Blue

In NZ in the 60s and 70s when the jackpots were running the recipe was simple. Generally big fields, fast track don't take anything drawn outside #8, wet track don't take anything drawn inside #8. Actually worked a treat but that was then, before we had strathayr where everything gets a fair go.

Shouldn't really denegrate the Quokka. After all we're all Kiwis - sightless, flightless........ but it does seem an interesting title for such a big race. Meanwhile our Harness code has the $1m race for GRINS. Who or what is GRINS I might ask? Never see the word as kings of industry, real estate, car manufacturer , banking etc but obviously the principals have more than just a passing interest in the sport.

Errr..... 'spelled' hehe.

But how much rain did Ellerslie actually get? Anyone know without guessing?

Leaderboard ran second in a minor nrace in a small field last week but The Mighty Spar never fired a shot. Just as hard to win over there.

So it might not only be the matted structure that's "well rooted" ?

Problem there Gruff is, will there be any horses working on the track prior to 11o'clock to get any sort of accurate assessment? I doubt it. They can walk, look and prod all they like but as long as it keeps raining, running a few races is the only way they'll see if it's successful or further disaster.

I'm not sure there's anyone prepared to ask the hard questions on air.

I seem to think it was at Te Awamutu and the horse was Ra Pointer though I could well be wrong.

Maybe put away the irrigation and let a long spell of winter weather do it's thing seeing there are no plans to race over winter anyway. If you have to race 10 metres out should you even be racing? And would yesterday's problem have been there had they raced against the rail?I notice a comment from Stephen Marsh referring to upcoming Easter start for Provence said the 'track is perfect' or words to that effect. Difficult to know the true picture.

Winston won't be doing any track renovations that's for sure. Ellerslie, Avondale, Te Aroha all on the 'injured list' for one reason or another. What odds the next Auckland Cup runs on the poly at Cambridge? Don't seem to have any slipping problems at least.

Couldnt agree more. I'm sure anyone could have done a better video on a smart phone without the freezing, stopping and starting. Certainly did the occasion or the sport no favours.

They have the investment and goodwill, it's the knowledge and expertise that's in question. We'll certainly never see racing on a 'hard and fast' surface again, or two year olds who have twelve or fifteen races in their first season but that was then and this is now and as previously noted, the track is one aspect, the other is the marketing side to generate interest and attendance.

Plus she has a big piece of Riff Rocket - the gravy on the KFC.

Several northern horses trialled down that way last week. Obviously filled the floats that went to Trentham. A good float trip away and a trial is good education for a youngster.