No slot for PT as yet The Barneswood Brady Nakhle Slot Holder partnership has announced the Stephen Marsh-trained Penman (NZ)

Maybe Donald wants to takeover Russia as well, nothing would surprise me.

No, many years ago it was brought to my attention defamatory things about me on the other site, where blowhards x 3 took it upon themselves to disrespect others who put in.  I thought that he was contemptible and was very angry. It is a good thing we haven't met. Top bloke my ass!  

Yip......half of a half is a quarter - and that's only after 2 divorces 😂🤣 Half of a quarter is one eighth.......for the people who don't learn on the first or second occasion. 

I think the secret is to stop watching television and going on the internet. 

Beaten 3l on a track that clearly didn't suit though.

My outstanding dermatologist being one.  It’s oh so sad and frustrating.  Liz

It appears that the USA led by President Trump supports Putin and Russia over Europe, the UK and Ukraine. Add to that his support for the behaviour of President Netanyahu and Israel.  God forbid please.   

As I start the long trek back from New Zealand on Thursday, the Meydan Carnival resumes on Friday with the Group 2 Balanchine for the fillies and mares over 1800m on Friday. As soon as I see the entries and declarations, I’ll offer some thoughts. We also have the Saudi Cup weekend at Riyadh on Friday and Saturday. The Saudi Cup carries a purse of USD 20 million making it the world’s richest horse race but the American challenge has fallen away in recent days leaving the Japanese FOREVER YOUNG the likely favourite. There are a host of valuable supporting races including the 3000m staying handicap. More on these as the week goes on.  

Are you suggesting they are not exactly celebrating the transfer of their group 1 to Auckland? It is all a bit ironic really. Otaki have lost their own group 1 to Auckland, the Levin Group 1 to Trentham, and now their highlight is hosting the HB features.

Interesting point Flash. If anything this year's results, and this year's events, might actually help Canterbury's case. The Guineas winners this season are arguably the top filly and colt in the country, even if the filly was well beaten in Aussie on Saturday. If the two of them do well over the next few weeks in Aussie that could help the status of the Guineas as they are currently placed. None of the 3yos that stayed away from Riccarton have gone on to show they are superior horses because they bypassed the SI. We have also seen the results of several other major races being transferred around the NI. The HB meeting transferred to Te Rapa ended up with an appalling crowd at Te Rapa. totally overshadowed by the phantom race-meeting in Hastings. This weekend will be interesting. The transferred Otaki Group 1, held alongside the two Avondale features at Ellerslie, would be expected to do a significantly superior turnover to a low key meeting at Otaki.  You do get the feeling that the north is becoming saturated with feature races and there is a general lack of interest. It would be embarrassing for the industry if the two Guineas races are transferred north and are conducted in front of small crowds with no atmosphere.

Surely they have a flawless strategy to oppose the ban. Strong words will do absolutely nothing.

I'd love to see him get into training.  I know he's been instrumental in a number of well bought yearlings, and whether to progress with them or not.    Riding trackwork and being able to provide lucrative feedback is a well sought after skill .. but to be able to train, and ride trackwork and feel how the horse is coming on is a real bonus.

e-mail from Otaki this afternoon: Member's Brunch 2025 New date for our annual brunch! Tēnā koutou, Following the recent decision to relocate our coveted Group 1 WFA Classic race to Ellerslie this coming Saturday 22 February 2025, we have also decided to reschedule this years' members brunch to Saturday 12 April 2025. While we are indeed still hosting a race day this coming Saturday 22 February, and you are welcome to attend, it has become more of 'industry' race day with the Group 1 race being televised live from Ellerlise on the day. The revised brunch date of Saturday 12 April will offer a much more enjoyable and memorable experience for our members and public attendees alike, what with the Hawke's Bay Cup and City of Napier Sprint (both listed races) running that day on site. Timings for the brunch and race day on 12 April will be announced a little closer to the time, but you can register now by clicking the link below: We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but sincerely appreciate your ongoing support of our historic and unique Club.

I think he did. That's why he's where he is today. Only thing is it can be quite costly.

I think you did very well, Bettors were not in demand this year, 13 sold and 3 passed, your sale was $50k more than the next best, which was the $70k paid by the Bagrie's for a colt out of an Artsplace mare who is a sister to Twist and Twirl, dam of King of Swing and Better Twist, (whose yearling sold for $360k) There were only 10 sold for more than yours, 3 of them bought by Stonewall, of those 10, eight were paceing bred, and 4 of them were by Captaintrecherous, not too many buyers at that price point.

Hart makes a big difference. He is such a balanced driver, motionless in the cart, Sarah O'Reilly the same, and the horses seem to keep on running for him. I don't think there is a better front-running driver around than Hart. Saturday night he drove ex-Kiwi trotter Hanover Da Moon a treat, cruising along in front he had the field beaten 800m from home. Genius driver, you have to respect any horse he drives.  I will stick with We Walk By Faith, I thought the horse looked fit and well, he just needs. good draw. 

Dead set correct. We Walk By Faith for NZ (after being unplaced in the Hondo ) , and The Janitor for QLD , both have to go round this Saturday to try and force into the Chariots the following week by Winning the Paleface Adios Group 3 this Sat. They normally would go close,  but darn Emma Stewart has thrown SOME AMERICAN into the Paleface this week as well,  (this horse won the 3 year olds Breeders Crown Final in November) , and Cam Hart is driving it.  the genius of Cam just might be too hard to beat and he wins again?    

FrankieF and Hi ManameisJeff both went around the following week in the Miracle Mile last year  (invitation race for the TOP 8 Horses only for $1,000,000 ) as Hi ManameisJeff had run a scintillating 1.48. 4  winning on Chariots night when Frankie won that race. LEAP TO FAME too powerful in the Miracle Mile though . I passed out with excitement and missed the finish of the race when nearly a QLD trifecta. 😂🤣 Sooner The Bettor (for NZ)  stopped that happening by running 2nd to save the day , with Speak The Truth 3rd, Frankie 4th for the QLDers to just miss the Tri.  Jeff ran 7th a tickle outclassed.   In JULY at the HUGE Constellations carnival in Brisbane , Frankie ran '3 down the tracks' for Grimson (burnt out I think) and Jeff was even worse , as I think he exploded (heart, mind or soul)  in the Blacks A Fake QLD championship Group 1 , which was won by LEAP TO FAME in a WORLD RECORD 1.52 over the 2680m journey of that race.  😲 Only brave SwayZEE finished with in 10 lengths of the winner with the whole field Cooked beyond recognition🫕 barbequed and toasted . Hi ManameisJeff never raced again after that 😪.  he was last in.  probably still chewing a burnt sausage somewhere 😉

Auckland have been trying to destroy the Wgtn Cup carnival for 40 years. They have finally got their way.  I know Wgtn are largely incompetent, but it is still very sad to see such an iconic carnival destroyed.