Blue

Sounds about right the way the Aussies drive. I doubt Benny can handle their early pressure but history says with a cosy run he could sneak home close up. I think MK will really be made to work from out there. Could be wrong - have been before.

Doosit and Raydon not flash either but I think the Aussie horse can overcome his draw better than they can.

Will they run there or will they run at Ruakaka who already have some of their dates?

Maybe, but you'd probably be a scratching over 2700 metres too LOL

Saw that too Lloyd but you'll note that often with Aussie racing they drive much more agressively, put the hammer down in the middle half and therefore go slower in the final one unlike us who just sit & sprint. Only one who drove like that here was Neil Brady but didn't make a hit in Oz because that's how they generally drive.

Pension book too heavy for him.

Well yeah, he did make it but there's probably six Aussie horses who could finish ahead of him in the final. I just think he's not going good enough to be a major threat in this one.

There have been some complaints about the stakes offered and the quality of the supporting races but 1/2 win horses are not going to be any more interesting whether they're running for $4K or $20K but overall last night the racing was just bloody awesome in my book. Smoken Up, Mighty Quinn and the Aussie trotter - I don't think you'd get three better performances anywhere on the one night.

Only a thin possiblilty. Nothing was unlucky when you look at the run of the aussie horse who was actually going away at the post.

No, it's not rocket science so they sit back, let the Aussies get all the major points then have to chase like hell to get points at the last minute. It's not as if our horses were narrowly beaten, they were well down the track and how many of them can you see running one or two this week which most will need to do as the Aussies can virtually have easy runs and still qualify. I'd like to think differently but I think we're chasing consolation money at best.

That's his first go in the bigtime. He got the dream run then lost second in the last stride ubder a hard drive. Can he pick things up another notch this week? Maybe with the same run but not sure he can from the 5 alley.

He might know when it's a big one but can he do anything about it? He had a BIG season last season and has had opportinities of late so all things considered I'll say he'll sweat to make the final though I'd like it to be otherwise.

That's the problem with Pakistani's who've only been here for three days.

....and you can stand on a rising tarmac on a fine night, in direct line with the winning post or go to the first level in the owners stand (free) and stand in direct line with the finishing post there. Also mentioned by someone earlier there's "nobody goes to Auckland" I'm pretty sure you'll find most nights are well patronised Top of the Park - people you don't see from down below but who spend quite a bit on food and booze. For the ATC it's not all about racing, it's about the bottom line. Maybe a few more clubs should think outside the square.

True but no Kiwi horses (pacers)have any significant points so they're ALL going to have to run 1,2 or 3 to get into the final and we all know that's not going to happen and the aussies ain't going to let that happen. I'd like to think otherwise but we're just going to have to suck this one up.

Black, white or yellow team, the fact we had something like sixty dot balls in 40 overs says we can't win. Thats TEN overs without scoring. Sheeeeeeeeesh........

I tried to get last years one but bloody hard to win over 3000m from 50 behind - but they do look after you well down there.

Already full of sceptics with their heads in the clouds - but full of integrity it must be said.

Certainly Archie that was the run of the night all things considered. I hoped he'd hang on round the turn but the heart was in the mouth 150 out. Would've been sad to see him blow it. Must have been going so well he rolled out of his gait. Kevin's good with claimers but I was surprised he and Timmy picked up that fellow - fully justified though.

yes, but science is not neccessarily proof. Science is research, experimentation and development.

My thoughts exactly.

Is he in Oz and what's he done Maj?

OK Lloyd, I won't fight with you. You can have him. Can someone explain the point of $20, $30, $40K claimers?

Got an idea they had a sizeable offer for him after a two year old win. can't be unsound because he's still going round week after week but I don't think he's paid a dividend for a couple of years. $3K is overs IMHO.