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A huge thank you to Greg, Mick, Craig, Matt and Mark McNamara for their information, interviews and their humour to lighten the serious side of punting. Once again great calls from Mark Mac. We are so lucky to have this team during the biggest week in NZ harness racing. Thank you one and all, and thank you to Trackside for the great coverage time given.

So Dargaville crashed and burned, and we're left watching the gypos for the day. I know nothing about them so I'm easily impressed, there's a background or context for you, but why do Michael Guerin and Greg O'Connor sound so self assured, professional and knowledgeable, and why was that interview with Mark Purdon so expansive and penetrating ? Am I being easily impressed or are those two just better than the muppets doing the TB shows ? Even Matt Cross ( who glitters on the muppet show ) appears quite pedestrian with the luster and sparkle of a two day old turd when alongside these two, ditto the Whale bloke, these two minor players are both ok though, perfectly adequate, well to the untrained eye they are.

Good luck with all your runners today Cubes.

Quaddie Doomben R5 $100 % 1/3/4/5/9 1/3/7/12/14 3/4/9/13/15 2/7/12/16 Riccarton Jockey Challenge $30 Danielle Johnson Place 6 Ricc. $50% 2/8 1 12/14 4 3/5/9 4/10 Thanks Jason

taurnga r1 dbl $1 1_6_14 3_5_12 r3 dbl $1 1_3_6 7_8_12 r5 dbl$1 1_5_6 5_6_7 r2 $10% trbl 3_5_12 1_3_6 7_8_12 r1 qdd $10% 1_6_14 3_5_12 1_3_6 7_8_13 chch r1 $1 trb 11_12_17 3_12 5_9_16 $5 ew r1 12 r4 $5 ew 6 r6 $5 ew 7/14 r10 $5ew 10 r11 $5 ew 9

Best bet........Southern Raider......place....Race 2 Best Odds......Hot Fuss...Race 5 Roughie......Midnites to Midnite.....Race 10 You never know and dreams are free and her Mum won a Group 1.......Lindis Pass...Race 1 Ultimately , as an owner in Canterbury , you wanna see your horse run on Cup Day and you set them for this... Hey , how come First Call starts at 10:30 when the first race is 11.40 ? Cubity doesn't have telly in the car !

It was absolutely fantastic coverage. I happened to hear one of the races on radio trackside while driving home toady, Mark McNamara painted a perfect picture just like a great rugby commentator would. The knowledge and professionalism was brilliant and I really enjoyed the coverage.

No worries there Chris, Nathan has never accepted an invitation to attend a NZ Cup Meeting at Riccarton, nor has the Prime Minister. Maybe their schedules don't allow for Saturday Racemeetings. Winston was a regular in his days as Racing Minister though and happy to get out and talk to the people on the ground.

prominent trainer gets 3 winners last night at Wanganui, and none are swabbed,whats going on.

I wonder if Donald calls her "Melons"

Genuine chances in this race look few and far between, especially with the ground coming up good. With a couple of front runners (Zentangle, Come Fly With Me) the tempo should be non-ridiculous. Imperium has the most potential, the only one in the field I could see in a Melbourne Cup field. The big problem is that he looks set to need to come from a long way back. Nymph Monte has hit peak form and being now ahead of the handicapper out of the primary leadup race it is hard to make a case for a reversal from the many in the field he has beaten this prep. Likely 2+ wide the trip. Pump Up The Volume is exposed yet not over the hill. Has been mostly sent round winter tracks however has run to his best on better going too. Maygrove requires an extra forgive on the last start (if it really was the going he couldn't let down on, you can't have him tomorrow). Miss Three Starts and Gentil Tonton I would have in the mix on soft, have to exclude on good going. At the prices, I'm with Pump up The Volume. Will also look to get Imperium in-running if he can settle anywhere half decent.

Cool sounds a plan don't know about bombing more likely want it to be successful

Mid-day tomorrow alright Jason? With large even fields tomorrow I may just pick a Quaddie and bomb it

Awesome win, well done Cullum, cheers WB

1. Riccarton R3 - 12.45pm - Vaernon & Vazey Truck Parts Premier - $40k, 1800m, R85 4/8 - 9 2. Riccarton R5 - 1.55pm - Barneswood Farm Welcome Stks (LR) - $50k, 1000m, SWs 1/9 - 5 3. Riccarton R6 - 2.32pm - Speight's Premier - $40k, 1600m, R75 2/4 - 3 4. Riccarton R7 - 3.12pm - Gavelhouse.com 44th New Zealand 1000 Guineas (Gr1) - $300k, 1600m, 3YO fillies SWs 2/3 - 5 bb 5. Riccarton R9 - 4.21pm - Christchurch Casino 153rd New Zealand Cup (Gr3) - $250k, 3200m, open hdcp 6/10 - 3 5. Sandown (Ladbrokes Hillside) R6 - 5.25pm - Ladbrokes Sandown Guineas (Gr2) - $250k, 1600m, 3YOs SWs 8/1 - 7 7. Sandown (Ladbrokes Hillside) R7 - 6.00pm - Quayclean Zipping Classic (Gr2) - $300k, 2400m, WFA 2/4 - 7 bb 8. Sandown (Ladbrokes Hillside) R8 - 6.40pm - Kevin Heffernan Stks (Gr3) - $150k, 1300m, WFA 2/3 - 1 9. Sandown (Ladbrokes Hillside) R9 - 7.20pm - Mypunter.com Eclipse Stks (Gr3) - $150k, 1800m, qlty hdcp 8/9 - 4 10. Sandown (Ladbrokes Hillside) R10 - 7.55pm - Le Pine Funerals Summoned Stks (Gr3) - $150k, 1500m, mares SW+Ps 2/12 - 6 Good luck PJ - go well Chiefs, let's bring it home!

Yes agree, times are only relevant to the quickest on the night. Give me a slow and forgiving surface any day.

Noel shows no leadership and very poor communication skills. He has divested work to the Regional Coordinators (think Website updating, obtaining grants from trusts) who are essentially volunteers doing their GAP work as, at best a part time job and at worst volunteers, whilr maintaining fulltime jobs. He recently went to Victoria, Australia on GAP business but informed none of his RCs or Kennel Managers that he was going and would be out of the country for just about a week. Some RCs found out he was overseas when they received his out of office email reply. He missed a great opportunity to meet some of his volunteers by missing the Levin Home Checkers training day. He seldom interacts with his volunteers. He was repeatedly been asked to confirm a date for next years annual street appeal so that applications to councils could be made and Regional Coordinators plan this in and around other regional activities. He did not answer emails on this subject over several months. He then advised the date for the Wellington appeal day but again refused to explain what the rest of the country would do. A Regional Coordinator advised that, due to not being able to get a date from Noel for the appeal, the RC had decided to fit the appeal around other events in the Feb – March period. In response to this Noel finally declared the month of February as the appeal period (a month never done before) and the RC must conform. In the same email the RC was told that the RC was responsible for all events in the region and “Obviously the penny hasn’t dropped yet that our RC’s are no longer spoon fed and are now responsible for managing all the promotional activity in their region.” And “If you don’t like this way of working just let me know and we can make alternative arrangements”. Noel also said that “If you need help then you can refer it to me” even though there had been plenty of requests for information on a wide range of subjects by various volunteers which were either not answered or vague responses were received. This is all verifiable as I have seen the emails. While GAP volunteers do a great job and should be respected and thanked for their contribution Noel Brown needs to go.

AUCKLAND CUP - NEW YEARS DAY !

well done to the goat keep up the good work also well done to Bruce Dann for second and third in the race

A true great of the music scene... http://i.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/86373780/singersongwriter-leonard-cohen-has-died-age-82

ROBERT VAUGHN has died at the age of 83. Best known for playing the part of Napoleon Solo in the tv series The Man From Uncle which ran from 1964/68. UNCLE stood for United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. He also played Lee the skittery gunman in The Magnificent Seven.He was the last surviving member of the 7 Other roles included main roles in The Protectors and Hustle. He also appeared in Coro St in 2012 and had a regular role in the A Team in the fifth season. Vaughn appeared in over 200 TV series.

Thanks Jason Good replacement

PJ's Picks for The Ferdies Good luck Cat and well done to our team for making the Grand Final. Give 'em a taste of 'Naki ! 1. 7-9 BB 2. 1-5 3. 2-14 4. 1-7 5. 4-16 6. 7-8 7. 1-2 8. 4-7 BB 9. 8-13 10. 9-15

Just happened to be at the best Racing bar in NZ, Richard and Brenda Bright's Group1 Bar, this afternoon to watch the Trotting Cup, great win, good connections and well done to you all! Presentation time, and who should pop up, the Elvis Presley impersonator, The Great Pretender, The Honourable Nathan Guy! Why he gets a run is way beyond me, and until we put the pressure on this situation,and it will be the same on Saturday at Riccarton, don't give him the time of day, the same lip service he gives a Racing!

Cant believe we actually made it this far. Might as well go out with the gnashing of teeth. R1 10-11 (8) R2 5-9 (1) R3 2-8 (5) R4 1-3 (5) R5 10-16 BB R6 1-8 (7) R7 1-4 (8) R8 3-10 (2) R9 1-11 (8) R10 3-12 (10) BB All the best Porky. Go well Sharkies

Sorry Sheldon to many vinos, got the wires crossed.

gona back them today cubes. could just be your day

Forget the FC Cubes...with their record I'm sure your selections will be just as good...best of luck today.....

R1: 4-15 R2: 1-9 R3: 7-14 R4: 3-9*** R5: 7-15 R6: 1-9 [7] R7: 2-7 [8] R8: 1-11 [8] R9: 8-13 [12] R10: 6-11 [12]*** Good Luck Sir G, Thanks PJ.

R1- 4/8. (16) R2- 2/3 (9) R3-11/13 (2) R4- 1/7 (3) R5-4/9 (16)bb R6-1/8 (2) R7-3/7 (8)bb R8-2/3 (1) R9-9/11 (8) R10-2/12 (1) Best o luck Vicey Go well Sharkies Ta PJ

I assume Maurice McKendry can expect some time on the sidelines after his drive on Gotta Go Dali Queen tonight (if there is any consistency)

Not bad Casper. Especially as the Trumper is now President Elect. Thanks for the compliment.

All stats and Polls pointing towards a comfortable Ferdies win Ferdies prepare to be TRUMPED

Not enough superlatives for this guy!

well i asked as i have never been told or herd about this i asked a simple question so no stirring what so ever.

For christs sake this sort of thing just keeps happening I bet the powers to be are loving this less money to pay out more for their coffers. I pity the poor buggars that hauled their horses all that way to have the rug pulled out from under them Who's head should roll this time.

Like most years they get tested for PURE ABILITY and yes they returned positive....

For you dogrug

lol yes the dog did, what an awesome Dog he is too, love him, amazing win cheers WB

I think some of you people are always looking for something negative to post against our commentators. So what, Jason got colours mixed in a race, when was the last time he called a gallops meeting in the CD? You guys would soon moan if there was no commentator at all! With Tom departing to greener pastures, Jason will soon get to know tracks, colours, etc. in the CD. You wouldn't meet a keener young Racing enthusiast than Jason.

Get a grip on yourself barryb, these protesters do not even know which day it is, they are a rabble of unwashed low achieving Berni Sanders supporters. They will melt away as quickly as they appeared. The whole protest was a media beatup. 15 arrests in New York, about the same number you get in Central Park on any given Saturday night.

Petition lining up in a 3yo fillies race (R5) at Sandown on Saturday. Quite short ($5.50) for a maiden in this field but drawn nicely and McEvoy will ride again (noting he is getting off the favourite - not sure if he had a choice). I have to back her after talking her up but will have a saver bet on the favourite. A few others that I have backed during the carnival and will stick with at Sandown: - Sovereign Nation (R3) - nice run for second on Cup day and nicely drawn. Little bit of extra distance will suit and gets a jockey upgrade. - Mortons Fork (R6) - comes up against Jennifer Lynn but close second behind a good horse on Derby day. Won't get rich here but better than a 50% chance. - Faatinah (R8) - led them up down the straight six on Cup day and was strong at the line despite being easily beaten into second. Should get a nice run from barrier 2. Not entirely convinced with this one and will bet more to place than win (1/4) - Cool Chap (R9) - backed him on Oaks day and was counting the cash at the 400m mark but got run down by a good horse who had a perfect trip. Nice draw, good jockey and placed both runs on the course. - Shillelagh (R10) - great run for second in the last on Cup day despite being in what appeared the worst part of the track. Wide draw but tends to be slow away so draw shouldn't matter so much. Go the Kiwis. Good punting all!

I saw him yesterday, looking slim, trim & dapper, even wearing a pork pie bar. My impeccable sources tell me he'll be on the RIU staff within a couple of months, and that'll be a good thing IMO

I'm hoping Nekky has softened you up a bit, Cat

Trump totally agree with you that Racing Ministers of all hues have been ineffective. Some made Yes Minister look a serious documentary. The NZRB need to lift their game and explore other revenue streams such as a levy on horses exported or a levy on stallion fees the revenue from which would be directed straight into stakes.

And worse of all he be in a 5 star hotel ,the works all paid with tax payers money which includes all participants in the racing industry!!!!

The problem that these presenters have is they haven't taken the time to study what is working in other jurisdictions around the World. I don't understand the stupidity or arrogance (or both) that would make them and the producers/ directors decide that they know best as present the garbage that is currently presented. I've just spent 6 weeks in the UK and got involved further in the industry over there. It's bliss in comparison to the dross that we dish up here. We are amateurs. I'll give you one example...the Trackside presenters have obviously been told to push betting so their version of that instruction is become tipsters. That's all well and good if you're good at it, but if you're not you make a complete mockery of the game, the poor viewers and they continuously discredit themselves. By doing so they discredit the opportunity to promote betting by showing that it can't be done successfully. You force feed this rubbish for long enough and the average person who may want to get involved won't. Why isn't this proposition difficult to understand. Its negative marketing. Wake up and promote the owners. Get rid of the useless tipsters, get some in-depth industry participation and cut out the concept that we are a "product". Start promoting the horse and the participants. The betting will cone if you successfully demonstrate the story board. As for Karen Fenton-Ellis' assertion that raising the Herbie Dyke to $400,000 will attract Aussie horses to race at Te Rapa....is she for real. That's a common Group 3 in Aussie under the current conditions......geeeeez......that's as bad as the hype surrounding Xtravigent and our Derby winner's inability to win a group one race in Austraia. As for Europe, no doubt at all that Almanzour is a champion. That means that Iffraaj has sired a stallion capable of producing a World champion. That means that Iffraaj is under at the moment here in NZ. Good on you Mark for getting a good one

This morning a contractor working at Forbury Park Raceway accidentally cut through the phone lines into the Raceway resulting in no telephones, computers, Eftpos etc over the whole race course. Telecom have been there this afternoon trying to repair them. The lines look like they have been there since Alexander Graeme Bell invented the telephone so we are not sure how long it will take. Our apologies to anybody who tried to contact the Otago Greyhound Racing Club during selections. Hopefully we will back up and running soon.