Surely we are reaching the point where there needs to be a total reassessment of the NZ Group and Listed race structure. The annual tinkering isn't doing the job. We have seen a string of black type races races in the NI with small, poor quality fields and now this weekend we get the Hazlett Stakes at Wingatui where the Stewards winner Buoyant, winner of a $50,000 open sprint three starts back, is likely to be the 5th emergency in a SI listed race. He would walk into any of the races he was eligible for at Te Rapa this weekend. And talking of Te Rapa, only 6 noms for the $275,000 fillies race. It does seem to show the folly of running heaps of feature races on the same day where the top horses are forced to pick and choose. I expect the same thing will happen on slot day. Always sad to see no 3yo in the Dyke, likely to be the same on slot day.

Very much each to their own. I know a lot of people have really bought into the hype surrounding the slot races, and good on them, but personally I have zero interest in them. It all seems very much emperors new clothes to me and I doubt they will be around in 5 or 6 years. But who knows, I might be totally wrong, it has happened before, often. They could turn out to be a great innovation. The novelty has certainly worn off though. There must be 15 or 16 of them here and in Aussie currently.

Klop,  I Like your Lot 67. She was my 5 th pick.Rebel Dane very good Gp One  Manikato winner and going extra as a sire. Good luck with your selections.

Exactly. Just like vlandy’s saying the Everest is a 20 mill race when it’s a can’t lose method for his breeding / owner buddies to print some money. And the Everest field is pretty much the same horses running against each other regardless of a $2 mill traditionalist sprint or the Everest.    I love racing, love watching the good horses, but I’ve never really thought this slot stuff was interesting for a high % of punters. 

This weekend is where the five winners get to spend their $20, or $40 if Gruff adds to the coffers   I will be private messaging the five winners on Thursday asking for their bets, which incidentally can be a win, a win and place, or even a multi, it doesn’t matter so long as I am given time to put the bets on.  Looking at the noms there will be some very good fields at Te Rapa to bet on.  Good luck all.  Liz

Isn't there an extra million or so in extra bonuses if you win selected other races? That's why some articles say it is worth $4.5m or more. Doesn't really seem to have encouraged many slot holders to find a horse early enough to qualify for the bonuses. No one ever seems to discuss how much the slot holders get and how much the horses connections get. If it is done on a 50/50 basis the winning stake only works out about the same as winning the Derby. And the Derby for now still has group 1 status and a bit of prestige.

Well give it a chance .  The particular interest is from trying get racing more profile hence bringing more prospective people into the game . Will it work ? who knows ? but if you don't try then you'll never know . Do I think it's the perfect way to spend that much money , no , but the industry is struggling away from the higher profile end ,no matter how much it is talked up we have some major issues that need addressing , pwners , staffing are two that this might help draw people in .  As I said it looks a silly when others are battling it out for 18.5k . That's the true reality of our racing . 

Are they? What is the particular interest and hype about? It’s about the horses isn’t it ? The rest of it is rather boring and garners no interest. The Everest is fine, it’s a scam designed for the rich breeders and slot holders. I’ve never heard someone say “ Wow entain have a slot in the NZB, how exciting”    

Their actually not , they are great for building interest and hype . They work great in Sydney because the rest of their racing is balanced and well financed . Bloody stupid when you have horses racing for 18.5k . Just looks like a rich mans game when most in NZ are battling .

Interesting to read that it says: The new Rules are not intended to collect more money in fines So you have to wonder whether they will ever bring DISQUALIFICATION into the equation when the rules are broken.??

Agreed, slot races are farcical. 

Dont understand the over the top frothing for an invitation race ,for a select few who can afford 700,000 to purchase a slot.Then in most cases having a horse that they have absolutely no connection with running for them..Looks like a big wank for a few of the privileged to me...

Pick the one who doesn't look the full quid . 

AMENDMENTS TO THE WHIP RULES (RULE 638(3)(c)) After very careful consideration, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has decided to make some changes to the Rules regarding the use of the whip.  These changes were initiated by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities to try to achieve consistency with the use of the whip by Jockeys over the world.  As you will be aware, the use of the whip during a race is seen by many people as cruel and unless we take steps to change that perception we could face increasing opposition.  The changes to the Rules are for the welfare of the horse, to demonstrate that we are serious about caring for our horses.  The new Rules are intended to make sure that whips are not used in such a way that they cause unnecessary pain during a race. The changes to the Rules will come into effect next Wednesday (12th February).  These changes are: The whip must not be used if you are not in contention of running in the first five placings. – The whip should only be used to get the best out of your horse when in contention.  It is not a good look for horses out of contention to be getting hit with the whip. The whip must not be used on a horse’s flank. – The horse’s flank is a very sensitive area and getting hit there is painful.  This area must be avoided. The whip must not be used forward of the saddle whilst it is held in the forehand position. – A horse’s shoulder, neck and head are also sensitive areas and should not be hit with any force.  Tapping the shoulder using the whip in the downward position is ok. The whip must not be used in a manner which causes a welt and or injury. – Whips should be used for encouragement and not to cause injury.  Injuries and welts may be seen by spectators or on television and makes racing look bad. In essence, most Jockeys will not have to make any changes to the way they use the whip currently, as it is not common for it to be used in a way which would breach the new Rules.  The new Rules are to show that there is no intention to use the whip irresponsibly. The new Rules are not intended to collect more money in fines, the best outcome would be if no jockey was ever found guilty of breaking them. The rule amendments will be published shortly and will be available on the LoveRacing website. These are added to the existing rules, please check the rule book for all whip rules.

That is the standard StrathAyr.  Ellerslie is customised and as many have said on this thread - "unique".  Primarily in the type of "Growing Medium" used.

The thing is it's not all one way , horses come into the stables as well , but no one likes to lose a horse . Tough environment , as he said he made a mistake with the types he was bringing in , I'm sure he's rectified that and the next 2/3 seasons will see a shift .

Lot 67   La Passe Lot 272  Savoia Lot 417  Zayydani Lot 446  Angelica Hall Thanks for the comp

Personally I would love to see him in Australia.