any evidence OTHER THAN what is in his phone.

The stipes are the problem on this occasion, put a reasonable request forward and if there is still refusal then it's back on Hall's plate.

[Messenger]

Following further investigations, Stewards have now opened an inquiry into an allegation that prior to the race,
Trainer/Driver Mr C. Hall made an improper statement(s) to a Trainer with a runner engaged in the race with
regard to the tactics and handling of their runner

http://www.harness.org.au/NEWS/news2/uploads/Harness%20Stewards%20Inquiry%20-%20Race%203%20Gloucester%20Park%20Jan%202020%20(1) .pdf

[hugdon]

Hey Dan I don't agree with you re not handing over his phone. If handing over the phone is part of the rules then play by the rules. That is my molehill and the refusal is what I consider to be bringing the sport into disrepute (my word) If people refuse to abide by the conditions of their employment then consequences are the result. Personally I hope it proves to be a tempest in a pot of tea as we can ill afford to lose him

[Messenger]

I think we would all agree that now that they have given the reason for requesting the phone, Clinton has no other option than to hand it over

[gutwagon]

I think refusing to hand over your phone is the same as refusing to let stewards swab your horse or to inspect your stables. Should be 5 year mandatory ban and all horses you trained or drove at the meeting disqualified.
There would be a lot of people out there that are glad I'm not in charge of integrity !

[Danno]

Every now and then we have rules that are wrong. e.g. Tactics. e.g. Slow sectionals. e.g. betting on your own horse.

In todays world a phone is an important tool in just about every facet of day to day life. Anyone expecting someone to hand over their phone with ZERO indication of when it will be returned is on a hiding to nothing.

If you continue demanding people hand over their phone with no information about it's subsequent return you are inviting people to operate multiple phones and accounts...........does that sound like an ideal situation?

Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.

[Danno]

I know this is the wrong thread and I hate bagging drivers but.....Jeepers Jake,

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PP130320

Pretty sure he had a do or die mission there.

[Messenger]

R.1 above everybody
As you will see in my last post in Steward News Dan, a kid got 5 weeks for less but Jake didn't even get a QDT

[Messenger]

Here is another example of Chris Alford winning a race - him being the difference

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP130320#SPC13032007

If he was on the favourite instead of Kima, it would have been long odds on and would have won
As it is Starsbythebeach was heavily supported at $3.30 second favourite (listed in fields as $11)

[Messenger]

A big day for Rodney Lakey at Bendigo 3 Wins and 3 Seconds

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN200420#BNC20042005

[Yabbie]

Rodney's sure making a wave with his comeback - good timing too with the regional racing giving him many opportunities. He always was a good judge.

[Messenger]

Alex Ashwood had 6 drives at Bendigo tonight for 4 wins and 2 thirds (only one drive was a favourite)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN270420

[Messenger]

Blair Orange is the leading driver in NZ
Sadly he comes across as low life in this report

http://www.harnesslink.com/International/Leading-driver-fined-1000-for-misconduct

[Messenger]

Emma Stewart trained the first 5 winners at Ballarat tonight (she did not have runners in the other 2 races - Trots)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA060520

[Messenger]

It will be interesting to see which of the ladies takes out the driving honours at Melton tomorrow night
Jodi or Kate?
No Stewart drives for Kate this week but she still might give it a shake
The Candyman has some chance of taking the honours
(Kima also returns)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX300520

[Messenger]

Andy and Kate Gath took 6 horses to Melton tonight for the 7 races
They won 3, and finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th with the others
And to seal the night their last winner paid $53 ($81 fixed)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX050620

[Messenger]

What does a driver do with their whip when they have a pulling horse and need to adjust their grip
- ask Kate Hargreaves

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN100620#BNC10062005

[Messenger]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/riding-high-with-confidence-ahead-of-stars-return/

The pic on the home page promoting his article is not found in the above link but below is a cropped version.
I had heard Clayton had scaled down in the last 18mths but that is amazing - well done on your own cropping CT

[Messenger]

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/trots-centre-bettor-late-than-never-for-this-lady/

This is an article up about My Bettor Lady (in tonight)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN110720#BNC11072005

Interesting quote from the owner
"When she opened up $1.30 or something silly in the first race (for Stewart in May), it kind of surprised us. Having a look at her Adelaide form, how could you back her?"

She had 6 runs in SA for a second but since coming to Vic she has had 5 straight wins
What is just as miraculous as her form turnaround since joining the Stewart stable is "how did they get Stewart to take her on?"

Jake Webster who had her in SA is no mug, up until July 8 he had had 54 starters for the season for 18 wins, 10 seconds and 3 thirds

[Messenger]

IMO a big question mark over Xavier OConnor's drive on $2.10 fav Be The One in R3 at Ballarat (no sprint lane)
He seemed to have an opportunity to push off the fence both times down the back straight but didn't and didn't look all that fussed down the home str to the finish
:confused::confused::confused:

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA180720#BAC18072006

[Messenger]

4 days later Wins and pays $5.30

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=TE220720#TEC22072002

[Messenger]

They mentioned Kerryn Manning not driving due to suspension so I tried to find more
You can find a list of suspended drivers through Harnessweb but no detail
One that caught my eye was Tim McGuigan serving a year (until Oct)
I know he was suspended as a trainer for a year at that time but why would he be suspended from driving too?

[Messenger]

Luke McCarthy drove 5 winners in a row at Menangle tonight, only 1 was in the red, 3 around even money and 1 at $23

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC250720

[Messenger]

I have read that Aaron Dunn thinks Bondi Lockdown could be special and I was certainly impressed with his debut at Stawell
but I think Aaron may have underestimated the opposition at Terang tonight and driven him a little too confidently

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=TE050820#TEC05082006

[Messenger]

Terrible drive by Dwayne Locke on $1.04 fav Egodan over the short trip at Mildura tonight
Super slow first half and he did zip - following up the winner to the death early on, in particular, would have been smart
There were some massive big bets that went astray on Lochinvar Art, I hope none of them were on this one too.
The winner Murranji Track was clear 2nd fav but paid $20

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML100820#MLC07082001

[Messenger]

Chris Alford is a brilliant driver, more evidence with a treble at Shep tonight
BUT why would he position $2.50 Eq Fav Cracker Jet 3Fence in a 7 horse field? in the last
It may have 'only' been a $10k race for the 3yo with a big future but all of his 4 wins from his previous 7 starts were all only $7k races

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP150820#SPC15082008

I just watched it again and CA always had eyes for the 3F position with the Lilley stablemate of the co-fav and winner always there to keep him on the fence. Add to this the fact that CA is normally a first choice driver for Lilley trotters. Why has Josh Aiken lost the gig on Cracker Jet.
Maybe I am too suspicious but IMO things not only have to be on the up and up but they have to look like they are on the up and up

[Messenger]

Trainer and driver (tonight) Allan McDonough obviously thinks 2yo Blitzern is a champion for despite the horse losing 4 or so lengths after making a mistake at the start, he did not think falling in the 1x1 was good value and take a breather, instead went straight to the death. The horse was brave but I would not be surprised to see Kima back on it next time (if she does not have Stewart commitments). The time of 1.55.6 at Terang was excellent for 2yo's
There are no replays up so you may have to wait until tomorrow to have a look or go to Sky/TAB (I have some memory of having to wait until the next day for replays once before at Terang - something to do with the internet)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=TE200820#TEC20082006

[Messenger]

What has become of Dean Braun?

[Messenger]

John Caldow wins the first 3 races at Melton today and in interviews says that the death is not the place to be with the strong wind
Zac Phillips comes out and brains them in the next two sitting in the death

[Showgrounds]

What has become of Dean Braun?

Amanda Grieve is the trainer, Dean mucking out boxes or something, so I read a few months ago.

[Messenger]

I loved Ryan Duffy (Boncel Benjamin) having a crack at beating the long odds on fav Out To Play (first up) in R4 at Ballarat tonight
Instead of conceding he made the last 1200m fast just to find out if the fav was fit enough

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA290820#BAC29082009

[Messenger]

I wonder why Kima is not driving tonight
She is on track as she trained the winner of R3
Firerockfireroll R7 is one she always drives for the Stewart stable
(I have checked the Suspensions list)

[Messenger]

Rhys Nicholson has joined the Mildura driving ranks

[Messenger]

Greg Sugars was on his stable's $1.20 pop The Hervey Bay in a 4 horse race at Stawell today
He chose to sit in the death while all the other runners hugged the pegs
Maybe he thought he was controlling the race from there
But the leader and winner ran them along rating only 0.1 secs outside the Tk Rec
The Hervey Bay ran last
There was very little in the TAB pools eg only $1,207 in the Tri pool so I am not suggesting anything
The Tri paid $234
Not bad if you potted the favourite

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SW060920#SWC06092002

[Messenger]

No driver listed for Ride High on Saturday night - I am not sure why it wouldn't be Kima
Maybe Jodi if Kima is not going to be there

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=TE120920#TEC12092001

[Adaptor]

No driver listed for Ride High on Saturday night - I am not sure why it wouldn't be Kima
Maybe Jodi if Kima is not going to be there

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=TE120920#TEC12092001

Who get to pilot Ride High?

Jason Lee went to Kilmore from Terang last night to drive 2 Stewart/Tonkin horses.

Possibles: Jodi, Jason, Puppet, Greg and what about Dasher Douglas from left field?

[Messenger]

If I was Kima I would go to Cuba to keep the drive
Jodi is listed as driving another stable entrant later on the card

[Adaptor]

Who get to pilot Ride High?

Jason Lee went to Kilmore from Terang last night to drive 2 Stewart/Tonkin horses.

Possibles: Jodi, Jason, Puppet, Greg and what about Dasher Douglas from left field?


KATE GATH listed to drive RIDE HIGH.

[Messenger]

Thanks Noel
I didn't consider her as Andy has Beach Surge in the race
Have I missed some news explaining why Kima is not driving Ride High?

[gutwagon]

Thanks Noel
I didn't consider her as Andy has Beach Surge in the race
Have I missed some news explaining why Kima is not driving Ride High?
Kima has tweeted that she is no longer driving , she will be concentrating on training and educating horses.

I guess that recent fall may have caused her to re think her future .

[gutwagon]

This may have been mentioned before but Tonkin sticking to the light drivers has reminded me. Either the form guide or the HRA web site should list all drivers weights. Drivers should be weighed every 3 months and their weight listed for punters, owners and trainers to see.

I would much rather a 50kg driver than a 120kg one. Kate and Kima in the same cart would still weigh less that a few male drivers going around !

[aussiebreno]

This may have been mentioned before but Tonkin sticking to the light drivers has reminded me. Either the form guide or the HRA web site should list all drivers weights. Drivers should be weighed every 3 months and their weight listed for punters, owners and trainers to see.

I would much rather a 50kg driver than a 120kg one. Kate and Kima in the same cart would still weigh less that a few male drivers going around !

Hmm weight can fluctuate so its possible false info would be being used presented as fact and I think there would be pushback from having weight advertised. Is it more just part of form analysis to know who the drivers are?

[Messenger]

Surprised Kate Gath didn't take Majestuoso to the death in R5 at Terang tonight
Sammy Showdown got away with a 67 sec first half and of course the speed was on when Kate eventually came 3 wide

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=TE120920#TEC12092007

[Messenger]

I know we once had a big discussion about Drivers' Colours v Owner/Trainer Colours BUT I cannot find the thread (here will do for now)
I found it interesting to hear Dan and Rob having a lengthy discussion about it today during their Trots Vision coverage of Melton
As race-callers they are very much in favour of Owner/Trainer Colours but also because colours come to be associated with champion horses
Dan gave the example that if we continue post Covid with driver colours then Ride High would be going around with Kate in the Gath colours

[Messenger]

Kima has tweeted that she is no longer driving , she will be concentrating on training and educating horses.

I guess that recent fall may have caused her to re think her future .

Has anyone heard why Kima gave it away?
It was since her fall that she has been driving what some think will prove to be the greatest horse the Southern Hemisphere has seen (or the world)
Why would you walk away now?

[Yabbie]

Kima did an interview with Brittany Graham aired on In the Gig on 15 September explaining her decision


http://skyracing.com.au/index.php?component=content&Itemid=121&id=97&do=SW4gVGhlIEdpZyMyNjExXzEzNzQ0OA==


starting at about 13min mark

[Messenger]

Thanks Carol. It would seem the argy bargy of driving/criticism and nervousness (negative) was getting to her

[Messenger]

Michael Guerin I like your thinking

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/the-forum/guerin/guerin-trainers-its-time-to-take-ownership-of-a-problem/

[Messenger]

Without looking it up which Australian trainer (of over 100 starters) has the best winning strike rate right now?

Look up this race to find if you got it right

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN030621#BNC03062102

[Showgrounds]

Without looking, Julie Douglas.

But I'd be wrong.

[Messenger]

I wonder what got Wayne Hill so excited about winning the $4,500 R1 at Mildura today (see the salute)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML040621#MLC04062109

[Toohard]

I wonder what got Wayne Hill so excited about winning the $4,500 R1 at Mildura today (see the salute)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML040621#MLC04062109

1600th winning drive I'm told Kev.

Bit rough he couldn't have done it at his home track Globe Derby. Wasn't allowed to drive there last Saturday night due COVID rules coz drove at Mildura last Friday night.

I guess his 14 days quarantine in SA starts again today as drove at Mildura today? Maybe not coz regional Vic restrictions lifted.

[Messenger]

Thanks Paul, Wayne must really love his round numbers :D

[Messenger]

The vagaries of harness racing
Here we are fast approaching the mid point of the season
and Chris Alford has only driven 8 metro winners
Going back to the last normal season 18/19, he had 70 metro wins for the season
We know the reasons why - he has been dropped down the pecking order and is getting about 30% less drives
But who would have predicted it

[Showgrounds]

....and spent a fair bit of time out of the cart and in hospital with a crook leg.

[Messenger]

Thats true he missed a bit over a month so his figures might have been over 10?

[Messenger]

The vagaries of harness racing
Here we are fast approaching the mid point of the season
and Chris Alford has only driven 8 metro winners
Going back to the last normal season 18/19, he had 70 metro wins for the season
We know the reasons why - he has been dropped down the pecking order and is getting about 30% less drives
But who would have predicted it

I said 'vagaries' as inexplicable for as he is showing tonight, he is one of the VERY BEST

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX120621#MXM12062110

[Messenger]

Maybe Chris is back in favour for he has kept the drive on trotter Cover Of Darkness having replaced Jodi Quinlan for his last start
Previously Jodi had won 8 in a row on COD before he blew it in the Vicbred Final on the last night of 2020

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/the-week-ahead-puppet-stays-with-boom-trotter-for-major-test/

[Messenger]

I see the Strides have take Puntarno Stride off David Miles and given him to Butt & Smith. After a good 2020 season he won his first race of this season but only had 2 seconds and 1 third from his next ten. So far after 2 runs the new stable has yet to improve his fortune

[Messenger]

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/racing/greyhound-trainers-threaten-boycott-over-prizemoney-unfair-treatment-20210628-p584yy.html

Greyhound trainers, "as well as being dissatisfied with prizemoney, the association is campaigning against Greyhound Racing Victoria because of what they describe as unfair treatment - including the regulator’s harsh stance on contaminated feed. The trainers argue welfare officers are treating them like quasi-criminals"

Some are planning to boycott the races on Saturday, complaining that city track prizemoney has not gone up for 10yrs. However the article says that there was an increase in prizemoney of $6m this year and that there is to be a $6m increase this coming year

I wonder what they would make of Melton and its $4,500 race card on nights like tonight
(that is not a rise but rather a huge decrease)

[Messenger]

I read an interesting suggestion that Bob Butt could not have done any homework for last night's Trotting Championship heat at AP or else he would not have stayed behind $151 and very nearly cost himself qualifying

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=AP030721#APC03072102

[Messenger]

He may not have done his homework but he was not at risk of missing qualification as there is 2 rounds of heats

[Messenger]

Both Jack Laugher and Wayne Hill drove 4 winners at Mildura today. It is not often that you have two drivers have a Big day
Leigh Sutton also got a double with Ryan Sanderson the only other winner on the 11 race program

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML090721#MLC09072102

[Messenger]

Anthony Butt loses Rosati horses

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/multiple-stables-benefit-as-rosati-farms-out-stars/

There is an article going around that Ant's stable was not being used as 'exclusively' as Emilio may have expected
BUT that author is now backtracking his story
One thing for sure is that there is no way Butt & Smith would have initiated the loss of all their stars so
"we both agreed it was best to go our own ways" is pretty much a nonsense

[Messenger]

Dexter Dunn won 7 of the 11 Kindergarten 2yo heats at the Meadowlands yesterday

http://ustrottingnews.com/getting-it-dunn-dexter-wins-7-at-big-m/

I found it interesting that there were 4 pacing heats and 7 trots heats

[Messenger]

It appears apparent that a couple of bad stories are going to hit the Vic news soon, one about race-fixing the other an assault.
Depressing

[Showgrounds]

Yep, trouble is brewing.

[Messenger]

This happened at Mildura on Friday of last week (Aug 13)

Driver Jayden Brewin was replaced on his driving commitments at tonight’s race meeting as follows:

Race 1 – Puopolo – Luke Watson

Race 2 – Chalkncheddar – James Herbertson

Race 3 – Lochster – Dwayne Locke

Race 4 – Glitzy All Over – Rod Lakey

Race 7 – Heza Reddy – Michelle Phillips

Race 9 – Three Strikes Mach – Luke Watson

Race 10 – Moonlight Jack -Dwayne Locke

Race 11 – Woody Nightshade – Jordan Leedham

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=ML130821

Last Wednesday Jayden posted this on facebook

I’m not sure how to write this and I’m not sure how people will take this but this is reality
I’m sure by now most people know what has happened and I’m sure there are a million different stories being told
On Friday at Mildura I was taken of my horses due to a very silly decision on my behalf I backed my own horses to win
Now people can sit here reading this in two minds either I’m trying extra hard on your horses or I’m pulling them up think what you want but you have my word I go out there and give it my all
I’m going to lose myself a lot of drives over this saga and by all means i can’t get shitty over it because it something I have done
The last few days have been very challenging I don’t know how to react to it all but once again I done it to myself so I am the only one to blame
There is not many positives out of this but it is a very big wake up call to myself

https://www.facebook.com/jayden.brewin

Some are accepting of drivers betting on their own horses
Others think it can be a cover

Peterprofit has reservations about this drive from Jan 20 when JB on Rhyflective fired out, knocked down Pats Pride but then did not seem to want the lead. Pats Pride was the danger to Calgary Bay who had been backed to such extent that it took favouritism off Pats Pride and started Odds On

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML200121#MLC20012105

He pleaded guilty to causing interference and copped 3 weeks

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=ML200121

[Messenger]

Another 5 winners for Jack Laugher at Mildura tonight
He will be trainer Tony Cumming's favourite driver as he got 2 of his home at $22.90 and $8.30 and managed 2nd with TC's only other runner

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML260821

[Messenger]

What must Heather Herbert be thinking of On My Oath's transformation, she had him for 52 starts and never won a race - he comes to Vic and has won 8 out of 11
(she was OMO's 5th trainer)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML030921#MLC03092103

[Showgrounds]

What must Heather Herbert be thinking of On My Oath's transformation, she had him for 52 starts and never won a race - he comes to Vic and has won 8 out of 11
(she was OMO's 5th trainer)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=ML030921#MLC03092103

Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Say no more!

[Messenger]

Boy would Alex Ashwood like to have R5 at Ballarat over again
Driving the $1.30 fav, 2yo Lightning Jash who was taking on the older horses, he was totally caught napping in the lead and lost it then to make matters worse after coming off the fence he went for home way too early and was run down in the straight

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA131021#BAC13102102

[Messenger]

Josh Aiken really is a careless driver, have a look at how he gets into the clear on Narutac Prince

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN051121#BNC05112106

[Messenger]

Another good day for Alex Ashwood at Cobram today, 3 winning drives, 2 of which he trained
It made me reflect on another winning interview he did with Rob Auber on Saturday night
It is pure business for him, buying off hobby trainers, putting some serious work into them, turning them over quickly - no mention of loving the horse
I know I am too much of a romantic

[Showgrounds]

All trainers love horses. Unfortunately some trainers love money even more than they love horses.

I have tried but found it a very hard task to track the careers of the horse once they have been "turned-over" by professional trainers. I must find a text book and start recording horse names.

[Messenger]

Glenn Douglas is listed as having 4 drives at Melton tonight and yet he is on the suspended drivers list - I can only guess that they don't update it for appeals

https://harnessweb.harness.org.au/harnessweb/content/client/suspensions/view.do?method=view

[Messenger]

Glenn Douglas is listed as having 4 drives at Melton tonight and yet he is on the suspended drivers list - I can only guess that they don't update it for appeals

https://harnessweb.harness.org.au/harnessweb/content/client/suspensions/view.do?method=view

WTF we just heard from the Chairman of Stewards that suspended drivers have a 9 day deferment option so Asbestos copped 7 days at Kilmore on Thursday which he deferred and he received 10 days tonight which he has also deferred so despite all this, he will be able to drive in the Breeders Crown next Saturday

[Messenger]

Somebody must be reading as Mr Douglas is off the Suspended Drivers list today

[Messenger]

The Stewart stable won an amazing 6 out of 10 Group races on Breeders Crown night
They won 5/6 pacing races. Four races were trots but they didn't let that stop them, winning one of them too

[Messenger]

How good is this footage of Milesy educating/working his rising 2yo's

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1082351352566891

[Messenger]

Smart drive by Connor Clarke to get Always Fast home in the Claimer at Melton

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX111221#MXM11122107

[Messenger]

Small fields often lead to our best drivers being underutilized
Take the 12 race card at Melton tonight
Jack Laugher is the only driver with 5 drives
Alford, Caldow, Manning, Gath and disqualified Tormey all have 4
While Bellman and Sugars only have 3

Lance Justice is driving 3 of his own
Brent Murphy has 3
Ashley Ainsworth is driving 3 of theirs

[Messenger]

PeterProfit has his unfavourite trainers and drivers that he likes to pot (Yeah, I know I have one :p)
But you cannot distort the facts to suit your position
He is potting Alex Ashwood claiming last night's win by Mister Rebel in 1.56 is 50m better than his previous best
He is using previous fastest 'winning' time
BUT Mister Rebel has run 1.57 - 1.58 plenty of times when losing in the Riverina
and on Nov 20 last year would have run about 1.56 when beaten by 27m when the winner rated 1.53.7

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP281221#SPC28122111

[aussiebreno]

PeterProfit has his unfavourite trainers and drivers that he likes to pot (Yeah, I know I have one :p)
But you cannot distort the facts to suit your position
He is potting Alex Ashwood claiming last night's win by Mister Rebel in 1.56 is 50m better than his previous best
He is using previous fastest 'winning' time
BUT Mister Rebel has run 1.57 - 1.58 plenty of times when losing in the Riverina
and on Nov 20 last year would have run about 1.56 when beaten by 27m when the winner rated 1.53.7

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP281221#SPC28122111

To go along with the Craig Demmler article lamenting lack of a penalty even though he was given a week.

Basically every story he does can be debunked.

[Messenger]

We get that you are not a fan Breno - you can probably debunk half and a quarter are only rumours

ps Looking at PP's snip of the Demmler case, I am thinking the original version of the Stewards Report may have failed to include the last penalty sentence (Stewards Reports are often amended/corrected)

[Messenger]

Tim Butt is moving to Queensland?!

[Messenger]

It has been good seeing a bit more of Glen Craven in the sulky at metro meets of late - he is too good to not be

[Messenger]

No doubt PP will go to town on Alex Ashwood tonight after Malinjang broke his maiden in winning 2nd up for the stable at Bendigo tonight
His focus will the MR of 1.54.8
It has to be said however that it is comparable to the 1.59.1 he ran for them first up for them at Swan Hill as you have to allow a couple of seconds for the longer distance and a couple of seconds for Bendigo being the faster track
The horse has no doubt improved a couple of seconds on his Riverina form as the best I can see there is beaten 22m back in September with the winner going 1.55.6 so Malinjang would have gone 1.57.2

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN200122#BNC20012210

[Messenger]

A personal gripe, being a profoundly deaf coot for more than half my life, I unintentionally (and unbeknown to me even) became a bit of a lip reader
I can tell you that some of those interviewed on TrotsVision would make fantastic ventriloquists

[Messenger]

A double to Brent Lilley and Chris Alford at YV today. Nothing special for them I know but I am highlighting it because I love the way that Brent has been loyal to Chris. Unlike some other stables, he has not dumped him for whatever the flavour of the month is

[Messenger]

There is a teaser of an interview with Chris Alford by Tim O'Connor on the HRV site. At 3 minutes this should have just be the promo for a 30 minute with the champion. Maybe Rob Auber will do a longer one for the VHRC like he has done with others. It had Chris on location and could have been so much more

https://www.thetrots.com.au/tv/shows/interviews/

[Messenger]

1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - (1 - 1 - 1)

It still doesn't look long enough but that is Mark Pitt's results from his last 12 drives
Another 3/3 at Mildura tonight to add to his 9/9 in Tassie

Wrong - I missed his Echuca drives in between

[Adaptor]

1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1

It still doesn't look long enough but that is Mark Pitt's results from his last 12 drives
Another 3/3 at Mildura tonight to add to his 9/9 in Tassie


It's a remarkable achievement. And beidng between two tracks and states make it even more unique. This will take some beating.

[dmac43]

Amazing effort however Mark did drive at Echuca in between the Launcestion and Mildura meetings, 4 for a 3rd and 3 unplaced.

[Messenger]

Thanks Dannie, I checked Warragul but missed Echuca so the run did not continue past 9
Might be starting another run as to go with yesterdays 3/3 he drove 1/1 today

[Messenger]

Would you want Lance Justice to drive your 2yo?
Responsible for a 26.8 Q1 which is sizzling for Melton any age

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX210422

[Messenger]

Before R7 on Vision they had a little feature on Kerryn Manning and she talks about her love for horses - I wish someone would suggest that she doesn't whip them so vigorously

[Messenger]

I know I am a bit slow on the uptake but I just noticed tonight that Flash Jimmy is no longer trained by Aaron Dunn - I wonder what happened there?
He was a late scratching from last New Year's Eve's 2yo Vicbred Final and has come back in April with Matt Craven as his trainer

[Yabbie]

I think you will find that owner Steve Blacker is no longer working with Aaron Dunn and has moved to Matt Craven - I expect that is the reason

[Messenger]

Was he like a stablehand Carol?

[Yabbie]

I think so

[Messenger]

PP writes today that Emma Stewart and Mark Pitt as a combo have won 37 of their last 55 starts ie a strike rate of 67%
He finds it unbelievable

[aussiebreno]

PP writes today that Emma Stewart and Mark Pitt as a combo have won 37 of their last 55 starts ie a strike rate of 67%
He finds it unbelievable

Must be blinding his Vic 3yo C&G of the year. Says Bondi Lockdown by half a furlong. Act Now won the Vic Derby, Breeders Crown, 2nd in APG and won over $120K more despite having 5 less starts. I think Bondi is better, and he got cruelled by some bad draws but you can only go on achievements.

[Messenger]

In the home straight in R6, Emmett Brosnan was unable to stop Yankee Gold from climbing all over Kerryn Manning driving Eva Mateo and Yankee actually broke just before Kerryn gave him a good elbow, otherwise she may have been asked to explain

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX140522#MXM14052203

[Messenger]

I noticed that since his return to racing this month after a year away from the track, Keayang Kamikaze is now being trained by Emma Stewart
He is still owned by Marg Lee and family and driven by son Jason
Does anybody know why they sent him to Stewart/Tonkin?

[aussiebreno]

Levarg racing group also have Jilliby Kung Fu now being trained by Luke Belinda McCarthy.

[Showgrounds]

The McCarthy's obviously relish the challenge of trying to rehabilitate broken down former stars. Former Fremantle Cup winner Caviar Star, who last raced on 7 February 2020, was also in Jilliby Kung Fu's trial last Wednesday. A 3/4 brother to Self Assured, the owners obviously have their fingers crossed the horse will make it back.

[Yabbie]

I noticed that since his return to racing this month after a year away from the track, Keayang Kamikaze is now being trained by Emma Stewart
He is still owned by Marg Lee and family and driven by son Jason
Does anybody know why they sent him to Stewart/Tonkin?

Track at Marg Lee’s is currently not available. Working horses at Terang track. Some have been sent elsewhere while track is being done. Hence Jason driving K Kamikaze

[Messenger]

Another newbie to the Stewart stable saluted most impressively in the last at Bendigo tonight
Talk Time had only had a couple of 2yo starts for David Aiken last season
She is a ¾ sister to Act Now

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN270522#BNC27052206

[Messenger]

PP writes today that Emma Stewart and Mark Pitt as a combo have won 37 of their last 55 starts ie a strike rate of 67%
He finds it unbelievable

Their success/strike rate is almost getting ridiculous - they don't seem to lose
2/2 at Kilmore tonight (Thursday)
2/2 at Echuca on Tuesday
2/2 at Melton on Saturday
only 1/3 at Bendigo on Friday
2/2 at Ballarat on Thursday
1/2 at Melton the prior Saturday
2/2 at Ballarat on Friday May 20

That is 12/15 That is 80% so I think the 67% has gone up

ps the Netflix mini series is also disturbing but incredibly good

[Messenger]

Add 1/1 at Maryborough today

[Messenger]

Matty Craven should put his brother Glen on his horses - a superb driver who is underutilized

[aussiebreno]

I wonder if Anthony Butt is having regrets splitting with Rosati. Middle of winter and 3 drives at Albury today for no winners including $1.45 fave going down. 1 drive to come.

I believe partner Sonya Smith has only had 5 training winners for the season as well.

[Messenger]

I think we all know the split was not his doing, more a consequence

[Messenger]

Aaron Dunn is falling into the Michael Stanley category - trainers who would be better off letting someone else drive
I don't think Little Louie was going to win regardless tonight

[aussiebreno]

Aaron Dunn is falling into the Michael Stanley category - trainers who would be better off letting someone else drive


+1

[Messenger]

Where is Chris Alford tonight? The stable has one in but Chris is not driving.
He is not suspended so I hope he is giving himself a night off (rather than being crook)

[thepacingman]

Where is Chris Alford tonight? The stable has one in but Chris is not driving.

Albion Park.
https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=AP180622#APC18062208

[Messenger]

Thanks Stephen, she was impressive

[Messenger]

Ben Yole is turning Victoria into Tassie :eek:

In R9 at Kilmore he had 5 of the 7 runners and got the First Four
He then had 2 in the next and won that

He seems to be sprecializing in the $4,500 races

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=KI210622

[Messenger]

Trying to create a bit of interest the SEN team came up with an All Australian Team of Drivers (from the past 18mths)

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/all-australasian-squad-of-drivers-revealed-on-trotslife/

Talk about an insult to Kate Gath - 2021 National Leading Driver by Stakes won, clear 2nd for Metro Wins (behind GHjnr), 3rd highest % wins to starts

[Messenger]

You would think that someone should be doing an interview or one on one article with Julie Douglas
Another 4 winners at Bendigo tonight - she is the 4th leading trainer in the whole of Australia
I don't think I have ever heard from her or seen her in the media

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN240622#BNC24062205

[Messenger]

Here is a Harnesslink story from last year, lauding her achievements But where is Julie
Lucky she has such a faithful husband to sing her praises

https://harnesslink.com/australia/victorian-horsewoman-flies-past-100-training-wins/

[Messenger]

I find it a little odd that on the National Top 20 Trainers table

https://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/top20/index.cfm/trainers/default/sort/wins?d=28062022

Only 4 are Vics
7 are from NSW
6 are from QLD

Ben Yole at the top of the table is a bit of a joke, it is only because he has already had over 2,000 starters
His winning strike rate is 7.5%
He only has 1 winner per 13 starters
Having whole fields does not help

[Messenger]

Ben Yole, might not be a total joke as he is proving pretty bloody successful here in Vic

[aussiebreno]

Aaron Dunn is falling into the Michael Stanley category - trainers who would be better off letting someone else drive
I don't think Little Louie was going to win regardless tonight

In the space of 1/2 hr N Jack hops on two horses he has barely driven before and has to drive them in a way they are not normally driven but judges them to perfection. (Best driver in the country).

Before that Sugars was superb on Triple 8.

Yes they had horsepower underneath them and race run to suit but you still need to be good enough to capitalise. In between all that poor Bondi Lockdown punched out the gate from outside front when he had two of the fastest beginners in the state inside him, and then sent on a mission 1st up after conceding a fair bit of ground behind the galloping horse. No doubt Dunn is a great horseman and its going to be a hell of a ride the next couple years but I fear he might leave a few big races behind.

[Messenger]

'Ashwood takes aim at Winter Championship heats'

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/ashwood-takes-aim-at-winter-championship-heats/

Well that story was a waste of everyone's time - all three Ashwood runners have been scratched from Ballarat tonight

Massive Apologies to Alex
I am an idiot for not realizing it was him in last night's horror fall

[Theoldfox]

...a bit harsh, the guy is in hospital after coming down heavily in the second race at Mildura last night!


'Ashwood takes aim at Winter Championship heats'

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/ashwood-takes-aim-at-winter-championship-heats/

Well that story was a waste of everyone's time - all three Ashwood runners have been scratched from Ballarat tonight

[Messenger]

Very much so Em, I did not realize it was him
Latest news

https://nationaltrotguide.com.au/latest-update-on-horrific-mildura-crash/?fbclid=IwAR0jmeePNznR9K-hQNanKGrOVwFCg907y5szLDuYz6wFB2pOSrXo3IPKwt0

[aussiebreno]

Refer Popular Alm sprint at Kilmore. For a split second I thought N Jack had been outdriven. What a ridiculous thought.
There will probably be a couple nuffies get into Herbertson but he did the right thing, bad result but was on the right track and could have easily been a much different result.

[Messenger]

Emma Stewart has now trained Von Art to 8 in a row and along with Soho Historia's 6 in a row - how easy is it for Aaron Bain Racing
She has also trained Treachery to 6 in a row (not for ABR)

[Messenger]

Ben Yole, might not be a total joke as he is proving pretty bloody successful here in Vic

The invasion is building - he had 4 of the 7 runners in R1 at YV just now (could we see Tassie-like whole Yole fields soon?)

[Messenger]

The wheels really fell off the Mark Pitt bandwagon at Bendigo tonight
He drove 6 favourites (4 odds on) plus one other, he finished Last or Second Last five times and his best finish was 5th

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN050822

He is on a run of 17 outs :eek:

[Messenger]

Interesting to note that Delightful Jazz, the long time Ahmed Taiba horse who then spent the last year with Pizzuto and then Grimson in NSW, is having her first start for Emma Stewart in the last at Charlton tomorrow

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=CH250822#CHC25082201

[DRUIDRACING]

its the water and fresh air makes them go good..................lets see how it goes at $1.60 hasnt started that short for a long time

[Messenger]

Hmmm

[Messenger]

It is only 3 weeks until David Moran is back

[Messenger]

Congratulations to Emma Stewart for notching up 100 Group Ones!
Another one to Bonnie/Anne (& Bill) tonight - who has had no small part in that ton

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC270822#PCM27082201

[Messenger]

PP is correct in pointing out that Nathan Jack's push out on Ludacrous at the top of the straight in the Nutrien Fillies Final was dangerous and should have been dealt with by the stewards more severely - he gave David Miles no option but to check Matriart

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC270822#PCM27082202

[Theoldfox]

I disagree, Nathan Jack was within his right to ease out when the Miles horse was not improving ground. The deliberate attempt by David to stop Nathan Jack from easing out is the more problematic aspect. The Miles horse did pick up again, but at the time of the contact it was struggling.

See the rule below

LR164. ChangingPositions(EasingOut)
(1) Notwithstanding Rule 163(1) (b), a driver may make another horse cover more ground than necessary where;
(a) the driver does so on or after entering the front straight with one lap of the race to run provided that any horse being made to cover extra ground is obliged to race no wider than three wide until entering the back straight on the final occasion; or
(b) the driver does so prior to entering the front straight with one lap of the race to run, and the other horse is not maintaining or improving its position,
and provided that the driver does so only to the extent necessary to obtain an improved position for the driver’s horse.


PP is correct in pointing out that Nathan Jack's push out on Ludacrous at the top of the straight in the Nutrien Fillies Final was dangerous and should have been dealt with by the stewards more severely - he gave David Miles no option but to check Matriart

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC270822#PCM27082202

[aussiebreno]

I disagree, Nathan Jack was within his right to ease out when the Miles horse was not improving ground. The deliberate attempt by David to stop Nathan Jack from easing out is the more problematic aspect. The Miles horse did pick up again, but at the time of the contact it was struggling.

See the rule below

LR164. ChangingPositions(EasingOut)
(1) Notwithstanding Rule 163(1) (b), a driver may make another horse cover more ground than necessary where;
(a) the driver does so on or after entering the front straight with one lap of the race to run provided that any horse being made to cover extra ground is obliged to race no wider than three wide until entering the back straight on the final occasion; or
(b) the driver does so prior to entering the front straight with one lap of the race to run, and the other horse is not maintaining or improving its position,
and provided that the driver does so only to the extent necessary to obtain an improved position for the driver’s horse.
Solid rule! Probably explains why one of them drives winner after winner and the other posts deranged & stalking phone conversations .

[Messenger]

Are you talking about Milesy or PP there Brendan?

[aussiebreno]

Are you talking about Milesy or PP there Brendan?

PP

[Theoldfox]

Hmm, damn. I thought we were about to get some D Miles gossip :D
David is actually a nice guy, just got outmanoeuvred by a horse travelling much stronger than his on this occasion.


PP

[Messenger]

James Herbertson drove in R5 at Stawell today which was run at 3.38pm
He drove in R3 at Bendigo tonight at 6pm

I figure he had to get to Bendigo at 5.45 at the latest to do the preliminary warm up
I wouldn't think he would have got out of Stawell any earlier than 3.48
That doesn't quite give him 2hrs

It is 2hrs and 6mins between Bendigo and Stawell tracks
He had to fly

Maybe he did catch a plane?

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SW140922#SWC14092207

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN140922#BNC14092210

https://www.google.com/search?q=Stawell+harness+racing+club+to+Bendigo+ha rness+racing+club&oq=Stawell+harness+racing+club+to+Bendigo+harness+ racing+club&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l2.20226j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[Messenger]

Lochinvar Art in R7 at Melton on Saturday night is listed as being trained by Rodney Lakey, I know from a good source that this is no longer so - HRV need to make sure their information to the public is up to date

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX170922#MXM17092201

ps David Moran's suspension has been completed so he is 99% likely to be the new trainer (/driver?)

[Messenger]

Recently I wrote on another thread that a massive component of Emma Stewart's multiple hattricks is the drivers. They have to be consistently good or else the run ends
Mark Pitt made a big error of judgement in not going for the leaders back at the start of R8 at Bendigo last night. It cost them a win

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN140922#BNC14092201

[Bonnie]

Lochinvar Art in R7 at Melton on Saturday night is listed as being trained by Rodney Lakey, I know from a good source that this is no longer so - HRV need to make sure their information to the public is up to date

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX170922#MXM17092201

ps David Moran's suspension has been completed so he is 99% likely to be the new trainer (/driver?)

ATM R Lakey Trainer Leigh Sutton Driver .

[Messenger]

I know someone who has spoken to R Lakey and he is not training Lochinvar anymore

[Showgrounds]

I know someone who has spoken to R Lakey and he is not training Lochinvar anymore

The horse is still in Lakey's name as trainer as of tonight and there are no licencees named Moran listed on Harness Web as of now.

Perhaps they are waiting to see if there is a magic turnaround from a "minor" lung infection a fortnight ago.

[Messenger]

I have done the same search and that is very puzzling
Why would David Moran not be on the Licensee list?
Others whose suspensions have not finished are still on the list

[Messenger]

Could it be that Nathan Jack is training Lochinvar Art?
It would make it hard for him to drive Copy That

[Messenger]

David Moran not being listed as a licensee on Harnessweb must be a mistake surely
He is down to drive 3 at Yarra Valley on Monday

[Mytwobobsworth]

Suspension up Sunday.

[Messenger]

So why isn't he still on the suspended drivers list?
And why is he not listed as a licensee?
Others on the Suspended drivers' list are still found doing a licensee search

[aussiebreno]

In the space of 1/2 hr N Jack hops on two horses he has barely driven before and has to drive them in a way they are not normally driven but judges them to perfection. (Best driver in the country).

Before that Sugars was superb on Triple 8.

Yes they had horsepower underneath them and race run to suit but you still need to be good enough to capitalise. In between all that poor Bondi Lockdown punched out the gate from outside front when he had two of the fastest beginners in the state inside him, and then sent on a mission 1st up after conceding a fair bit of ground behind the galloping horse. No doubt Dunn is a great horseman and its going to be a hell of a ride the next couple years but I fear he might leave a few big races behind.
Dunn doesn't learn and that man N Jack does the damage. I should be thanking him because it was obvious what would happen, but surely he learns now for the sake of Bondi.

[Messenger]

We didn't learn much about the horses from the race Brendan
Will LA and Bondi return to their best (or at least near to it) and "how much can we credit Copy for that win?"

ps Hey Brendan, why do you think David Moran is missing off the Harnessweb Licensee list - typo/omission?

[Messenger]

So Lochinvar Art has been stood down for 28 days!
He had an endoscopic exam so I am guessing he failed this badly
For the times he ran after a bad start would not be grounds for 28 days

The Interdom title holder was beaten 181m and it was only stood down 1 trial

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX170922#MXM17092201

[Showgrounds]

Champions run fast times but take the same time to recover from illness and injury as a kids pony. It's an absolute disgrace that Lochinvar Art was allowed to start just a fortnight after a similar poor finish and the stable reported it had "only" a "minor" lung infection. Only now do the stewards demand a vet certificate is produced before it races again. Standing it down and making the horse trial satisfactorily seems one start too late.

A compliant media and the fools that took the slim odds about the horse could fall for the ruse. I guess we can now add the stable connections to that list, we have been dripped dubious reports about the horse's condition for the past eighteen months.

NZ Cup? Dream on.

Boncel Benjamin? Done, if that run is used as a measure. Lightning struck twice for the horse during last year's ID Final, the second time being in the stewards room.

Copy That looked a certainty after a lap. Driven quietly this week and latching on to Lochinvar Art's back for a cart-up some well below par performances from quality opponents saw his class get him home.

[aussiebreno]

We didn't learn much about the horses from the race Brendan
Will LA and Bondi return to their best (or at least near to it) and "how much can we credit Copy for that win?"

ps Hey Brendan, why do you think David Moran is missing off the Harnessweb Licensee list - typo/omission?
Yeah still lots to learn. Vic Cup might be first chance big guns all meet in a more standard run race.


DQed trainers dont appear. Maybe suspension of trainers licence is treated more like DQ trainers rather than like suspended driver? Not sure.

[Messenger]

He was on the list about a month ago when I was checking when he was due back

[Messenger]

I am looking forward to seeing the full stewards report to see if it mentions the trainer or stable representative for Lochinvar Art - I would like to know who it was on Saturday night

[Messenger]

The date David Moran's suspension finished had been on the Suspended Drivers List when I checked a month ago.
I think it may have finished Sept 7 as the VRT hearing was on Feb 7 and this also explains why it was no longer on the list last Thursday (it still doesn't explain why he is not on the Licensee list)

The end of the VRT ruling:

The bottom line is that you are immediately suspended for a period of seven months. If you breach either of the relevant Rules again in the next 24 months, the further suspensions of two and/or three months will become operative. Also, you are fined a total of $3,000.

Mark Howard
Registrar, Victorian Racing Tribunal

[Showgrounds]

The horse bled so nobody will be training it for quite a while, if ever. Reported as a grade 4 pulmonary haemorrhage, whichh means more than 90% of the surace of its trachea had blood on it. Grade 4 is the highest grading.

I am so sorry for a great horse and, without sounding like a knob, I predicted this. If a mug like me could predict it, you wonder why others were so blind. Perhaps the lure of big stakemoney? It is going to take a lot more than 28 days away from the races, a successful trial and a vet certificate to bring the old Lochie back.

[gutwagon]

Yes Trevor the whole LA thing seems strange.

Harness.org are now reporting that he had a "Minor Bleed" and will go to the US to race or retire. So they are still playing the incident down. No stewards report yet so we don't have the official word. Obviously you have got the info from elsewhere and I have no reason not to believe you.

Seems HRV just wanted the publicity that LA generates and didn't put his welfare first as you pointed out .
Sad end to a great career.

[Showgrounds]

Yes Trevor the whole LA thing seems strange.

Harness.org are now reporting that he had a "Minor Bleed" and will go to the US to race or retire. So they are still playing the incident down. No stewards report yet so we don't have the official word. Obviously you have got the info from elsewhere and I have no reason not to believe you.

Seems HRV just wanted the publicity that LA generates and didn't put his welfare first as you pointed out .
Sad end to a great career.

HRV's own media unit is the source of my information. https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/copy-that-bounces-back-but-artys-vic-cup-looks-over/
And now they are considering sending the horse to North America so it can be loaded up on Lasix. Talk about squeezing out the last drop of hope!
https://www.harness.org.au/media-room/news-article/?news_id=54092

And here is another question I would like HRV to explain. Why does Sirletic cop the mandatory 3 month ban for bleeding yet Lochinvar Art is stood down for only 28 days? I was prepared to cut some slack for Michael Howard's story being incorrect with the "grade 4 pulmonary hemorrhage" statement but the comments by the horse's owner, as quoted to Adam Hamilton, pretty much confirm my original comments.

Love of horses or love of money? If he were mine I would realise it is the end of the road. A life at stud in Australia, even for a small handful of mares a year, is far better for the horse than risking a one-way road trip to Mexico.

[Messenger]

Stewards Report is up

Leigh Sutton, driver of Lochinvar Art ($2.00 fav), explained that he did not commence to apply pressure to the leader Bondi Lockdown until passing the 1000m and added that he felt passing the 600m that Bondi Lockdown had commenced to be placed under pressure and as Lochinvar Art was travelling strongly he allowed the horse to progress forward. Post-race veterinarian and endoscopy examination of Lochinvar Art revealed the horse to be displaying Grade 4 EIPH. In accordance with HRV Policy, Lochinvar Art will be stood down from racing for a period of 28 days, until a veterinary clearance is received and Lochinvar Art trialling to the satisfaction of Stewards.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX170922

[Theoldfox]

I'm always amazed by Harness based media articles that portray cheats that were disqualified or suspended and are returning (or returned) as knockabout good guys that are poor souls that were forced out.
It's a hard truth, but this is why the industry has hit the skids. This image of cheats and scoundrels of the "red hots" is further perpetuated. An unsavoury image.
Mr Moran cheated. He cheated you, he cheated me and he cheated every other punter. For this he was disqualified. If he hadn't cheated he would have still been training the horse. It's simple. Please don't cast him as the victim.
Perhaps the media will one day learn, and stop trying to portray Glenn Douglas as a larrikin guy too.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/the-forum/hamilton/hamilton-more-twists-in-vic-cup-plot-as-arty-finishes-aussie-career/


Stewards Report is up

Leigh Sutton, driver of Lochinvar Art ($2.00 fav), explained that he did not commence to apply pressure to the leader Bondi Lockdown until passing the 1000m and added that he felt passing the 600m that Bondi Lockdown had commenced to be placed under pressure and as Lochinvar Art was travelling strongly he allowed the horse to progress forward. Post-race veterinarian and endoscopy examination of Lochinvar Art revealed the horse to be displaying Grade 4 EIPH. In accordance with HRV Policy, Lochinvar Art will be stood down from racing for a period of 28 days, until a veterinary clearance is received and Lochinvar Art trialling to the satisfaction of Stewards.

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/stewards-reports/stewards-reports-detail/?mc=MX170922

[Showgrounds]

Well Old Fox, you are not quite correct. Moran didn't cheat, he was outed for actions he took against a former partner. Those actions took place in her workplace. Had Worksafe Victoria become involved I am certain he would have copped more than a seven month suspension that allowed him to master puppetry while others trained his horses.

There is a fair chance he might be eating porridge thrice daily had the law investigated the incident. Lucky him, he had HRV prosecuting his charges.

What you say about the compliant, weak-kneed, grovelling harness racing media is true. As mentioned previously, the fact none of them questioned the "minor bleed" claims with LA will never rate as quality journalism. Gee, where is the next generations of Richard Trembaths and Bob Cainsc coming from?

The reality is freedom of speech is outlawed by HRA and state controlling bodies. While rules are in place to prevent licensees and owners from stating the bleeding obvious the "accredited" media seem to play to that rule book.

Recently, my insomniac self watched a great series of documentaries on late night pay TV called The Prohibition. Al Capone, now widely acknowledged as one of the shonkiest gangsters of the era, was given celebrity status by the press of the day (no "media" back then). They were even more compliant then than harness racing media are today. Villains are good guys in their view. Of course, when the CEO of a state controlling body relicences a 13-time disqualified offender on grounds that "everybody deserves a second chance you realise why the sport is in a death spiral.

[aussiebreno]

Well Old Fox, you are not quite correct. Moran didn't cheat, he was outed for actions he took against a former partner. Those actions took place in her workplace. Had Worksafe Victoria become involved I am certain he would have copped more than a seven month suspension that allowed him to master puppetry while others trained his horses.

There is a fair chance he might be eating porridge thrice daily had the law investigated the incident. Lucky him, he had HRV prosecuting his charges.

What you say about the compliant, weak-kneed, grovelling harness racing media is true. As mentioned previously, the fact none of them questioned the "minor bleed" claims with LA will never rate as quality journalism. Gee, where is the next generations of Richard Trembaths and Bob Cainsc coming from?

The reality is freedom of speech is outlawed by HRA and state controlling bodies. While rules are in place to prevent licensees and owners from stating the bleeding obvious the "accredited" media seem to play to that rule book.

Recently, my insomniac self watched a great series of documentaries on late night pay TV called The Prohibition. Al Capone, now widely acknowledged as one of the shonkiest gangsters of the era, was given celebrity status by the press of the day (no "media" back then). They were even more compliant then than harness racing media are today. Villains are good guys in their view. Of course, when the CEO of a state controlling body relicences a 13-time disqualified offender on grounds that "everybody deserves a second chance you realise why the sport is in a death spiral.
Maybe Old Fox is referring to the bet placed on another runner when he was driving in the race where there was a 6 month suspension imposed at the same time as the other incident.

[Theoldfox]

Indeed, I didn't even know there was also domestic violence factors added to the charges! I thought it was for the betting charges..and behaviours that could stem from that. The fact that there was domestic violence only makes the washing of his character for media articles even more deplorable in my view. Sad state of affairs when these are the hero trainer/drivers of the sport.

Until the media drags culprits over the coals and their careers are affected in the long term, the deterrence level will not be high enough....and the public will view us as backward fools.


Maybe Old Fox is referring to the bet placed on another runner when he was driving in the race where there was a 6 month suspension imposed at the same time as the other incident.

[Showgrounds]

True, I overlooked the betting charges because the other long-standing matter took years to be dealt with. Enough time for the horse to reach champion status and for the trainer's charges to be treated like minor indiscretions.

There was no domestic violence, just tipped his ex out of the cart and let the horses she was leading escape.

[Messenger]

I was going to say that there are a lot of ordinary characters in the racing game but on reflection, probably no more than in any other industry.
In other industries, if you do something very wrong you are probably not going to be welcome in the industry any longer.
It is also probably true that some will get away with it because in many cases (unlike sportspeople and entertainers) the offence may not receive any publicity.

But just as being in the public eye thanks to the media can be damming for racing people, it can also be a godsend (as Theoldfox suggests) for the media see their role as promoting the industry/portraying the positives - not reporting facts.
This is because the media see themselves as part of the industry team - and pretty much adhere to the belief that you don't air your dirty laundry in public

I know Aussiebreno hates it every time I mention PeterProfit but the only reason PP has an audience is that virtually nobody in the mainstream media is prepared to make waves.
PP up on the beach at Port Douglas may like waves a bit too much but it is his declared mission statement 'Always back the horse named self-interest, son. It'll be the only one trying'

The other thing that strikes me about our industry personalites is - how many of them are media performers
Compare it to AFL, Patrick Cripps told us last night that he sort out help in order to be comfortable speaking to the media, look at how many AFL players perform so very well in media roles (yes, I know some are overrated too)

I don't really follow the gallops other than springtime but it seems to me that they always have a few that are good performers.
I don't watch/listen to Burning Questions - not just because of JB but because I am discerning when it comes to allocating my time - especially because hearing is not that easy for me SO I don't know as well as some of you, who we should be getting in front of the camera to promote our industry. Who we should be 'training up' - I know some do media training

I am trying to think of who I have seen on TrotsVision who seem comfortable and personable - Kate Gath, Greg Sugars - people that NON rusted ons are going to listen to.
ps And hosts who are good at sharing/not dominating the mic

I know I have drifted off track a little - but only a little, as I am concentrating on Theoldfox's point about how the public see us

[Messenger]

US Drivers Premiership
They are only 262 days into the year
and yet the leader has had 2924 drives
Not that he could have driven every day
but that is an average of over 11 drives a day!

[gutwagon]

Trevor, my horse had her first bleed earlier this year (level 3) and received a 28 day ban. That seems to be the usual for a first bleed. The horse you refer to may have bled before.

[Showgrounds]

Thanks Rick, I haven't checked the rules recently. It always used to be three months the first time, then 12 (maybe?) then life. But back then the blood had to be coming out the nostrils, arthroscopes were not commonly used on course.

Hope your girl comes good.

[Theoldfox]

Messenger summarises it beautifully.
In simple terms Harness Racing and its "state" media is behaving like North Korea and to a large extent viewed that way from outside the industry. Before everybody exclaims that this is an outrageous proposition, I'll better explain my point.
The industry is using controlled media to paint a rosy picture to its disciples, the people already in the industry. "Nothing to see here", the cheats "are larrikins". This is not dissimilar to North Korea and its method of state sponsored/controlled "positive" internal media. This is all well and good when the industry (or country) is prospering and no further participants or resources are needed for survival.
Sadly this is not the case, a faltering industry that needs new participants, new owners, more breeders is not in a position to behave this way. It becomes a laughing stock.
It's time to show everyone that a clean up is happening, not writing articles that express pity for a physically aggressive and proven cheat/s is step one.





I was going to say that there are a lot of ordinary characters in the racing game but on reflection, probably no more than in any other industry.
In other industries, if you do something very wrong you are probably not going to be welcome in the industry any longer.
It is also probably true that some will get away with it because in many cases (unlike sportspeople and entertainers) the offence may not receive any publicity.

But just as being in the public eye thanks to the media can be damming for racing people, it can also be a godsend (as Theoldfox suggests) for the media see their role as promoting the industry/portraying the positives - not reporting facts.
This is because the media see themselves as part of the industry team - and pretty much adhere to the belief that you don't air your dirty laundry in public

I know Aussiebreno hates it every time I mention PeterProfit but the only reason PP has an audience is that virtually nobody in the mainstream media is prepared to make waves.
PP up on the beach at Port Douglas may like waves a bit too much but it is his declared mission statement 'Always back the horse named self-interest, son. It'll be the only one trying'

The other thing that strikes me about our industry personalites is - how many of them are media performers
Compare it to AFL, Patrick Cripps told us last night that he sort out help in order to be comfortable speaking to the media, look at how many AFL players perform so very well in media roles (yes, I know some are overrated too)

I don't really follow the gallops other than springtime but it seems to me that they always have a few that are good performers.
I don't watch/listen to Burning Questions - not just because of JB but because I am discerning when it comes to allocating my time - especially because hearing is not that easy for me SO I don't know as well as some of you, who we should be getting in front of the camera to promote our industry. Who we should be 'training up' - I know some do media training

I am trying to think of who I have seen on TrotsVision who seem comfortable and personable - Kate Gath, Greg Sugars - people that NON rusted ons are going to listen to.
ps And hosts who are good at sharing/not dominating the mic

I know I have drifted off track a little - but only a little, as I am concentrating on Theoldfox's point about how the public see us

[Messenger]

For someone who drives so many winners, how do you explain a drive as bad as this on The Wolf in R7 at Melton tonight

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX220922#MXC22092202

[aussiebreno]

For someone who drives so many winners, how do you explain a drive as bad as this on The Wolf in R7 at Melton tonight

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX220922#MXC22092202

I would suggest on its efforts with this stable they would prefer it driven to use its late sprint after its pea hearted effort when driven aggressively with early speed.

In the heat it was easier to go around 4 horse lengths in 29.2 than it was to go around 8 horse lengths in 28.1 for the 3rd qtr in the final. In the small field you'd usually see a fave make an earlier move so to me it indicates they dont want to use any early petrol tickets.

If you're coming 4 wide making ground in a 28.1 qtr and it runs out steam in the straight maybe you're not driving it next week, probably unrelated but note Leedham is no longer driving it.

[Messenger]

Good explanation

[Showgrounds]

Trevor, my horse had her first bleed earlier this year (level 3) and received a 28 day ban. That seems to be the usual for a first bleed. The horse you refer to may have bled before.

Just an update on the bleeding rule - unverified (I'm too lazy) but from an impeccable source. If a horse has blood in or flowing from its nostrils it's a 3 month ban for a first occurrence. In Lochinvar Art's case it is 28 days as the blood was detected by scoping. The blood was in the trachea, not the nostrils.

I feel sorry for the poor horse, he'll be on his way to the US of A late next week.

[Messenger]

What is with the TAB's shortening of an already short name. It feels just a little too familiar to me
G Hall Snr takes up less space than D Egerton-green so why the G Snr

[Messenger]

Watching the Vic Cup replay and hear the news that Bondi Lockdown is going to Luke McCarthy
Aaron Dunn of course owns him so he has plenty to gain from the move

[Messenger]

No Mark Pitt at Melton tomorrow night - he is up at Menangle for just 2 Emma Stewart drives in 2yo Breeders Challenge Semis

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=PC151022

[Messenger]

Great to see Chris Alford win a Gp1 and Gp3 tonight
One major stable that he has driven dozens of Gp1's for may not have remained loyal but the man just keeps doing what he does best

[Messenger]

Last night it was interesting to see Greg Sugars drive Moments Like These $81 for the stable and an Alabar Syndicate instead of Sarah Anne $41 for Freddy Taiba whom he had driven for her two previous wins
Well it was really only interesting because you would have expected him to drive the stable's Nonparreil $3.60 for Alabar last week instead of Sarah Anne $2.60

I know the stable is in Jess Tubb's name but it is both of them - I don't know how I would feel about the Candyman choosing not to drive your stable horse when it is in the market

[Messenger]

With Nathan Purdon returning to NZ, Amore Vita is now in the Stewart stable
Despite driving more Gp1's for them than any other, there goes another big drive of Chris Alford's

[aussiebreno]

With Nathan Purdon returning to NZ, Amore Vita is now in the Stewart stable
Despite driving more Gp1's for them than any other, there goes another big drive of Chris Alford's

Maybe he could dress up as D Moran and pilot either Honolua Bay or Ladiesinred

[Messenger]

Stewart confirmed their brilliant Victoria Cup runner-up Honolua Bay (Somebeachsomewhere) will head to Sydney for the $100,000 Group 1 Len Smith Mile.

He will need a new driver with David Moran committed to the amazing Ladies In Red at Melton in the $100,000 Group 1 Queen of the Pacific.

https://harnesslink.com/new-zealand/kiwi-owned-filly-moves-to-champion-stable/

He is too loyal to ditch his Melton drives for Menangle

[aussiebreno]

I wonder if Pitt goes to Syd. Moran, Jack and others onto the Melton runners Pitt was down for.

[Messenger]

Interesting the choice of Manning rather than Jack for Treachery.
Kerryn has had 8 drives on her for 5 thirds (before Pitt returned)
Jack has never driven her

Braeview Kelly is not going to trouble them over this distance is she Brendan?

Moran might take Beyond Delight in the 4&5yo and they may put Josh Aiken back on Narutac Prince

I could be wrong about Alford not going to Menangle - I forgot about Max Delight (maybe Josh won't be available at Melton)

[aussiebreno]

Interesting the choice of Manning rather than Jack for Treachery.
Kerryn has had 8 drives on her for 5 thirds (before Pitt returned)
Jack has never driven her

Braeview Kelly is not going to trouble them over this distance is she Brendan?

Moran might take Beyond Delight in the 4&5yo and they may put Josh Aiken back on Narutac Prince

I could be wrong about Alford not going to Menangle - I forgot about Max Delight (maybe Josh won't be available at Melton)
I think $4.60 is pretty short when she is untested burning the candle at both ends. As impressive as last week the breakdown of splits was perfect for a fast time. Not sure she gets that with Tough Tillys gates speed and Ladiesinred ability from the chair. Perhaps her presence in the race helps Ladiesinred though, who doesn't have a good head to head record when Tough Tilly gets an easy lead. Solid no bet race for me.

[Messenger]

Interesting the choice of Manning rather than Jack for Treachery.
Kerryn has had 8 drives on her for 5 thirds (before Pitt returned)
Jack has never driven her

Braeview Kelly is not going to trouble them over this distance is she Brendan?

Moran might take Beyond Delight in the 4&5yo and they may put Josh Aiken back on Narutac Prince

I could be wrong about Alford not going to Menangle - I forgot about Max Delight (maybe Josh won't be available at Melton)

Kate has jumped off Pull The Other Leg onto Beyond Delight leaving Narutac to David Moran, so the Stewart stable did not need to utilize anybody other than their regular drivers

We just need Menangle to tidy up their listed drivers as several are blatantly incorrect

[aussiebreno]

I wonder if Pitt goes to Syd. Moran, Jack and others onto the Melton runners Pitt was down for.

Pitt drives two juveniles but not Honolua Bay. Noticed he has has never driven Honolua or Ladies in Red.

[Messenger]

Amanda on Honolua - she has been brought down here to drive for Anne and Bill in the past so that is no surprise
Chris Alford has gone up for Max plus another Aiken runner and one for David Moran, Rebecca Bartley takes his Melton drives

[Messenger]

Is it that hard to get drives or is Jason Lee just taking it a bit easier this year?
For the last 6yrs I think he has driven 100+ winners from 600+ drives
With only a couple of months to go he has 47 winners from only 325 drives

[Messenger]

Ben Yole is certainly making inroads in Vic
Unlike in Tassie where he has the majority of the starters, tonight at Geelong he only had 6 starters in 5 races for 3 wins and a second

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GE311022

[Messenger]

At this point Chris Alford is listed to retain the drive on Amore Vita in her Breeders Crown heat on Friday and despite the change of stables it could still happen as the Stewart stable are hoping to qualify 14 for the semis so they might be needing him
He is listed to drive Idyllic for them on Saturday night but that would be more of a surprise

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN041122

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX051122

[Messenger]

Debra Wicks Moss won the veteran drivers race at Bendigo on Friday

https://harnesslink.com/australia/girl-power-prevails-in-legends-feature/

his proudest moments were Debra becoming the first female driver in an official race to win against the boys at her first race drive aboard Darwin Boy at Hawkesbury in late 1977

It is amazing that this was just 45yrs ago

[Showgrounds]

Even more amazing, or tragic, is I remember Darwin Boy!

[Messenger]

I am pretty sure my arithmetic is correct and that Majestic Cruiser has won over $700k since Jason Grimson took him off Geoff Webster 16 months ago
He was 6½ at the time and it is not unusual for standardbreds to peak between 6 - 8 years of age but who would have thought

[Messenger]

How pathetic of the Douglas stable (possibly just Daryl) not giving interviews on TrotsVision

[Messenger]

Is Denbeigh Wade really driving at Swan Hill tonight after having to stay in Hospital Sunday night after the fall at St Arnaud?

[Messenger]

So many threads I could have put this in
PP is skeptical of Wavethebill's improvement for the Morris stable since coming from NZ

Wavethebill is 2/2 at Menangle winning by 25m+ in 1.51.5 which is many seconds faster than he had ever gone before and only having won 2/27 in NZ

No doubt some of that is 'Menangle' and you could argue that he has come from a small stable and may have had room for a deal of improvement
But old trainer Simon Adlam has been dabbling with the odd horse for 30yrs with his second best season being 2008 when the dam of Wavethebill won 7 races as a 4yo

Wavethebill is superbly named being by Net Ten EOM (10 days end of month) from Wave Runner

[Showgrounds]

When I was a little kid, detractors of the sport of Trotting referred to it in rhyming slang as the red-hots. It was legendary not so much for the horses but the rorts pulled regularly by cheating participants. Nearly six decades later we are confronted by Wavethebill, a horse only cleared from NZ twenty-six days pior to its first-up win at Menangle. It's career form suggested it would be more suited to racing at Broken Hill, certainly not Menangle.

It has lead all the way at both Menangle starts, ran 1:51.1 in both by around the same margin of around 26 metres. A good spelling paddock during a cold South Island winter, perhaps? Not in my book. I wouldn't let those swab samples out of my sight but given it is now two years and HRNSW still hasn't completed inquiries into Kerry-Ann Morris' two positive levamisole swabs I might be waiting a while to find an answer. No doubt others will claim the horse's latent ability had been discovered. It's just red-hot, as usual.