2015 Breeders Crown

[Messenger]

http://www.harnesslink.com/Australia/Purdon-primed-to-dominate-Breeders-Crown-heats

It is a bit hard to get excited about Tuesday with the first 4 heats having fields of 5,5,5,6

http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=PC210715

[Gtrain]

With a series fee of $700+ it is out of reach for the small breeders. That's why the small fields. I find it hard to justify a $700 outlay on a foal of mine winning the breeders crown when the paying odds are about 250-1. Realistic odds are closer to 1000000-1.

[mightymo]

It's only $38.50 to nominate a broodmare.

Once you get a healthy foal and before you know how good it is you have to pay $253 as a yearling nom - so under $300 to get to this stage, not $700.

That then gives you plenty time to find out if its any good. Also, you may choose to not pay the 2yo fee and can then still go in the 3yo series. Alternatively, you never have to pay any more so its basically $290.

[Gtrain]

Still Harvey, the investment to potential of return odds are poor. Particularly for small breed to race breeders. This plays a big part in the small fields in the heats with plenty of $1.10 pops.

[halfyourluck]

I was once lucky enough to have one progress through to the 2YO colts final. He got there by winning a heat with a full field at Bendigo, ran 3rd in the Semi and was unplaced from barrier 13 in final. Total earnings from 3 races $10510, just $1510 more than his stakes from a single Breeders Challenge heat win. I can understand how people think it is too hard and too dear.

[Messenger]

First of 3 heats for the 3yoF in 5mins at Ballarat

[Adaptor]

3 YO Colts and geldings at Bendigo tomorrow night.
The first heat, race three at 7:30 features Menin Gate

Star pacer, Menin Gate, trained at Shelbourne by Larry Eastman for a group of owners from Birchip in the Mallee, will take on a field of 3yo male pacers in Heat 10 of the IRT Breeders Crown for 3yo colts and geldings at Lord’s Raceway on Thursday night

Menin Gate has been Australasia’s dominant 3yo this season, winning the Sires Classic at Ballarat, the VicBred Final, a heat and the final of the Victoria Derby, then in Queensland, the Gold Coast Derby, and the Queensland Derby.

Menin Gate has amassed $377,548 in winning 10 of his 15 starts.
He has drawn barrier 5 of 10 starters in race three, due to start at 7:30 PM. Chris Alford will pilot Menin Gate, who is likely to start a short priced favourite.

Eastman, who hadn’t trained a Group 1 winner prior to this season but now has four of them, said he was “stoked” with Menin Gate’s win at Albion Park 10 days ago in 1:55.1 (54.7).
“He’s really come on,” the trainer said, pointing out a patient, carefully planned preparation was paying dividends.

Menin Gate’s Birchip owners are rejoicing in the success of the “Birchip Bull”, as he is also known.
In fact the whole town is. Local priest Father Eugene even halted a recent service temporarily to inform the congregation: “Menin Gate just won”. The people erupted in applause.
“He is the people’s horse, I suppose,” Eastman acknowledged.
“He’s got that ring about him now and it’s good for him and it’s good for the sport.”

[Bonnie]

I have just reviewed the recent Breeders Crown heats for 2 year old colts and geldings;
1) June 13. Globe Derby 4 starters 2.00.6 NON TAB
2) July 9 . Cambridge NZ. 2 starters 2.06.9 NON TAB
3) July 10. Albion Park 3 starters 2.00.8
4)July 12 Launceston 3 starters 2.05.1
5)July 21 Menangle 9 starters 1.56.3
6)July 24 Addington NZ 2 starters 2.01 NON TAB
7) July 27 Gloucester Park 2 starters 1.59.3
8) August 4 Shepparton 2 heats 9 starters in each. 158.9 and 1.59.4

There are many owners who do not pay up for the BC and question the fairness of the Series. This concept originated in Victoria and since HRV have made it Australasian we have lost the integrity of the series and the consideration for the Victorian owners. As shown by the list of heats most are made up of 2 or 3 runners. If these were normal races they would not stand up ; yet the ' winners ' proceed directly to the $20,000 semi finals . Where is the fairness for the 27 NSW and VIC horses/ owners who have to go forward thru the repacharges. All participants should be subject to the same rules and conditions , why put on a race for 2 horses and give the winner a free shot at $20,000. If they cannot fill a race the horses should have to come to Victoria to participate on a level playing field.
NZ do not have heats of the Jewels in Aus. Also why were the first heats held on June 13 and the final heats on August 8. ? 2 months to run 9 heats is an extemely long time and further disadvantages the Victorian based horses especially as the Vicbred Series has just finished. HRV need to review the BC as a matter of urgency, pay ups are falling and the prize money is in decline. I firmly believe after speaking with other owners that the perception that all horse / owners are not treated in a fair and unbiased manner is a major factor in their non participation.

[jackthepunter]

I have just reviewed the recent Breeders Crown heats for 2 year old colts and geldings;
1) June 13. Globe Derby 4 starters 2.00.6 NON TAB
2) July 9 . Cambridge NZ. 2 starters 2.06.9 NON TAB
3) July 10. Albion Park 3 starters 2.00.8
4)July 12 Launceston 3 starters 2.05.1
5)July 21 Menangle 9 starters 1.56.3
6)July 24 Addington NZ 2 starters 2.01 NON TAB
7) July 27 Gloucester Park 2 starters 1.59.3
8) August 4 Shepparton 2 heats 9 starters in each. 158.9 and 1.59.4

There are many owners who do not pay up for the BC and question the fairness of the Series. This concept originated in Victoria and since HRV have made it Australasian we have lost the integrity of the series and the consideration for the Victorian owners. As shown by the list of heats most are made up of 2 or 3 runners. If these were normal races they would not stand up ; yet the ' winners ' proceed directly to the $20,000 semi finals . Where is the fairness for the 27 NSW and VIC horses/ owners who have to go forward thru the repacharges. All participants should be subject to the same rules and conditions , why put on a race for 2 horses and give the winner a free shot at $20,000. If they cannot fill a race the horses should have to come to Victoria to participate on a level playing field.
NZ do not have heats of the Jewels in Aus. Also why were the first heats held on June 13 and the final heats on August 8. ? 2 months to run 9 heats is an extemely long time and further disadvantages the Victorian based horses especially as the Vicbred Series has just finished. HRV need to review the BC as a matter of urgency, pay ups are falling and the prize money is in decline. I firmly believe after speaking with other owners that the perception that all horse / owners are not treated in a fair and unbiased manner is a major factor in their non participation.

Couldn't agree more. unfortunately with hrv current members they are the worlds best at sucking the life out of this sport. it just staggers me after the audit their all still got their jobs. obviously I'm missing something . friends in high places????

[Messenger]

Certainly good questions regarding timing and field sizes Anne

[Richard prior]

I have just reviewed the recent Breeders Crown heats for 2 year old colts and geldings;
1) June 13. Globe Derby 4 starters 2.00.6 NON TAB
2) July 9 . Cambridge NZ. 2 starters 2.06.9 NON TAB
3) July 10. Albion Park 3 starters 2.00.8
4)July 12 Launceston 3 starters 2.05.1
5)July 21 Menangle 9 starters 1.56.3
6)July 24 Addington NZ 2 starters 2.01 NON TAB
7) July 27 Gloucester Park 2 starters 1.59.3
8) August 4 Shepparton 2 heats 9 starters in each. 158.9 and 1.59.4

There are many owners who do not pay up for the BC and question the fairness of the Series. This concept originated in Victoria and since HRV have made it Australasian we have lost the integrity of the series and the consideration for the Victorian owners. As shown by the list of heats most are made up of 2 or 3 runners. If these were normal races they would not stand up ; yet the ' winners ' proceed directly to the $20,000 semi finals . Where is the fairness for the 27 NSW and VIC horses/ owners who have to go forward thru the repacharges. All participants should be subject to the same rules and conditions , why put on a race for 2 horses and give the winner a free shot at $20,000. If they cannot fill a race the horses should have to come to Victoria to participate on a level playing field.
NZ do not have heats of the Jewels in Aus. Also why were the first heats held on June 13 and the final heats on August 8. ? 2 months to run 9 heats is an extemely long time and further disadvantages the Victorian based horses especially as the Vicbred Series has just finished. HRV need to review the BC as a matter of urgency, pay ups are falling and the prize money is in decline. I firmly believe after speaking with other owners that the perception that all horse / owners are not treated in a fair and unbiased manner is a major factor in their non participation.

Couldn't agree more with your words of wisdom Anne and I've been banging on about this for ages, The 2 and 3 horse races(NON TAB) are of zero value as they carry no TAB turnover and Definitley give horses an unfair advantage to progress to the Semi Finals, They need to be eliminated and if the Kiwi's and Interstate owners and trainers that have a young horse that they think is good enough to compete, They must be made to travel to Victoria and all go through the same qualifying criteria and the Breeders Crown must be run well away from the Vic Bred series to give the Baby's a bit of a rest, At least a month apart at the minimum, After speaking to a couple of my Kiwi friends, They aren't real happy about the Australian horses being invited to the Harness Jewels so the same should apply with their series as well, If you want to compete, Pack your horse up and make the trip and field sizes must be able to attract the Precious TAB turnover, Surely the Heats could be run with a minimum of 7 starters so we get the full return from the TAB, Just seems like commonsense to me, I think the concept is great, Nominate your mare when she's in foal and continue to make your payments and if your horse isn't ready, You have the option of skipping a year for free but the set up clearly needs to be tweaked.

[Frosty]

Could not agree more. The ABC needs a major review ! We have run a 2nd, 3rd and a 4th in previous ABC finals and now do not pay up for any of our horses. 2 horse non TAB races are a joke !

[squaregaiter]

Breeders Crown
We have at Maryborough tomorrow the 1st heats of the Breeders Crown for the 2yo & 3yo squaregaiters and the 8 races look very competitive with several “good things” on the program however IMHO there is also some longer shots with real chances that can add value to the exotics if your that way inclinedJ. Worth keeping in mind that the Repechages will be run on the 20th also at the Home of Trotting in Victoria with the final of $84k for the young ones and $54k for the 3yo’s to be run on the 30th August at Melton so will be a big long month for some of these runners.

[squaregaiter]

Top days racing yesterday at Maryborough with the Breeders Crown series, the track was in great condition where a Age/Sex track record/s was equalled and in several other races coming within a bee’s knee’s of the same, making for some really keen racing where most trotted beautifully, plenty of good things ,some a tad too short and a few IMHO a little over the odds but as mentioned the repechages are on 20th and if they all race up to that with the “good things” out of the way it will be very competitive racing.:)

[Messenger]

The four repechages at Geelong tonight (7.03 onwards) should be intriguing races

http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=GE110815&fromstate=vic

[Messenger]

Four more top repechages at Kilmore tonight (7.00 - 8.30)

http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=KI120815&fromstate=vic

[Jimbob]

Semi finals time this Saturday night for the 2 & 3 year old's. In the first 2 year old fillies semi I think "Hot Shot Woman" will be too strong, even from the 7. The second semi in the fillies is a very different kettle of fish. Heavens Trend off the pole will be hard to beat but Jilliby Jitterbug, Dancingwithsierra, Whirily School & Soho Madeleine will all be chances. But for me the unbeaten 2 year old out of the Mark Purdon stable and half sister to Christian Me "Our Dream About Me" will be racking up win no 7 in a row!

[Messenger]

It sure is one hell of a program David. Maybe I should mosey on down the highway on Saturday night - any chance Ballarat might warm up a little? (It is 6° feels like 3° there right now)

http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=BA220815

[Messenger]

Surprised to see that just about anything that ran in the repechages gets a start in a semi - even horses that didn't finish the race

I would love to see the semi's worth a lot more to increase the incentive to win one - not merely qualify
If you took 60k off the finals and added it all pretty much to first in the 2 semi's - they may be keener to win for 40k

[Messenger]

Am I right in thinking that the whole field in the 2C&G and 3C&G repechages at Maryborough on Thursday are likely to go through to the finals?

[squaregaiter]

Am I right in thinking that the whole field in the 2C&G and 3C&G repechages at Maryborough on Thursday are likely to go through to the finals?


That is correct together with the winners of the heats from the 10th Cruisin Around and Condon Bridge & Fabrication and Illawong Armstrong respectively

[Maorisidol]

BREEDERS CROWN
2YO COLTS
Sundons Courage-1st Repecharge-WOW. What awesome acceleration that was almost ballistic in such a short distance. Was a huge run in the death seat in the Redwood and a good thing beaten in my opinion.
With the right run in the final depending on barriers im on him.
2YO FILLIES
Parisian Chic is from Team Fitzpatrick which is on fire right now and she has that Menangle speed, proved too good for Social Fireball while Smile Smile Smile walked and ran a fast 28.7 last 400 to beat Sky Majesty. Princess Phoenix didnt like the farrier changing her shoes on track and so went with no shoes on front and galloped bad beaten 205m.
3YO COLTS
Was only 1 race for these boys last Thursday and was only 1 horse, the winner Valley Ess Jay.
3YO FILLIES
Now heres a competition.
Its the Matty Craven stable that is flying so far and so fast up the squaregaiting ladder in Victoria right now with the likes of Aldebaran Deebee who had a slow 1st 400 but ran 28.5 and 28.6 to win impressively over Glenferrie Burn. Then you have daughter of La Coocaracha, Reina Danzante who is running hot as well and next in line Endsiono.
Barriers out on Monday i believe, cant wait to see!

[squaregaiter]

Good Summary Ash :)- it was a great days racing, anyone who was there found it easy to find the winner of every race on looks/preparation/ability;), the “RBD” as mention comes out today and when the heat winners are back in the final feild that will tell a totally different story and in some cases even the barrier draw will not stop some of those very dominant heat winners.
Hoping for a big” Locals Sunday” and if not totally local then ”rehomed” :) for what’s its worth and to try and match your bravery Ash ;)here are my thoughts for anyone interested
Speeding Spur, Speeding Spur ,Speeding Spur then the one to beat is llawong Armstrong providing he trots however I am also a fan as you know of Fabrication, both are touchy so maybe - Valley Ess Jay or Kyvalley Boomerang can take advantage if they make errors in the 3yo C&G
The 3yo fillies is totally different with some “depth” and the barrier draw will be the key here although you would not think there is much beyond My Arya & Reina Danzante then – Fiery Mountain Girl - Glenferrie Burn and maybe Justines Amore

2yo C& G, I am hoping for a LOCAL win :),….. and I am big fan of Sundons Courage also, however Conon Bridge has been very dominate in his 2 runs here and he not only has won in NZ over 2400 but has done it tough against older horses( albeit moderate company) and he is "happy to give a start and settle"so being realistic barring him making errors it maybe a race where the tough have to stand up and I guess we are looking for the exotic chances IMHO- lets hope for a lot of pace in this race
2yo fillies-2 horse race ( or to be politically correct J) filly’s race- High Gate or Missandie, barrier draw with tell the tale J end of story :)

[Messenger]

Well the barriers have been drawn and here are the fields for you

http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=MX300815&fromstate=vic

and here is Len Baker's thoughts

http://www.harness.org.au/news-article.cfm?news_id=27388

[Messenger]

Run of the Finals goes to Our Dream About Me - they don't win from the death at Melton
which is why I think Maurice was once again the Master for his drive on The Orange Agent because they just cant win from the death if they try to hold out a serious challenge at the bell

[Messenger]

Big day for Somebeachsomewhere - 2 Gp1's and a Gp2

The NZ breds had 27 starters v Aussie breds 99 starters and yet it was a close call

NZ: 5 wins, 5 seconds and 3 thirds
AU: 6 wins, 6 seconds and 8 thirds (Our Waikiki Beach is AU bred)

Of course NZ was very under-represented in some races or else it may have been a massacre