Walt

Hunter Cup looking like a mouth watering preposition Gammalite. I feel you may be on the cusp of changing your user name to "Leap To Fame"...sacrilege I know The very thought thought requires the mouth to be cleaned out with soap. Got to wonder what Alta Orlando has to do for a lush back paddock? He's 12 years old, won over a million dollars and if he's not saying "enough" then I don't know what is.

apologies HR. I just assumed you had a basic comprehension of the English language. Perhaps Chief may need to resort to crayons to assist you.

ideology and it's bed partners.....ignorance & stupidity

Glad you enjoyed it H.R. I'm picking the main reason being that it's so very familiar image to you. Virtually identical to the one you see while brushing your teeth and shaving. Unsure how you manage to keep the white gloves clean and dry? Do you just remove one whilst doing your Michael Jackson impersonation? Do you also reside in Neverland? but why the need for rainbow coloured balloon's? Are you considering using the forum to make a deeply personal statement?

Naive twaddle. Oh the irony of the Swiss wanting to stay out of WWII. Pity you can't see it. My perspective on the potential Chinese threat has absolutely zero to do with them speaking English or not. We have many wonderful new New Zealanders that English is not their first language. They pose absolutely no threat to us. Many Chinese here just want a better life and hate the CCP even more than many in the West. One size however does not fit all. There are big numbers of Chinese here that would defend the CCP to the death. Where do you think their loyalty will go if / when the Chinese decide to follow through with their quest for global dominance? Go speak to Chinese citizens operating a business here that refuse to keep paying the CCP. Ask how they see the CCP and their loyal followers within NZ. I had a business colleague who had health issues relating to his kidney's. While in China he was taken to a prison for mostly opponents of the CCP. He was offered to pick out a healthy prisoner so his organs could be harvested. The Chinese involved viewed this in a similar way to how the process at a restaurant unfolds when a customer picks out a live crayfish in a tank. Everything he relayed to me and others about diabolical situations has been verified by Chinese citizens I've done business with in NZ. They are the harshest critics of the CCP. The Chinese could easily send our banking system into complete free fall if / when required. How do you think that would impact during a time of military conflict / invasion? Same can be said for our Electricity grid etc etc etc. Do you believe the CCP are capable of taking these actions? In a heartbeat is the correct answer. The Chinese dish out threats like cheap confetti but anyone that gifts them the benefit of the doubt over their master plan has not been paying attention to 80 year old history or more recent history. Look out how they've treated Australia for having the audacity to ask for an investigation into the origins of Covid. You know, the virus that has killed many millions of innocent people and turned the world on it's head. Not only did they deliberately set out to hurt the Australian economy but they took great satisfaction in doing so because it suited their purpose. Just a very small taste of what's on standby. It's lame in the extreme to accuse me or anyone else you disagree with as being a person who has soaked up US propaganda. Surely you can do better than that? I trust the CIA about as far as I can throw an adult Elephant. ...but I trust them more than the CCP who are evil right up there alongside the regime of the German Reich. Who else would you consider calling for help when military conflict arrives? The tooth fairy or perhaps the crew from middle earth? Do you honestly believe China has achieved it's business status via above board means? Are you really that naive? They have absolutely not followed the American business model. You say there is no rational reason for the Chinese to invade NZ. If you're referring to the current situation you'd be absolutely correct....but, when military conflict unfolds at say Taiwan, NZ will have to pick a team. Neutrality is not an option. Taiwan has many military friends. When China invades Taiwan the world will be at war once again. That war will involve, United States, Australia, Britain, Canada etc etc. All of those countries will be at war with China. What do you think Russia, North Korea, Iran etc etc will be doing? The strategic location of NZ suddenly takes on far greater significance. You can't debate geopolitical facts all day at all. Anyone who reads this can see all you have is naive clap trap of equal value to the worth of the hole in the middle of a donut. Independent foreign policy is exactly what China want NZ to adopt. Why would that be so? it's ironic you advocate that. I'm starting to think based on your idealistic worthless claptrap that you probably have a foot in both the Labour and Green camps. You remind me of the clowns in the US screaming to defund the Police. ....then when they need urgent help, who do they call? If the cap / hat fits......

I'm fairly confident that despite outward appearances that you're not completely stupid. I therefore assume you're just being obtuse. Let's start with the Chinese. You know about WWII? You'll know the Japanese butchered their way through the Pacific killing millions, often with bayonets and shovels? Why? Obviously as part of their master plan. To achieve this they knew obtaining strategic locations in the Pacific was absolutely critical. You'll be aware that the Chinese also have a Master Plan. It is no coincidence that they also recognize the significance of strategic locations in the Pacific to achieve their goal that the CCP is just sitting on for now until they are ready. Many believe Taiwan will be the Poland of WWII. Are you part of the sensible shoe wearing muesli biscuit munchers who believe the Chinese are gifting billions around the Pacific because of their kind spirit? They target ignorant greedy bastards and gift them more cash than they know what to do with. What will NZ do when the shit kicks off? Stay neutral ? Go ask the countries in WWII who also foolishly thought that was a sensible option. That is seen as a weakness by an attacking force. That is even more so if that country is relatively friendless and a soft target. When the brown stuff hits the rotating device it will be attack and multiple fronts in a blitzkrieg. Countries will be so busy defending their own land and people they will put very little priority on helping countries that chose to go it alone. NZ aligning themselves with traditional allies is not only extremely prudent, it's now more important than it's been at any time since 1945. Those that disagree can go stand at the border and try to reason with a single minded attacking force when it inevitably arrives within the next decade and report back how they get on. I assume you'll be there wearing the wooly green cardy with a reindeer on that your nana knitted for you. Just for extra support you could take the gender fluid transgender movement with you along with the perpetually offended crew for back up. Best of luck Pasta.

I've tried to be respectful toward you despite you being an obvious left wing troll but you respond by jumping straight into abuse. The list of important things you haven't got a clue about would fill the Town Hall. As the prospect of a World War draws closer, having allies will take on even greater significance. Playing nice is seen as weakness by the very people that would target our country. You and your woke snowflakes can just stand at our borders and tell the invading forces how offended you are by their activities. I'm sure they will have a rethink and then retreat. Your left wing world is so perfect that I struggle to understand why you're so bitter.

It's getting that way Brodie....maybe in the next few seasons we'll see two horse match races and he can tell a long winded story about The Iceman and The Chief so we don't fall asleep. How riveting would that be

100% ....as our world lurches closer and closer to a diabolical situation none of us want we can't afford to be left out in the cold with no mates. It's all well and good wanting us to all have peace and live happily ever after but ultimately, we may not have a lot of say in what unfolds. Being friendless in an important strategic area could become our biggest weakness. Remember the words in our anthem. "Peace, not war, shall be our boast, But, should foes assail our coast, Make us then a mighty host, God defend our free land. Lord of battles in Thy might, Put our enemies to flight, Let our cause be just and right, God defend New Zealand." "May our mountains ever be Freedom's ramparts on the sea, Make us faithful unto Thee, God defend our free land. Guide her in the nations' van, Preaching love and truth to man, Working out Thy glorious plan, God defend New Zealand."

When The Magic Man and The Wizard are in the same race, who would create the most magic?

I forgot about "The Wizard"....haha It is fortunate that only the best drivers are at Alexandra Park. Matt Cross is lucky all the drivers in the South Island are so ordinary that he doesn't need to come up with pointless pet names for them Mind you, I always liked the name "Birdshit" for Richard. Not sure how he felt about it. Imagine how it would have sounded in the 1979 Interdominion Trotters Final if Reon decided to change the name "No Response"....for "Birdshit".....and here's Birdshit flying through the middle

Aaron as the race caller does an ok job. Personally, I think he does a much better job with the galloper's than harness. Would be a positive if he just called the races rather than attempt to curry favour with drivers or set trends. I cross paths with many in the game and I can put hand on heart and say I've never heard anyone else call David Butcher "The Chief" ....or refer to Alexandra Park as the "Ribbon of light".....in my not so humble view it adds absolutely nothing to the harness experience yet he reaches for it at every opportunity. Please, just call the far king races

It's not all depressing news Brodie. Only one more sleep until we hear "all dressed up and nowhere to go".......at the "Ribbon of light"..... It would also be remiss of me not to mention the Magic Man, The Ice Man, The Post Man and mustn't forget The Chief.

Yes, the first 100 days will be a busy time for the new Government. Instead of it being a clean up in aisle 1 for them....it's clean up required in aisle's 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,and 24. They will be very busy all the while having to listen to the babble from the rabble ......in the cheap seats. That first 100 days needs to understood. No legislation can be addressed until at least the new coalition was sworn in on the 27th of November. Nothing could be done between election day on the 14th of October and the 27th November. Then the house retired for it's break on the 14th of December. Four of the 17 days to move forward were weekends. Be patient H.R. This Government will get things done a hell of a lot more efficiently than the last lot who were more interested in virtue signaling than actually achieving anything meaningful. How pathetic is Hipkins? He looks like a friendless lost child in a school playground desperate to pick a side and be accepted. As always, his side will be about ethnicity and sexual orientation so he is still clearly stuck in his echo chamber. Once upon a time the Labour Party represented the working man / woman. Had they stuck to that they would still be in Government. They can blame the coalition until the second coming but they only need look at themselves to where things have gone so badly wrong. Farcically, Hipkins is still saying he doesn't know what Labour could have done differently to win the election. You know what they say about a person who doesn't recognize their own mistakes.......dot dot dot. If Labour have any clues between them, they will replace Hipkins very quickly and get back to the values the party was formed on in July 1916.

I lived on the Shore for 40 years. There have always been Motorcycle Clubs / Gangs all over the Shore. The Head Hunters especially have made the Browns Bay area their home for the last decade or so. The previous Government were very kind to gangs and that message was received loud and clear by the gangs themselves. When one of their members buys a property, they do so while dressing and appearing just like any other person. There is no visible patch on display and "Gang Member" is not an occupation so doesn't not appear on the ownership / mortgage paperwork. It's only later when patches are seen on the property that it become clearer who the new owner is. We live in a civilized country where we don't take properties off people just because they are a member of a motorcycle club / gang or they are suspected of criminal activity. That situation changes once it is proven criminal offending is occurring and even more so if it is deemed the property has been purchased via the proceeds of illicit activity. That aside, we are still in January. The new Government has a lot on it's plate including an abundance of misinformation and fearmongering regarding the Treaty of Waitangi. The Government in a democracy can't just decide at a Christmas BBQ to create new laws and enforce them while the house is not sitting. You'll be aware of that so I'm unsure what point you're trying to make. I appreciate you despise the new Coalition Government and have been fear mongering ever since your beloved Labour Party were put out with the trash.

I'm mostly a harness man Shad but the gallopers do get my interest when the group races run or jumps racing. What they've done to the Ellerslie Hill will help kill off Jumps racing in NZ. Not a big fan of the same old same old lower grade winter flat racing. I remember going to Riccarton in the late 1970's or early 80's and meeting up with my brother and a handful of his university mates who were like most Uni students in that they were on the bones of their arse. I told them about a horse in the last race called Precious Mac. By the time the last race came we were all plastered. They all had their $5, $10 or $20 on Precious Mac. We watched it from the top of the old stand. He was coming last in the running and turning in. They gave up in fits of laughter and uncomplimentary remarks about my tip.....which dive bombed them late down the outside to even bigger fits of laughter. I was the guru after that and retired as their tipster undefeated Well done for having a horse good enough to win 7 and run in the NZ Cup. Who was your trainer Shad? My punting cue will go back in the rack now till around Easter but will be around. Cheers

Someone has to pay for the flying circus and their pink gin Shad

Thanks Shad...I didn't mean to sound pretentious speaking of the Presidents room. It's just a double bedroom size that has loads of picture framed photos on the wall that people like us soak up. It's also where the club President has a nice moment and a drink with the connections of race winners. We were looked after all day which was well received. Me thinks I have light years to go before I can see the top but thank you for the compliment I love the back story of harness racing, both from the horse and people perspective. Can't get enough. Unfortunately, some of the history is not happily ever after and is confronting. The bottom line is all of the people I know in the game love their horses and are passionate about the sport. If I could have one request in the game it would be more weight is put on the voices of trainers and drivers. Harness racing is being steered into oblivion at this time and if we are not careful, the past will be all we have. Cheers

You know how it works Gammalite. One day picking winners is too easy. The next day you can't buy a winner. My dad would always tell me you can't be nice looking and lucky......but it's a bastard when you're neither

Cheers Shad. My knowledge of that triple dead heat is limited to what is said on the photo. I actually took a photo of that picture in the Presidents room at the Nelson Trotting Club. Caught my attention and I appreciate that sort of thing. Our Mana was a beauty for Colin. He's always been a guy that I enjoy seeing with a good horse or two.

Always enjoy Addington but love my grass track harness. Can't get enough of it.

I did Shad...my biggest frustration today was missing the 8k trifecta with my first pick Saratoga Sunset winning and my other pick Razor's Edge running 3rd. The run of Razor's Edge encouraged me to believe it was the right day to stay with the stable and follow my dosh with Sods Law. Disappointed the circuit is at an end.

Absolutely no offence. I love the fact we are sharing our thoughts pre race. Long may that continue. We are likely going to get it wrong more often than not but hearing the thoughts of others encourages me to re-examine my own picks. Perhaps we should have punting competitions on good meetings where you get 5 points for first, 3 points for second and 1 point for third. Double points if your win price is $10 or better and $3 or better for place.

R1......Bottom and top.....KOWHAI SUMMIT...looked good once balanced on the first day. Jones stable firing as is Samanatha Otlley ...a good beginning and could win. POPNROCK had trialed well prior to Nelson but bad manners have let the side down. Drawn well here. A safe getaway and it's game on. R2.....MELODY ARDERN with Tim Williams and the premier draw should get a good run and win. ROCKSENT was very solid on Friday and no disgrace being beaten by Twista. R3.......ALTA SHOWGIRL is the best horse in the race and with JD driving in an average field, should win. R4.......SARASOTA SUNSET was strong at the finish. Could win if luck on her side. RAZORS EDGE got my attention on Friday. Not exactly sure where his fitness level is but was not knocked around. With a clear run can be in the finish. R5......EYRE I WILL was only just nutted on day 1 by a horse with an easy run. Stable in form. Should lead and win. R6.....MIDFREW LUCRE ran very nicely on the first day. Bob takes over. Should go very close. R7.....SOVIET STAR capped off some solid Nelson runs to win on Friday. Can double up. R8......no reason MUSCLE BANK can't double up. ZSA ZOE looks a great place bet. R9......JACCKA OPA drawn ice. Just getting warmed up on Friday. Can win. R10.....MOSSDALE BEN is my bet of the meeting. The distance suits and he just wins. GET UP N DANCE is a superb animal and has gone great at the trials. DOUBLE TIME is the main danger to the above. R11.....MILLWOOD INDIE could make it a double for the stable. R12.....MM SUNSHINE was nice in victory on day 1 and can double up. SON OF PATRICK was very solid on Friday and a genuine win chance here.