Cambridge

[tim vince 985]

The problem child off north island harness racing Auckland offering 20k and Cambridge 6500 to 8500.there has to be a differential in handicapping points otherwise Cambridge a great track  good people will really suffer. 

What does it take for common sense in handicapping to allow Cambridge a fair go.the handicapping sub committee of hrnz has to do it's job.

[Taku Umanga 194]

Is there any truth to the rumour currently circulating that the Manawatu club received a letter from HRNZ asking them to reduce their stakes because their ability to offer decent money was making  Cambridge look bad?

If that's true, then Cambridge need to give themselves an uppercut because any such letter surely would have been because they complained to the powers that be.

HRNZ should be applauding clubs that manage to offer great stakes.

If it's good enough for people to say that other trainers need to "up their game" to compete with the All Stars, then shouldn't the same be said to under performing clubs?

[Blue 1,095]

If there is such a stakes variation it's well worth Cambridge trainers travelling to Auckland. They're already penalised by handicapping so makes sense to chase the bigger money.

[eljay 1,719]

Why?    They will not get any return will they so keep your money in your pocket  - and no rebate for owner helping Auckland fill their fields!

[tim vince 985]

Last thing we want is Cambridge to go downhill.stake variation not a problem.hand8capping is.

[eljay 1,719]

Yes Tim.    And that why those experts are smirking - because the general public/fans/punters etc. are not understanding the difference between the points system and handicapping.      And of course the big ally is called discretion.

[tim vince 985]

And of course  only a few of us care.i would have thought the club would have pushed their case .maybe they have maybe they haven't no idea.

[Nelli 432]

Talked to a Cambridge board member today who knew nothing of the rumored letter. This club simply does not have the financial resources to pay higher stakes but plays a vital role in NI harness racing,  assuming we want to keep regional trainers, owners and horses in the game.  Tim is correct that the handicapping system must take earnings into account - it will be absolutely stupid to be penalising a winner at Cambridge the same as one at Auckland earning 2-3× more.  It is great Auckland can pay good stakes but not all horses are competitive at Auckland and the rating system should be able to reflect this. Many times it will be in the best interest of the horse to run in weaker fields, especially those still learning the game.

[frankie 119]

Just seems incredible that most harness people can see the problems in the handicapping system yet the morons running HRNZ won't recognise the issue and change it. Do they live in a different world in ChCh?

[Hunter the punter 23]

Some weeks and months they need those cambridge like        horses racing at the park to fill fields just need they need to program  those races for them share the pie around ? In saying that they don't want claimers or non professionals driving races at park there is probably around 20 to 30 horses that fit that bill a bit sad really for owners  and trainers trying make a crust .if they looked  after the little  guy with cambridge  like horses and most trainers  have those types north island would be a happier  place .

[tim vince 985]

Cambridge vital cog I'm not bagging them but they must act to get a points discretion because of there stakes.have to help themselves.