COT Smoken Up?

[brent_L]

Hands up who had Smoken Up trailing the 40/1 leader on Friday night?? In 145 starts I think I might recall Lance sticking to the pegs once, maybe twice on the champ.
As a regular punter (not on this race however) on the trots I find it unbelievably insulting that Lance fails to notify the stewards (and punters) of even the possibility he may be opting for cover. Does he feel he is above and beyond?? IMO Just as insulting is stewards offering up a QDT!

[p plater]

Brent, maybe another look at the start might be in order. M. Bellman (Our Mels Dream) started well then grabbed hold, had Lance tried to get on his back at the start Smoken Up would have crashed into him. As it happens M Bellman made sure Lance stayed on the fence. Watch it again.

[Richard prior]

Have to agree with Bailey on this one Brent, Bellman had him in a zip fastener and Gavvy made sure he stayed there. Good run by the old warrior but he just couldn't hoof it with Five Star Anvil in the 200m sprint.

[brent_L]

Just had another look and was ready to eat humble pie. No can do. There was every opportunity to come straight away from the pegs after the start and lob in 5th spot. If it wasn't his plan to stay on the pegs then I could only describe it as a brain fade.

[Richard prior]

Yes agree, There was an opportunity to ease back and come off the fence and get behind Bellman's horse and in hindsight, Would have been a far better option and then roll around to the death or take the lead. Not the greatest drive I have ever seen and as you mentioned Brent, Highly unusual for Trigger to be driven this way.

[Smoken]

Lance definitely could have gotten of the fence.
The Champ ran a great race, but probably could have gone one better with every opportunity given.

[Maorisidol]

I'm not convinced todays Trigger could start from inside the back row, go 3 wide around that field and win.
Firstly if he did, the race may very well have been run quicker which would have suited Chili better than this race did, rather than him having to be 3 wide the last 400m around the bend and try to run down the front markers doing a 26.5.
Personally i think Lance took the gamble to be right up the front doing no work just sitting quiet for a change and see what happens rather than go back, come around, sit in the death or maybe get the lead and probably get run down, having used so much gas...
At this point of his career i have no qualms with that drive. but like i said on Friday on here before the race, i gave him no chance of winning from that draw, but also say that in any future races, i also hope he proves me wrong!
And by the way, credit due to the winner and the clever drive by the Iceman!

[Smoken]

I love the fact that Trigger was given a much easier run, and I also didn't expect him to win given the barrier. I don't remember the last time he was behind a leader..
I also keep forgetting that he is 11 & still racing like a beast! Not even CP could have ran down FSA, with the quarters they ran.

[brent_L]

I'm not convinced todays Trigger could start from inside the back row, go 3 wide around that field and win.
Firstly if he did, the race may very well have been run quicker which would have suited Chili better than this race did, rather than him having to be 3 wide the last 400m around the bend and try to run down the front markers doing a 26.5.
Personally i think Lance took the gamble to be right up the front doing no work just sitting quiet for a change and see what happens rather than go back, come around, sit in the death or maybe get the lead and probably get run down, having used so much gas...
At this point of his career i have no qualms with that drive. but like i said on Friday on here before the race, i gave him no chance of winning from that draw, but also say that in any future races, i also hope he proves me wrong!
And by the way, credit due to the winner and the clever drive by the Iceman!
That surely calls for notifying of a COT then Ash??

[Maorisidol]

That surely calls for notifying of a COT then Ash??
Theoretically yes, but when you don't know 100% that the pole horse will keep the lead, you still have options to get out of there.
Hence i think COT or any Tactics to be declared are bollocks.
You may have a game plan to take a sit as Trigger had the opportunity did, or if that doesn't work out, you need plan B. Or vice versa.

[HaroldParker]

Lance was 2 from 2 re QDT on Friday night.

Perhaps a query re Alford's drive on the Fav was warranted ?

[Maorisidol]

Lance was 2 from 2 re QDT on Friday night.

Perhaps a query re Alford's drive on the Fav was warranted ?
What would you suggest he should have done Harold? Pop around to the death and have Gavin keep him 3 wide for the rest of the trip?
Damned if he does damned if he doesnt, thats racing. As i mentioned earlier, with Gav controlling things up front and keeping Lance bottled up nicely, its a bit hard to come form a few lengths back while 3 wide around last bend when front horses are running a 26odd last 400.

[aussiebreno]

Lance was 2 from 2 re QDT on Friday night.

Perhaps a query re Alford's drive on the Fav was warranted ?
Thats how you drive Chilli Palmer though.

[p plater]

Brent, maybe another look at the start might be in order. M. Bellman (Our Mels Dream) started well then grabbed hold, had Lance tried to get on his back at the start Smoken Up would have crashed into him. As it happens M Bellman made sure Lance stayed on the fence. Watch it again.

Stewards report interesting.

RACE 4 – SOKYOLA SPRINT (1720 MS)
Driver Michael Bellman reported that the deafener cord on Our Mels Dream NZ broke and he couldn’t release that gear at any stage.
Driver Lance Justice was questioned regarding the tactics the adopted on Smoken Up NZ, particularly his decision to remain on the peg line in the early stages of the race. Mr Justice explained that his initial efforts were to shift wider on the track, however Our Mels Dream did not leave the gate as quickly as expected and he elected to improve along the inside and shift into the running line ahead of Our Mels Dream. Our Mels Dream was able to gain momentum racing to the first turn and Smoken Up NZ was then obliged to race behind the leader throughout. Smoken Up NZ was held up momentarily rounding the home turn before utilising the sprint lane to finish in second position. The explanation of Mr Justice was verified on the replays and his comments were noted.

[Njcstables]

Lance has had a busy week in the stewards room. Day before race 3 at maryborough. Inquiry ongoing!

[HaroldParker]

Thats how you drive Chilli Palmer though.

His last win @ Melton he reeled off a half in 26.6 and 26.8 off a 58.6 Half. Given they were crawling on Friday he should of been off way sooner.

If a $1.30 pop @ Randwick on Saturday afternoon was ridden in a similar manner, serious questions would be asked, yet not a peep here.

I understand it's Chris Alford but initiative needed to shown on this occasion, driving a $1.30 public elect, he should of had to answer for it.

[Messenger]

His last win @ Melton he reeled off a half in 26.6 and 26.8 off a 58.6 Half. Given they were crawling on Friday he should of been off way sooner.

If a $1.30 pop @ Randwick on Saturday afternoon was ridden in a similar manner, serious questions would be asked, yet not a peep here.

I understand it's Chris Alford but initiative needed to shown on this occasion, driving a $1.30 public elect, he should of had to answer for it.
I have often commented on how there is rarely a peep when long odds on favourites are beaten in our game, Bob.
It happens quite often and I am sure it happens a lot more often than at the gallops.
Why is this so? (anyone old enough to remember Prof Julius Sumner Miller? lol)
We have far more odds on pops for a start. Is this because people can map a harness race easier and certain positions are seen to be far more favourable than others?
Do the weights make for more even fields in the gallops? (They do tend to have bigger fields overall)
You would think the bookies could do pretty well out of the trots with all the beaten odds on pops (then 8/10 favs won at Cranbourne today)
This should probably be a thread of its own Bob