Hunter cup 2014

[Maorisidol]

Barrier draw. 3280 SS
1. Mah Sish
2. Pembrook Benny
3. Bitobliss
4. Smoken Up
5. Franco Nelson
6. Abettorpunt
7. Easy On The Eye
second row
8. Keayang Cullen
9. Restrepo
10. Motu Crusader
11. Christen Me
12. Caribbean Blaster
13. The Gold Ace
14. im Corzin Terror

[Smoken]

Trigger has a perfect draw! Hope he runs a HUGE race! Go Trigger!!!

[brent_L]

Christen Me of 12 months ago would carry this field. He's probably still going to be a bet for me at 5,s I'd say.
Motu Crusader....really??

[HaroldParker]

Christen Me of 12 months ago would carry this field. He's probably still going to be a bet for me at 5,s I'd say.
Motu Crusader....really??

Hey Brent, I like Motu Crusader. He's been a good horse to me. I won't be on him on Saturday but he did beat Terror on his merits three starts ago in good time and his two wins since have been good. I definitely think he's earned a spot and he'll beat quite a few home IMO.

I like Caribbean Blaster a lot and I'll nibble away at Abettorpunt because he's too good a horse to go around @ 50's +. His recent form is a write off.

[aussiebreno]

Some musings.

Mah Sish. Did bounce back to winning form last week, last years champion, the Butts know how to find a Hunter Cup winner but I think he will find one better. Corzin Terror steps he beats it home. Will have better horses than Jadahson and Charlie Machseen chasing him home this week.

Pembrook Benny. You can't have much better form than beating Christen Me last start. But I reckon that more a sub par Christen Me. Entire career says very competitive but just a touch off the best.

Bitobliss. At his rarely seen very best yes. On his current form not quite good enough.

Smoken Up. Last two starts his best for season IMO. Gave em 30 at Shep, but stepped well. If he steps like that again he leads. Very quick early run race last week and only beaten a length. A big chance.

Franco Nelson. Don't know much about him. Looks a big step up.

Abettorpunt. Won't be far off but like Ballarat, just a couple lengths off the big guns.

Easy on the Eye. Probably not rated near Christen Me back in NZ. Won't be far off them but can't see it winning.

Keayang Cullen. Racing in great form. Got lead at Ballarat and lost two lengths plus momentum on turn. In the finish otherwise. Can get a cheap rails run and be rattling home at the finish.

Restrepo. Just got there at Ballarat but I believe race run to suit. Not sure how much being three wide compares to Christen Me working to the chair and Carribean Blaster not being able to let down to well into the straight. I think looking back to Vic Cup result he just got a bit lucky at Ballarat.

Motu Crusader. Did beat Corzin Terror three starts back but 27.5 first quarter in mile and a half race explains that. his Vic form in Sept and Oct shows this just a bit out of his reach.

Christen Me. Beaten by a gem of drive in Miracle Mile. Beaten by being impossible to run down winner from car park in 27.2 in Vic Cup. Don't know what happened back home in NZ but looked winner halfway down in straight at Ballarat. I think he can go one better here. Query at 2 mile after not letting down in NZ Cup.

Carribean Blaster. Looks like he has been really trained for the 2mile, very dour this prep. Has had some nice runs in transit of late, but from back here will have just as challenging a run as Christen Me, and that may just bring about his undoing.

The Gold Ace. Probably a length or so behind the best in my books, Smoken Up gave him head start before they both took up forward positions at Shepparton. Smoken Up gets much easier assignment here head to head so can't see Gold Ace winning.

Corzin Terror. Couldn't quite catch Restrepo (had his back) and co at Shep, might just be same story here only more horses to go around.

Smoken Up too lead. Over two mile nothing to attack and will have bit in locker at finish. Mah Sish leaders back. (hoping Pembrook Benny doesnt spoil these plans). Keayang Cullen three pegs. Christen Me is the best of the swoopers closely followed by Blaster.

Trifecta and F4s around Smoken Up, Christen Me to win and to place Keayang Cullen, Carribean Blaster, Mah Sish. Wary of Benny, Terror, Restrepo and lesser extent TGA.

[brent_L]

Hey Brent, I like Motu Crusader. He's been a good horse to me. I won't be on him on Saturday but he did beat Terror on his merits three starts ago in good time and his two wins since have been good. I definitely think he's earned a spot and he'll beat quite a few home IMO.

I like Caribbean Blaster a lot and I'll nibble away at Abettorpunt because he's too good a horse to go around @ 50's +. His recent form is a write off.
I'll be honest Bob, I haven't seen MC past 3 runs and can't find replays anywhere which is rather pathetic compared with the rest of the land. Looking at the results of the Cup race (27.5 first qtr) and picturing it in my mind I can't believe he beat ICTerror on 'his merits' but unless I see a replay I'll never know. I did however do his form comprehensively before the Launceston FFA and made a killing laying him @ 2/5 as his prior melb form was well below average. I can only see him beating home runners that have a much much tougher run.......my hat will go off to u when I'm wrong.

Really like your other 2 tips, $10 the place abettorpunt with a cosy trip seems value. Good luck

[HaroldParker]

I'll be honest Bob, I haven't seen MC past 3 runs and can't find replays anywhere which is rather pathetic compared with the rest of the land. Looking at the results of the Cup race (27.5 first qtr) and picturing it in my mind I can't believe he beat ICTerror on 'his merits' but unless I see a replay I'll never know. I did however do his form comprehensively before the Launceston FFA and made a killing laying him @ 2/5 as his prior melb form was well below average. I can only see him beating home runners that have a much much tougher run.......my hat will go off to u when I'm wrong.

Really like your other 2 tips, $10 the place abettorpunt with a cosy trip seems value. Good luck

I saw the finish live but missed the start. Yeah the 27.5 would of been a gut buster for sure. I've always been a fan of the horse. Untapped as a 3 and 4yo and I guess he's had his share of issues. I've been on him quite a few times when it looked his turn and very rarely not collected. I won't have any of mine on, perhaps a couple of dollars for a laugher if he gets out to triple figures. 6th or 7th wouldn't surprise, along the pegs : )

[HaroldParker]

re Christen Me. I don't think he ran 2 Miles via a soft 3 pegs trip in the NZ Cup. The Ballarat Cup was his until he hit the wall with 50m to go. If it's a solidly run 3280, I don't see it.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

I'm sticking with The Gold Ace. Ididnt think his run in the Ballarart Cup was that bad. He worked extra hard at the start, and again in the middle, and wasnt that far away at the end. Hopefully he'll get a nice tow into the race behind Carabean Blaster or Christen Me and finish over the top.

[brent_L]

Great write-up Brendan. I've been over this race with a fine-tooth comb and simply can't remember a more open big race. I reckon there's scenarios that give winning chances to all but 3 horses. The kiwi form is exemplary (FN form very hard to line up however). It sounds stupid as I write/think it (and I'm ready to cop the flack) but as much as I think these two could get within a couple of metres of the winner, I just cannot find a scenario in which SU oc ICT wins. SU, whilst brave always finds one that bit quicker (and tractable round the bends) over the final 600. His best 'chance' no doubt comes with him leading with the one horse on his back but I still see horses running by him rounding the final bend. ICT is simply a length or two behind the best when he's not able to lead.
Looks a great race on paper & I'm expecting to see 8 or so horses go over the line in a blanket finish. One scenario does worry me in regards to the spectacle of the race......1 horse leads SU outside straight away and zero moves for a mile.
Not a race I feel I can make $$ out of but I'll try and pay for a late night pizza by backing KC place $9, ABorP place $10 and L McCarthy win @ $11+ win.
GL to u whoever u take.

[aussiebreno]

Trotters Gp1.
Blitzemcalder did work hard middle stages but was run down by I See Icy Earl .From the other heat My High Expectations has had I See Icy Earls measure. Last mile significantly quicker in High Expectations heat. They ran home 27.9 which is about as quick as they can go, had something left in the locker. Blitz only home 28.3 and that was all he had left. So I think High Expectations deserved favourite, would take some luck/better drive to get Blitzemcalder home. But where I'm going to go is Mister Zion. Need luck and good drive. If he can get to lead first he in with a real shot. Don't think that scenario will happen so what I am left with is if Blitz and High Expectations both go at each other and leave race for something else Zion is the one I'd want to be on chasing. They will both be taking off early and putting some speed into the race imo so that will help me out.

Trifecta: Expectations / Zion / Blitz, I See Icy Earl, Cold Sister.

[Maorisidol]

Trotters Gp1.
Blitzemcalder did work hard middle stages but was run down by I See Icy Earl .From the other heat My High Expectations has had I See Icy Earls measure. Last mile significantly quicker in High Expectations heat. They ran home 27.9 which is about as quick as they can go, had something left in the locker. Blitz only home 28.3 and that was all he had left. So I think High Expectations deserved favourite, would take some luck/better drive to get Blitzemcalder home. But where I'm going to go is Mister Zion. Need luck and good drive. If he can get to lead first he in with a real shot. Don't think that scenario will happen so what I am left with is if Blitz and High Expectations both go at each other and leave race for something else Zion is the one I'd want to be on chasing. They will both be taking off early and putting some speed into the race imo so that will help me out.

Trifecta: Expectations / Zion / Blitz, I See Icy Earl, Cold Sister.

Blitz last week did a whole lot of extra work when coming from last after settling down to circle the field and take the lead as they turned into the back straight, but, Lance who was leading on Motu Young Jacob kept him out the full length of the back straight making Blitz work quite hard for another 300m i reckon and that was the difference for him on the line when Icy pipped him by a lip. Get Blitz to the lead in half a lap of the big Ballarat track and he wins easy, but last to first in 3 quarters of the track working quite hard took too much, hence his last 400 slower than other heat.
My High Expectations got an easy lead and no one tackled him at all (who would?) so an easy sprint last 400 very quick.
So this race very interesting in the first half lap.
You have a Dean Braun trained fast stand beginner who led last week drawn 2, who would love to hold lead and maybe handover to stablemate Blitz...
You have a David Aiken trained Cold Sister who leads in mobile races and hands up to stablemate My High Expectations drawn front row too...
So if Cold Sister begins well the battle to lead will be on for all, throw in Lightning Joy, good stand beginner from the pole and it gets better.
So then MHE is drawn 2 inside second row to follow out Duke of the Moment from the opposition stable, while Blitz is drawn wide in open space but starts very slow and will have to circle whole field.
Intriguing race. I will be barracking for the new boy Blitz to rise up, but he may be a season off earning top Trotter honours yet, because MHE is absolutely killing all opposition. He has very high speed, great stamina, reliable as you want and i think a seasoned edge over the young bloke at the moment.
Empire Earl fantastic last couple of runs, got a great place divvy last weekend, will be back on for a reasonable place bet again.

[lekitama]

I'll be honest Bob, I haven't seen MC past 3 runs and can't find replays anywhere which is rather pathetic compared with the rest of the land. Looking at the results of the Cup race (27.5 first qtr) and picturing it in my mind I can't believe he beat ICTerror on 'his merits' but unless I see a replay I'll never know. I did however do his form comprehensively before the Launceston FFA and made a killing laying him @ 2/5 as his prior melb form was well below average. I can only see him beating home runners that have a much much tougher run.......my hat will go off to u when I'm wrong.

Really like your other 2 tips, $10 the place abettorpunt with a cosy trip seems value. Good luck

Racing replays of MC last runs are on the Tasracing website under "RACE REPLAY" tab, i think you may have to register to be able to view them.

[Messenger]

Gee it is a fantastic program of races and the weather should be good especially after sundown so it should be a super night to attend

[broncobrad]

Brendan's appraisal of the Hunter has me warming very much to Carribean Blaster...that storming finish he produced at Melton all those starts ago from last on the bend to blouse them is etched firmly in my memory.

[Toohard]

Blitz last week did a whole lot of extra work when coming from last after settling down to circle the field and take the lead as they turned into the back straight, but, Lance who was leading on Motu Young Jacob kept him out the full length of the back straight making Blitz work quite hard for another 300m i reckon and that was the difference for him on the line when Icy pipped him by a lip. Get Blitz to the lead in half a lap of the big Ballarat track and he wins easy, but last to first in 3 quarters of the track working quite hard took too much, hence his last 400 slower than other heat.

Story doing the rounds that Blitzemcalder moving stables after tonights run.

[Maorisidol]

Story doing the rounds that Blitzemcalder moving stables after tonights run.

WOW
Thats massive.
Any clues?

[Njcstables]

Tips for tonight.

Bling it on
Allblack stride
Our maxim
Alchemy
My high exp.
Youranut
Christen me

Best roughie
Monica my dear

[2minuteman]

Feature double:My High Expectations all e.w. Pembroke Benny.

[Maorisidol]

Story doing the rounds that Blitzemcalder moving stables after tonights run.

100%
Leaving stables tonite
"Not sure where to yet"
According to Rick Burchell owner at Melton now.

[Viv Strangman]

What a difference a week makes. Restrepo has the run of the race on Christen Me's back and battles into fifth yet after sitting three wide for a lap last week he blouses the winner and runner up. This weeks run was on a par with all his other runs this campaign when facing the elite horses. Makes last weeks run that much harder to take.

[The Escape Club]

The winner could have been bought for $90,000 when he was over here last year for the Chariots, damn.

[aussiebreno]

What a difference a week makes. Restrepo has the run of the race on Christen Me's back and battles into fifth yet after sitting three wide for a lap last week he blouses the winner and runner up. This weeks run was on a par with all his other runs this campaign when facing the elite horses. Makes last weeks run that much harder to take.
28.2 last quarter last week over mile and a half compared to 27.3 last quarter over 2 mile last night. Last week they went too hard early on and set it up for a swoopers, this week the race wasn't set up for him.

[aussiebreno]

The winner could have been bought for $90,000 when he was over here last year for the Chariots, damn.
Missing a zero?

[aussiebreno]

Well done Christen Me. Great performance. Great run Blaster as well, I'd have thought he'd be a touch shorter than the $14 fixed for ID.

[Messenger]

What a difference a week makes. Restrepo has the run of the race on Christen Me's back and battles into fifth yet after sitting three wide for a lap last week he blouses the winner and runner up. This weeks run was on a par with all his other runs this campaign when facing the elite horses. Makes last weeks run that much harder to take.
What are you trying to say Viv?

[The Escape Club]

Missing a zero?


Nope, my brother told me a few months later, I asked why he hadn't told me at the time and he said it was a lot of money. I would have begged, borrowed or stole (not really) to come up with at least a half.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

What are you trying to say Viv?
I'm with Viv on this one!

[Maorisidol]

I'm with Viv on this one!

Restrepo "SWAB" after his name at Ballarat Cup... Haven't heard of any results of any irregularities from that yet Leigh and Viv...

[Messenger]

Leigh and Viv have you ever competed as athletes in any form of sport? Can't you remember better days/performances than others - pretty much corresponding to how you felt (assuming you had been consistently training). Why shouldn't some/most horses vary a little like this too - they are not machines.

[aussiebreno]

Restrepo "SWAB" after his name at Ballarat Cup... Haven't heard of any results of any irregularities from that yet Leigh and Viv...
Yeah, they'd forget to fill him up for Miracle Mile, Vic Cup...then fill him up for Ballarat Cup but forget about it for Hunter Cup as well. LOL!!

[Maorisidol]

Christen Me totally improved from the Ballarat run, great effort, any doubters he can't run 2 miles may have had their minds changed...
Caribbean B great, again! just missed, again! Thats racing, his luck will turn, loves Menangle look out ID.
Gold Ace showed Ballarat was a bit of an "off day" and as i mentioned on some thread, don't doubt Lukes ability to turn him around.
Who the hell would have thought Abettorpunt would have led!!!!!!!??? Good on him, outsprinted Restrepo in the lane, good job.
Restrepo couldn't sprint with them in the straight, lost the back of winner on the turn, finished 5th by 4.4m tho, he's still up there...
Trigger needs to retire now, just like MELPARK MAJOR was retired last night! Congrats to a great warrior on a great career, enjoy your rest Melpark, or Donny as he is known.
Franco Nelson came home very well from well back...
Pembrook too far back, ran home ok too...
Bitobliss, pegs all the way, these too good, had nothin.

Great race, gonna a be a great ID!

[Smoken]

Congrats to CM and place getters. I was cheering for the Champ Trigger, but knew it would be very hard for him..
In saying that, he only lost by 4 lengths, & he has been running some super races, compared to the mighty Melpark Major.
Trigger deserves to be retired in a beautiful lush paddock, but I would love to see him go on to the Inters 1 last time, that's if he's healthy and happy. He loves Menangle, so why not. He is a Legend and a Champion, nothing to prove or lose.

[Maorisidol]

Congrats to CM and place getters. I was cheering for the Champ Trigger, but knew it would be very hard for him..
In saying that, he only lost by 4 lengths, & he has been running some super races, compared to the mighty Melpark Major.
Trigger deserves to be retired in a beautiful lush paddock, but I would love to see him go on to the Inters 1 last time, that's if he's healthy and happy. He loves Menangle, so why not. He is a Legend and a Champion, nothing to prove or lose.

Actually i think after last night he is a bees whisker away from starting to lose his dignity!
Menangle or not, the MM proved what Ballarat and last night proved, as far as winning, its all over I'm afraid. I love the horse, BUT times up, right now i reckon.
Nothin worse than seeing a horse run around after his light has faded running around coming 4th!

[Smoken]

I understand your view point and it has merit, but I wouldn't go as far as nearly losing his dignity.
He is a Legend and champ regardless what happens now.
If he was getting caned over and over the I would definitely say time to say goodbye, but I can't see him in that category ATM. I feel fortunate that I was following Trigger from all those years ago come up the ranks, & to be honest, I feel a huge sadness and emptiness that I know retirement is around the corner, if not already retired..
Selfish of me to want to see him give the Inters one more crack, but he's just that sort of horse.
The memories will always be cherished for eternity.

[p plater]

Actually i think after last night he is a bees whisker away from starting to lose his dignity!
Menangle or not, the MM proved what Ballarat and last night proved, as far as winning, its all over I'm afraid. I love the horse, BUT times up, right now i reckon.
Nothin worse than seeing a horse run around after his light has faded running around coming 4th!

Ash, don't be to hard here, beaten 8m and had a flat tyre. How close would he had been without it?
For what is worth and I've followed Trigger his whole career, 3200m is not his best distance but still remains competitive.
Providing he remains competitive and he wants to race, whats the harm, Lance is the best judge on this. After all, who of the current group win every start or placed every start.....None and no question of them giving it away.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Leigh and Viv have you ever competed as athletes in any form of sport? Can't you remember better days/performances than others - pretty much corresponding to how you felt (assuming you had been consistently training). Why shouldn't some/most horses vary a little like this too - they are not machines.
So, in essense Kevin, you agree that Restrepo's form has been inconsistent?

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Restrepo "SWAB" after his name at Ballarat Cup... Haven't heard of any results of any irregularities from that yet Leigh and Viv...
Ash, please dont try to re-write my post!

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Did anyone check out the team driving in Race 5. At what point do stewards get involved.

[Smoken]

Trigger was racing with a flat tyre? Geez, what rotten luck!!!
His run now even is more impressive to me, and I agree with Bailey's comments. If he's happy and healthy, and wants to keep racing which he seems to be showing every indication, why not.

[Messenger]

So, in essense Kevin, you agree that Restrepo's form has been inconsistent?
I pretty much said that if you read my earlier posts but differed on degree and mentioned that you have to compare like with like ie distances as not all horses are at their best over every distance. Distance like the Hunter Cup is reputed to be Restrepo's forte but he did not excel last night.
In essence Leigh, are you telling me that you were a totally consistent athlete in some sporting pursuit?

[Richard prior]

Did anyone check out the team driving in Race 5. At what point do stewards get involved.

Right there Leigh and if they won the race the stewards might have had a say, but it should have been dealt with. Big run by Brave Wiggy.

[Messenger]

Did anyone check out the team driving in Race 5. At what point do stewards get involved.
What did you think was going on Leigh? The 2nd fave handing up to stablemate only to take it str back. I can only suppose that you think they were hoping that The Smiler was not going to be challenged or that they did not want Saab on Alchemy's back? Did you notice that there is a QDT next to Alchemy

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

I pretty much said that if you read my earlier posts but differed on degree and mentioned that you have to compare like with like ie distances as not all horses are at their best over every distance. Distance like the Hunter Cup is reputed to be Restrepo's forte but he did not excel last night.
In essence Leigh, are you telling me that you were a totally consistent athlete in some sporting pursuit?
Sorry Kevin, I thought we were talking about Restrepo form, not my running ability! You seem to have taken some observations a bit personally.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

What did you think was going on Leigh? The 2nd fave handing up to stablemate only to take it str back. I can only suppose that you think they were hoping that The Smiler was not going to be challenged or that they did not want Saab on Alchemy's back? Did you notice that there is a QDT next to Alchemy

So why would a 2nd fav hand up to a 27/1 shot then? Unless.......?????;)

[Messenger]

Sorry Kevin, I thought we were talking about Restrepo form, not my running ability! You seem to have taken some observations a bit personally.
Sorry Leigh, you seem to be avoiding the question - do you think that horses like humans can have good and bad days. If you find that one too hard to answer how about Brendan's question as to why would you 'fill a horse up' for the Ballarat Cup but not the Hunter Cup.
AND pleezzzzzzzzzzz don't roll out that 'personally' nonsense to think you are taking some sort of high ground - if you are going to reply to a post try to address the point of the post you are replying to.

[littlelenny]

Great race it was an even matched field and IMO they all done their best to put there respective horses into a winning position and well deserved win to Christen Me, hes being knocking on the door and finally gets his big win.

With all races there are always the hard luck stories but thats just life and hopefully luck falls their way next time.

Next stop ID14 heats and throw in Beautide, For a reason, Smolda and Terror to love. Cant wait.

Ash Im not quite convinced the old boy is finished yet and id love to see him make another ID final.

[Toohard]

Christen Me scratched from Inter Lenny. Think was always plan "Ballarat Cup-Hunter Cup-Go home" from what read.

[Toohard]

Ash, don't be to hard here, beaten 8m and had a flat tyre. How close would he had been without it?
For what is worth and I've followed Trigger his whole career, 3200m is not his best distance but still remains competitive.
Providing he remains competitive and he wants to race, whats the harm, Lance is the best judge on this. After all, who of the current group win every start or placed every start.....None and no question of them giving it away.


Well said Bailey!! Lance will know when it's time. Horse will let him know... they can't talk but have a way of doing that from my experience. Until then... enjoy!!!

[Toohard]

BEFORE last night. Since he came back in August last year BEFORE last night (when all the 'experts' said retire him) 14 starts - 3 wins (1 GROUP ONE) + 6 x 2nds... and $180,000+ in stakes.


Yeh them horses come along all the time!

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Sorry Leigh, you seem to be avoiding the question - do you think that horses like humans can have good and bad days. If you find that one too hard to answer how about Brendan's question as to why would you 'fill a horse up' for the Ballarat Cup but not the Hunter Cup.
AND pleezzzzzzzzzzz don't roll out that 'personally' nonsense to think you are taking some sort of high ground - if you are going to reply to a post try to address the point of the post you are replying to.
Ha Ha Ha Kevin. OK then. Yes. I guess we humans have bad days. But I guess proffesionals athletes bad days are fewer. Secondly. I'm not sure Brendan was actually asking a question. In fact, where in my posts have I insinuated Restrepo has been 'filled up'! Whatever that means. All of my posts have been observations, not insinuations. Thirdly. Have you ever heard of the phrase "tongue in cheek'? And lastly. Thank you for the tips on constructing a post forum post.

[Maorisidol]

Great race it was an even matched field and IMO they all done their best to put there respective horses into a winning position and well deserved win to Christen Me, hes being knocking on the door and finally gets his big win.

With all races there are always the hard luck stories but thats just life and hopefully luck falls their way next time.

Next stop ID14 heats and throw in Beautide, For a reason, Smolda and Terror to love. Cant wait.

Ash Im not quite convinced the old boy is finished yet and id love to see him make another ID final.

Trigger isn't finished. i just don't see him winning races against the top 3 from Hunter Cup, MM etc anymore.
Of course he should qualify against the Victorian heat and get into the Final but can't see him beating CM, CB, TGA, Beautide, For a Reason, Smolda.
In my opinion why run in an ID for 5th place when you HAVE BEEN AN ABSOLUTE FANTASTIC CHAMP and in previous years you would have been favourite, not a current 20 or $30 chance because you are now 11 and deemed to have zip chance of winning. You do run in an ID and hope for 5th if you are Abettorpunt (of course u are also hoping to win, but 5th would also b amazing)
i only use ABP as an example cos he is on about the 10th line of betting so realistically as far as those odds go for a 10th fav to get 5th is a good result, as was his 4th in the Hunter, and in fact that was also a bit unlucky!

My fear for Trigger is to be kept running around as he is and not getting any closer than he is. Granted i totally did not know about his flat tyre this weekend but even with no flat tyre, how much closer would anyone say he would have been? Not enough to worry the top 3 i reckon.

Now this is an extreme example and i totally know it wouldn't happen with Trigger at all, but theres a trotter running around Globe Derby who was a top line NZ FFA horse and in fact won the Trotters ID Consolation at MOONEE VALLEY in 2009 and is still racing but for sometimes $3000 or $5000. in fact he has only won 3 of his last 30 starts at GD.
Sorry, but thats sad in my opinion.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Christen Me scratched from Inter Lenny. Think was always plan "Ballarat Cup-Hunter Cup-Go home" from what read.

I heard Cran Dalgety before the Ballarat Cup I think, on RSN, and he indicated that the Inter wasnt on the program for Christen Me. Which made me get on Beautide because CM was still in the market.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Well said Bailey!! Lance will know when it's time. Horse will let him know... they can't talk but have a way of doing that from my experience. Until then... enjoy!!!

Claimers Paul? ;)

[littlelenny]

Paul thts a disapointment to hear he will not be in ID but i spose its his first season in the Grand Circuit and hes probabaly had enough he'll have a well deserved break and come back stronger.

[Messenger]

Ha Ha Ha Kevin. OK then. Yes. I guess we humans have bad days. But I guess proffesionals athletes bad days are fewer. Secondly. I'm not sure Brendan was actually asking a question. In fact, where in my posts have I insinuated Restrepo has been 'filled up'! Whatever that means. All of my posts have been observations, not insinuations. Thirdly. Have you ever heard of the phrase "tongue in cheek'? And lastly. Thank you for the tips on constructing a post forum post.
No thanks required - Ignore that last line, just say it is not one of my good days ;)
Of course no one is insinuating anything but we do all need to realize that horses are only human too :)

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

No thanks required - Ignore that last line, just say it is not one of my good days ;)
Of course no one is insinuating anything but we do all need to realize that horses are only human too :)
No probs. We all get sand in our nina every now and again. Even horses!

[Toohard]

Claimers Paul? ;)

Know someone who'd be first in the queue !!!

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Know someone who'd be first in the queue !!!
I'm tipping one young man with the contents of his smashed piggy bank!!!

[Viv Strangman]

Sorry Leigh, you seem to be avoiding the question - do you think that horses like humans can have good and bad days. If you find that one too hard to answer how about Brendan's question as to why would you 'fill a horse up' for the Ballarat Cup but not the Hunter Cup.
AND pleezzzzzzzzzzz don't roll out that 'personally' nonsense to think you are taking some sort of high ground - if you are going to reply to a post try to address the point of the post you are replying to.
Maybe it's because I am a bit long in the tooth or maybe it's due to that experience ,I'm not sure. But one thing I do know. If a horse has a quantum leap in performance ,I feel uneasy. People try to explain it away as "'having a bad day" or "not at his best" when the horse can't even get close to replicating that performance at their next start. In the case of Restrepo , this horse has faced his grand circuit competitors several times this campaign and has performed pretty much the same every time except for his exceptional run in the Ballarat Cup. The lift in performance was huge. He sat three wide outside Chisten Me with Carribean Blaster on his back and wins. This week he sits in the one/one and battles into fifth which is line with all his other grand circuit runs this campaign. There is only one run here that is vastly different to all the rest and that is his Ballarat Cup run. Why the big lift in performance. As some one who brought and sold horses for over forty years I avoid like the plague horses who have quantum leaps in performance. . Watching performance improvements as large as Restrepo's gives me serious reason to question the integrity of harness racing.

[aussiebreno]

Maybe it's because I am a bit long in the tooth or maybe it's due to that experience ,I'm not sure. But one thing I do know. If a horse has a quantum leap in performance ,I feel uneasy. People try to explain it away as "'having a bad day" or "not at his best" when the horse can't even get close to replicating that performance at their next start. In the case of Restrepo , this horse has faced his grand circuit competitors several times this campaign and has performed pretty much the same every time except for his exceptional run in the Ballarat Cup. The lift in performance was huge. He sat three wide outside Chisten Me with Carribean Blaster on his back and wins. This week he sits in the one/one and battles into fifth which is line with all his other grand circuit runs this campaign. There is only one run here that is vastly different to all the rest and that is his Ballarat Cup run. Why the big lift in performance. As some one who brought and sold horses for over forty years I avoid like the plague horses who have quantum leaps in performance. . Watching performance improvements as large as Restrepo's gives me serious reason to question the integrity of harness racing.As I stated before, the difference in the tempos the way race was run. A long way out from home I remember thinking race was set up for Restrepo. As for Carribean Blaster on his back, Blaster lost maybe 1-1.5 lengths on the turn at Ballarat, if not for that he wins by a length...which surprise surprise was margin he beat Restrepo home by in Hunter Cup.

[Toohard]

100%
Leaving stables tonite
"Not sure where to yet"
According to Rick Burchell owner at Melton now.


Just saw this... Adam Hamilton: Trots: "Craig Demmler new trainer for Blitzthemcalder. Chris Alford first right refusal on drive."

[Maorisidol]

Just saw this... Adam Hamilton: Trots: "Craig Demmler new trainer for Blitzthemcalder. Chris Alford first right refusal on drive."

Wow again...
Thnx Paul, very interesting.

[Messenger]

Maybe it's because I am a bit long in the tooth or maybe it's due to that experience ,I'm not sure. But one thing I do know. If a horse has a quantum leap in performance ,I feel uneasy. People try to explain it away as "'having a bad day" or "not at his best" when the horse can't even get close to replicating that performance at their next start. In the case of Restrepo , this horse has faced his grand circuit competitors several times this campaign and has performed pretty much the same every time except for his exceptional run in the Ballarat Cup. The lift in performance was huge. He sat three wide outside Chisten Me with Carribean Blaster on his back and wins. This week he sits in the one/one and battles into fifth which is line with all his other grand circuit runs this campaign. There is only one run here that is vastly different to all the rest and that is his Ballarat Cup run. Why the big lift in performance. As some one who brought and sold horses for over forty years I avoid like the plague horses who have quantum leaps in performance. . Watching performance improvements as large as Restrepo's gives me serious reason to question the integrity of harness racing.
I am no spring chicken either Viv and there are plenty of reasons to question the integrity of racing (back page of Age today) but I cannot come at what you are inferring for the Ballarat Cup. Apart from horses having good and bad days like humans, let us not forget that Restrepo at 5yo is in his early days as a Grand Circuit performer (unless the breeding barn calls). Let's see how he goes for the next season and a half before you declare that a one off performance instead of his first excellent performance. Let's also remember that Ballarat is his home track and where he has never been beaten over distance and only once ever over the sprint trip (reputed not to be his go) when Smoken broke the track record
ps I know Christen Me is 5yo too - they both have great stats 17w/33st, 19w/32st with one now proving he is a champion

[Viv Strangman]

As I stated before, the difference in the tempos the way race was run. A long way out from home I remember thinking race was set up for Restrepo. As for Carribean Blaster on his back, Blaster lost maybe 1-1.5 lengths on the turn at Ballarat, if not for that he wins by a length...which surprise surprise was margin he beat Restrepo home by in Hunter Cup.

Absolute twaddle. If thats the best you can read a race give it up. The difference is huge. No contortions of what happened can change that. You claim the race was set up for Restepo at Ballarat. He was three wide without cover for gods sake. The Ballarat run was sensational. His other runs all season have passable at best.

[aussiebreno]

Absolute twaddle. If thats the best you can read a race give it up. The difference is huge. No contortions of what happened can change that. You claim the race was set up for Restepo at Ballarat. He was three wide without cover for gods sake. The Ballarat run was sensational. His other runs all season have passable at best.
They ran a track record time Ballarat but Last quarter only 28.1 and Christen Me was paddling because they went too hard early on. When leaders are paddling that means race run to suit swoopers - of which Restrepo was the best swooper in the race. Hunter Cup last quarter 27.3 Christen Me pretty much runs it out. I think that shows the difference in how races were run and why Ballarat suited Restrepo.

[teecee]

I heard Cran Dalgety before the Ballarat Cup I think, on RSN, and he indicated that the Inter wasnt on the program for Christen Me. Which made me get on Beautide because CM was still in the market.

http://www.hrnz.co.nz/news/2321-epic-hunter-wins-earns-break

[Messenger]

Just saw this... Adam Hamilton: Trots: "Craig Demmler new trainer for Blitzthemcalder. Chris Alford first right refusal on drive."
Anybody have any thoughts on possible reason?

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

They ran a track record time Ballarat but Last quarter only 28.1 and Christen Me was paddling because they went too hard early on. When leaders are paddling that means race run to suit swoopers - of which Restrepo was the best swooper in the race. Hunter Cup last quarter 27.3 Christen Me pretty much runs it out. I think that shows the difference in how races were run and why Ballarat suited Restrepo.

Wow. Three wide for the last lap with no cover in track record time. We definately have different interpretations of 'swoopers' Brendan!

[aussiebreno]

Wow. Three wide for the last lap with no cover in track record time. We definately have different interpretations of 'swoopers' Brendan!
Well not strictly a swooper I guess, I was trying to use an all encompassing word, what I specifically mean is the horses who were at the back and not involved in the earlier speed battle.

[Njcstables]

Sorry Leigh and viv. I'm with brenno here. His form this season has been outstanding and I don't think his Ballarat run was any sort of quantum leap over other efforts this year. One thing with him is I think he much prefers to be out in open moving forward in last lap over being tucked in held up waiting for runs.

[Richard prior]

Yes, He was a bit tucked up in the Hunter Cup.

[brent_L]

Absolute twaddle. If thats the best you can read a race give it up. The difference is huge. No contortions of what happened can change that. You claim the race was set up for Restepo at Ballarat. He was three wide without cover for gods sake. The Ballarat run was sensational. His other runs all season have passable at best.

My reply would have been a tad more aggressive than Brendan's, especially as he is 100% spot on.
TWADDLE?? Go back, watch the race again. Restrepo does zero work early, then moves 3 wide to within a length and a half of the leader in a 31.3 second quarter. The final two quarters were run in 28.2 & 28.1. These facts alone make it more than plausible for his victory, but throw in the facts Christen Me was holding Restrepo clearly at the 75 (CM bet down to $1.05 in the closing stages on Betfair) before falling in a HUGE hole (also note in Dans call of the race "he looked home for everything"), along with CB losing 1-2 lengths before the home turn & being beaten a half head and you have your result.....a win that any of the leading 7-8 grand circuit campaigners would of taken advantage of. Christ, u r talking as if he won like Safari or BAFake, running away from his rivals after a tough run winning in devastating fashion......he didn't!

[Viv Strangman]

My reply would have been a tad more aggressive than Brendan's, especially as he is 100% spot on.
TWADDLE?? Go back, watch the race again. Restrepo does zero work early, then moves 3 wide to within a length and a half of the leader in a 31.3 second quarter. The final two quarters were run in 28.2 & 28.1. These facts alone make it more than plausible for his victory, but throw in the facts Christen Me was holding Restrepo clearly at the 75 (CM bet down to $1.05 in the closing stages on Betfair) before falling in a HUGE hole (also note in Dans call of the race "he looked home for everything"), along with CB losing 1-2 lengths before the home turn & being beaten a half head and you have your result.....a win that any of the leading 7-8 grand circuit campaigners would of taken advantage of. Christ, u r talking as if he won like Safari or BAFake, running away from his rivals after a tough run winning in devastating fashion......he didn't!
As some one who has worked as an agent for over forty years in Nz all i can say is don't give up your day job. Do you understand how much extra ground you are covering out three wide. Watch his run in the Miracle Mile or the Victoria Cup. Run of the race in both and went no where. Yet in your reasoning he can sit three wide for over a lap in 56.3 and beat horses with softer runs he has struggled with all year. Christen Me drew the outside gate and sat parked for most of the journey so was entitled to struggle in the straight. In Nz the trainer would be asked to put on record his explanation for the dramatic improvement. Not a word in your stewards report. Which is one of the reasons myself (and other agents I work with) no longer buy well performed horses in Australia for the American market. Once bitten ,twice shy.

[aussiebreno]

As some one who has worked as an agent for over forty years in Nz all i can say is don't give up your day job. Do you understand how much extra ground you are covering out three wide. Watch his run in the Miracle Mile or the Victoria Cup. Run of the race in both and went no where. Yet in your reasoning he can sit three wide for over a lap in 56.3 and beat horses with softer runs he has struggled with all year. Christen Me drew the outside gate and sat parked for most of the journey so was entitled to struggle in the straight. In Nz the trainer would be asked to put on record his explanation for the dramatic improvement. Not a word in your stewards report. Which is one of the reasons myself (and other agents I work with) no longer buy well performed horses in Australia for the American market. Once bitten ,twice shy.
How much extra ground, I think we will get Toohard to answer that one!!!

You acknowledge Christen Me entitled to struggle in the straight. This is the reason Restrepo went past him, not anything Restrepo done but what Christen Me done.

As for once bitten, twice shy in Aust...how about the form of Christen Me...2nd Miracle Mile, 3rd Vic Cup, 2nd Ballarat Cup, 1st Hunter Cup...4 absolute cracking runs in big Grand Circuit races yet gets done odds on twice back home in between by inferior horses? Horses aren't machines.

You've had multiple people give reasons as to why Restrepo won at Ballarat...can you offer up a reason why he shouldn't have? (Hint: Try leave out the insults and the big noting and post something of substance)

[Smoken]

The way i look at it is like this.. All of these horses are very equal in talent and ability, hence any of them can win one week, and another the following week, depending on draws, luck, driver etc etc. No horse ATM is a stand out hence the varying results.
Out of curiosity, are there any performance enhancing drugs in the Horse industry, that cannot be detected, or very hard to be detected? Obviously they exist in regards to humans.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Yes, He was a bit tucked up in the Hunter Cup.
He definately tucked me up in the Ballarat Cup! I had Mah Sish and Christen Me in an all up. Honestly, I didnt think he had a run like that in him. Obviously I was wrong. I'll look forward to more runs like that from him in the future.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

The way i look at it is like this.. All of these horses are very equal in talent and ability, hence any of them can win one week, and another the following week, depending on draws, luck, driver etc etc. No horse ATM is a stand out hence the varying results.
Out of curiosity, are there any performance enhancing drugs in the Horse industry, that cannot be detected, or very hard to be detected? Obviously they exist in regards to humans.
There probably is, but no ones telling.

[Toohard]

How much extra ground, I think we will get Toohard to answer that one!!!


He not home yet. Think he taken a keen interest in Lot 279 at school. Chesnut fiily. Have go at answering myself. Out with the abacus...

Restrepo would have covered 8.5m more in last lap than Christen Me. 17m more than horse on pegs. But need to take into account more than that. How hard was he working? Also 8.5m on a flat surface. Would be working harder on flat surface than a banked turn.


Said some this before but;

- in race before Ballarat Cup hadn't had run for 3 weeks. Needed run. Went great but needed run.

- in Ballarat cup Christen Me starts attacking before get off back straight. Couldn't sustain effort. Hunter Cup waited until home bend

- who knows what problems he may have had leading into other races. Don't need a lot to be off when racing in that class

- he an entire

- seen a lot of him recently. Made comment son other day... that horse not look comfortable with horses round him. Ballarat cup 3 wide no cover. Watch other recent runs. Yeh perfect position. But with horse in front of him and on his outside.

- only beaten once on track. Where was he in run? Behind leader with a horse on his outside.

-ok when working through classes. Can drive him like a good horse and be where he wanrs to be. Bit different that class. Won't get run needs every time but when does...Ballarat Cup.


He just home. Usually gets home straight on net for harness news and results. Not tonight. Said doing his homework. "But your school bag not even open".

Got "Not that homework dad"

Sigh... 'slipping through my fingers all the time....'

[Messenger]

Viv thinks they are machines. People have given her a multitude of reasons why she is being a bit quick to smear Restrepo but she is not interested because her mind is made up. Funny how she thinks that a horse sitting one wider than a rival should not win - Holy Shmoly What does she make of all the times the Death horse outplugs the leader!

[Danno]

He not home yet. Think he taken a keen interest in Lot 279 at school Chesnut fiily


That filly would better be a lover of the standardbred if she wants to get to first base with Luke mate.

cheers,

Dan

[Viv Strangman]

Viv thinks they are machines. People have given her a multitude of reasons why she is being a bit quick to smear Restrepo but she is not interested because her mind is made up. Funny how she thinks that a horse sitting one wider than a rival should not win - Holy Shmoly What does she make of all the times the Death horse outplugs the leader!

I am incredibly hard to offend as all agents are. We get abused by people who have degrees in the art of abuse.But referring to my good self as "She" is getting close to the bone.lol

[doncht]

This was a good run. I can still vividly remember this. I just dodged a bullet. https://imagicon.info/cat/10-3/smile4.png