Breeders Crown 2019

[Messenger]

Fields are out for 2 heats for 2yoF at Bendigo on Tuesday
I cannot see any others scheduled for anywhere else (other than C&Gs on Wednesday)
As this link to the Form for the first heat states they are still talking about Semi's

http://www.harness.org.au/form.cfm?mc=BN060819&rc=BNC06081907

Does this mean all the heat runners go through to the semis

That would seem to be the case having now found the schedule

http://www.breederscrown.com.au/racing/breeders-crown-race-series/breeders-crown-schedule/

[gutwagon]

My girl gets barrier 7 while Tonkin/Stewarts luck with good draws continues. Just sour grapes I know.

[arlington]

Does make you wonder if/how much of the prize money is funded by futurity payments. Current prize money level sustainability?

Can you look on the bright side Rick...no more two horse heat winners...no All Stars, only one of Emma's in your heat, . Who knows, you might draw the pole with none of Emma's in the semi!


edit: All the best next Tuesday Rick.

[Messenger]

Meaningless heats for the C&G's too on Wednesday at Shep

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=SP070819

[Messenger]

And more meaningless heats for the 3yo fillies at Kilmore tomorrow night (2 heats = semis)
but finally at Ballarat the C&G's required 3 heats so 9 of the 33 contenders will be eliminated

The random draws may have an effect here as the Stewart runners have been spread across the heats 1-6-2
So in the 2nd heat they will be endeavoring to get 6 of the first 8 home

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA090819

Surely the alarm bells have to be going off somewhere and a massive idea to stimulate breeding (albeit a bit late) will be unveiled soon

[gutwagon]

The next 2 years will be even worse Kevin, they will probably change it to no semi finals. Just heats and a final.
At least the heat draws do seem to be random now, not like the Vicbred random ones where every stable got a very even split of runners per heat !

[Messenger]

$1.04 pops do not get it much easier and show less than Princess Tiffany did in tonight's 2nd meaningless heat
Understandably in the first heat, Chris Alford saw no reason to ask too much of Looking Fabulous from her poor draw

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=KI080819

[Messenger]

Another below average run from a very short All Stars favourite in Jesse Duke but on 3 legs they would have known he should run first 8 - it is going to be interesting to see how they go when the big money is on offer

As Dan said Hurricane Harley bolted in, in the first heat - so much faster than the 2nd heat while the last heat was a mere 400m dash.
Anne will be amazed at HH's time, only ½ sec outside the Tk Rec when the temp was somewhere between 1° and minus 1°

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BA090819

[gutwagon]

My girl draws 7 again, Stewarts best horse gets 2. Starting too wonder about these random draws.

[Messenger]

One of the 2yo C&G semis seems much stronger than the other maybe the 3yo's too
Jess Tubbs unlucky to have her three 3yo fillies in the same semi

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN170819

[Messenger]

At least we have got it right for the Trotters
Heats at Maryborough tomorrow then final so these are the equivalent of semis - no meaningless races

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MH150819

[Adaptor]

One of the 2yo C&G semis seems much stronger than the other maybe the 3yo's too
Jess Tubbs unlucky to have her three 3yo fillies in the same semi

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN170819

Thanks to HRV Media for the publicity for our History and Memorabilia Collection. Come and see us on Saturday night.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/bendigo-collection-the-story-of-john-phyland/

[Messenger]

I was just about to put that in the ClassicFamilies (disaster averted) thread Noel
Great Story Noel and the reason why not only HRNSW but also HRA should be sponsoring ClassicFamilies - look up Divitius in HRA's Horse Search and you will get nothing unlike ClassicFamilies
I am thinking one of those £1 horses must have been Miss Star

http://classicfamilies.net/CF/Offspring.aspx?HorseID=10009026

[arlington]

At least we have got it right for the Trotters
Heats at Maryborough tomorrow then final so these are the equivalent of semis - no meaningless races

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MH150819

Would there be an uproar from those who've paid up if HRV removed the semis for the pacers? You have to wonder how the prize money levels for the finals are going to be maintained, especially for the 2yos.

[gutwagon]

Kevin and Wayne, if you have a runner in the heats and semis you don't consider them unneeded races. It's good prize money that is hard to get nowadays !
When breeders see this easy money on offer they may consider breeding a few more foals !

[Messenger]

Very true Rick but you do have to place to get anything meaningful.
My concern is the 'no need to try this race' scenario and how it could lend itself to betting rorts but I suppose you can say the same about any race and why wouldn't you try for the $5k first prize (unless you had a stablemate in line for it) - I am just overly suspicious sometimes

[arlington]

Kevin and Wayne, if you have a runner in the heats and semis you don't consider them unneeded races. It's good prize money that is hard to get nowadays !
When breeders see this easy money on offer they may consider breeding a few more foals !

I can see that point of view Rick, hence I posed "Would there be an uproar from those who've paid up if HRV removed the semis for the pacers?"

How much is the BC funded by futurity payments with these low numbers? If we're getting to the stage of, particularly $300,000, finals that have to be propped up from funds from elsewhere, which could mean reduced prize money allocated to bread and butter racing, it's a good thing breeding numbers wise?

I may move in different circles to you Rick, I hear more and more people saying they no longer pay up for the Breeders Crown. Without asking them, as breeders, I wonder how encouraged they'd be to breed more if their foals raced for, in effect, reduced prize money. No question there are more that don't pay up for the BC by a long way.

edit: without blatantly saying it in my first post, my thoughts are if HRV were to look at maintaining the prize money levels for the pacers finals an option would be to remove the semis. Alternatively, keep the semis and reduce the level for the finals.

[gutwagon]

It would be pretty simple to ad a clause that if there are not enough runners for more than 2 heats there will be no semis. I doubt that would upset too many people.

[Messenger]

Fides fast finishing 5th at $313 when Q4 was 26.1 might push dam Localize's bid in the online Mixed Sale up to what Trevor would like ;)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN170819#BNC17081904

http://www.ardex.com.au/apgonlineauctions/lot/49.51.htm

[arlington]

Great to see gallops trainer Mick Price at Bendigo last night.

All the best for next week Rick with Final Peace.

[Messenger]

No luck with the barrier again Rick
Stewart's dominant group have drawn well enough in this final

It might be a bit harder for them in the C&G in both age divisions. With Perfect Stride in 1 we will find out how good Be Happy Mach is and in the 3yo's the 9 (10) should be negotiable for the bloody impressive Demon

In the 3yo fillies Princess Tiffany has been gifted 3 (I knew that heat failure would prove to be nothing)

All the draws can be found in the blog link below

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/live-blog-breeders-crown-semi-finals/

[eliteblood]

Fides fast finishing 5th at $313 when Q4 was 26.1 might push dam Localize's bid in the online Mixed Sale up to what Trevor would like ;)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=BN170819#BNC17081904

http://www.ardex.com.au/apgonlineauctions/lot/49.51.htm

Yes, somebody could become the new owner for Localize this afternoon. She is only one bid away from the reserve.

[gutwagon]

Thanks for the well wishes, yes another horror draw but very proud of her for making the final. Maybe if I stop criticizing the administration she may draw better!

Really don't like the way they do those live draws, just pull the names out and first out gets 1, second out gets 2 etc. Drawing the name and then a ball with a number just makes it easier to rig !

[Messenger]

The fields for the finals are up on the site now

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX240819

The forecast is for the weather to be a bit better on Saturday

[Messenger]

10/11 Group Races tonight = $1,484,000 prizemoney
The Stewart stable only has 4 favourites and the All Stars a mere 1

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX240819

[Messenger]

Unfortunately the showers would seem to be on their way (passing through the Gap right now but we are a wet spot)

[Messenger]

The protest in the 3yo trot final alerted me to something I had not noticed before
The Fields which become the Results page as races are run and won, is showing All Cashed Up as the winner
You would think there should be something stating that it is Interim result as a protest is being heard

[Messenger]

Yabby Dams/Pat Driscoll scaling back his harness team (frustrated with the industry) and getting into thoroughbreds IS NOT A GOOD SIGN

https://www.hrnz.co.nz/news/yabby-dams-scaling-back/

After that protest was upheld in the 3yo Trotters Breeders Final, I now fear the degree of scaling back by Yabby Dams

[Mytwobobsworth]

Can’t blame him for being a bit upset by that result.
Can anyone explain how that was upheld?
With the current rules I can’t see how, didn’t make ground, driver grabs hold immediately.
What more can they do?
Not talking through my pocket as I needed the eventual winner for my quaddie. Just think it’s the wrong decision.

[Messenger]

The steward interviewed said that the rule says not only can the horse not make ground when galloping, it cannot maintain its ground either - they thought it did
I too think it is a nonsense as when Craven took hold it went from winning by at least a neck to winning by a nose - I cannot see how that is 'maintaining your ground'

[Mytwobobsworth]

Not the first time this has happened, simplest rule change fixes everything.

[Messenger]

Yes, there is something to be said for the French rules - trotters must trot or be disqualified

[Mytwobobsworth]

Having owned a few baby trotters im not that harsh but I do believe if you gallop in the straight or last 200m you should be out.
Guess the worry how it looks to the drunk in the pub who’s horse is first past the post but loses.
I would have trouble understanding that after 46 schooners.

[Messenger]

From the blog

HRV Chairman of Stewards explained their decision to Brittany Graham on Sky Racing Active.

"They are always so difficult to do when they are so close to the line," Mr Day said.

"The relevant rule requires that when a horse does break gait that either it doesn't gain ground or, importantly, doesn't maintain ground. When they gallop so close to the line it's very hard for them to lose ground, or alternatively not maintain their ground, and we were satisfied that when All Cashed Up broke in the final 50 metres, initially while in a gallop, it did maintain its position.

"Mindful of the very small margin between the two of a nose, we were satisfied the protest ought to be upheld and we amended the placings."

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/articles/breeders-crown-finals-night-live-blog/

[Messenger]

I am really looking forward to watching all the replays tomorrow - there were some great runs
(after 5+hrs of the Live coverage I need a break for now)

[Messenger]

OMG I was reminded/sent this from last year's final for these guys as 2yo's
This was a protest that should have been upheld going on horses 'maintaining/gaining ground when galloping'
But the Stewards Report said:

Consideration was given to a protest lodged by Kate Gath, driver of 2nd placed Dream Mastar, alleging that 1st placed Kyvalley Clichy had gained an advantage whilst in a gallop over the concluding stages. After taking evidence from Mrs Gath, Andy Gath (Trainer- Dream Mastar), Chris Alford (Driver- Kyvalley Clichy) and Brent Lilley (Trainer – Kyvalley Clichy) and review of the available replays it was established that Kyvalley Clichy had broken gait approximately 40m from the finish of the race, however in view of the 1m between the two runners and the close distance this occurred to the finish Stewards could not be satisfied that this occurrence was to the detriment of Dream Mastar. The protest was accordingly dismissed and the all clear given. A warning was subsequently placed on the record of Kyvalley Clichy.

Now watch the replay from last year!

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=MX250818#MXM25081810

Same Chairman of Stewards

[Messenger]

Liberty Stride and Ultimate Stride were just far too good

Kratos will probably never have any luck in running again in its career as it got it all last night. It got to trail All Cashed Up all the way with special thanks to Hatchback galloping for a couple of strides thus letting it drop down onto ACU's back

No Win No Feed got a fair dose of luck too

The Black Prince did something no other horse did - ran into a place in the home straight after coming from last and making up heaps of ground (used to Menangle long straight?)

Max Delight's race would have been a classic if it had been down the Menangle straight - so many running on

Horses aren't supposed to be able to do what Be Happy Mach did, serious check early, ton of work to get lead, accelerated in the straight AND he is a 2yo (super 2nd by Youaremy Sunshine)

Maajida did as it pleased but it was a good run from Iolanta from an average draw and Rick would be very happy with Final Peace's 4th

It was pretty easy for Im Ready Jet but as Dan said it was a phenomenal run from Illlawong Stardust for 3rd

Goodtime Heaven's strong win was most notable for the death horse not handing up - something we strangely rarely see nowadays (maybe because they are mostly stablemates). Maybe we need more interstate runners/rivalry

[gutwagon]

Yes Kevin very happy with her effort and had some luck for a change. I thought Youaremy Sunshine was a huge run, I don't take much notice of the unrealistic performances of that big stable.

[gutwagon]

About the galloping protest, I agree with the decision but was very surprised that it was upheld because 9 times out of 10 they are dismissed. We need a rule that is black and white, not up to the stewards opinion/discretion as it makes people wonder, did the big $ make a difference? Did who trained the horse make a difference? Not a good look for the industry !

[Messenger]

Group 1 Williamson story

http://www.harnesslink.com/News/Group-One-double-for-Williamson

[Messenger]

Tomorrow night at Geelong is the Breeders Silver races
- never will you see so many horses with 7, 8, 9, 0 for their latest run, racing for such good money but good luck to them as they kept paying up

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fields/race-fields/?mc=GE270819

[Messenger]

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/No-rest-for-Emma

Stewart joined the chorus of trainers, drivers and owners pushing for a review of what time in the season the Breeders Crown is run.

“Absolutely we need to move it. It’s one of the biggest meetings in this part of the world and we need in summer when more people will come to the track to watch the great horses,” she said.

[gutwagon]

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/No-rest-for-Emma

Stewart joined the chorus of trainers, drivers and owners pushing for a review of what time in the season the Breeders Crown is run.

“Absolutely we need to move it. It’s one of the biggest meetings in this part of the world and we need in summer when more people will come to the track to watch the great horses,” she said.


It was already overcrowded at Melton, it obviously needs to go to Bendigo or Ballarat just to accommodate the crowd ! Make it a Sunday arvo and create the old Kilmore cup atmosphere. It would be a great boost to those towns.
Would be hard to run it in Summer with 2yo racing only starting in December.