New Zealand Racing

[Messenger]

I thought I had it with Majestic Cruiser but Trevor and his favourite stable prevailed

[Showgrounds]

I thought I had it with Majestic Cruiser but Trevor and his favourite stable prevailed

No, Trevor and his favourite horse prevailed! What fantastic races the two big group ones were to showcase all that is great about the sport along with Millwood Nike's huge run to win the fillies' final. A fairly pedestrian 1:55.3 mile rate in the FFA so the first 3 were all great runs, the first 3 sprinting home from the rear. Self Assured ($6.80 on the tote!) was last until M Purdon moved him forward at the 600 and circled the entire field. The only better staying performance was my lungs still generating enough air to scream at the TV without a single breath those last 600 metres.

[aussiebreno]

TAB and Ladbrokes have removed Rocknroll Doo from the ID market. Sportsbet have listed him as unlikely. While some other betting agencies have now just listed him as Rocknroll Who.

[aussiebreno]

Self Assured beat Arty as a 3yo and then put in two stellar efforts in the Bonanza and Chariots as a 4yo. Hopefully we see him back here in Aust some stage at his best

[Showgrounds]

Self Assured beat Arty as a 3yo and then put in two stellar efforts in the Bonanza and Chariots as a 4yo. Hopefully we see him back here in Aust some stage at his best

He is somewhat of a forgotten horse over here. I was in Hospital watching the Ballarat Cup on Trots Vision in 2020 when he circled the entire field in the last lap to run second to AG's White Socks. The nurses were most intrigued a few minutes later when they took my vital signs (this would happen at least eight times a day) as my heart rate had jumped dramatically.

The bloody COVID lockdowns in both countries basically put paid to Self Assured coming back over here. I see he has won just under $893,000 this season, more than double the next top earner in NZ. Perhaps that might bankroll an assault on the MM next season. It is not looking like a hot and dry summer ahead so perhaps the Hunter Cup might be on his agenda if he comes over. Hope so.

[Messenger]

Victorian raider Rock N Roll Doo was a brave fourth after having to sit parked the last 1000m.

https://www.thetrots.com.au/news/art...-for-the-ages/

No, he didn't have to - that was the driver's choice
He might be a better horse with a better driver

[Showgrounds]

Both Rock N Roll Doo and Stanley would have learned from this week. The horse from racing genuine top horses and the driver, perhaps, if he watches the replay and takes note of the winning driver's tactics. It was the difference between winning a major group one in a high quality field and finishing a brave fourth.

Brave, as in the horse was beaten on straightening. It was only his big heart kept him going but too many of those energy-sapping runs won't help the horse's cause.

[Messenger]

He has never shown a propensity to learn in the past and he is 42

[Showgrounds]

He has never shown a propensity to learn in the past and he is 42

Exactly.

[Showgrounds]

The NZ'ers have revamped the Invercargill Cup hugely for this year, returning it to a 3200 metre handicap with a 30 metre backmark and $100,000 stakemoney. The Easter Cup was dropped this season so this race will become its "Merry Christmas" replacement. The Invercargill Cup was previously a $30,000 country cup but it is sure to attract more the big guns now.

https://www.hrnz.co.nz/news/self-assured-heading-south/
Ascot Park Raceway is a good 1029 metre track of the old style - long straights and bends that do eventually end - and gives all runners an opportunity. Well done to those in the deep south for promoting the sport so well.