Smoken Up and Im Themightyquinn accept Miracle Mile invitations

http://www.harnesslink.com/www/Article.cgi?ID=93953

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild

http://www.harnesslink.com/www/Article.cgi?ID=93953

Came here to post that.

Top marks by NSWHRC to come out and say that.

Makes some posters in here look silly.

So when the NSWHRC agree with you they are right and when they disagree with you they are wrong? They wanted the best horses to compete in more than just the miracle mile. They achieved that goal.

NSWHRC are putting up $500,000. They could simply invite 8 pacers to turn up on the Saturday and have a one-off event (as they have in the past) or they can try and build a carnival around the race and encourage the good class horses to race in NSW in the weeks leading up to the race (ie. promote harness racing in NSW)
As a result Sydney fans have had a chance to see Mister Feelgood, Washakie, Lisagain, Raglan, Karloo Mick, Be Good Johnny and now Terror to Love all racing to earn a spot in the MM. NSWHRC were probably unlucky that Auckland Reactor ran into problems otherwise I expect he would have also been here.
It was a very impressive win by TTL but there is no way that he would be seeded more highly at this stage of his career then Smoken Up or ITMQ. The directors made the right call and, despite the whingeing, they got the right outcome with TTL lining up in the Cordina Sprint on Friday night.
I strongly support the NSWHRC move. Basically, if you want a shot at our money then come and help promote the sport in NSW. If not, stay at home like Bitobliss and Melpark Major have.
I hope they do the same again next year when the prizemoney is set to go at $750,000. The only change I would make is that the field should be made up totally of horses that competed in the designated NSW lead up races.

Excellent post Trevor!

Hi Trevor
(ie. Promote Harness Racing in n.s.w ) if this is the case and they want to promote it all good and well so why did they change the Inter format and let other states run heats if they are trying to promote Harness Racing in n.s.w.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mango

Hi Trevor
(ie. Promote Harness Racing in n.s.w ) if this is the case and they want to promote it all good and well so why did they change the Inter format and let other states run heats if they are trying to promote Harness Racing in n.s.w.

I don't know. I think the same logic should apply to the ID.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eliteblood

NSWHRC are putting up $500,000. They could simply invite 8 pacers to turn up on the Saturday and have a one-off event (as they have in the past) or they can try and build a carnival around the race and encourage the good class horses to race in NSW in the weeks leading up to the race (ie. promote harness racing in NSW)
As a result Sydney fans have had a chance to see Mister Feelgood, Washakie, Lisagain, Raglan, Karloo Mick, Be Good Johnny and now Terror to Love all racing to earn a spot in the MM. NSWHRC were probably unlucky that Auckland Reactor ran into problems otherwise I expect he would have also been here.
It was a very impressive win by TTL but there is no way that he would be seeded more highly at this stage of his career then Smoken Up or ITMQ. The directors made the right call and, despite the whingeing, they got the right outcome with TTL lining up in the Cordina Sprint on Friday night.
I strongly support the NSWHRC move. Basically, if you want a shot at our money then come and help promote the sport in NSW. If not, stay at home like Bitobliss and Melpark Major have.
I hope they do the same again next year when the prizemoney is set to go at $750,000. The only change I would make is that the field should be made up totally of horses that competed in the designated NSW lead up races.

I agree totally.

One thing I would like though. There is a notion that horses competing in the Cordina Sprint (i.e one week before the MM) don't have enough time to fully recover from a hard run and if they make the final field there is nothing left in the tank. Why not bring the whole thing forward one week and program a FFA (or 2) on what is now the Cordina sprint night. That way all the qualified horses can either rest or compete in the FFA. Either way there should be no complaints.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eliteblood

NSWHRC are putting up $500,000. They could simply invite 8 pacers to turn up on the Saturday and have a one-off event (as they have in the past) or they can try and build a carnival around the race and encourage the good class horses to race in NSW in the weeks leading up to the race (ie. promote harness racing in NSW)
As a result Sydney fans have had a chance to see Mister Feelgood, Washakie, Lisagain, Raglan, Karloo Mick, Be Good Johnny and now Terror to Love all racing to earn a spot in the MM. NSWHRC were probably unlucky that Auckland Reactor ran into problems otherwise I expect he would have also been here.
It was a very impressive win by TTL but there is no way that he would be seeded more highly at this stage of his career then Smoken Up or ITMQ. The directors made the right call and, despite the whingeing, they got the right outcome with TTL lining up in the Cordina Sprint on Friday night.
I strongly support the NSWHRC move. Basically, if you want a shot at our money then come and help promote the sport in NSW. If not, stay at home like Bitobliss and Melpark Major have.
I hope they do the same again next year when the prizemoney is set to go at $750,000. The only change I would make is that the field should be made up totally of horses that competed in the designated NSW lead up races.

[VVV] CAN I GET A WITNESS. TESTIFY BROTHER TREVOR! AMEN.
I also strongly support the way the NSWHRC have handled this. Expanding the impact of the Mircale Mile by way of genuine emphasis being placed on the lead up/associated events means that the Industry, the betting public & the fans can see these top shelf horses compete more than just once can only be a good thing surely. I also agree about the make-up of next year's MM field. If you don't show up and compete in the lead up/associated events then you don't get a start in the big one, simple as that. No discussion, no correspondence entered into.
Btw, I'm thrilled to hear ITMQ is on his way. I expect that he'll really shake things up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Saying

Does he have any open age form in fast run races?

[VVV] I'm somewhat ashamed to say that I don't know Scott and I probably should.
Even if he doesn't have any form in mile scampers your eyes would tell you, certainly my eyes tell me, that based on the way he finished off the NZ Cup, he is going to be in there swinging them & swinging them hard at the end of a fast mile. Don't get me wrong, I don't think he can go to the top & cut the mile ala Smoken Up's 1:48 & a piece but I certainly do think he can close hard off just about any front end pace save that of a Jet Engine. Interestingly, if TTL and ITMQ go through to the MM & there's a hot pace off the front and they happen to position up anywhere within striking distance turning for home, man oh man that's going to be a stretch drive for the ages. Gentlemen in the Southern Hemisphere shall think themselves accurs'd they were not there and hold their manhoods cheap. ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by eliteblood

NSWHRC are putting up $500,000. They could simply invite 8 pacers to turn up on the Saturday and have a one-off event (as they have in the past) or they can try and build a carnival around the race and encourage the good class horses to race in NSW in the weeks leading up to the race (ie. promote harness racing in NSW)
As a result Sydney fans have had a chance to see Mister Feelgood, Washakie, Lisagain, Raglan, Karloo Mick, Be Good Johnny and now Terror to Love all racing to earn a spot in the MM. NSWHRC were probably unlucky that Auckland Reactor ran into problems otherwise I expect he would have also been here.
It was a very impressive win by TTL but there is no way that he would be seeded more highly at this stage of his career then Smoken Up or ITMQ. The directors made the right call and, despite the whingeing, they got the right outcome with TTL lining up in the Cordina Sprint on Friday night.
I strongly support the NSWHRC move. Basically, if you want a shot at our money then come and help promote the sport in NSW. If not, stay at home like Bitobliss and Melpark Major have.
I hope they do the same again next year when the prizemoney is set to go at $750,000. The only change I would make is that the field should be made up totally of horses that competed in the designated NSW lead up races.

Nobody has said TTL should have been invited before or seeded higher than ITMQ or SU. But the nz cup run, should have got him an invite. The NSWHRC are being bloody minded for the sake of a lead up race. And they're probably going to invite TTL regardless of where he runs on Saturday anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbd

I agree totally.

One thing I would like though. There is a notion that horses competing in the Cordina Sprint (i.e one week before the MM) don't have enough time to fully recover from a hard run and if they make the final field there is nothing left in the tank. Why not bring the whole thing forward one week and program a FFA (or 2) on what is now the Cordina sprint night. That way all the qualified horses can either rest or compete in the FFA. Either way there should be no complaints.

Depends if they ran in the NZ Cup or not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild

Nobody has said TTL should have been invited before or seeded higher than ITMQ or SU. But the nz cup run, should have got him an invite. The NSWHRC are being bloody minded for the sake of a lead up race. And they're probably going to invite TTL regardless of where he runs on Saturday anyway.

I believe they are "spending" their money wisely and getting maximum benefit for their sponsors and the NSW industry in general.
As a matter of interest, did Sushi Sushi receive an automatic invitation into the Jewels final based on the strength of his Vic Derby win ?
Why not ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild

The NSWHRC are being bloody minded for the sake of a lead up race.

[VVV] Hmmmm. Can anyone say Harness Jewels criteria? That's a bit rich Leigh.
Take a whack at the NSWHRC for their approach to the MM Field selection but turn a blind eye to arguably the biggest exclusionary one-goer there is. How come Paul Sequenzia and Freddy Taiba's horse didn't get a nice please come over & compete in NZ letter from HRNZ? I didn't read anything of you asking that question earlier this year. Sushi didn't get a letter. Must still be on old mate Ed's desk. :confused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplev123

[VVV] Hmmmm. Can anyone say Harness Jewels criteria? That's a bit rich Leigh.
Take a whack at the NSWHRC for their approach to the MM Field selection but turn a blind eye to arguably the biggest exclusionary one-goer there is. How come Paul Sequenzia and Freddy Taiba's horse didn't get a nice please come over & compete in NZ letter from HRNZ? I didn't read anything of you asking that question earlier this year. Sushi didn't get a letter.

Didn't realise the Harness Jewels was an invitation. Also didn't realise we were playing tit for tat! Perhaps they wanted him to come over a week earlier and run in a lead up race. I'll get on the blower and find out for you if you want?

Quote:

Originally Posted by eliteblood

I believe they are "spending" their money wisely and getting maximum benefit for their sponsors and the NSW industry in general.
As a matter of interest, did Sushi Sushi receive an automatic invitation into the Jewels final based on the strength of his Vic Derby win ?
Why not ?

Listen we could both disagree and argue till were red in the face. I just dont understand why they would risk NOT having the best pacers assembled in the southern hemishere for the sake of a meaning less lead up race. And I say meaningless in terms of there being only 1 (excluding TTL) horse with a realistic chance of winning the MM.

You're missing the point Leigh. It's the whole mindset. The inference, the sense of entitlement.
It's all restriction of trade & exclusionary practices & it's all this horse deserves this and that horse deserves something else and so on when it's a case of NZ to AUS...but when it's back the other way, well apparently...that's a whole different species altogether?????
The Harness Jewels criteria stipulate that ONLY NZ earnings will be taken into account, effectively forcing any Oz aspirants to forego their own at home program and race solely in NZ in order to accumulate enough $ to make the final, the top however many going through. It's exclusionary by default & everyone knows it.
The MM conditions changed in order to encourage greater participation in the lead-up races & every man & their dog have long been aware of this. Wins in races other than those stipulated DO NOT automatically engender a slot in the field for the big one. That in and of itself is LESS exclusionary than the Harness Jewels because MM aspirants only have to compete in 1 or 2 designated lead-up events....but of course, it appears you've chosen to overlook that fact.
Get on the phone if you can. Ask Ed to check his desk for Sushi's invite.
Maybe Frank Marrion forgot to post it? He's in the HRNZ Mail Room these days isn't he? Licking stamps with former PM Helen Clark's image on them. Mmmmmmm. Nice. All that Lefty goodness.

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplev123

You're missing the point Leigh. It's the whole mindset. The inference, the sence of entitlement.
It's all restriction of trade & exclusionary practices & it's all this horse deserves this and that horse deserves something else and so on when it's a case of NZ to AUS...but when it's back the other way, well apparently...that's a whole different species altogether?????
The Harness Jewels criteria stipulate that ONLY NZ earnings will be taken into account, effectively forcing any Oz aspirants to forego their own at home program and race solely in NZ in order to accumulate enough $ to make the final, the top however many going through. It's exclusionary by default & everyone knows it.
The MM conditions changed in order to encourage greater participation in the lead-up races & every man & their dog have long been aware of this. Wins in races other than those stipulated DO NOT automatically engender a slot in the field for the big one. That in and of itself is LESS exclusionary than the Harness Jewels because MM aspirants only have to compete in 1 or 2 designated lead-up events....but of course, it appears you've chosen to overlook that fact.
Get on the phone if you can. Ask Ed to check his desk for Sushi's invite.
Maybe Frank Marrion forgot to post it? He's in the HRNZ Mail Room these days isn't he? Licking stamps with former PM Helen Clark's image on them. Mmmmmmm. Nice. All that Lefty goodness.

Well if i've missed the point (what was it again?), then you've lost your page in the book. What the hell has the Harness Jewells got to do with the MM. OK then, lets just stop all NZers from racing here. And while were at it. Lets deport all kiwi's as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild

Well if i've missed the point (what was it again?), then you've lost your page in the book. What the hell has the Harness Jewells got to do with the MM. OK then, lets just stop all NZers from racing here. And while were at it. Lets deport all kiwi's as well.

[VVV] A straw man is a component of an argument and is an informal fallacy based on misrepresentation of an opponent's position, twisting his words or by means of [false] assumptions.
To "attack a straw man" is to create the illusion of having refuted a proposition by replacing it with a superficially similar yet unequivalent proposition (the "straw man"), and refuting it, without ever having actually refuted the original position.
Generally, the straw man is a highly exaggerated or over-simplified version of the opponent's original statement, which has been distorted to the point of absurdity. This exaggerated or distorted statement is thus easily argued against, but is a misrepresentation of the opponent's actual statement.

With thanks to some on-line terminology explanation thingo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplev123

[VVV] A straw man is a component of an argument and is an informal fallacy based on misrepresentation of an opponent's position, twisting his words or by means of [false] assumptions.
To "attack a straw man" is to create the illusion of having refuted a proposition by replacing it with a superficially similar yet unequivalent proposition (the "straw man"), and refuting it, without ever having actually refuted the original position.
Generally, the straw man is a highly exaggerated or over-simplified version of the opponent's original statement, which has been distorted to the point of absurdity. This exaggerated or distorted statement is thus easily argued against, but is a misrepresentation of the opponent's actual statement.

With thanks to some on-line terminology explanation thingo.

Googling again I see. Classic VVV.

Why re-write Shakespeare?
Why re-invent the wheel?
Have a whack for a piece Leigh. I have to put the rug rats in the bath & feed them. Will be back in a couple of hours. (hopefully)

Regards

Jaimie

Quote:

Originally Posted by eliteblood

NSWHRC are putting up $500,000. They could simply invite 8 pacers to turn up on the Saturday and have a one-off event (as they have in the past) or they can try and build a carnival around the race and encourage the good class horses to race in NSW in the weeks leading up to the race (ie. promote harness racing in NSW)
So the AFL should rig the Semi Final to make it Collingwood V Essendon to support a 'carnival of big crowds' rather than wait for Pies V Bombers to meet in the Grand final? The Miracle Mile is the big event here. Not the Cordina Sprint, Newcastle Mile or Coca Cola Amatil.
As a result Sydney fans have had a chance to see Mister Feelgood, Washakie, Lisagain, Raglan, Karloo Mick, Be Good Johnny and now Terror to Love all racing to earn a spot in the MM Which differs from last year how? Washakie won the Cordina beating BGJ. Karloo Mick would start in Sydney regardless... NSWHRC were probably unlucky that Auckland Reactor ran into problems otherwise I expect he would have also been here.
It was a very impressive win by TTL but there is no way that he would be seeded more highly at this stage of his career then Smoken Up or ITMQ. The directors made the right call and, despite the whingeing, they got the right outcome with TTL lining up in the Cordina Sprint on Friday night. I'm not begrudging those two a spot; but on past precedent and the contentiously worded criteria it is hard to fathom how Smoken Up got in ahead of Terror To Love. Wriggle room in the criteria is the only reason. If the criteria was wrote up more strictly and black and white rather than with shades of grey Terror To Love WOULD be in the field and it would be Smoken Up in the Cordina. Smoken Up in the Cordina...you think TTL is a good advertisment for NSWHRC imagine if Smoken Up was there...
I strongly support the NSWHRC move. Basically, if you want a shot at our money then come and help promote the sport in NSW. If not, stay at home like Bitobliss and Melpark Major have. I agree with the format they have made this year. The point isn't that the winner of the Little Brown Jug should get an invite because the race is worth heaps and has a nice name the point is under the guidelines the vast majority of people would have assumed (rightly or wrongly - as above I've wrote about the wording of the conditions) that in all likelihood the NZ Cup winner would get an invite. He didn't. But to make matters worse the horse that ran 2nd did get an invite. You can't tell me if you owned Terror To Love you wouldn't be pulling your hair out and have started scratching your scalp of your freshly bald head trying to figure it out.
I hope they do the same again next year when the prizemoney is set to go at $750,000. The only change I would make is that the field should be made up totally of horses that competed in the designated NSW lead up races.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eliteblood

I believe they are "spending" their money wisely and getting maximum benefit for their sponsors and the NSW industry in general.
As a matter of interest, did Sushi Sushi receive an automatic invitation into the Jewels final based on the strength of his Vic Derby win ?
Why not ?

I don't know. Why didn't a C2 winner at Bunbury get an automatic invite into the C3 the next week at Gloucester Park?

Regardless, can't wait for the race. Terror To Love or no Terror To Love.

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplev123

[VVV] Even if he doesn't have any form in mile scampers your eyes would tell you, certainly my eyes tell me, that based on the way he finished off the NZ Cup, he is going to be in there swinging them & swinging them hard at the end of a fast mile.

I ask because I have a somewhat unusual take on his recent performance. Both his recent impressive wins have been in slowly run races. In one a nice but not superstar horse called Highview Tommy also charged from the back of the field with him. At his other recent run in a modestly run race where the second to last quarter was an absolute gut buster he only struggled up the straight. So I'm suggesting that although he may be the next superstar that AS OF YET he hasn't proven himself in an absolute Smoken Up, Mr. Feelgood, TMQ balls to the wall sort of race. Happy to be proven wrong because he is an exciting talent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussiebreno

Regardless, can't wait for the race. Terror To Love or no Terror To Love.

Should be an absolute barn burner!

You just ignited my curiosity.
Invites are not part of the jewels modus operandi BUT Sushi Sushi surely qualified for a spot based on the race conditions...i.e. he must have earned enuff $$$$$ when he was in Auckland beating that other horse...what's is name...and co.
How come he didn't come to the jewels.
Like I say he didn't need an invite, he had earned his place on the track...not the boardroom.!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Saying

I ask because I have a somewhat unusual take on his recent performance. Both his recent impressive wins have been in slowly run races. In one a nice but not superstar horse called Highview Tommy also charged from the back of the field with him. At his other recent run in a modestly run race where the second to last quarter was an absolute gut buster he only struggled up the straight. So I'm suggesting that although he may be the next superstar that AS OF YET he hasn't proven himself in an absolute Smoken Up, Mr. Feelgood, TMQ balls to the wall sort of race. Happy to be proven wrong because he is an exciting talent.

[VVV] That makes a lot of sense Scott. We'll know soon enough. Saturday at Menangle looms large.

Smoken Up
Im Themightyquinn
Raglan
Franco Jamar
Mr Feelgood
Terror To Love

Those are the only 6 that deserve to run.
Bitobliss one could argue for but the rules are there and will not get in.
Otherwise no-one else deserves a spot.
The race would be better with just those 6 than an extra 2. IMTQ able to sit at worst 3 lengths off the leader wins?
If they want to run 8 Garnet River (which would at least give Aust breeders a representative) and Our Malabar will get in I suppose...

I agree. Go with 6.

Karloo Mick + Lisagain. That's the 8. Hayes just announced it on Sky.

Lisagain and Karloo Mick take 7th and 8th spots.

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplev123

Karloo Mick + Lisagain. That's the 6. Hayes just announced it on Sky.

What the hell. Lisagain beaten 10m by Franco Jamar then beaten 15m tonight.

Karloo Mick I can deal with because he was never going to sprint down in 26.8 if they run along the whole race he might get close. But thats pretty subjective so he doesn't really deserve a spot either.

They may as well erase the clause where it says they can go with 6 runners because it will never happen. If ever there was a year for it; especially under the new conditions; this was it. Did they pull Karloo Mick and Lisagain out of a lottery of the also rans????

Right with you brenno. Didn't need the last 2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Corleone

Right with you brenno. Didn't need the last 2.

Now watch them run the quinella lol

I think they need to look at the selection criteria, they should just pick the winner's from the N.Z Cup, Newcastle mile and one sprint race at Menangle and then select the other 5 horses from anywhere they want. But in saying that they should of just went with 6 like they can but that will never happen as it will effect turnover bigtime so they may as well throw that clause straight out the window.

I'd dispense with the invites completely and designate it that if you don't race in the lead up events at Menangle then you don't get in. Simple as that. Cut & dried.
Remember the next time around they'll be going for $750,000 & when that sort of kanga is on offer then they'll come from far and wide to take their shots, no risk whatsoever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mango

I think they need to look at the selection criteria, they should just pick the winner's from the N.Z Cup, Newcastle mile and one sprint race at Menangle and then select the other 5 horses from anywhere they want. But in saying that they should of just went with 6 like they can but that will never happen as it will effect turnover bigtime so they may as well throw that clause straight out the window.

I think the way they went this year with the concrete unless you are a superstar come to Menangle or you are not getting a run is pretty much spot on - not many people let alone the NSWHRC directors are export form analysts and there is always going to be conjecture over their selections.
NZ Cup they should make a definite in though; I mean its a tough to ask them to run in their Cup then either run or make trainers bypass the FFA then have to come over here and qualifty like Terror To Love. Most of the time the winner gets invited anyway (similar to Newcastle Cup where it was basically an unofficial auto invite) and acquits themself well.
The NZ Cup and the three auto invite races gives 4 spots auto invite. Those auto invite races should strengthen up as time goes on and this year they were all marginally stronger than in past years.
The discretionary 'superstar' invite is always only going to go 1 or 2 horses. The last 5 years it would have been 1 to BAF; BGJ would have got one about 4 and 5 years ago and Monkey King would have got one last year. This year it was only Smoken Up and IMTQ.
So that's 6 spots.
Then if you've got a horse who ran 2nd in the Newcastle Mile and 2nd in the Cordina he gets in. But otherwise its too hard to judge how Bitobliss and Melpark Major would stack up against Karloo Mick and Lisagain and the strict criteria at least everybody knows why they got in. Even under the strict criteria you've got people on forums saying those two shouldnt be in lol!

The good thing about Lisagain getting in is that it may stop the Kiwi's from sooking because clearly all the NZ Cup winner would have to do is turn up for the Cordina and it will be selected.

Quote:

Originally Posted by triplev123

I'd dispense with the invites completely and designate it that if you don't race in the lead up events at Menangle then you don't get in. Simple as that. Cut & dried.
Remember the next time around they'll be going for $750,000 & when that sort of kanga is on offer then they'll come from far and wide to take their shots, no risk whatsoever.

It is great money but the Inter is worth more and there gone the complete opposite way, if horses can win a heat in there state to get a start in the Inter whats the difference in a horse winning a race like the N.Z cup and getting a start in the Miracle Mile. Having 3 race's with automatic invites will attract great fields and great racing and with 5 invite's to be handed out they would have the discretion to either invite horses who did not compete in either 3 race's or they can if they wish.

I agree with you triple maybe 4 sprint heats over 2 night at menangle make it clear cut, at least they have 2 of the best three horses in Australia in the race. Bitobliss is a top horse in the making and they have missed the boat on that one I've seen him race a few times live and he could beat all bar Smoken Up on his own merits at this stage of his development. This is a very average field only 2 horses will attempt to race their normal race ITMQ and Smoken Up the rest will base the tactics around these 2 and be opportunistic at that non are tough enough to take Smoken Up on and who could out sprint ITMQ?

1) ITMQ
2) Smoken Up
3) Who Cares

Quote:

Originally Posted by mango

It is great money but the Inter is worth more and there gone the complete opposite way, if horses can win a heat in there state to get a start in the Inter whats the difference in a horse winning a race like the N.Z cup and getting a start in the Miracle Mile. Having 3 race's with automatic invites will attract great fields and great racing and with 5 invite's to be handed out they would have the discretion to either invite horses who did not compete in either 3 race's or they can if they wish.

Because while 2 or 3 invites might be clearcut they invariably stuff up with the final 1 or 2! With more auto-invite races it means the strength of those races are stronger and the Rohan Homes and Special Alberts are unlikely to win. With the NZ Cup an auto invite race Terror to Love would have already been in the field and with 5 discretionary invites I daresay Mr Feelgood would have got one of those. Which leaves you guessed it; Garnet River the Cordina Sprint winner getting a berth in the Miracle Mile! Not right!.
I guess what I am trying to say is discretionary invite the one or two superstars (eg Smoken Up and ITMQ) but leave the fringe horses (TTL, Franco Jamar, Raglan, Mr Feelgood) to win in an auto-invite race. Then the last couple spots are always contentious but with the concrete clause where they say horses who ran in the auto-invite races no-one can complain about Bitobliss or someone not being in the field. Whereas in the past it was left to decide between MMC and Melpark Major. And I am sure in years to come these lead up races will become slightly stronger (we could have had Lanercost, Bitobliss, David Hercules, Melpark Major, Auckland Reactor in these fields) and we might get hard luck stories where a horse runs 2nd in two lead ups but fails to win one so its a pretty obvious invite.
Otherwise who is to say Bitobliss deserves a spot in front of David Hercules or Lisagain. You can end up getting the wrong horse in the field; at least under this years criteria if the wrong horse gets in the field there is a concrete reason and everybody understands why - there is nothing stopping Bitobliss or someone else running in Sydney if they thought they were capable of a Miracle Mile - and hey a $77500 race is pretty appealing too.