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We have Thursday's final declarations for the second day of the York Dante meeting. Two Group 2 races - both over 2050m. The Middleton is for the older fillies and mares. Eight go to post but four seem to dominate according to the betting and the ratings. Joint top rated are SEA OF FIRE and BEAUTIFUL LOVE. The former ran okay when fifth in the Gordon Richards at Sandown three weeks ago - she needed the run and should be a lot fitter though I think she's a 2400m type. BEAUTIFUL LOVE runs for Godolphin and turns out quickly after running third in the Dahlia at Newmarket. Her stable companion CINDERELLA'S DREAM looked very good winning that race but the quick turnround worries me. Ralph Beckett runs DOHA who seems completely indifferent to the ground. She won a decent handicap on quick turf at the Royal meeting but won in Listed company in France on very soft ground. She was fifth in the Nassau but well held on Champions Day when the 2100m on very soft ground might have been too much. I can't have her first time up for all I think she's a decent filly. NAKHEEL won the Park Hill at Doncaster over 2850m so this is a big drop in trip for her first run so I'll let her go as well. Of the others, ROYAL DRESS and SIOUX LIFE are two others whose form is all on much slower turf. It's a race, like a bad wine, to lay down and avoid, but if you force me to take $20 from @scooby3051's hand, I'd put it on SEA OF FIRE. The Dante is the credential Derby trial - the record of winners has been very strong though the record of placed horses not so good. Eleven go to post and the field is headed by the current English Derby favourite THE LION IN WINTER who is 4/5. He only ran twice as a juvenile but his second run was a win in the Acomb over 1400m of the Knavesmire. Course and ground look fine - whether he's an Epsom type is a question for three weeks time and were it not for the strength of the Ballydoyle runners in the recent trials, I'd consider 4/5 a big lay. He faces the horse he beat in the Acomb, WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE, who has mixed it at the top table both as a juvenile and this campaign. He won the Royal Lodge at Newmarket before running third in the Futurity at Doncaster. This season, he was second to FIELD OF GOLD in the Craven and then fifth in the 2000 Guineas where he suffered interference at the start but ran home well. The step up to 2050m will help - whether he can overturn the Acomb form with THE LION IN WINTER is another question. Godolphin run the unbeaten ALPINE HILLS who has looked decent in wins at Yarmouth and in Listed company at Newmarket last time - this is another step forward in class. TUSCAN HILLS run for the north (DANTE was the last northern trained Derby winner just after WW2) and while he looked good on soft ground at Pontefract last autumn, this is entirely different.  Ralph Beckett runs PRIDE OF ARRAS who won his maiden impressively at Sandown last summer and could be anything while the Gosdens set us a poser by running three. I like DAMYSUS who was a decent third at Sandown last month - he's my each way pick at 14s. Races like this make or break reputations - IF THE LION IN WINTER wins well, he'll be a strong favourite for Epsom but I like WIMBLEDON HAWKEYE against him, I respect ALPINE HILLS and PRIDE OF ARRAS who are both unexposed but the each way play is DAMYSUS.

Well said  Heap, the funny thing about this is this week he has a spot in the PGA Championship starting at 250-1 and has beaten Mcilroy twice in Big Tournaments....the 6,75 top 20 looks a must in multis given his pedigree....cashing out for 677 when he missed the fairway in the playoff pissed me off slightly but stoked he won, now to back it up again  against the cream of the Crop

To quote Shakespeare "Thou Protest Too Much"   You constantly Māori Bash but you claim not to be a racist.  These are the same tactics used by Don Brash and The Act Party and they are copying the strategy used for many years by the KKK. Last night I went to an excellent performance in Napier by Marlon Williams where most of his songs were in Te Reo. There is no way in hell that you would attend that.   When it comes to Tariffs, Trump has had to find an off ramp. because he would have totally stuffed USA. This from the idiot who wasn't going to back down. He still has major problems as Tariffs are a tax on the USA people and will cause inflation and job losses. There are also the countries such a Canada who are looking elsewhere for trade and travel. The amount of agricultural and car imports into USA from The Uk has been stuff all. The only British car you are likely to see in USA in the odd Rolls Royce.      

The Schick Family have been overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and support shown at this extremely difficult time. In lieu of any flowers or food, the family has asked that anyone who wishes to make a contribution, should kindly donate to this Give a Little page. https://givealittle.co.nz/.../in-loving-memory-of-jimmy... Rodney, Oli and Jack who were rescued at the scene would like to personally distribute all the funds to the amazing emergency services teams including Cambridge Fire Brigade, Hato Hone St John Ambulance and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter who were truly amazing in our time of need. A huge thanks also to our local Police who were fantastic. Our love, thanks and gratitude go out to them all  

The Don's a winner yet again - what a legend  - done more since taking office than any Democrat Government could eva dream in 4 years esp the last racist- pedofile moron  

Where else would they go? Put them out until the spring? Tough luck if you have a horse who likes a wet track. Bizarre when you think about it. A $200,000 jumps race, while at the same time discouraging wet track flat horses. Strange old world. Six horses, including a maiden in the $40,000 open mile. Last week full fields in Southland for $17,000. It just seems like something isn't quite right.

Trump (who said he'd NEVER back down) folded, China wins 1-0 (or by a full house against a bluff maybe?). TA doesn't even know the difference between new and knew, or how to punctuate, begin and end his sentences (l guess he's soooo excited 🤣),  so he doesn't even make the reserves bench.  

Unsurprinsgly the TDS'S have been silent today - either in shock that the Don was yet again right and doing what he promised ( MAGA ) Or are they searching looking for something ( anything ) that'll put a negative spin on The Don's winners train , maybe they still have egg on their faces denying USA and China have been in talks for weeks despite what fake news raved on about Maybe the new Pope should look at making The Don a Saint - Saint Donald has a certain ring to it and deserves merit to go with his new fancy plane    

The futures suggest the DJ will ease about 100pts tomorrow but who knows one things for sure Trump is winning and in record time many thought his tariff policy would be a disaster but he new better , there you go Hedley why don't you give us an opinion on what you have seen , don't bother posting clips nobody has the time or desire to view .

Auckland and Wellington especially are declining in Rugby and it's place in the community much more than some of the provinces, kids more than likely playing soccer more than likely as Rugby is now full of Islanders who are simply much bigger but the whole Rugby landscape needs a overhaul, some unions need to amalgamate, does Super Rugby need to start as early or finish in July,, just flogging the same old product week in week out which is what Sky want, but do they need 16 rounds when a simple round Robin would suffice  but the NPC was better when most games were played Saturday afternoon,  Sky may well pull the pin on screening every game, would that matter ?  The minor unions have their place too but the Rugby Union pay all the travel cost for Heartland teams,  not cheap,but it seems at the highest level a whole lot of hangers on raiding the orchard, nice if you can get it but just like many things with racing it's not sustainable for ever. We are a very small country with a small economy , professional sports wise, always have been.

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1142708529849061 Billy T James

Beautiful tribute to a young life tragically lost so soon...wishing the family all the strength they are going to need and hoping both Rod and Ollie make speedy and full recoveries. Waikato ATV fatal crash: 10-year-old Jimmy Schick killed, family’s heartfelt tribute for dearly loved son By Michael Guerin Racing Editor·NZ Herald· 13 May, 2025 02:08 PM5 mins to read Save Ten-year-old Jimmy Schick was killed in an ATV crash on Mother’s Day at Karapiro. Rodney Schick remains in intensive care, while his son Oli is recovering in hospital. The Schick family, known for Windsor Park Stud, has received widespread support and condolences. One of horse racing’s best-known families has spoken for the first time since a tragic off-road accident claimed the life of their 10-year-old son on Mother’s Day. Jimmy Schick died after an all-terrain vehicle accident on a Waikato property on Sunday afternoon, May 11, in which his father Rodney was badly hurt and remains in intensive care.  Jimmy’s 12-year-old brother Oli was also hurt and remains in the children’s ward at Waikato Hospital not far from his father. Another child, a family friend, was also involved in the accident, but is expected to be discharged from hospital tomorrow. “In incredibly sad circumstances, the family kindly asks for privacy as they come to terms with the devastating loss of their dearly loved Jimmy,” a Schick family spokesperson said. “The Schick family and Windsor Park team express their sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of love, support and concern during this most difficult of times. “Rodney is receiving the best possible care from the dedicated team in the Intensive Care Unit at Waikato Hospital and further updates will be shared as information becomes available.” The Schicks are New Zealand racing royalty as owners of Windsor Park Stud, one of the country’s premier breeding businesses, which stands stallions and breeds from thoroughbred mares. They have bred some of New Zealand’s best ever racehorses, firstly when the business was owned and run by Rodney’s father Nelson, with Rodney now a co-owner and the stud master. They have not only been successful breeders but have raced many top line horses and are huge contributors to charity, recently raising $30,000 for charity. Rodney Schick, who is also a board member of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, remains in intensive care and the Herald understands has required at least two operations. The death of Jimmy has left the close-knit horse racing industry and their local community stunned. The schoolboy rugby player was mad on horse racing and would attend horse sales with his father as he one day hoped to step into the family business. Those dreams are now gone, leaving a family devastated.  Rodney Schick with his sons Jimmy (next to father) and Oli (far left). Photo / Windsor Park The statement from the Schick family also provided a small update on how the others injured in the crash are recovering.  “[Rodney] is in a stable condition with a long recovery expected,  “Oli is recovering well with support from the amazing team in the children’s ward. “We appreciate everything that has been provided and sent to the family - we are well supported and catered for at this stage.  “Thank you for your understanding and support.”   ‘Heartbreaking tragedy’ - Mayor  Waipā Mayor Susan O’Regan told the Herald that “our hearts are heavy today as we come to terms with the tragic ATV accident ... on Mother’s Day”. She said the Schick family is “well-known, respected, and a longstanding local family”. She offered her deepest and sincerest condolences on behalf of the district.  “Whichever way you look at this, it is an absolute heartbreaking tragedy. The days, weeks, and months ahead will be challenging for them.” As a community, she wanted the family to know they “hope to support and comfort” them as best as possible.  “Cambridge and indeed Waipa enjoys tight-knit connected communities who look out for and support one another and I expect this will come to the fore in the aftermath of this tragedy.”   O’Regan thanked the emergency services who were involved in the incident on Sunday for their “selfless service”.  The site of the accident on French Pass Rd, near Cambridge. School mourns much-loved student Kaipaki school principal Kim Budd said; “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that happened to one of our school families on Sunday, including the loss of one of our school’s much-loved students”. “Our thoughts and aroha are with their whānau during this time of profound loss, including with other family members who are injured.” The staff and board are committed to supporting the students and school community as they navigate through this difficult time together, Budd said. ‘We are family’  The Racing NZ Thoroughbred chat page posted on Facebook saying it was with “sadness” that they announced the death of Jimmy Schick, the grandson of Nelson from Windsor Park. “We again are reminded of our fragile life and whatever our status is in our horse industry.  “We are family, although we compete vigorously with each other, no matter what part of our industry, we are still the racing family.” The post offered its prayers to Schick, a now “hall of famer in the Lord’s house”, and their condolences to his parents and the Windsor Park family.  ‘Hectic time’: Remote and challenging rescue effort  Earlier, Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Dennis Hunt said he believed the group had been hunting when the six seater side-by-side all-terrain vehicle rolled, according to Stuff. “It was a hectic time out there,” he said.  “It was quite remote and we couldn’t get a 4WD to it. We had to be taken there by the neighbours.” Police confirmed two other children were flown to hospital after the ATV crash, and were now in a stable condition.  Hato Hone St John said it sent three helicopters as the area was inaccessible by road. - Additional reporting by Malisha Kumar

Yes , that is a serious question , even if there is nothing sinister in the report it's not a good look , and give the impression that something is being kept quiet . We have both Cambridge and Awapuni having their season opening meetings next week , it's going to be interesting to see how both fare with the new open nominations scenario . Obviously the mdns are an easy one but those horses with a win or more is going to be interesting . A 1 win horse racing against a 4/5 win horse isn't going to make the 1 win horses connections happy , but the 4/5 win carrying a huge impost is creating the same unhappiness . I have one running so will be watching with interest .

The only suspense in advance of the May 17 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course was what posts the entrants would draw and how heavy of a favorite Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Journalism would find himself. View the full article

Also the question must be asked why are the powers that be sitting on the report on the Awapuni Synthetic???

Didn't see that and I wouldn't have been looking for it as possibly some or many trainers . Interesting for them to do that , a conspiracy theorist would think that it was done to catch people out and deliberately keep noms low , for whatever reason . But I'm not so trust there was a genuine lack of interest , which in itself is a worry , you would think there would be horses needing a run to prepare for the upcoming AWT racing there . Or perhaps not that many .

Still doesn;t explain why the change from the norm. Most people would still be assuming the day before was applicable. 

https://www.facebook.com/504850440/videos/3241487962671986 Fiona Rose Diamond

That's from the weekly nom/withdrawal reminder notice on the NZTR website. https://loveracing.nz/RaceInfo/49027/Meeting-News-Article.aspx

Why? The day before is the norm. Were trainers advised of the change.