For a reason

[Greg Hando]

FOR A REASON i think proved himself the best 4yo in the land tonight it was just effortless what does everybody think Lanercost to me even though running 2nd was disappointing after reading previous threads about him.

[Maorisidol]

Very much agree by tonights racing Winston.
He certainly did seem to do it easier, and this being his first race back, another race to get fitter next week and then the Chariots, look out!
His stablemate Motu Crusader was very impressive running past Lanercost too.

[buster]

pleaseeeee he beat dingo's, give him bitobliss' run and see how he goes

wait until he beats the best 4 yr olds before calling him a champ

similing shard would wipe the floor with them

[mango]

For A Reason went super first up, Lanercost had to use to much petrol at the start it will all come down to the draw when the final field is decided.

[mightymo]

pleaseeeee he beat dingo's, give him bitobliss' run and see how he goes

wait until he beats the best 4 yr olds before calling him a champ

similing shard would wipe the floor with them

not sure youre right Buster. Smiling Shard is certainly the toughest of the 4yos, but as I hav said before i have no doubt For a reason is the fastest. Over a mile, Id be backing FAR most times

[buster]

SS can overcome a bad draw

but seriously who in their right mind programmed the messenger and chariots of fire so close together

[mango]

It's about time they put there heads together so when races do come up they can have the best of the best racing eachother.

[aussiebreno]

SS can overcome a bad draw

but seriously who in their right mind programmed the messenger and chariots of fire so close together
Exactly. Fair enough with 2 and 3yo races clashing because there is so many of them...but 4yos. fair dinkum. There is the WA two early in the season and the ABC right at the end of the season. There is a good 6months for them to fit the Chariots and the Kiwi features in but they slot them right next to each other...along with the Vicbred and QBred clashing with them.

[Mighty Atom]

I did tell everybody in an earlier post that Motu Crusader was a very good horse and now it is becoming realised. I can't understand how they could take David Hercules over when his last performance in the west was abysmal. Third in a five horse field some 22 metres behind Crombie who absolutely brained him. Some trainers don't seem to realise when their horses have had enough. On saying that I didn't expect him to figure in the first four.

[mango]

Hi Mighty Atom

He is a good horse and he should be for the price they paid for him, it's going to be an exciting race the Chariots and i think they will run in the low 51's.

[Mighty Atom]

Hi Mango. Yes, you can forget Motu Crusader's Golden Nugget run and a prelude race. He didn't seem comfortable on the track and the day time temp had been 40+. He probably had never encountered these sort of conditions before. The horse will really relish racing at Menangle.

[Greg Hando]

[QUOTE=buster;5037]pleaseeeee he beat dingo's, give him bitobliss' run and see how he goes

wait until he beats the best 4 yr olds before calling him a champ
similing shard would wipe the floor with them


I didn't call him a champ Buster do you have trouble reading
Look at the time he did it very easy and you can only race what's in it with you
Mango i reckon with the right conditions over the mile they may well Run sub 50

[mango]

Hi Winston

I hope your right it will be great to see, i'm just playing it safe with my prediction.

[latemail_cam]

Can anyone confirm what happened to JORG IS BEST, FOR A REASON is a superstar I love the horse though JORG IS BEST beat FOR A REASON as a 2yr in 1.55 at ALBION PARK.

FOR A REASON will win the CHARIOTS 1.50.9

[Flashing Red]

I personally think Smiling Shard is the best 4yo around. His Interdom run was outstanding.

[Zipper]

I though For A Reason looked awesome on Friday night. He has an awesome stride on him, really covers the ground. I think he will definitely be the horse to beat in the Chariots. Lanercost was good and if he can get to front without doing too much work, he will always be hard to run down.

[latemail_cam]

Can anyone confirm what happened to JORG IS BEST, FOR A REASON is a superstar I love the horse though JORG IS BEST beat FOR A REASON as a 2yr in 1.55 at ALBION PARK.

FOR A REASON will win the CHARIOTS 1.50.9

[mango]

I think we spoke about JORG IS BEST in a previous post a while ago and as far as i can remember he is know longer with us.

[latemail_cam]

I wasnt aware of this occurance I was just going through FOR A REASONS performances and saw that JORG had beaten him.

[buster]

jorg died

[latemail_cam]

Thats a sad case one would suspect he may have also been a real star

[DAZZA]

Smiling Shard is the best horse at the moment. Simply because he is more seasoned than the others, has been thrown in the deep end early and he has stepped up to the mark and gone to the next level. For A Reason has not been knocked around (even though seems he may have abit of a heart problem, already fibrulated once) and in time I beleive can develop into a better horse than Smiling Shard and go all the way, very nice animal, yes he beat nothing Friday night but he did it very well. Lanercost on the other hand, pretender! Has awesome speed, but thats it. Beat Be Good Johnny the other week however, was a mile, got the easiest lead in the world, walked the first half and sprinted home with Be Good Johnny starting his run 4-5 lenghts off him. Anytime Lanercost has been in a big race, he has always been beaten, he doesnt have that X factor, the will to win, stick his neck out all day attitude like the really good ones have. Yes easy lead over a mile, very hard to beat once you get amounst the big boys, they are very few and far between. Motu Crusader is also a star on the rise, probably always play second fiddle to For A Reason while hes in Lukes care however hes as tough as nails and knows were the post is and is a deadset trier.

As for David Hercules, maybe abit unfair to give the trainer a spray for bringing the horse to NSW, sometimes owners can be very pushy, especially with young stars, they might have just wanted to see him race, I could be wrong though and the trainer may have been off the mark.

For A Reason, future star!

[Bucky]

Lanercost sat outside RenaIssance man in the Australian derby and beat him in a slick time for the long journey.... If that's not showing some heart I dunno what does?

The race hasnt been won yet, the hondo grattan was a 'lead up' race.... The point is to qualify....

[triplev123]

Renaissance Man has a bit of Hot House Flower about him, imo. He doesn't like being looked in the eye. Cuttheattitude stared him down in brutal fashion at 2yrs and then Lanercost did it to him at 3. I agree Bucky. Lanercost is a fair bit tougher than some give him credit for.

[DAZZA]

Still dont beleive he will make the big time.

[mightymo]

Whilst Lanercost is a very, very nice horse, i also dont view him up there right at the top.

Smiling Shard and For A Reason are much better IMO

[triplev123]

Just had a look through his career record & Dazza & Mightymo have a point. Lanercost is a bit on the mercurial side, more than I'd realised anyway.
At 2yrs, 2nd in the 100k Seymour Nursery Pace. At 2yrs, 2nd in the 311k Breeders Crown Final. At 3yrs, 3rd in the 200k VIC Derby Final. At 3yrs, 1st in the 100k Australian Derby.At 3yrs, 4th in the 188k Breeders Crown Final. Damned fine horse but pretty much every big $ race he has contested he has missed out on bar one & that was the Australian Derby in Tassie when he was in against relatively lesser competition overall. I agree about Smiling Shard in particular. I think he'll be the next Grand Circuit star. This time next year he'll be right up with the older horses.

[mango]

I think Lanercosts run the other night was super, 26.8 1st quarter and worked to get the lead and the one who beat him had a cold sit. I think different than most and i think Lanercost will go on to win some nice races.

[DAZZA]

All due respect to Lanercost and everyones opinion on here but to come out in 26.8 at Menangle these days is nothing too rare. Like Ive said hes a lovely horse and everyone would love one in their backyard but when it gets down to it, he just doesnt have the X factor. I did forget about his win over Renaissance Man and I do beleive that was when he was going his best, I really liked him early on for the QLD derbys but he was just a class below For A Reason, he did have a hammy problem though in his defence.
Do agree with triplev through, Smiling Shard head and heels above all other 4yo's at the moment but For A Reason who is with who I beleive to be one the best trainers going around will make the big time one day.

[buster]

no reserve for this weeks race???

russley rascal looks good fixed odds, should lead and win, went huge last start

[Zipper]

Showed a bit of ticker to fight back when headed last night but certainly lacked a bit of zip at the top of the straight. Interesting to see hoe how he goes backing up again next week. I think I would have preferred him with 2 weeks between runs into the chariots.

Thoughts?

[montana]

Bit hard on lanny fellas , he has raced the best most his life and been very consistent. last year he had issues firstly with his hamstrings and then later in the season he struggled with a bad cold and it was a race against the clock to get him into he breeders crown final but these things happen look through any horses form they always have those patches. not saying he is better than smiling shard or For a reason but a pretender thats pretty hard. he showed alot of ticker in 2 year old breeders final over 2240 m and sure he was beaten by a better horse on the day ( and no ordinary horse he was the nz 2year old of the year by a mile ) but he showed plenty of heart . http://www.harness.org.au/video/vic/MXM23080906.wmv

he will also improve alot in fitness from his hondo placing , his heart rate was well up and darrel will have him peaking for the chariots

disclaimer - besides d graham i am probably the most bias person when it comes to lanercost !

Zipper i agree FAR went awesome last night 26.3 closing qtr horses just cant really finish of any faster than that if luke had of let him run the qtr before he would have won by 10 meters he is the one to beat in the final thats for sure. luke has giving him a alot of ground work and there is no doubt he will be spot on he wasnt knocked around in the paleface.

[mango]

Hi Montana

Don't worry Lanercost still has my vote of confidence and i think you have evey right to be bias. Check your inbox.

[mightymo]

there is nothing wrong with a little bias Montana, especially when it comes to a really good horse like Lanercost.

How is Pearl of montana going?

[montana]

Pearl is coming along nicely darrel just worked her some fast work this morning we are setting her for the seymour series and i think the 2100 meters will suit her well , after that she will have a big spell.

[mightymo]

i know its only early days, but how did tomkitten break in?

i thought it was a great name, but youve prob changed it by now:):)

[montana]

tomkitten is still in NZ and broke in well , she got over her injury very quickly and is now having a break. we will probably bring her out to oz in october after her next prep and yes while my daughter loves the name tomkitten of course , we will probably rename her montana something .

[buster]

i think the draw looks pretty good for you montana, fastest horse out the gate in that race and being a bit wider gives you a good run to the first turn

(wouldnt worry about your horse being forgotten, he should be massive overs)

[mightymo]

tomkitten is still in NZ and broke in well , she got over her injury very quickly and is now having a break. we will probably bring her out to oz in october after her next prep and yes while my daughter loves the name tomkitten of course , we will probably rename her montana something .

i have to say we were very disappointed on the day with her sale price. The preparers were of the view that she was the nicer of the 2 BD fillies, and the other one brought 70K! Tbe honest, i thought they would both bring 50K, so the end result was the same, but I still cant believe the difference in price...

[montana]

i think the draw looks pretty good for you montana, fastest horse out the gate in that race and being a bit wider gives you a good run to the first turn

(wouldnt worry about your horse being forgotten, he should be massive overs)

not really worried about the price just want the glory ! darrel will be firing him out of the gate next week , its the grand final no point to die wondering. i dont mind drawing up the track a little at menangle compared to drawing right on the inside , the draw is perfect for us imo there will be no excuses.

[montana]

i have to say we were very disappointed on the day with her sale price. The preparers were of the view that she was the nicer of the 2 BD fillies, and the other one brought 70K! Tbe honest, i thought they would both bring 50K, so the end result was the same, but I still cant believe the difference in price...

i was the under bidder on punky as well , i had her priced at 50k and chased her up to the 70k because i really liked her but you have to stop somewhere , i guess thats what happens when 2 people really want the horse sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised with the result. we also marked tomkitten as a nicer type but i think the injury probably turned away some of my competition for her , it pays to have our vet on hand inspecting the yearlings. also nice to see her pedigree has been improved through veste.

[mightymo]

yes. Veste looks top class. I wonder what Tomkitten would bring if she went through the ring today:):)

Good luck with her. I will obviously be following her career with a great deal of interest.

[tyson]

I see most of you bagging Lanercost so much. You can't win every bloody race you enter:mad:. He shows up every week and gives us the entertainment of watching a good race along with the other 6 - 10 horses in the field.

Blacks A Fake, Smoken Up, Mr Feelgood, The Falcon Strike ( my favourite of all ) Christian Cullen, Courage under fire, Be Good Johhny, Mond Denver Gold, Baltic Eagle have all been beating in races and i don't see you saying they didn't have the X-factor. Geez enjoy the races and stop bagging the competitors.

Im willing to bet alot of money that Lanercost will beat any off you on foot over race conditons

[aussiebreno]

Im willing to bet alot of money that Lanercost will beat any off you on foot over race conditons
You're one brave man

[buster]

I can't understand how they could take David Hercules over when his last performance in the west was abysmal. Third in a five horse field some 22 metres behind Crombie who absolutely brained him. Some trainers don't seem to realise when their horses have had enough. On saying that I didn't expect him to figure in the first four.

hes clearly come over here for the vicbred and the breeders crown later in the season...

[aussiebreno]

hes clearly come over here for the vicbred and the breeders crown later in the season...

Nah lets just take pot shots without knowing the story !!! I see he beat Royal Verdict in the trial

[buster]

yeah found the top easy and then strolled after that... the results dont really tell the full story

[DAZZA]

Can you read? Comparing any of these horses to Blacks A Fake, Smoken Up or Falcon Strike is plain crazy. They are only 4! Majority of them fresh out of age racing (except for Smiling Shard but he is not in the race). Yes I probably was a little harsh on Lanercost. Pretender wasnt the right word and I apologise to MONTANA who obviously is connected with the horse (name explains all). Good luck on the weekend MONTANA I'm sure you will be in the money somewere. Dont get me wrong, nothing against the horse, just feel whenever it has got down the bigtime he has been that length behind, that may be due to injuries, niggles whatever, I wouldnt know, can only state my opinion on facts that I have.

Im not saying Lanercost shouldnt turn up, he's got the draw and most likely be infront for a long way this week and probably set up the quick time. IMO I just feel hes a level below For A Reason and co. and doessnt give me the impression he will make a future grand circuit star. I may be wrong, people may disagree with me but thats what forums are for.

[latemail_cam]

So excited the day has finally come, For a reason in 1.50.9.

Good luck MONTANA 2nd and 3rd are still available ;)

[montana]

thanks for the well wishes , i am just happy to have a horse in such a great race. as an owner there is alot of enjoyment leading up to these races with planning and watching likely competition etc our horse is in great order and there will be no excuses at least we are in it so that part of the plan has come to fruition. if lanny wasnt in the race i would select 1. Motu Crusader - nice big horse will continue to thrive at menangle 2. For a Reason - a horse i very much admire 3. Bitobliss continues to step up each time he is produced.

[latemail_cam]

Russley Rascal last 2 races has had clear racing room over the last 200m in both races interesting if he comes down the centre tonight.

Both races hes only been beaten 4 metres each time

Good Luck Montana

[DAZZA]

Eat my words 100%. Huge respect for Lanercost after that run, way the race turned out was never going to get beaten. Congrats to Montana.

For A Reasons defense didnt have much luck got shoved 4 wide, still should have finished further. Motu Crusader very good, Bitibliss has a very nice future.

Well done Lanercost !

[Greg Hando]

Well done to the connections of Lanercost he is a better horse than i gave him credit for 54 and a bit last half gave nothing else a chance very good front running drive

[Bucky]

Giddyup Lanny!!!! The victory is sweeter when he was called the pretender!

[latemail_cam]

Betfair bet in running you beauty, I got $2.20 at the 800m when I heard 30.6 2nd quarter was never going to lose writing on wall after his 26.3 last quarter last run.

In saying that all week I said FOR A REASON would win.

Adam Hamilton tipped LANERCOST just before race goof tip.

Montana Congrats

[latemail_cam]

Darrell Grahams team seem to be going really really well ;)

[Flashing Red]

Giddyup Lanny!!!! The victory is sweeter when he was called the pretender!

While I think some of the comments about Lanercost on here have been undeserved, they all stemmed from the fact, that in the biggest races and against the best colts, he always seemed to find 1 or 2 better than him. That is evidenced by his racerecord.

On the other side of the coin, it can also be taken that he has been knocking at the door for a big win for a long time. He won in fine style tonight, congrats :)

[montana]

thanks for the kind words, great drive by darrel , everything just worked out perfectly leading up to this race , the horse was 100% and the race panned out great for us , my proudest moment in harness racing that is for sure.

[mightymo]

Well done Dean. When you put in as much money, time and passion as you do, you deserve to get good horses and to win big races. Congratulations. !!

[triplev123]

Props to Montana and Darrel. Lanercost went a great trip, killed them. Congratulations.

[Love Of Courage]

Congratulations Montana,

As you can tell by my username Courage is my all time favourite pacer / stallion and you just happen to have 2 of his very best offspring Lanercost and Courageous Annie. I have always believed that Courage was at his best when able to run at fast clip as he had such high speed and stamina. This seems to be how your two race best also. I have followed both of them since they started racing. Of all the courage stock I think Annie is something very special !

I have two unraced Courage fillies a 2 & 3 year old with Brisbane trainer Darren McCall that will trial soon. Hope they have some of your courage youngsters abilities. Having never raced a horse before and having 2 courage fillies I am really looking forward to watching them race.

[mango]

Hi Love of Courage

Let us know how your fillies trial and when there about to race so i can watch. I wish you all the best with them.

[Love Of Courage]

Hello Mango,

I will keep you updated for sure. The 2 year old filly looks a lot like her old man Courage ! I hope she has some of his ability !

[aussiebreno]

Props to Montana and Darrel. Lanercost went a great trip, killed them. Congratulations.

Seconded

[montana]

Congratulations Montana,

As you can tell by my username Courage is my all time favourite pacer / stallion and you just happen to have 2 of his very best offspring Lanercost and Courageous Annie. I have always believed that Courage was at his best when able to run at fast clip as he had such high speed and stamina. This seems to be how your two race best also. I have followed both of them since they started racing. Of all the courage stock I think Annie is something very special !

I have two unraced Courage fillies a 2 & 3 year old with Brisbane trainer Darren McCall that will trial soon. Hope they have some of your courage youngsters abilities. Having never raced a horse before and having 2 courage fillies I am really looking forward to watching them race.

needless to say i am big fan too , courage was on the scene when i decided to get back into harness racing , my wife even bought me a big framed print of him and a horseshoe back then which i still have on the wall and to have 2 of his best horses to date is really a dream come true. one advantage of buying at the ready to run sales is you get to see their gate and both annie and lanny have similar gate to courage. and they both have attitude - cheeky and playful. I also think Annie will be something special she has come back bigger and better since her spell.

i wish you the very best of luck with your two fillies , lets us know when they are named so we can watch them , i am looking forward to 2 of my favorite mares foaling some courages this season on my property.

[DAZZA]

While I think some of the comments about Lanercost on here have been undeserved, they all stemmed from the fact, that in the biggest races and against the best colts, he always seemed to find 1 or 2 better than him. That is evidenced by his racerecord.

On the other side of the coin, it can also be taken that he has been knocking at the door for a big win for a long time. He won in fine style tonight, congrats :)

You are correct Flashing, however what Lanercost did last night is what this sport is all about, proving people wrong and realising dreams. I love being proven wrong, normally means a horse will come out and do something like Lanercost did last night and I for one am first to admit to being wrong.

[Love Of Courage]

Hello Montana,
16
Thank You ! for your kind thoughts. This is my favourite picture of Courage and I have quite a few. Every year when the studs take new pictures of Courage I ask if they can email them to me. If you are interested I can email you a few. I usually take them to print shop and have them printed and framed.

[Flashing Red]

Well done Dean. When you put in as much money, time and passion as you do, you deserve to get good horses and to win big races. Congratulations. !!


Here here! :)

[Flashing Red]

thanks for the kind words, great drive by darrel , everything just worked out perfectly leading up to this race , the horse was 100% and the race panned out great for us , my proudest moment in harness racing that is for sure.

I know first hand what it is like for people to publicly knock your own horse on a public forum, in the press, etc - there is nothing better than sitting back and let the horse do the talking. The best silencer there is. Congrats :)

[Flashing Red]

You are correct Flashing, however what Lanercost did last night is what this sport is all about, proving people wrong and realising dreams. I love being proven wrong, normally means a horse will come out and do something like Lanercost did last night and I for one am first to admit to being wrong.

I am always happy to be proved wrong too. I thought For A Reason would win with Lanercost a close second. Probably the silliest thing I have ever said was after Makybe Diva won her first Melbourne Cup, to the tune of - I can't believe they race for 5 million and a horse like THAT wins it. She'll never win another race!" I tell you what, I was cheering her for her second Melbourne Cup win and then roaring like crazy when she won her third. One of the reasons I love racing - horses can't read comments, they don't know what is going on behind the scenes, the good horses just go out there and do their stuff!

[Maorisidol]

The biggest thing I got from the structure of that race is that Lanercost will win more races than For A Reason due to his ability to lead easily, and due to FAR's lack of speed at the start. We know FAR is very good but u can't give Lanny that much head start when he can run last 400 in 26.5!!!!! Lanny way better than last week.
If Darryl drives like that each time, your gonna need more trophy cabinets Montana! Well done.

[latemail_cam]

Agree well said...

[eliteblood]

Congratulations from me also Montana, Lanercost was brilliant.
What an outstanding night's racing and one of the most pleasing things was seeing yourself and Emilio Rosati enjoying much deserved Group 1 success.
CUF was a mighty horse who didn't have the best of luck as an older racehorse. He only needed an ounce of luck and he could have one both a Miracle Mile and Inter Dominion. I haven't seen many that I rate more highly.

[DAZZA]

The biggest thing I got from the structure of that race is that Lanercost will win more races than For A Reason due to his ability to lead easily, and due to FAR's lack of speed at the start. We know FAR is very good but u can't give Lanny that much head start when he can run last 400 in 26.5!!!!! Lanny way better than last week.
If Darryl drives like that each time, your gonna need more trophy cabinets Montana! Well done.

I think after that race Lanercost has any race over a mile especially at Menangle at his mercy because he is so good from the mobile. He did pinch a good 2nd quarter last night but I dont think it would have mattered if he was taken on he was the best horse on the night. He may be a Miricale Mile type horse after last nights run and being a stallion Im sure connections would love one of those next to his name. Still have my question mark next to his name at the longer trip in the big league but time will tell.
I still beleive For A Reason is a very nice animal but I think longer suits him (NSW Derby last year). In the big time he just needs to be driven dead as a maggot and come with one shot at them. Last night he had to go 3 wide when Darrel really put the foot down and than got shoved 4 wide and was no hope after that. He did fibulate early this prep whch has left him a run short the whole campaign. After his win last week I still throught he needed one more run to tighten him up but his class would see him through last night.

Motu Crusader is the horse of the future in my opinion, further the race the better, tough as nails too, tougher than For A Reason any day of the week. Look forward to seeing him progress.

[Mighty Atom]

Great run by Bitobliss - a horse with a big future

[Mighty Atom]

My apology to the connections of David Hercules in reference to the horse training off.

[Bucky]

By the way ive just realised its Darrel Grahams birthday today. What a great birthday present!

[remington]

congrats montana on the win, and happy birthday to darrel graham, great runs for me other the lanny would be bitobliss and remember el(did well from the grandstand draw)