Koriokaramea

Rough day for me too.  On the flipside Provence killed my chance to get out of the hole - I had Qali AF at 12s fixed.
In better news, Betcha just threw a random $20 bonus cash at me due to some glitch at Kumara yesterday so lets hope for better with house money

Thats $30 more expensive than Alexandra Park yesterday. 

Admission $30 - too much

With the best part of 2 million people in Auckland, that while the motorways out of the city both north and south can be clogged making you think Auckland is empty, truth is there are still plenty of people left. The Auckland evacuation at Xmas has always been 'a thing', but historically Boxing Day drew huge crowds to Ellerslie for the races and to Western Springs for the speedway in the evening. There were always plenty of people to go around if the relevant clubs promoted a show worth attending. The speedway, reportedly in its final season [since 1929] before the venue becomes a soccer [football] venue, was pretty full Boxing Night, but Ellerslie no longer runs the Derby on Boxing Day. And then you had the harness racing joining in with the Auckland Cup on New Year's Eve [within walking distance of Ellerslie] before New Year's Day saw the Auckland galloping Cup and the Railway Handicap for the sprinters. But not only have the programs been dismantled bit by bit, the class of the relative fields has diminished too. Oh for another Drum or Blue Denim in the Cup, and Mr Tiz smashing them again in the Railway. You cannot mess with tradition and expect the people to react the same. Lose the faith of your public and you're screwed.  

Is it just me or is the Ellerslie carnival now missing a bit of the buzz? The Zabeel Classic was a good race but with the Railway moved it feels like New Year's Day is far from the raceday it once was and that they're throwing everything at Karaka Millions night when the overseas buyers and corporates are back in town.

I've seen your tips over the months . . . and regrettably you're not much good.
There's many on the site here that I'd gladly look to for tips. Needless to say but I will anyway  . . .you're not one of them. 🙂
Relax, sunshine. 

You're not making a lot of sense.
Who would have labelled it Top 3 ? Hundreds I would have thought . . .including those who thought La Crique may be fully stretched at 2000m at this level, those who thought Ladies Man wouldn't overcome a wide draw, those who thought Snazzytavi wasn't yet proven at this level. Do I need to go on, or have you got the drift ? 
Campionessa has proven itself a lot better horse than you give it credit for. Went out 3rd fav on Fixed Odds.

Te Akau having a very moderate NZ season by their high standards.
Today was no better, with Belle Du Monde, Damask Rose & Campionessa all well-beaten.
I guess ya can't be on top all the time. No doubt their time will come again.

Race 9
2 El Vencedor
8 Snazzitavi
7 La Crique
Whatever is raised Insider...I will match it so you can double the donation...lets hope we get plenty.

Thanks for all the support from everyone this past year wishing everyone here and your loved ones  a very Merry Christmas and a very prosperous 2025 for all...
 
 

Yeah , but Oscar Bonavena is a tremendous horse too. He won the Dominion H'cap - NZ trot FFA double last year himself , winning both race very easily both times.   
He's not far off being the New Zealand 'Just Believe' equal as best trotter? ? .  Oscar is very close to the $Million dollar club now too . 
(Sugars often sits parked with him (just Believe)  and wins in Australia so I wouldn't blame the drive,.  OscarB was just too good yesterday .🏆
FOOTNOTE: OscarB was raced by the late great Roy Purdon MBE until his passing February 2022. Oscar Bonavena had won the NZ Trotting FFA ( this same race where he just defeated Just Believe) in 2021 as well . So was probably the great Trainers last Group 1 winner as an owner . (Mark took up his ownership share after Roy's passing )   Roy and Mark 's family must have a real soft spot for the remarkable Oscar Bonavena from this. 
 

Racing can be so up and down . I had one bet today , I put $20 on Vinnie Colgan to win the jockey challenge at $5 . Going into the second last he was one point ahead of Masa who was riding Ladies Man the hot favourite . I thought there goes my cash Ladies Man is bound to run first or second but finishes fourth . Vinnie ended up winning 😀

Better Knuckle Up !
Grand win ! Far too good.
We were on to it, Charlie E ! 😁

Better Knuckle Up !
Grand win ! Far too good.
We were on to it, Charlie E ! 😁

Better Knuckle Up !
Grand win ! Far too good.
We were on to it, Charlie E ! 😁

Well that is some sort of horse. Trots in a beautiful easy action . A Maori's Idol of the Modern Day . what a treat to see her in NZ. KEAYANG ZAHARA. 
The Nine Nz trotters were all so even and all finished togeather in a bunch for the placings. All nine well prepared by their trainers and giving it a great shot.
She (Keayang )leaves the rivals feeling a bit like how  the Pacers feel taking on Leap To Fame over the past year though.  
 

Another starter error - should have been a false start - see they decided to scratch the affected horse.
I have never understood how trainers and drivers get fined but the starter can make stuff ups many times and yet no penalty.
Bring back Lamb🤣

Merlin's half sister Winning Race 7 just then . Captains Mistress  the star Filly Sires Stakes winner for Nathan Williamson.  
Her full brother Magician was 4th in race 5 , so the family might have a great day ?  Swayzee's owner races her too ? seriously😎 , the guy is blessed. (Mick Boots)

Well done Pure. I can't believe Winelight galloped, she's usually full-proof. As I said, Show Day is not my meeting, never have any luck. Perhaps I should back the unbeaten Aussie filly? I am sure to stop her too 🤣

yes Blair all class again - Oscar you beauty
Harry Brave
Ben Hope(less) - did you really think you could park Just Believe and beat him - crazy stuff - swap drivers and give Ricky a go

great chance for a Quinella in the next. The 3 Cullen Fillies all with a chance . Along the marker line handy they will be too. 
I'm putting 10 bucks on each of the 3 lol. 🤣. bring one home Hayden !! lol🍻

well done Blair Orange 🏆. Great timed drive once again this week. . to mow down the good double Interdominion Champ like that was spot on driving.  Oscar paid 12 bucks on Sportsbet.
Hard to believe Blair without a drive in the Next race ?  they all miss out on a great chance in the Group 1. 
Wish he (BlairO)   held on in the NZ Cup , but he did head Swayzee off after a great drive to have his chance I spose,  and had his chance to win. (with DSD) 
 

Thanks mate. I didn't watch Ashburton and only had one bet Bonnie's Girl, third at good money for lovely Olivia.
Yes, Regan Todd has upped his game and now among the elite trainers. I think Hayden Cullen the same. It's good to see some younger trainers putting pressure on the established Canterbury G1 stables, Purdon, Dalgety, Mark Jones etc.... Good stuff. 

How good is that guy ? MarketPlace going like a champion, Mo'Unga Kaikoura Cup , and ''Borris' is airborne  lately . (got a bit off him Tuesday but not today alas)
ANyway , Mr Janitor , yesterday Regan Todd had Buddha in race 10 at Ashburton , and it zoomed home from the back of field in home straight making up 8 lengths in a 55 second half mile it must of been. 
BUDDHA will win some (in a row ) very shortly . watch out for him too. He's another beauty. 

Both were huge alright . Steven's horses are really firing at the moment . Just the manners hopefully they will improve