Western Australia

The driving tactics played out just as I expected. Minstrel was in front, with Swayzee pressing on for the lead. If any horse other than Minstrel had been in that position, Hart would have raced to the front, and it would have been all over. Hall knew that Minstrel would not surrender the lead, so he took off, confident he would get the perfect trail. Swayzee's connections did not seem unduly concerned about sitting in the death position, as Grimson was enthusiastic about their chances. However, I should note that this was probably the first time Swayzee found himself in this position and ended up out of the money. Catch A Wave was never really in contention. Barrier 10 for Swayzee can be a reasonably good draw, but Barrier 9 for Catch A Wave at GP is a death wish. You know my conspiracy theories with barrier draws I don't think they wanted Catch A Wave to win the race again after winning the double last year.

I think they were all lucky that Mighty Ronaldo couldn't get a clear run he was finishing all over the top.

Just watched the replay & yes Rod , he was so unlucky .

Quote:

Originally Posted by trish

I actually thought Cameron would have run 3rd for sure if he was not tightened over the last , what 50?

Anyway let's hope the draw in the cup favours both Swayzee & CAW . And IF they get the cushy trips , see you later , bye MS .
Minstrel is a very good horse.

Do you think that 27.8 qtr was wrong Kev?

I agree with you, Trish. If either of those two horses is ahead of MS, I can’t see him turning the tables. I think the Halls might have the last laugh after Jason Grimson’s outright dismissal of Mister Smartee’s chances. Minstrel, Swayzee and Catch A Wave are the benchmarks all the other horses have to beat not the other way around. Leap To Fame, Swayzee, Don Hugo, Catch A Wave and Minstrel are the top five horses in the land at present in my opinion.

It is easy for me to be critical from my armchair but you have to wonder whether applying pressure to the mile, take a breather for half a mile and then poor it on for the last half mile may have been better but it may not suit the horse.
Mighty Ronaldo would have won if he got clear but that would have been due to a dream run
I cannot agree with your conspiracy theories Rod ;) because if such a thing occurred - the ramifications would be too enormous

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mighty Atom

I agree with you, Trish. If either of those two horses is ahead of MS, I can’t see him turning the tables. I think the Halls might have the last laugh after Jason Grimson’s outright dismissal of Mister Smartee’s chances. Minstrel, Swayzee and Catch A Wave are the benchmarks all the other horses have to beat not the other way around. Leap To Fame, Swayzee, Don Hugo, Catch A Wave and Minstrel are the top five horses in the land at present in my opinion.

Hi Rod .
CAW showed how good MS was a couple of weeks back.
He was gifted the race by Cameron last night & good luck to them.
I have always said a straight race in lanes like the Stawell gift is the way to go but you need heaps of land for that.
But it would sort the best out for sure. And lots of fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Messenger

It is easy for me to be critical from my armchair but you have to wonder whether applying pressure to the mile, take a breather for half a mile and then poor it on for the last half mile may have been better but it may not suit the horse.
Mighty Ronaldo would have won if he got clear but that would have been due to a dream run
I cannot agree with your conspiracy theories Rod ;) because if such a thing occurred - the ramifications would be too enormous

Yes that could have worked . I just watched LTF's win at Cambridge , he sorta did that there & he showed how great he is & how good DH is.

A heck of a lot of horses need easy runs to win. And if their owners are lucky enough the drivers get it right.

Where is Swayzee?
Or was he not racing on Friday night in the cup?

Great draw CAW but not his distance still I hope he wins.

It may not be CAW's ideal distance but you would think he wins from that draw

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fi...25#GPM02052503