Doomed

Not many of them have travelled all the way from Southland to Canty in the middle of winter. And northern trainers know there will be another race-meeting along in a few days and generally NZTR will put on extra races for them. No such luck in the South.

We desperately need Savaglee to come up as a 4yo. Our top 3yos have had a terrible record at sustaining that form over recent years. Savaglee looks pretty special and reasonably tough to me so it would be great to see him have a successful 4yo campaign.

I've actually forgotten her name. She won the slot and a sales series race and not much else, but lots of money. When I get a moment I will look up her name.

We have a not totally dissimilar situation in NZ this year. The biggest stake earning 3yo this season had a group 3 third as her best effort in a real race from memory. Based on traditional ratings she would probably be the 7th or 8th best 3yo for the season, but she did win the most stakes money through wins in restricted races. It will be fascinating to see if she gets a nomination as top 3yo and whether anyone has the nerve to vote for her.

The irony of Ellerslie having the winter off while Wingatui keeps going. I bet some old-timers wouldn't believe you if they were told that is the way we do it these days. Climate change must be about to take effect.

The theory seems to be that in our brave new world SI racing can basically survive through the winter months with the AWT and Ashburton, with the Riccarton turf popping up every now and again if really necessary. Obviously the trainers weren't consulted about this theory. If they were consulted it would be interesting to hear what they think of the idea now.

I'm really struggling with your logic here. The Pitmans have 12 starters at Riccarton on Saturday, Furlong has one. Without the Pitman runners several of those races would have only two dividends. The Pitmans have won at least $300,000 more than any other SI trainer. Are you suggesting that doesn't matter because they had a few more starts to do it?

So you are arguing that the Pitmans are the most important trainers in the context of SI racing? Without them some races may not have got off the ground. Andrew Carston also crucial, albeit with a poorer strike rate.

Pitmans also by far the biggest stake earners. In fact the only SI trainers to pass the $1m mark. Many would consider that much more important than strike rate.

I thought I saw you there.

I was going to mention the same thing myself. Very interesting finish to the season. And the poor buggers don't get many opportunities. Only 8 races in 11 days just at the moment. Incredible they have kept their strike-rates so low given the lack of opportunities and how hard it is to place a horse properly.

They are all pretty similar really. Mostly between 5 and 8, one at 11.

She was a very good flat rider as well if I recall correctly. I seem to associate her with Clipper Run for Pat Corboy.

What a great idea by the Oamaru JC. I hope they got some support from NZTR to help put it all together.

Looked like a good days racing. They didn't charge to the outside fence.