Counter Punch

That'd be bigger than the second coming of Christ. Literally. RIP.

Thought his trial last week was very good. Looked strong and fit. Will need a few you'd imagine, but patiently handled how good would it be to have him back during Cup Week shooting for gold.

Don't follow the ??? he's hopeless on the all weather.

Sugar Cane looks a good each way bet.

Bred by Crabbe, who also bred and raced the dam with Bruce Francis, formerly of Ashburton. Bruce stood Save Fuel at Ashmorven stud and raced some really nice horses in the 90's; Kajura, Savarma (won five in a row I think), Lignano among others. That dour trait of Save Fuel tended to run through most of his horses, who seemed to be able to run for long periods at high speed. Shartin's blood runs back to Kajura somewhere along the line, I think.

They do, and have done for many years. Just combined them last year. Presume it will continue in its former existence again this year.

Methven heat was well attended last year from memory. Shame it's gone. Heats at Methven on Cup Day and at The Mot on DG Jones day would sort them out.

Absolutley. It's the best way to get a real feel for things, didn't you know.

Arden Roanoke should win for fun. 3-4 lengths. Flame Lady by a length or two. Rock On not that good but will by somewhere around half a length She's A Rebel looks smart a win by 3. Can't bloody wait for grass track racing. Methven looked outstanding this morning.

Four.

Probably in here: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2017/0035/latest/DLM7161207.html somewhere. Have fun reading.

We've got one in the first who might be able to play a role if things pan out. DD's Super Stuart Copped a pretty big check at the 800m last week and made up a fair bit of ground to run fifth. Think the mobile will suit him. I'm by no means declaring him, but he is going to be a really nice horse next season and wouldn't be surprised to see him run top three tonight.

Refund was paid out in bonus bets. So, yes - they are getting it back.

Couple at odds maybe worth an each way. Race 2; Huckabee Race 7; Cruisin Ruben

Take this with a grain of salt if you like. On what I've seen of Classie Brigade in his last two starts he's getting back to somewhere near his best which, as a three-year-old, had him near the best of the rest behind Lazarus. In four months U May Cullect has gone from being an unknown unqualified pacer in Southland to tonight winning a $40k race at Addington against some very good horses. Triple Eight was unlucky probably not to run third behind Turn It Up at the Jewels a couple of weeks ago. I'm not hyping UMC up. I think he's a very good horse but we'll see just how good in the spring. But on what I've seen, he's going to mix it right up there with the best of them when that time comes.

Craig Kennett, Neil Bennett or Paul Walton....which one?

That drive on Divinia Bellezza yesterday was ridiculously good. Watching replays consistently and watching them multiple times just further underlines just how he gives each and every horse he's on the best possible chance to finish as close as possible.

In saying that, Chaat might not be the worst each way bet tonight with the usual good manners.

Omen tips for the Brodster this evening... (S) he's so right Best Of The Bunch Chaat (he's full of it) Gimmefiveminutesmore.... of your time Frosty Reception

She is, simply, stunning. Sugar Cane and The Guild will both get a little of my hard earned tomorrow.

I usually love having a go at Premier nights, always some good money to be made. Problem at the moment is I'm doing good form for Sunday meetings and expecting the same signs and types of performances to translate to premier meetings. My own fault.

I give up on Addington, just can't get a break their at the moment. Give me Oamaru on Sunday. The Guild in Race 3 for early players.

I guess you could take "tragedy beaten" as a sweeping comment. Sweeping in the fact that it doesn't imply either way whether it was driver error or just damn bad luck as to why the horse was beaten. In saying that, I've just watched the race again and am struggling to see many opportunities, if any, where he was supposed to get off the fence? There may have been some small opportunities down the back straight to forcefully get off the fence, but when a driver is parallel to the ground it can be hard to make those moves...

Burlington would have won last week if it had got clear air at any point down the straight - the biggest tragedy beaten I've seen in a long time. Draws one tonight, might be able to throw the tow rope out and get onto the back of The Moonshadow. There's already been plenty of money ($17-$12) but that's still good e/w value IMO. Also think Havtime is a very good place bet tonight. She should be able to hold up and then give the lead to Belle Of Montana if they want. The $3.50 is very nice. If you're having a bet early - make the most of the TAB money back offer. Flying Mister Ideal is $4 in the Heisenberg race (Race 2). Think he will trail him and he might be able to get him up the lane - but as long as he runs second, third or fourth - you get your money back and it's hard not see him finishing in one of those positions if he doesn't win, which I think he will. Think you get up to $30 back.

Funnily enough, yesterday's crowd on course at Timaru was a very good one. There seemed to be people everywhere, no spare seats inside and there were plenty out in front of the stands enjoying the day. To me it had great atmosphere yesterday, far better than what I felt at Rangiora last week anyway. They are a good club Timaru, they put a lot into their meetings and should be commended for their efforts yesterday. The horse parading thing was a bit of a shame, but it was mentioned right throughout the day that a short wander down to the parade ring was the best to get up close and personal with the horses and plenty of people did just that.