ID13 - Wildcard x 2

[HaroldParker]

Karloo Mick - Scratched

Announcement made this morning that they'll be reducing the number of guaranteed from that heat from 4 to 3 and increasing the number of Wildcards from 1 to 2. I assume they discussed the possibility of increasing WA or perhaps VIC (if Smoken Up isn't SCR) ?

My point is, why would they make the announcement (decision) in the knowledge that Smoken Up was in serious doubt and undergoing a vet exam early this AM ?

WA not picking up a third guaranteed in the wash up, and I love a good conspiracy theory, is for the benefit of the major sponsor.

35 into 3.5 x 2 and longer in for one more in the final week of "Make the Final" betting = I smell a rat. I'll be out there tonight and I'll be asking the question, if they're not hiding : )

[HaroldParker]

"I'll be out there tonight and I'll be asking the question, if they're not hiding : )"

I'm 6ft 9 and weigh 120 Kg so they won't miss me : )

[Toohard]

Smoken Up scratched. Still 3 go thru from Vic heat.

[Greg Hando]

The goal posts are moving as we get nearer to the start time for the heats.

[gutwagon]

I bet Smoken Up gets the first wildcard, thats why they added the second.

[Maorisidol]

I bet Smoken Up gets the first wildcard, thats why they added the second.

Thought it would be really sad if Trigger AND Karloo Mick missed out on probably their last shot at an Inter, didn't enter my head that they could get a wildcard, would love to see Trigger grab one of those cards available, he deserves it based on his career efforts and latest form. (Obviously Mick cannot get one)
Mick was in such good form and the 3000m final would've been great for him, what a shame.

[Maorisidol]

Thought it would be really sad if Trigger AND Karloo Mick missed out on probably their last shot at an Inter, didn't enter my head that they could get a wildcard, would love to see Trigger grab one of those cards available, he deserves it based on his career efforts and latest form. (Obviously Mick cannot get one)
Mick was in such good form and the 3000m final would've been great for him, what a shame.

Doh!!!
Greg Hayes just tells me Trigger not eligible for a wildcard. Bugger. 2 champs miss out at this point of their career, what a blow!

[p plater]

I don't think SU could possibly get a wildcard if he doesn't compete in a heat.

[broncobrad]

I don't think the wildcards should be given out mandatorially, ie if the cattle aren't considered good enough then don't just put something in for the sake of it. Controversy is not necessarily a bad thing if it creates some sort of interest. If Smoken Up was fit enough (and I haven't caught up as to why he was scratched yet), throw the horse a card. Fair dinkum if a horse like him isn't in the race there will not be the same sustained pressure that we saw in the Vic Cup (easily the best race seen this season) and that is going to hurt some of the leading contenders. They have tinkered with the series all along, why not continue on in the same vein. Too late now. I hope they are learning from their mistakes for next years series.

[p plater]

I don't think the wildcards should be given out mandatorially, ie if the cattle aren't considered good enough then don't just put something in for the sake of it. Controversy is not necessarily a bad thing if it creates some sort of interest. If Smoken Up was fit enough (and I haven't caught up as to why he was scratched yet), throw the horse a card. Fair dinkum if a horse like him isn't in the race there will not be the same sustained pressure that we saw in the Vic Cup (easily the best race seen this season) and that is going to hurt some of the leading contenders. They have tinkered with the series all along, why not continue on in the same vein. Too late now. I hope they are learning from their mistakes for next years series.

Brad, you are spot on with your Vic Cup comment. I'm like you with SU missing from the final, who will make it a staying race and not just a sit and sprint.
Why wasn't SU inspected by the Vet at the track before the race? If any trainer thinks their horse is ok to race surely that must carry some weight in the decision.
At least at the track the public can see for themselves and besides, if scratched the punters get a refund.
Rumour has it Lance blew up at the track to the Stewards over the scratching and got fined. Seems the stewards were worried about a certain commentator's /sponsors employee's comments on his Twitter.

[trish]

RACE 6 - TAB.COM.AU INTER DOMINION (HEAT THREE) (GROUP 2) (2240 MS)
Smoken Up NZ was a late scratching at 9.30 am acting on veterinary advice when this gelding was found to be lame in front.
Lance Justice, trainer of Smoken Up NZ, was fined $1000 under AR30(1) in that as the trainer of Smoken Up NZ he failed to report ailments and injuries to the horse subsequent to its last start at Ballarat 25 January 2013, which resulted in lameness, back soreness and x-rays being conducted and further that the horse suffered a spider bite in the days leading in to tonight’s race which resulted in the gelding missing some work which in the opinion of stewards were factors which may have affected its running in this evening’s race. In assessing penalty stewards took into account Mr Justice’s clear record and good standing within the industry however they further took into account the significance of the Inter Dominion series and that betting on this series had been conducted for some time and in the view of stewards those prepared to invest were entitled to have the knowledge of any relevant concerns.

[Toni]

So does anyone know why he was actually scratched?

I personally think that if you couldnt compete in the heats, you shouldnt be given a wildcard into the final. (Even though I agree it would be great to see SU in the race). Its just the way the cookie crumbles, similar to needing a standing start, start before the hunter cup.

Its a shame how badly everyone views this ID - hope they go back to the drawing board. What about having a second heat this saturday and then the final the same weekend?? That could have made it more interesting, yet the heats could have still be held in other cities. (Although I think if there are only a few runners like NZ, that should be re-thought).