Mattski

This horse is a beast! Starts from the outside, goes around the first bend 5-6 wide. Takes off from the 800 three wide and smashes them. (I appreciate it wasn't the strongest C Cup field ever). He was a maiden in April as an autumn 4 year old. 5-6 months later he's a super star stayer. Has any horse ever improved so much, so quickly, so late?? Cheers, Matt

Interesting graph and article thanks. What % of betting is returned to racing in NZ?? Is this a reminder that we should retain ownership of the TAB? Thank, Matt

Shane - You are totally correct and I thought the same thing when I saw the weights. Almost as crazy in the Thorndon where The Mitigator had 1kg more than Melody Belle who has now won as many G1's as Sunline!! (I realise The Mitigator really had 1kg less taking into account the mares allowance but still crazy)

With nearly 600 yearlings in "Book 1" its slightly diff to the old Premier book 5 years ago isn't it. 150 odd book 2 yearlings have been upgraded. But yeah if I was selling a few in Book 2 I'd be worried!!

I have watched a lot of races in the last 40 odd years and JW's ride on Jenny Eccles from gate 18 in the Oaks was one of the best. Pure genius. I think he jumped from the same gate we he won the Thorndon on Shadows Cast. IMHO he is in the top handful of jockey talents we have had in the last 30-40 years. In another life I ran a few half decent marathons and I thought I was skinny when I weighed 67kg. Some of these guys are average height men riding at 54/55! Sometimes I think we underestimate the impact of constantly living in a starved dehydrated state. I have no idea whether Jason or one of his friends reads this page but I wish him all the best. As much as I would love to see him back in the saddle, more than anything I hope he finds some health and happiness. Thanks for the great memories. Matt Dravitzki https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/48677/8/Race-Detail.aspx

Why is Master of Reality at around 30's? Second across the line last year.........relegated to 4th. His form in the UK looks ok. Top young trainer. 56 is plenty of weight. Thoughts?

Can anyone tell me what is going on please (I'm a bit out of touch!). Obviously didn't give a sample and was suspended but then I have heard nothing. Thanks, Matt

Has he got his licence back? Yes he's had a chequered career. But what a gifted horse man and what a come back from about 7? years out going back a bit. I would love to see the Magic Man take the record.

Why did the rail need to be out 9m on a good 3 surface? What are we protecting the inside for?

What is Waddell in trouble for? Such as a shame as a class jock. DJ flying at the mo.

Who is the Irish guy speaking and can you please post the actual youtube link thanks. I have always felt that Tegnell and the Sweeds have prob got it right in the long run but 95% disagree with me! Cheers, Matt

Yes totally agree he was struggling at the 900! The girl def has a good future.

Trumpy right! Mystic J finished Still a great story though and they got about $4m in the tin!

Cascadian at double figures!

Wasn't she 3 wide, no cover the day she won the All Star? That's a big win at Flem. She didn't have much luck on Sat but she doesn't seem to be the horse she was at 3 I'm afraid. Shame cause I think Trinder always placed her well. I do hope she's back in 2 weeks and proves me wrong though!

Q1 - I am just wondering what this level of funding is likely to convert to in terms of say R72 and R82 horses racing on a Saturday thanks? How does $140m odd compare to the funding level in 2019/20? Q2 - I can't believe that we're paying $17m (?) odd a year ongoing for a very average web site on top of the huge initial bill. My Q is if TAB NZ is a new entity from 1 Aug is it legally obliged to continue paying this? Why not liquidate the original TAB and tell the people who sold us the original web site to get stuffed? (I am prob somewhat naive!). Thanks, Matt

Q1 - I am just wondering what this level of funding is likely to convert to in terms of say R72 and R82 horses racing on a Saturday thanks? How does $140m odd compare to the funding level in 2019/20? Q2 - I can't believe that we're paying $17m (?) odd a year ongoing for a very average web site on top of the huge initial bill. My Q is if TAB NZ is a new entity from 1 Aug is it legally obliged to continue paying this? Why not liquidate the original TAB and tell the people who sold us the original web site to get stuffed? (I am prob somewhat naive!). Thanks, Matt

I see this as the NZ racing industry's last chance. No one is going to give us another big hand-out in a couple of years time. Its time to work together and yes make some sacrifices for the wider benefit or we won't have an industry.

But surely they could make that (some decent dates) a condition of doing what's right for the industry; i.e. We will allow our assets to be sold for our benefit AND the industry's but you guys have to give us some decent dates to race at Ellerslie. They will have a pot of money to put towards decent stakes so RITA etc. will work with them if they just be co-operative.

If Avondale sold the course etc. for anything like $300m and; I). Invested it wisely. 2). Raced at Ellerslie Wouldn't they potentially be the strongest club in NZ and the industry be better off??

On a slightly different note......... If you take a multi that incl a fixed place on a "Paying four places" race like the Avondale Guineas today.........Is running 4th effectively a win for your multi?? Thanks The TAB are pricing these as a first 4 market eh - i.e. Kiwi Ida and Volpe were about $13 to win and $1.70 to place last week!

I reckon Cambridge should shuttle him back! They need a proven stallion now that Tavistock has unfortunately passed away.

"....and Kingston Town can't win"..........his 3rd Cox Plate win I think. I think Matt Cross is excellent.

I agree Trumpy he is still top class. Controlled that race beautifully on Haut Brion Her on Sat before last. Surely he has a big chance on Finche on Sat. They seem to make it tough in Aus for jocks when some of the handicaps (Epsom, Metrop) have 57kg top weights and lots of horses carrying 50-51.

Thanks guys - what do you think about Prince of Arran? I thought it was a great back up run from the Lexus last year.