Zak Hussai

Since the debacle at NZ Cup time, I think Riccarton has played extremely well. Winners from everywhere irrespective of the rail placement. Good to see some learn.

Thoughts for today's jumps races: Race 1 (Hurdle): #5 Sweet Taboo Race 2 (Chase): #3 Torque Time + #2 Hey Happy. Fitness runs on the flat crucial for jumpers at the start of the season. Anyone else have thoughts on the day??

Seemed to be doing alright for jockey's with fields of around 10 in the heighweights but now we get to the first day of jumps racing and we have fields of 4 and 5. Disappointing. Where are the jockey's now?

Don't forget about Mark Oulaghan, a lot of his horses have been hitting the line very well in the heighweight's so far. Also Shaun Fannin seems to have a few nice up and comers as well.

My apologies, I stand corrected, 2 in one day is not a good sign.

Are you sure? I read Cylinder was retired (horse that beat her in the Newmarket) but can't see Imperatriz being retired anywhere.

Inglis website says 2.15pm (which is 4.15pm NZ time) but if Inglis is like NZB then it will be closer to 4pm (NZ time).

Outstanding news. Will he be training in partnership with Kevin or starting his own stable on his own?

Outstanding field isn't it. I'm pleasantly surprised with how much wet track form is next to most of the field. For what it's worth - #8 Detonator Jack for me. Ran on well fresh up and did so in the slightly inferior ground, horses that are able to run through the line first up is a good sign that a horse is in for a good prep as they can handle the speed at the end of the race when it matters most. Loves a wet track, low draw (although that might be a negative at this time of the day). Great record at the mile and with little weight on his back $15 seems a great price for mine and more than happy to explore trifecta's with him. Also like Militarize and think Celestial Legend is the best horse in this field but a huge worry about a wet track for him.

I have noticed from tomorrow that Trackside are going to introduce new graphics. Apparently more presenters on track - I wonder what that means? Moving to freeview as well. Thoughts everyone?

What about Manaal?

Overflowing toilet.

Full time or just a temporary move?

Does anyone know what has happened to Johnathan Parkes? He made a brief comeback last year in about April and said he has not felt better with weight etc. Was around for about 8 months and I've noticed since about December he hasn't been riding. Hope everything is alright. He is a class rider with an excellent strike rate and manages to get the best out of the horses with great rides as well. Please enlighten me if anyone can.

That's quite harsh - she has ridden 16 winners at Ellerslie from 521 rides. Ok strike rate is poor but not shockingly poor.

And bring Riccarton forward a week as a consequence?

So has there been a day scheduled for the Lowland Stakes and the other 3yo race? Could they add it onto the Tauherenikau meeting on Sunday despite acceptances already been released? Make those 2 races the last 2 on Sunday. Next Wednesday at Otaki seems too late, only 10 days from the Oaks especially when most are coming from the north.

I personally think they should have gone with some smaller trainers that don't get the recognition and credit they massively deserve. Yes all the trainers that they gave them to are good at what they do and there is a reason they are getting regular winners but without all of the smaller stables racing wouldn't be able to survive. Like I still think Chris Wood is a very good trainer - doesn't get the best bred horses but still gets some nice horses that are well turned out and are getting results for him a lot. The likes of Kelso, Danica Guy, Patterson, Didham, Thurlow and many others of examples of trainers that I'd much prefer my horse to go to.

The Tab Racing Club bought the following horses from Karaka: Lot 5: Hello Youmzain Filly - Tony Pike Lot 50: Per Incanto Colt - James/Wellwood Lot 79: Ardrossan Filly - Stephen Marsh Lot 203: Toronado Filly - O'Sullivan/Scott Lot 358: Savabeel Colt - Walker/Bergerson Lot 494: So You Think Filly - Ritchie/Murray Lot 586: Ardrossan Filly - O'Sullivan/Scott Lot 593: Proisir Filly - Ballymore - not sure whether it's for Pam in NZ or Mike in Melbourne.

Lot 116 - Gypsy Snitz Lot 138 - Indecision Lot 224 - Midnight Revels Lot 370 - Santa Catarina

Will this mean Jayne could be back on Trackside?

Brad Taylor the racing manager for Freedman Racing is departing to return home to NZ to become general manager of the Awapuni and Trentham Race Clubs. Brad will commence the new role in March and will be based out of Palmerston with Jayne Ivil and their young family.

For those watching the sales, what have people made of Guy's interviews? I personally like him, natural.

What is your problem. You need to be kicked off this site, you attack people whenever someone just asks a simple question.

Emily Bosson is host. Brendon Popplewell (form duties), Leith Innes (form duties), Pip Morris (BGP), Brittany Taylor (horseback), Guy Heveldt, Aidan Rodley are all members of trackside on track. George Simon commentating.