Harness & Greyhounds - Perth Turf Talk

Captured Delight - In It To Win It.

Ridersonthestorm33 — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 12:33:37 +0000

Last start Gloucester Park winner 2yo filly Captured Delight entered for Saturday night at Bendigo in a Breeders Crown Series 1st Semi Final , meets some smart fillies and according to prepost betting will be up against it at around 50/1. Chris Voak named to drive.

You never know if you never go so good luck to them. Will start from the five gate, hope has a good run and does her best.

There's No Place Like Home!

Newkidontheblock — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 16:05:36 +0000

Evening all.

Recently got back from a 2 month trip around America(North and little bit of South) as well as Canada. It really was the time of my life with the highlight being, you guessed it, Vegas!

Last couple of days I have been doing the replays and generally trying to catch up on the news. Two main things of note:

1) How keen have a few drivers been to lead/find the top! Haven't checked the Stewards Reports but I am guessing a few holidays have been handed out?

2) I was told by a very good judge that Skye Bond would be given the ok to train in Greg's absence. Before I flew out I was told Greg's case would be dragged out close to seasons end and he would be disqualified with Skye conveniently taking his place for the start of the new season. Must admit I doubted the mail but it's proved to be spot on.

Anyway, it's great to be back and I hope all is well in PTT land with you all.

Northam 22/08

Gilgamesh — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 09:02:13 +0000

The boss is out tonight so going to kick back and watch Northam.

R1:No4 Daddyslilprincess. Thought she could get across. Have taken her the win and a FF:4,8/1,4,8/1,3,4,8,9,10/1,3,4,8,9,10.

R2: No3 Chers Magic Jet. Not a fav punter but can't ijnore the obvious, form is very good for this.

R3: No1 Just A Legend looks the leader and the winner. Don't see how MasterFlynn cant run past these into second so played the FF:1/7/2,3,8/FD and taken a smaller % with it for 3rd.

That's it so far, see how the balance is looking for the latter races.

Pinjarra Monday Quaddie.

Ridersonthestorm33 — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 14:31:36 +0000

Sometimes almost mission impossible to crack one of these Quaddies at Pinjarra...just going to take a small % working around the main chances but in the third leg only taking 3 runners and all 3 at double figure odds. Confidence level not strong!

Race 5. # 2. Lady Dupree 3. Bettors Angel

Race 6. # 5. Our Jabbarri 6. Bettor As 7. Anna Faye

Race 7. # 4. Yackandandah 11. Rudimental Sol 12. Gonzos Shadow

Race 8. # 1. James Coburn 2. Firth Of Forth 4. Lampard 5. Fully Rocking 7. Coeur De Whitby 10. Tanaka Eagle

$27 = 25%.

Tribute To Courage Under Fire

JayJay — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 13:40:31 +0000

If you get 6 minutes, have a look at this tribute to a great little champ:

Trotter Danke Competes In Two Races.

Ridersonthestorm33 — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 12:21:56 +0000

Today at the Cambridge meeting in NZ the trotter Danke went around in two races on the card running third from the mobile start at double figures in race 1 then reappearing later on in the day in race 7 from a standing start and unplaced at similar odds.

A horse going around twice in the one day at a TAB meeting certainly a rarity these days.

Who Am I? - Fly Under The Radar Series #3

JayJay — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 04:32:31 +0000

Shocker of a day...squalls, hail, freezing cold, I refuse to go outside and work in flooded conditions, so here we go with #3....perhaps a bit above the radar in some respects but nevertheless, he kept running into champions.
Rich in pacing royalty bloodlines....with links back to one of Laurie Robinsons really good horses...all the classic blood...U Scott, Light Brigade, Overtrick...and a brother to 8 winners.
My career started modestly in the South Island of NZ as a 3YO and although placed a few times. it took until start number 6 before I won a modest maiden 3 year old race at Timaru off a tough trip 3 wide and breezing. Another 6 winless runs followed before getting a late split to win over 2700m at Alexander Park, an early sign of my staying prowess. I won twice more from my next 6 starts, both at Alexander Park, both "metro race stakes" and things were coming together but my next start would be in WA 5 months later as a 4 year old down at Bunbury in a C4 race.under new ownership. The stable had a good night winning a double but I ran 3rd to an up and coming boom pacer who spanked everything he ran into during a short but brilliant career.
I won a mid week race at GP at my next start, knocking off a future Group 1 winner who raced very ungenerously that day but a last 800m in 60.3 was hardly anything to get too excited about.I started in all the big 4 year old races and kept running into a string of quality opposition, some with the prefix Lombo in front of their names, and I went winless from my next 7 starts, albeit with a couple of placings. I had to venture way down south to get a win in a fairly weak standing start provincial "non TAB" Cup to break the drought.
Although consistent and placed fairly frequently, my next 14 starts mainly at provincial circuits, returned just 3 modest wins as I hit my 5 year old season and although beaten by a couple of future stars, one a future Australian Pacing Championship, Cordina Sprint and Celebrity Mile winner, I was also being beaten by some pretty ordinary types and I still hadn't won an MO.
At my next start, I won in town before a very ordinary 3rd at Bunbury but I then hit a purple patch and won three of my next 4 starts at GP to progress through to fast class.Rather ambitiously in the eyes of some, I fronted up in the New Years Eve Celebrity mile and like the rest of the field, got smashed by a super star in running down the track as the winner scorched around in 1.55 and change. Sprinting was definitely not my forte at this stage of my career although that would all change in the future.
My next 3 starts were in the 3 big Group 1 races and every time, I ran into a couple of legends, and although placed in all 3, the term "bridesmaid was being bandied about, perhaps rather unfairly. Finally however, I notched up a decent win in a listed classic and then contested the Interdominion Series but was unplaced in all 3 heats and the consolation. The opposition was just too hot, legends were in abundance. After that, it was off to the spelling paddock for 6 months.
With a new driver on board after the spell, I notched up a series of Cup wins including the Lord Mayors Cup, the Stratton Cup, the Brennan Cup and an unlikely major sprint win and then it was off to Victoria for their feature races. Entering stage left were two more champs and I ran unplaced in both before returning home for yet another placing in a very winnable WA Pacing Cup. The Interdominons was next on the agenda but again, unplaced in all the heats and the consolation in a series that was pretty much unwinnable as a champion skittled all entrants.
Spelled across Winter as was becoming my traditional racing sequence, I returned for more feature race wins in Spring including another major sprint win and some pretty decent placings in a few major races but the window was closing. After another long spell, I returned for 3 more runs for 2 fourths and a win in a tribute race to one of the Harness Racing industries truly great characters and that was the end. In my career, I arguably ran into in excess of at least 6 horses that could be classified as genuine champions and a host of other real top liners.

Pinjarra 14th August

Chariotsonfire — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 07:13:19 +0000

Great drive Bruce Stanley on Hinault.

Vacates the pegs to apply pressure to the odds on Lord Liam and drops out beaten at the 400m.

It is about time these ridiculous drives were rewarded with a holiday.

Bunbury Quaddie Tonight.

Ridersonthestorm33 — Sat, 12 Aug 2017 10:14:38 +0000

Fingers crossed for a % of Bunbury Quaddie.

Race 5. # 1. Raffaelo # 2. All American Queen # 3. Bettor As # 6. Majestic Prince

Race 6. # 1. Captain Proud # 2. Borntobeanartist # 4. BD Windermere

Race 7. # 4. James Cockburn # 7. Billies A Star # 8. Smokey The Bandit

Race 8. # 3. War Club # 8. Bettors Angel

$36 = 50%

Who Am I? - Fly Under The Radar Series #2

JayJay — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 13:35:03 +0000

The almost perfect type of horse....locally bred, high speed with a 1.55 record, good from the stand, gate speed, longevity, consistent beyond belief, only 4 winning cheques above $10k, the largest a mere $15k, won nearly 30 races and north of a quarter of a million in total prizemoney......raced against the very,very best....and got regularly k'od by them but always bounced back to be placed at the highest level but never landed a big one.
My sire is a very rare species....a fully imported USA horse who actually raced in Australia and a bit of a sleeper in the Sires business....and who finally went to stud after running second at, of all places, Wagin. My mum hails from a very colonial South Australian line with no standout winners, the consistent Nalaara Boy four generations back probably my best known relation. I also resided in a number of stables, with success in all of them, before finally settling in the cooler climes of the South West.
Racing career started as a 2yo at Pinjarra but got beaten by a less than illustrious stablemate. I did manage to win a fairly ordinary heat of The Pearl 3 starts later but got lost in the final finishing 7th of 8. After that, I started to find my feet winning 4 of my next 7 starts, including 3 metro stake 2yo races before being put away to come back as a 3 year old. My 2 year old record was a very healthy 12 starts for 6 wins, 3 seconds and a 4th in the big Sires Stakes race worth for a total earn of over $52,000.
Resuming 6 months later, I won a mid week 3yo at GP scrambling home along the rails from a Stephen Smeath trained horse, and 3 starts later, claimed a metro stake 3 year old win. My next 10 starts produced just 1 narrow win at Pinjarra but I was rarely unplaced. 5 starts later, I rounded out my 3 year old days with a metro 3yo win .....in all as a 3 yo, I had 16 starts for 4 wins, 4 seconds and 4 thirds for $57,000.....Overall 28 starts for 10 wins and over $109,000 with not a single big win anywhere. My owner loved me!!!!
Resuming as a 4 year old 5 months later, and in a new stable, my first 9 starts produced just an MO win but as usual, I was placed 5 times before a further and final stable move did the trick and I strung together a picket fence of 6 wins , mainly provincial, but I did nab my biggest career win and a cheque for $15,000 in a semi classic 4 year old race.
As a 5 year old, I put together another picket fence of 5 wins including a rare (and only) victory against a future nemesis in another semi classic race and a heat win in the Christmas Gift, before failing in the final. I was now punching with the big boys in the group races but I finished down the track in both of my first attempts at Group 1 glory, though far from disgraced. After the carnival, it was back to class racing and I progressed to an M7 with another 3 wins on the trot before successive placings in both sprint and marathon lesser group races. Spelled for the winter to avoid bloody Shattering Class, another nemesis, I returned as a 6 year old in Spetember with a stout FFA win but went winless (although placed) at my next 12 starts....running against Interdominion and WA Pacing Cup legends was just a bridge to far. Spelled again, I returned as a 6 year old for just one mid week victory but the end was nearing and although placed on a couple of occasions at group level, I never won again and I was retired to a nice paddock after 86 starts and 27 wins.

Soho Wall Street

JayJay — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 13:46:50 +0000

http://www.rwwa.com.au/home/industry/harness-stewards-inquiry-trainer-mr-glenn-elliott-soho-wall-street-6307.html

Westform Ratings Special

JayJay — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 05:12:39 +0000

Optimism plus at Northam....an 8 year old having its first start in a race...rated at 70 and $5 along with comment "Trial form ok. Each way"...last trial was over 12 months ago, June 2016.... finished 4th of four beaten 25m, prior to that finished 4th of four beaten 100m, prior to that finished 4th of 5 beaten 65m and prior to that finished 2nd of four beaten 70m. New trainer, new driver...what about "not produced in trials, prefer to watch" or similar but what they have printed is downright misleading. Hope it wins, Max Johnson of Don't Rush Me fame will be watching on.

Who Am I? - Fly Under The Radar Series

JayJay — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 13:13:18 +0000

Just about done all the super stars to death, so with lousy weather ahead, a couple of 'Who Am I" for top horses who for one reason or another, slipped under the radar or were going to be top horses, until they ran into an out and out champ and had their confidence destroyed and never ever got up off the floor.

A flashy chestnut, I started off life in NZ in 1996 sired by a handsome imported son of Albatross who was from an Adios Vic mare, and raced there for 3 seasons in the late 90's but without any great success. In fact, when I was purchased by Australian owners, I had a winning mile rate of just 2.9.4...from the mobile...consisting of 5 unplaced runs as a 3yo. I improved to win 2 very minor races as a 4yo but failed to win as a 5yo from 8 attempts. In all, 28 starts for 2 wins, 4 seconds and 1 third for $17k in stakemoney.
Owned by WA interests, I first raced in SA and won first up at Gawler in a R2/R3 worth $1500 with Geoff Webster driving. I went on to win 6 out of 7 in SA including a couple at Globe Derby Park before heading west but the opposition was ordinary at best and I wasn't setting the world on fire as a rising 6 year old with a C2 assessment.
In WA, I joined a very prominent stable and went on a tear around the country tracks....stringing together 9 wins in a row at tracks like Wagin, Northam, Kellerberrin and Bunbury. I won the "Central Wheatbelt Cup" at Kellerberrin and then headed to GP and breezed through the classes, my record now standing at 13 wins from 14 starts. In my first metro FFA, I beat Dayman and in that same season, went on to win an August Cup, a Brennan Cup, a Botra Cup beating horses like Another Party, Bengeeman and Tricky Vic. Hail the mighty chestnut, the punters loved me and I was being talked about in high places. In fact by the time of my BOTRA Cup win, my WA record stood at 21 starts for 16 wins and 5 seconds. Then I ran into my nemesis and a mighty horse he was. He knocked me out in two great title fights, both Grand Circuit Group 1's and my spirit was broken, although I placed in both. I managed just a 5th placing in a fairly ordinary Australian Pacing Championship and it would be 6 months before I recorded another win (and my final win in WA) when I beat The Humilator and Hy Falutin in a mid winter FFA. After that, I was on sold to the USA, where I had moderate success, lowering my lifetime record from 1.57.8 in WA to a respectable 1.54.4.
Lots of clues there, shouldn't take the keen minds of the regulars to come up with his name.

Stewards Reports

2lifetimewinners — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 00:13:03 +0000

Is there any chance we can get the stewards to put the Friday night Stewards reports up before Wednesday? It happened for a few weeks in a row but now has become a will get to it when I can. They have Saturday nights meeting up already but our premier meeting we can not get a stewards report until mid week. When trying to do form for this week it would be nice to have something to read back on to help.

Bunbury 5/8

JayJay — Sat, 05 Aug 2017 14:36:22 +0000

Bit bored, a planned early morning trip to Byford Trials to watch my horse go around cancelled (sore feet, so it stays home and so do I), an even programme at Bunbury with no real standouts, so to pass the time, its the old "$5 a place on each race routine"...$40 bucks would have been the fuel money and it beats the hell out of watching re-runs of Dianna and Dodi. With no real science attached race 1 Orphan Reactor - unplaced, race 2 Aldebaran Eastwood - return $8, race 3 Ohoka Damo - jump on the Costello/Voak train - return $17, Race 4, an absolute raffle - Boronia Gully from the 1, runs 4th no return, Race 5 - a horse I threw out 2 weeks ago, Firth of Forth from the one, runs 2nd, $24.50 return, Race 6 another raffle Jasper Rox from the 2, no return, Race 7 Captain Proud, no form but always had a bit of time for him, runs 2nd for $19.50 return, race 8 aside from Susie Rocks, another raffle, Arie from the 1 gate and no return. Total return, the princely sum of $69 for my $40 outlay. $29 will buy a few sticky buns for morning tea.
Just a bit of fun but seriously, there was some good value at this meeting if you could find a winner. Susies and Tisadream were standouts but the rest were open affairs. Plenty of meetings like this at this time of the year......right, better check....any MASH replays coming up?

Un Belle Allure Vic Trotters Derby

JayJay — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 08:36:15 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, someone, sorry can't remember, raised the topic of driving out Trotters with or without the whip, after Un Belle Allure raced at Melton and Zac Phillips barely moved a muscle. Well, today, the most animated he got was to raise his arm in a victory salute as she lead all the way in the$75 k Vic Trotters Derby. Just held her together, may have shaken the right rein once and maybe a very slight tap of the whip, but primarily, he sat there as cold a copper's stare, even when the fave got into the sprint lane. That must be how she has to be driven as hse now has the Trotters Oaks/Trotters Derby double.

GP 4/08/17

Gilgamesh — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 12:10:21 +0000

Looking for an improved performance after barely firing a shot last week.

R1: No8 Rosies Ideal.
Bet: FF: 5,8/5,8/1,4,6,7/1,2,4,6,7. 100% costs $32 then rotate 5,8 through 3rd box. EW 5 if price is right.
EQ: 5,8.
Without having seen the 1 horse I expect Diamond Dove to cross. I’ve like how Voak has been going since his break and how strong Captured Delight has been her last couple, I suspect he might follow the 4 over, take it up from her and be hard to beat. Obviously Rosie is the class, I like Prentice on and the small field helps I just don’t think she is past the post. You could slim it down more but if it is run a different way I still think I’m a chance of grabbing the FF.

R2: No2 Tella.
Bet: Tella 1/5.
EQ: 1,2,6,7,9,10,12.
The leader looks to be Once Bitten or Nothingbutadream. I suspect the little dash they have to do early could bring them undone in the finish but as the possible leaders you have to have them. I’ve gone for Tella based on having a bit of confidence that she is one of a few that will like the journey. Only left a few out thinking even with the right trip they can’t win it but it could be a field job.

R3: No6 Imarocknroll Legend.
Bet:FF:2,5,6/2,5,6/1,2,5,6/1,2,3,5,6,7,9,10. 100% costs $60. 6/2,5/1,2,5/1,2,3,5,6,7,9,10. 100% costs $24, will also rotate those numbers around.
EQ: 1,2,5,6.
I expected Scooby Delight to be priced like he would just lead and win but that isn't the case. The 1 horse IMO is entitled to hold it out if it wants to and can run well. I suspect they wont though and Scooby will lead with Charlie outside him. Ima Rocknroll legend will not be far behind them, I don’t think they will be running electric quarters late and I don’t see anyone pushing him around when he makes his run tonight, think he can get them. Plenty that can run on into it the back end of the novelties.

R4: No1 Skippy Rascal.
Bet: FF:1,2/1,2,7,12/1,2,7,12/1,2,3,7,9,11,12. 100% costs $48.
EQ: 1,2,7,12.
I thought the addition of the master to Skippy Rascal could be enough to see it home. Think the 2 Whozideawasthis has a little shot early but can’t get there and the stable mate Mach Time comes around and gives it cover. Under this scenario it looks really hard for Ideal Tyson as he will be 3 wide solo. I give Livura more chance as it has the sharper sprint and will be working through the field rather than around it.

R5: No9 Sprinter.
Bet: FF:9/8/1,2,3,5,7/1,2,3,5,7,11,12. 100% costs $30, then I will rotate the 8 through.
QD: 8,9.
All The Torque looks the leader with Oneonthewood and Ohoka Darcy getting nice trips. Compare these horses to the ones Sprinter went around and past last week and it's chalk and cheese. He should be winning. Vultin Tin the obvious danger, think he will enjoy coming with 1 run even if that is leading up Sprinter.

R6: No3 Hidden Bad.
Bet: No3 Hidden Bad a small EW if she gets out over 50/1.
QD: 1,2,3,4,8,9.
My tip may look mad but it does have some method. We’ve seen Americanbootscoota have trouble from 1 before. I think Better Than Money crosses him but he will want to be revved up to make sure he can do it. As a result I think there will be trouble restraining him, they run along allowing Lewis to get off the pegs. This gives the 2 and the 3 the pie runs in behind them and I want to be on the ones running through them rather than around. She probably runs last but worth a play. Should be a ripper of a race.

R7: No3 Natural Disaster.
Bet: FF: 3/2,10/2,10/1,4,5,7,9. 100% costs $10 then rotate 3rd and 4th.
QD: 2,3.
Abraxas Blues should bully its way across Brotha Ofa Gangsta and then hand up to Natural Disaster. They then get the chance to dominate. I’m not convinced that the 4,7 or 9 horses are going that fantastic so I’m anchoring the 10 Argyle Red to run into it from 4 back the fence.

R8: No6 Celestial Ruler
Bet: FF: 6/1,7,8/1,7,8/1,3,4,5,7,8,10. 100% costs $30. Then rotate the 6 through.
QD: 1,6,7,8.
Ideal Diamante looks the leader and can improve. I think Celestial Ruler can get up outside him and get it done. Hyleexciting might want to get going early, he should be in the finish even if doing work and Wabi Sabi will run over the top of them if they get it wrong.

R9: No7 Gangbuster
Bet: No7 Gangbuster win.
Donegal Rudlescreek is the obvious class but I think it will be a case of Jnr keeping the Jnr outside of him throughout the race and that will be the difference.

R10: No1 Shesourgypsyrose
Bet: Tri: 1,10/1,2,3,10,12/1,2,3,10,12. 100% costs $24.
Thought it was a leader/leaders back scenario and have taken the other chances.

Good luck all.

Mildura race 1

Fastmoney — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 13:23:37 +0000

No replay on Harness site.

Have added a link to TAB that might work.

Was declared a race and all clear.

https://www.tab.com.au/racing/2017-08-02/MILDURA/MDU/H/1.

THE STATE OF HARNESS RACING IN WA

Chariotsonfire — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 07:04:36 +0000

With all the negativity directed towards the state of the industry in WA and RWWA I thought I would do some research into what has happened in WA over the last decade or so.

No doubt my comments will draw criticism from the doomsayers and I am not saying all is blue skies but the facts do paint a prettier picture than many would have us believe.

Since RWWA took over in 2003 the following has occurred:

Harness distribution has increased by 113% against the Reserve Bank inflation rate of 35%
Metro base stakes have increased by 80%
Country base stakes have increased by 133%
The better drivers can now make a living from race and trial driving fees and percentages (the great drivers of yesteryear would be very jealous)
Trainers have benefited by the increase in stake money

The biggest concern is the decreasing turnover through the WA TAB tote and we are not privy to the increases in fixed odds turnover through the TABs and the corporate bookmakers.

Steps do need to be taken to arrest the decline in turnover as harness distribution will continue to be questioned by the other two codes. As Fastmoney once said Harness Racing is RWWA's love child.

Let the demolition begin.

Who Am I ? The Mares Edition.

Ridersonthestorm33 — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 14:21:45 +0000

My pacing career began in November 2001 with my debut run at Pinjarra and don't think too much was expected because I was unwanted in betting and started a rank outsider. After working extremely hard in the run I won the race by a nose.

My trainer drove me that day as occasionally he would throughout my racing life and I had several different drivers as well enjoying success. However I struck up an excellent repoire with a very good ex jockey who proved that he was no slouch in the sulky guiding me home to some of my best wins including a State Sires Series 4yo Mares Final.

During my career I had a bit of a knack of winning and being placed at some long prices. I also enjoyed good success on the Golden Mile Kalgoorlie circuit and even though I was unplaced my trainer thought enough of me to travel over and contest against the best mares in Australia at Harold Park NSW in the rich Ladyship Mile.

From that spring day at Pinjarra where a despised outsider to my retirement in March 2005 I had 83 starts for 19 wins and 18 places amassing $134594 in prizemoney.

I was not in the true sense of the word a champion but I carved my name with pride. ( And for quite awhile caught the imagination of the author - always liked this horse from day one and a real favourite).

Who Am I ?

GP 1/8

JayJay — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 13:55:36 +0000

Looked chilly just watching them...cold night. Thank goodness for the marker pegs and the escape route to the inside when Minikita went out of its gear in the 2nd race. In days gone by, that could have been a nasty situation. And D.Roberts gets good ol Bert The Bookie home. No fluke as she backs it up with a running double on Glowing Report.
Almost a triple/quadruple dead heat in the 4th....have a look at the finish if you get a chance. Nostrils in it. Live viewing, I would have gone Brookies Jet but its run 3rd and Richie has called the inside horse 4th ...and it won. No criticism at all there, it was a blanket job.
Always Arjay would not be first pick to string a picket fence together but bought up 4 in a row from the stand...ungainly but gee, he finds the line okay. And I think Richie half jokingly called Predidential Mach getting spooked by the bell and breaking ....and watching it, I think he might have been right. He looks a real handful that horse....broke and nearly fell at Northam 2 weeks ago.....would be steering clear of him in a race.
Rather nice sitting watching by the fire as the temp plummets sub zero outside. Only problem is a 5.30am start in the morning when anything above zero will be a bonus. Hard going training horses in mid winter, hats off to all of them.

Farewell Courage Under Fire

JayJay — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 11:26:32 +0000

Was there a better gaited or more tractable juvenile than the pocket rocket Courage Under Fire, who passed away today. Unbeaten at 2 and 3 and contested and won no less than 6 Derbies across Australia and New Zealand. What a little (and he was little) champ he was...unbeaten at 22 two and three year old starts, an absolute gentleman on and off the track. beautifully gaited and fast, very fast. Sadly he never grew all that much after 3 and the others caught up with him but he was still ultra competitive winning the Australian Pacing Championship, and an SA Cup as well as multiple group 1 placings and Interdominion heats. Great sire of loads of winners including of course the reigning Inters champ Smolda. Adds value to his full brother Advance Attack who is starting to light up the boards as a juvenile sire of note here in WA. Don't think his current fee of $2750 will stay that low for long.

GP 28/7

Gilgamesh — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 12:14:35 +0000

If the weather holds up and we have a meeting this is the way I will be playing. Hopefully it can provide some entertainment to see if i'm dining out over the weekend or lined up at the soup kitchen.

R1: No6 Mighty Mr Sharkey.
Bet: No6 Mighty Mr Sharkey EW.
EQ: 5,6,7.
Thought the leader would be Tisadream and Mighty Mr Sharkey could get straight outside him and dominate the race, can’t believe the generous price he has opened. Obvious dangers Tisadream in the lead and The Publisher from the back who is clearly racing well but I think he has found 3 races in a row that have worked out perfectly for him where as tonight may not be the case.

R2: No1 Attack On Command.
Bet: FF: 1,5,11/1,5,10,11/1,5,10,11/1,2,5,9,10,11,12. 100% costs $72.
EQ: 1,5,10,11.
No1 AOC will have to do a bit to keep out Better Than Money but I think Jnr will and I think that will give him the chance to sharply improve on his form. Thought 11 Fanci A Dance would get in front of Quite A Delight early and find its way to the breeze. FAD record at GP is concerning but talent sees it a big chance. 5 QAD to my eye has to lead up the 3 deep line, on her first up run she can do that and be competitive. 10 Abraxas Blues will get the run it likes either LB or 3 back and is the other winning chance. 2,9,12 can fill the back end FF doing nothing in the run.

R3: No4 Swimbetweentheflags.
Bet: No4 Swimbetweentheflags EW.
EQ: 1,4,11
Awesome Teddy looks capable of holding up, I wanted to leave him out on his first up run and chances he might get pulling but you have to have the leader in this. Swimbetweentheflags shouldn’t have trouble working over, might have to breeze but on comparative form he can do it and win. Pay Me Cullen driven ice cold can beat them if they serve it up for him. Good luck anyone confident in this race.

R4: No8 New World Order.
Bet: No bet.
EQ: 2,5,6,8. 100% costs $144. Likely to play more the 8, then 5,6 and only small the 2.
I thought both the ODS horses Robyns Raider and Rycroft could ping the start and take up the running and both run well. I’m taking Dana Duke as well as it can lead but if not will be sitting close and think it will be improved by the last start confidence boost. New World Order is the massive class drop, sat up I think he can get these. Looks a good race for Tommy Be Good but I haven’t liked his last two at all so I will wait till he shows something.

R5: No7 Valtun Tin.
Bet: No9 Jambiani EW.
QD: 7,9.
The 1 has the speed to hold up and will look for Vultan Tin to come and take it up, from there it should be all over. That’s the likely scenario anyhow but will be over bet. Jnr will probably want the front on Soho Chelsea so there is a chance Vultan Tin doesn’t get it all his own way. If that happens to be the case and he is silly odds I will have something on Jambiani. Will sit last and has a really good burst which VT could be susceptible to.

R6: No1 Mach Time.
Bet: FF:1,8,10/1,8,10,11/1,8,10,11/1,3,5,8,9,10,11. 100% costs $72.
QD: 1,8,10.
Thought 1 Mach Time could hold up and do enough. Therugo obviously has a crack as he does but don’t think he gets there. I also think Motu Premier might run the arm looking for a forward position. They will run tempo so the 10 and 11 will get their chances along the pegs.

R7: No10 Americanbootscoota.
QD: 8,9,10.
Bet:Tri:9,10/3,5,8,9,10/3,5,7,8,9,10. 100% costs $32.
Think an early charge from the 1-4 will set it up for the back markers. Wouldn’t be surprised if Bootscoota gets to the breeze off the back of driving through early and outstays Ideal Tyson. I’m giving Livura a mad winning chance purely on how it looks to be run.

R8: No1 SomewhereonlyIknow.
QD: 1,9,10. 100% is $54.
Bet: Wins No1 SomewhereonlyIknow.FF:1/9,10/9,10/2,6,7. 100% costs $6.
I think this is the best of the night. Have it leading and running home too quick for the good filly Maczaffair who showed she is back in good order on Monday. I just think Jnr can make it mathematically impossible for her. Have to take the 10 in the quad with them in case I’m wrong and he has to start sprinting too early on the 1.

R9: No10 Lord Liam
Bet: Wins No10 Lord Liam.
A rare bet in the trots for me, not scientific I just think he is a fair bit better than the rest of them.

R10: No4 Budd Sidewinder.
Bet:FF:4/5/1,6,10,11/1,3,6,10,11,12. 100% costs $20 then rotate the 5 through.
Driven with controlled aggression at the start I think Bud can find the top and win. Like the 5 as an anchor for the quad rather than the 1 as that horse may get crossed by the 3 early.

GP 25/7

Gilgamesh — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 10:14:18 +0000

I like the last 3 races for a bet.

R7: No8 Auctioneers Elsu. I know there are stable mates drawn inside but I still thought this could be run along a bit allowing the mare to run along from the back plus i'm not sure that Rabchenko is going any good and i'm happy to punt against H Charles (No offence Mr Charles). There is at least 50's available her and 10 a place so lets hope she's running on!

R8: No5 Major Rush. Not sure this is his race but loving how he is going, if he gets the right trip he is a massive chance but more hopeful than confident he will.

R9 No12 Batavia Scooter. Phil Duggan and Dylan Valenti are not a combo that I can say I've backed regularly! Comparatively to the rest of the field this horse is flying, think he can be put into it whenever the chance comes and be too strong.

Kevin Newman RIP

Fastmoney — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 12:12:02 +0000

Andrew Bensley‏ @AndrewBensley
Sad news in harness racing with Kevin Newman passing away tonight aged 83. An all time great of Harold Park and an all round champion.

Strange but True

curmudgeon — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 06:31:45 +0000

RACE 5: GARRARDS HORSE & HOUND 92219493 THE CHANDON QUALIFYING HEAT 3 MS PACE (2130M)

General:

Stewards questioned trainer Ryan Bell in regards to the circumstances surrounding the scratching of PERFECT MACH at 2.42pm on 20th July 2017 due to a poor blood count. Mr Bell explained that he had been concerned for PERFECT MACH after the gelding had worked poorly and failed to ‘eat up’ so he had arranged for a blood sample to be taken. After receiving the tests results that showed that the gelding was not at full health Mr Bell scratched PERFECT MACH from the race.

Mr Bell was charged under rule 196B (1). The specifics of the charge were that on 20th July 2017 at between 8.00am and 8.30am he caused an injection to be administered to PERFECT MACH by instructing his partner to extract blood samples for the purpose of having blood tests taken. This occurred within one clear day of the race meeting which PERFECT MACH was engaged.

RWWA Rules Of Harness Racing rule 196B (2)(b) states For the purposes of this rule - Administering an injection to a horse means the use of a syringe, needle or other instrument to introduce or extract any substance from the horse.

Mr Bell was fined $300. When assessing penalty stewards took into account a number of factors including, that the injection was for the purposes of blood tests because Mr Bell had a concern for the welfare of the horse and the fact that Mr Bell had withdrawn the horse from the race. Stewards informed Mr Bell that in the future if he intended to take blood samples from a horse within one clear day of a race, he must contact stewards prior to doing so to apply for permission.

GP 24/7

JayJay — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 12:16:17 +0000

Very nasty fall in race 5 today...trust that Callan Suvaljko and Michael Grantham are okay also a couple of horses took an almighty buffeting as well.

GP-21/7

VillageKid — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 08:33:41 +0000

Race 1- Ideal Tyson

Race 2- Red Salute

Race 3- Mary Catherine

Race 4- Sprinter

Race 5- Harry Hoo

Race 6- The Bucket List

Race 7- Tommy Be Good

Race 8- The Publisher

Race 9- Rosies Ideal

Race 10- Dibaba

Bunbury 22/7 Living La Bamba

JayJay — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 13:23:52 +0000

Not a high profile meeting and a slice of the pie for quite a few lesser lights. Cavalry Call gets a deserved win for Brian Clemens.and Ashley Markham lobs a double but check out the win of Living La Bamba and Corey Peterson. Stone motherless last leaving the back straight and absolutely swamps them to win brilliantly. There must be a story behind this horse...an 8 year old with only 22 starts and just a couple of wins, one in 1.54.5, and up to two years between races but it sprouted wings. Anyone know the story? It didn't beat much but that was impressive.

GP Bloodlines 21/7

JayJay — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 08:48:36 +0000

Bill Horn famously said" It doesn't help em who their Mum and Dad are when they line up at the barrier"...and there is truth in that to some extent but 3 winners from Friday Night have bloodlines that command respect.
Often wondered about the giant Ideal Tyson...started meandering back through his pedigree...out of a Christian Cullen mare, handy and goes back to Averils Dream ...Lumber Dream and U Scott blood...broodmare gold...and then to the great champion and 1971 NZ Cup winner True Averill, bred by the breeders breeder Clarrie Rhodes. These old boys had an uncanny knowledge of breeding and pedigree that still influences results 50 years on.
Dana Duke...no wonder he can run a bit...7 winning brothers and sisters of over 60 races including Major Star 1.52.3, 3 others in 1.55 plus Zenthura 1.56.5 who won a lot at GP. His uncle Nketia went 1.52.4 for $390k and won 5 $15k FFA's in a row at Harold Park in 2000 for Greg Bennett.
Sky Art has a bit to live up to...his full brother is (Our) Sky Major who has won $789k and gone 1.50.4 in the USA last year. He won the Gp 1 $200k Chariots of Fire at Menangle prior to that.
But the most interesting one is The Publisher, absolutely bred in the purple... from a USA broodmare line with No Paba his grandam and No Paba is the brother of Beach Towell, 1.50.0 and $2.57 million. Beach Towell just happens to be the broodmare sire of Somebeachsomewhere, world record holding super sire. Wonder how far he will go ....I'd be putting a sign on his stable door...."Look here son, no pressure but the family expects a lot from you".