Chief Stipe

I guess we will wait another week or so for the Stewards vision. How does NSW and VIC get the Stewards vision up the same day?

Didn't say they wouldn't. But there was no way that result was going to be overturned.

You haven't seen the full reasons for the decision yet. The protest would have only lasted five minutes in OZ before being dismissed. That's assuming a Trainer would be bothered lodging one. Bergerson was chancing his luck at best.

Will be interesting to read the full judicial report of the hearing. Some points of "interest": Trackside was refused permission to have a camera in the hearing room. The reason was Covid-19 restrictions. Really? That doesn't make sense - was there more than 200 in the room? Why not set up a camera in the room and record remotely? Don't we need more transparency and dare I say it entertainment? Weatherley gets an 8 day suspension for careless riding allowing his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of Wolverine. Aside from the fact that Maven Belle didn't give Weatherley many options if it was serious enough to give an 8 day suspension was it serious enough to reverse the placings? Would the suspension have happened in OZ?

Race 6 COURTESY FORD MANAWATU SIRES PRODUCE STAKES 1400 (G1) ANDALUS (M McNab) - Began awkwardly, hampering inside runners. BEST SELLER (J Kamaruddin) – Began awkwardly hampering runners to its outside. Commenced to race fiercely near the 800 metres having to be steadied, placing WOLVERINE in restricted room. NEW ORLEANS JAZZ (T Yanagida) – Hampered at the start by inside runner. THE RACKETEER (J Ridell) – Hampered at the start by inside runner. WAITAK (L Allpress) – Hampered at the start by inside runner. LICKETY SPLIT (C Grylls) – Hampered at the start by outside runner. Raced wide without cover throughout. Briefly hampered final bend needing to switch inwards across heels to gain clear racing room. A post-race veterinary examination did not reveal any obvious abnormality. ANDALUS (M McNab) – Began awkwardly hampering LICKETY SPLIT. DYNASTIC (O Bosson) – Hampered at the start. Made the final bend awkwardly, briefly hampering LICKETY SPLIT. When questioned O Bosson was of the opinion there may be something amiss with DYNASTIC. A post-race veterinary examination revealed a small laceration to near hind hock. Following the running of the race the trainer of the second placed horse WOLVERINE, Mr R Bergerson lodged a protest with the Adjudicative Committee alleging interference inside the final 100 metres by the first placed horse MAVEN BELLE. After considering submissions the Adjudicative Committee dismissed the protest with the placing standing, 1st MAVEN BELLE and 2nd WOLVERINE. S Weatherley (MAVEN BELLE) - Admitted a charge of careless riding in that he allowed his mount to shift outwards when not sufficiently clear of WOLVERINE, which was hampered near the 75 metres. After considering submissions the Adjudicative Committee imposed a suspension of his licence to ride in races from the conclusion of racing today, 2 April until the conclusion of racing on Thursday, 14 April, 8 national riding days.

In this instance I don't think Allpress had many options with where her horse settled. Pinn made a move at the right time but Allpress was stuck on the fence. Would be interested to hear more of your analysis @All The Aces. Interesting comment from Allpress when she was interviewed yesterday after an excellent ride on Cool Change to win the second at Awapuni. To paraphrase she said "tracking Bosson and Innes I knew they would safely bring me into the race".... I wondered if she is feeling a little gun shy due to the quality (lack of) in general at the moment.

Well you didn't say that initially. Te Akau seems to get the results from his purchases. Won the last 5 Sires Produce in a row. Not to mention the Karaka Million successes. Although in today's Grp1 Maven Belle is home bred.

In my opinion Wolverine had stopped gaining on Maven Belle before the latter had moved out. Maven Belle had plenty in hand and with less than 50m to go wasn't going to get beaten regardless.

So you are saying he doesn't inspect a large number of yearlings each year?

But that's our mentality in NZ. "Oh we may as well give it a go and see what happens". That is also magnified by the lack of age group opportunities over a number of distances towards the end of the season here. Personally I wouldn't run the risk of racing a horse past its distance. Who knows what it does to their attitude going forward. Don't forget OTB has also had a wind op.

Class carried On The Bubbles as far it could. I like the fact Walker has taken the side rolls off him. Perhaps we might see a little less head gear on the Te Akau horses going forward. Sadly On The Bubbles will be handicapped out of NZ racing very quickly.

I'm not arguing about it. I'm just stating a fact. I recall it being discussed on BOAY and it was pointed out by someone that Aegon didn't suffer an EIPH episode but had suffered an injury to his nose. His last decent run was a 4th in the Memsie last August. Hasn't been to the races since December 2021 and in his two runs back in NZ he never got a clear run in either race. So one could argue that he hasn't come back, hasn't improved or just isn't up to it.

MEETING NEWS Black-Type Trial at Rotorua 9 April An 1050m trial for Group/Listed horses will be held prior to Race 1 at the Rotorua meeting at Arawa Park on Saturday 9 April. Eligibility for this trial is for horses that have been placed 1st to 4th in a Group Race and winners of a Listed Race. Nominations for this trial close on Wednesday 6 April at 10am (the same time as withdrawals for the Rotorua meeting).

What does a staying three year old in NZ actually "kick on" to?

Definitely problems with it. A few good ones have been snapped up by overseas buyers. Plus any owner with any sense would get any decent young horse to OZ asap.

I don't believe Aegon bled. I recall reading that he had an injury to his lower nostril.

But predominantly over 1200 and 1400m. Don't get me wrong I have always been a fan of the horse. I just don't think he is a 2000m horse. $2 is far too short.

Most of the $1m comes from his Karaka Million 2yr old win.

I don't think Ellis has that type of influence as he leaves the training to his trainers. His job in the Te Akau machine is inspecting as many yearlings as he can each year and giving the wink at the sales.

I'm not convinced he does see out a mile. His galloping style and his looks are very much like his sire Brazen Beau. I'd be sticking to 1400m with the occasional 1600m. Surely you can tell in his training if he will get 2000m rather than "testing the waters". From the comments made by Richards and Bosson the horse is a laid back dude around the stable and in his work and trials. That may be giving a false impression of his ability to relax and stay. As for the lack of 3yr old races well that's where our whole pattern in NZ is screwed. The only options are Brisbane winter carnival. But that might be stuffed if the big wet continues.

The official decision may well have been Walkers but he has only been there five minutes so the recommendation would have come from Richards. It will take six months before Walker gets a handle on all the cattle at his disposal.

Hypnos.

I like Maven Belle in the Sires Produce but not the price. In my opinion was poorly ridden at Ellerslie.

Agree. Surely On The Bubbles is a false favourite? Don't see him getting 2000m. Some of Richards decisions I just don't understand.