N1MUE 1,877 Report post Posted January 10, 2015 Enjoyed the racing across the country yesterday (despite the little hiccup at Awapuni). A few observations: - stating the obvious but what a difference a good barrier draw makes, especially on good tracks and over shorter distances. Shelford and Puntinato both beaten by poor draws recently but both won well from better barriers yesterday (and both well ridden). Pacific Choice another to take advantage of a good barrier draw. - hasn't Mighty Solomon turned into a very good horse this season. Very nice wins at Hastings and Trentham and again yesterday - not the strongest field yesterday but won easily. Should win a group race or two. The Thorndon maybe? (and if anyone from NZ Racing reads this, would love to watch the video replay from yesterday so would appreciate if you could fix that up - thanks!) - the Bookie beaters are worth a look. Not sure if they've had 4 or 5 of these, but three of them have been successful (Brilliant Way, Midnitemagicman and McQueen). I know Kawi lost but can't remember if there was another of these that lost. Either way they have a good winning strike rate. - speaking of McQueen, wasn't that impressive yesterday? Still at $14 to win the Derby, and I reckon that's not a bad price. Yes VSB looks like he only has to stay fit and well to win it, but a lot can happen between now and then, and McQueen's breeding suggests he should get 2400m. - a bit much to ask a horse to race 5 times in 13 days. I know thats how they roll on that circuit, but that often and on good tracks (one of them a good 2) - surely thats not right?? Fortunately it was in the H2H option so I was able to profit from its weariness. chelseacol and Chestnut 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
slam dunk 1,317 Report post Posted January 11, 2015 - a bit much to ask a horse to race 5 times in 13 days. I know thats how they roll on that circuit, but that often and on good tracks (one of them a good 2) - surely thats not right?? Fortunately it was in the H2H option so I was able to profit from its weariness. Why are the TAB persisting with H2H options on lower class races. After all the pleadings from racing administrations and bad publicity it has fallen on deaf ears. THe H2H option is unsuitable for racing unless for races with graded stake money first to last and enough of it. biff 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
N1MUE 1,877 Report post Posted January 11, 2015 I was quite happy with it in this instance. Closest you'll get to being able to lay a horse you clearly think is not in with a chance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kambridgeking11 2 Report post Posted January 11, 2015 Agree, great day of racing all round. Mcqueen looks the goods!! Mighty Solomon looked amazing, will defiantly go places!! N1MUE 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
N1MUE 1,877 Report post Posted January 17, 2015 - the Bookie beaters are worth a look. Not sure if they've had 4 or 5 of these, but three of them have been successful (Brilliant Way, Midnitemagicman and McQueen). I know Kawi lost but can't remember if there was another of these that lost. Either way they have a good winning strike rate. And again today with Moozoon - pushed out to $3.50, compared to $2.10 on tote. Here's hoping they can keep up that great strike rate. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insider 3,945 Report post Posted January 17, 2015 Yesterday was a fantastic days racing, on a gem of a track. They could win from anywhere, as we saw. Graveyard? Not for me and the team that I was with, as we won plenty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trump 2,741 Report post Posted January 18, 2015 The Levin Classic turned out to be a beauty. A close finish and SARDAAJ went down fighting. 2 good rides from Coleman and Johnson. Then there was Sacred Star ! 57kg is not a big weight to carry over 1200m when you consider that there was only 4kg from top to bottom. So he certainly was overs in the betting. A huge win. Not sure how he'd go at Doomben on the tight track but he's certainly got the class . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rumpole 483 Report post Posted January 18, 2015 The Levin Classic turned out to be a beauty. A close finish and SARDAAJ went down fighting. 2 good rides from Coleman and Johnson. Then there was Sacred Star ! 57kg is not a big weight to carry over 1200m when you consider that there was only 4kg from top to bottom. So he certainly was overs in the betting. A huge win. Not sure how he'd go at Doomben on the tight track but he's certainly got the class . The Levin Classic was a bloody disaster A maiden like the winner should never have been allowed to start 9 starters for $240,000 ridiculous where were all the good 3year olds? Gaultier ??????? Time will tell!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloke 1,232 Report post Posted January 18, 2015 I too cannot fathom why Trainers of good 3 year olds would want to bypass a race such as The Levin Classic. It would be good to hear from some their reasons for not entering this race. However, well done to the connections of Gaulltier they are no doubt smiling all the way to the bank. Insider 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
