I think the difference this year is though that both DSD and Merlin were young horses and came to the end of it last season . This year they both look stronger . Let's not forget that DSD was unlucky in Aussie and pushed LTF to half a length , so with only a couple of runs back if he steps it will be very interesting
Something doesn't add up for me , the times suggest it was never that bad so is it the case that they have got the penetrometer wrong .
It's a long standing issue that nobody can trust the penetrometer readings on the morning of a race , anywhere .
I have always been a fan,such a humble guy and always so appreciative to owners,trainers and stable hands.Even if it's only a Wednesday maiden race he treats everyone the same.Remember a few years ago he got the chop off a horse a mate of mine had a share in at Gai Waterhouse that he had ridden to few wins from handful of starts.Mate still doesnt know why he was axed .Willo rang Adam Bott and Tim Clark with a few tips of how he thought was best way to to ride him,was no animosity or bad feelings.Unluckily horse bled next start,maybe Karma
And at Tauherenikau today...
Race Day
Weather: Drizzling
Track: Soft 7
Moisture Meter: 52%
Rail: True
Rainfall: 7.5 Last 24 Hours | 8.5mm Rain Last 7 Days
Irrigation: N/A
So they've had 7.5mm of rain in the last 7 days.... and its a Soft 7... you "cannot be serious"
And the Irrigation is shown as N/A .. they thought they better blank that out to save just more embarrassment..
Agree WD. He is one of the most conscientious jockeys out there, always meticulous with his homework on the opposition.
Judged that perfectly yesterday,, think the blinkers helped bigtime.
It did.
55+ for 1000m ? 1.33+ for the 1600 Guineas?
Ffs, the times recorded were not indicative of soft or over-watered going.
For once I think the ground staff got it right. If they hadn't watered the ground would have been very hard indeed.
Disappointing that Caig Grylls couldnt make the weight on 3 mounts.But was very pleased for Sam.Not a good look for Craig in one of our biggest carnivals.
To be fair weather report for Friday was to be very hot and sunny with a breeze.For some reason it was very hot and sunny in Ashburton and North Canterbury but stayed overcast all day in Christchur h and was apparently 7 degrees under forecast.Think if they hadnt watered and sun came out on Friday it would have been far to hard.Some of you are starting to sound like Colin Wightman.I think the track generally played quite well
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