This still ranks as my favourite ever Interdominion series, and what a quality field the final was. My old mate Ben (in the hands of Graham Reaks) running a solid fifth against some all time greats. And man, those Ozzy boys should could give them the bash 😲  

I think back with the likes of Young Quinn , Robalan , Hi Foyle , Master Dean , Kotare Legend , Captain Harcourt , Delightful Lady and others , there wasn't really a standout any one of many horses could win because it was so even  . That interdominion final I posted with Young Quinn winning , if Hi Foyle had got out earlier he may have won and Roy Purdon always said he was the best horse he had trained , but the horse had issues so often wasn't racing at 100 %

I can't see them beating Leap to Fame PS . But the more I look at that race the other day , the more I like Alta Meteor .Tim Williams seemed really happy with him as well . 

I agree Sheldon was an excellent presenter so professional and interesting with his knowledge and comments . I just realized as well he isn't driving in the amateur races anymore 

Not sure if they can be that unsafe - most races still run on Dirt in the States including Churchill Downs and Santa Anita (lucky to have been there in my younger days - fantastic day!) Throw in that the Worlds richest race is on Dirt (and I suspect a lot of the Worlds best racing on it) - maybe the stats are angled in a way to favour interested parties ?    

It's been great seeing you guys discuss a lot of drivers and horses from days gone by - lots of fond memories... Must try and track down a replay of The Box Seat and agree on Greg being top notch. I was a Sheldon fan too - pity he moved away from the screen. 

It won't finish until after my bedtime 

I guess that’s a wait and see John, but at 100 to 1 the odds are certainly in your favour regarding me NOT getting the money.  On another subject, I’ve done my picks subject to scratchings, for the Grand Final on Saturday. For what it’s worth, I am very confident, as what I use for my system is very clear cut this weekend.  

Looking forward to the annual fantastic Flemington Derby Day.   Cheering for you in the Grand Final John  !! . Attack hard like 'Leap To Fame' and you're sure to go close matey. Best of Luck 🏆 Boxing up all my fav's Jocks in JMac , Mickey Dee and Frosty in every race . they look set for 3 trifecta;s at least 😎 1. Flemington R2   9 -10 -15  Best Bet       2. Flemington R3   5 - 6 - 12      3. Flemington R4   3 - 6 -11 4. Flemington R6   5 - 6 - 8   Best Bet 5. Flemington R7   6 - 7 - 8 6. Flemington R8   1 - 4 - 11     7. Flemington R9   3 - 6 - 11   8. Rosehill R7         2 - 3 - 4 9. Rosehill R8         1 - 6 - 16 10. Rosehill R9       1 - 4 - 14

No, and it seems some of the RV vets were happy for the horse to run. As it's being reported up here, the line is there was no actual injury to JAN BRUEGHEL but a risk of injury due to the horse's ongoing physical development (the inference for me is had he presented as a 5-y-o, say, fully developed, there'd be no problem).  If you take that view, that younger horses are more at risk of injury because they are insufficiently physically developed, you wouldn't have 3-y-os racing at all. It's my experience looking at NZ and Australian races horses are raced for longer (yes we have sprinters going round as 9 and 10-y-o but not many) but you don't have the option of sending 3-y-o off jumping for example.  We run 2-y-o over 2000m and early season 3-y-o can go over 3200m and I don't think that happens with you. Part of the issue is, I think, cultural - we start more horses younger and perhaps the training regimes in Australasia and Europe are different (I'm not well informed on that). 

That's a tuppence you won't get back Liz I see in the article above that Rogerson says weights mean a lot, and the other day I heard Roger James saying that good barrier draws make a big difference.  What would these multiple Group winning trainers know!??

Gee I was just having a laugh on the other thread when I suggested we may not get 24 to the gates but its starting to look like a strong possibility..

Go Sharp And Smart and go Deb as I think you are doing all the work. A great down to earth interview. P.S. I am on at 100 to 1 for tuppence, but that's OK LOL

late start to coincide with Australian progamming. !st race after 4pm

Revolution will win at short ntice  with getting the manners right.

Tall Poppy syndrome that prevails in this country. Simple but true. We couldn't even hold the Americas Cup which we won again. Go figure LOL

Dargaville.

Waverley has to be out. Have you seen how many meetings are scheduled for there in the immediate future? Surely the idiots who have been running NZ racing of the last 8 or so years, will see the folly of their ways NOW. Remember the Bring Back Buck Campaign 20 0r 30 years ago? I say bring back Te Teko, Gisborne, Wairoa, Waipukurau, to start with. If you have others that you want to add to the list please do so. Start here: Stratford  

BEST BET: R4 BELLA RAGAZZA Despite drawing the difficult one barrier at 1400m, Bella Ragazza is racing for a stable that is beginning to show improved form. The tight turns of the Invercargill course could pose a challenge, but if she can navigate the start well, she has the potential for a strong performance. Look for her to utilize her speed early and position herself effectively. EACHWAY: R1 BELLA ROSE Bella Rose might not have the best overall race stats, but her recent form indicates she’s been finishing strongly. Coming from a reputable stable enhances her credibility. With a lightweight of only 54kg and a proven ability on heavy ground, she presents a solid each-way option. Keep an eye on her late charge. WATCH: R6 MONTE KHAN The combination of jockey Cory Campbell and trainer Jo-Anne Dalton often yields positive results, making Monte Khan a horse to keep on your radar. Although his only win came at the 1600m distance, his prior form suggests he is capable of stepping up. His last placing was encouraging, particularly in a similar scenario of being 3rd up. If he shows the same progression this time, he could very well feature prominently in the finish.