TAB For Ever

See you in Nov 2025 Gamma.....but don't expect a walkover in the 3 yr old trot next year ! Mean't To Be is a leggy ,long striding fella who will get better. Plus there will be plenty of other opposition. He sold for $130k as a yearling ,his mother only raced a few times but won the NZ Trotting Derby v Boys by 5 lengths ! Mean't to be has a number of first time owners , apartment residents in the on-track complex at Alex Park ! Higher Power looked good but went amiss. And my syndicates have 3 x young trotters who already have won a race and the 2 yr old bonus which go with your first 2 yr old win .Its $8k for the Owners and $4k for breeders. There were 7 trotters chasing it at Ashburton in Maiden trot , 10 @ addigton and at night another 5 @ Cambridge in rain ! I shared your pain with Miki Bennett on Friday ,it looked home. Looking forward to seeing you Nov 2025. Tuesday ,Trot Cup.....Wednesday Gallops, Thursday , Ashburton Harness 14 races ,Friday Group 1 Trots 13 races , Saturday Gallops......get into training NOW !

How right you are Gamma.......after a fair bit of travel taking in Melbourne then into Auckland Trots and down to Christchurch ...Cup week was 'essential' in our southern Household .....it seemed a bit much to lock one self away in a dark space doing battle in the Show Day comp ,particularly when I thought the Locals with all the local bully , the Brodster and the Galah would be simply cleaning up. Swayzee certainly not bothered by the travel ,flies in the day before !!! I hope the room had some heat cos there was a thermal blast , even worse on Gallops Cup day morning...a reminder that place just one sandhill away from the South Pole. We would have been unstoppable.....open minds , huge respect for the Aussies and the much maligned Northern horses and horsepeople ! I sure had the funds ......along with some enthusiastic groups of Aussies I , as per usual in Cup week [ rest day be damned ] drove the 80mins down to Ashvegas and filled the Coffers. By my standards as one of the world's worst punters Ashvegas , 14 races in all, was a revelation the generosity of the dividends [ yes tote] unmatched. Two trotters that everyone was shouting from the rooftops both won paying over $20....one had blown out on Cup day ,2 days earlier ....one run short while the other had ran sensational at the "Cup trials'. One trifecta paid over $5 k !!! Plus Greg Sugars drove a $10 winner ,and a Group performing filly streeted a field of lowly rated battlers ! So Friday was going to be more 'treats'. The magic of Merlin back in distance with the two Aussies in the trifecta....money for jam While the obvious Quinella in big trot with perennial 3rd ,4th or 5th Midnight Dash and RC Phoenix [Aus] Outrageous $600 Tri and $4.8 k First 4. No hindsight needed here ! One needed to be there ....Smoke On The Water in the 13th race to top the day off , and the kitty grew further at Cambridge. I guess you needed to be there Gamma .....so much to enjoy about Cup week !

Well Gamma , you are quite an ingenious thinker to come up with the criteria / rules for this comp. Well done to you......interesting how 1700m starts now so common . Must be to get punters on to the next bet to recover our losses .Ashburton reminded us today how despite the long straight it hard to make much ground from back in straight. Those out wide lose lengths on the bend plus it downhill so impossible to catch those with decent start ! So pleased I came equal with the Brodster , as he always on the money ! As a youngster I studied the Cricket career of Sid Barnes , a real character , who played for Australia about the same time as Sir Donald Bradman. Once against England in a test he batted 10 hours ,including a 400+ partnership in 6 x hours batting with Sir Don. Sir Don went out for 234 , and a few balls later Sid was also dismissed for 234 , claiming what was obvious to most....He got out on same score as he felt he had no right to score more than the GOAT. I felt the same urge in your Comp !! Brodster always on the money !

This explanation and logic should be passed on to Entain boss and Harness enthusiast Dean Shannon ,owner of Merlin among others . It likely to be of interest to him.

Its not the Cup Gamma , its a lead up to the Cup. Merlin a very good horse . If the Chief wins I'll throw in some Boys Get Paid Socks to his prize ,maybe even my BGP tee shirt too !

About to put the white flag up with my runners in so few races , so will be pursuing the Oscar claim. Trained until recently at Matamata and attended Pukekohe trials. DSS didn't travel to be based in Matamata but Millwood Nike [since retired] and Akuta accompanied Oscar.I also note Steven Reid has one in too , so my small boutique team may yet surprise ,particularly as we have the best current drivers in NZ ,Tony H and Zachary B.

We read so much negativity on-line , isn't it time to take stock of our Assets and see the Equity in NZ Racing . Sure betting on Horse Racing among Kiwis has been dwindling in recent years but the Quality of our Horses and Horse people continues to dazzle. During the weekend the brilliance of Chris Waller and James McDonald again made headlines , as did our NZ -bred horses ...as they do week in and week out. Belclare surely a standout with a great back ground story. Bjorn Baker another who is being noticed as well as to the Collett family who have been riding with much success of late ...don't take my word for it , check their recent winners . Jason ,Alysha and Samantha. Earlier in October Mark Walker had won 7 races from 11 starters including a number of black-type races. The Aussies are surely taking notice. And to cap off a good weekend ,for those who bat for both sides and follow Harness driver Dexter Dunn again won some of USA's top races and is widely considered one of best drivers in world. The above is to get a thread started. Add your own post of Kiwi success and achievement !

Come on Chief ,don't let your personal bias and paranoia against Northern racing and in particular the Ellerslie track drag down your apparent interest in NZ racing. Starting these negative threads and waiting for the 'tight -five' to add to the negativity appears to turn many away ! There's a lot of good racing happening and about to happen in next few weeks / months and our horsemen and horses will continue to shine throughout Australasia and beyond. Last week some outstanding educated horses breezed up on excellent Te Rapa track and Ellerslie Racing turned on a good days racing on a very windy day ! From where I watched , an excellent view in the Public stand , the track performed well ,and good money on offer ! The big race saw the favourite win after a speedy start from a wide barrier ...she is a star sprinter , while 4 of the races were won after good rides from our top jockeys [Grylls and Spratt ] getting handy early and dictating from outside leader. The other 4 races were won from back in the field , the Richards horse producing a very strong last 75 m. A good day , top riders and trainers to the fore .....and good money to be made !

I'll take the Northern Raiders.....SLOT 7. I assume the horses trained in Matamata by Mark Purdon will be in my arsenal ! Thats Oscar Bonavena , and I think Don't Stop Dreaming. Lock it in !!

Go the Crusaders !

The financial situation is diabolical ,and caused by non-racing issues but there a continual put downs on here about the 'boring ' racing in North and non-attractiveness of Northern Harness. Its relentless and boring to read.....yes ,small fields are taking their toll on overall attractiveness but still a lot to enjoy with good stock , well driven by the best etc and the action very close up ! And some good money to be made too on the tote ! Even you pulled the old anecdotal ...."I attended once 20 years ago and etc etc'...out of the archives. If it aint that stuff its the commentator etc etc So its the people and horses copping the serves ! Entain obviously hopes some of the former glory can return , personally I can't see it but its worth a try !

Methven is obviously a well organised and hardworking club , who put on popular meetings with a good following. Look at their Financials and one sees a solid Balance Sheet , with streams of cash from outside of racing...as in investment income , farming , grants and a bit from HRNZ for improvements etc. Equity of over $4 mill is impressive ....they have a nice nest egg of Investments and cash ! They would be well placed to add some money to stakes but obviously ask themselves...why should we ,especially when lesser performing clubs get greater handouts for Group races and basic bulk funding to provide stakes . I see the Canterbury meetings over Labour weekend ,Addington and Ashburton have 50-70 horses nommed for some classes where only 2x races planned ,so even with double acceptors there are plenty of horses wanting to race. Seems the current stakes, bonuses etc are definitely slowing down the sales abroad !

Well done to Crystal Hackett for winning the title. A very good driver getting plenty of drives in North , from Harness stock plus drives for top Purdon/Phelan stable who have plenty of faith in her. Leading the Juniors up to the final race was Zev Meredith , another Northerner , but not from Harness stock. Came thru the Kids Kart travel path. Horses run very well for him ! Getting more and more chances in the competitive but 'small sized fields' environment in North. The Northern Harness scene getting a lot of put-downs in recent times , and many on here questioning its 'standing'. It would seem that Northern Harness has the best Junior drivers ,plus many of the top Senior ones too. Ray Green said two weeks ago it seemed easier to win in South , no doubt with Copy That memories firmly in mind ! Quite likely it has better Trainers ,and only sent Mark Purdon south a few years ago to even things up ! To paraphrase , Northern Harness seems to have better horses too. It also has the better Stallions[ Studs] , it has 3 x quite different tracks that can run Night Racing v ONE in South. Yes ,betting has drifted a lot in North in recent years but it has been very good in past so the North shouldn't be written off...........more quality than quantity it seems !

Isn't Kaikoura in Canterbury , therefore a Canterbury club ? Always races on Marlborough Anniversary weekend but it is in Canterbury and most horses from that region.

Get it right Galah, The Muppet pair when comparing your posts with a Steak.....they are medium ,not very rare and not well done. And me on a Committee....I liked a 3 x man committee best when two of them were absent ! Build a bridge old son....I complimented your posts....just don't pass off opinions for facts. Big night tomorrow night...a lot of interesting and very competitive fields. If my 1995 car starts I'll be at Alex Park ,the busiest TAB in the land ,glued to the TV races from the Southplus 9 sports screens ! Great night out...free parking ,free entry ,free race book , free water , maybe pick up a few stronger drinks off friends ,talk to a few interesting Harness enthusiasts and some fellow rest-home attendees. Perfect ,

Go the #11....lock it in !

TAB Forever.......#8 Don't give away too many #11's Gamma !

Nah , your posts don't agitate me , you probably the 'top' poster on here which IMO shows a real passion so all power to you. But my interest in Harness is about the Horses and People and the raceday experience. So many of your posts like the size of Betting pools and where and when the money comes from have no interest to me ...others are good for my insomnia , puts me out fast. If the Muppet pair of Statler and Waldorf were comparing your overall posts with steak they would call them MEDIUM.......not very rare and not well done ! The odd post does make me laugh , a lot. The most recent one was after many comments about most things around the Alexandra Park debacle you commented that you went there ONCE , about 20 years ago and you proceeded to tell of your experience ! Now that was funny ! But No .....no irritation ,the Harness section needs your enthusiasm !

As the horse in question has not raced for nearly 10 years I hope you have recovered from your thoughts. You entitled to your opinion and no doubt have looked closely at some of AC's thinkings , his horses have certainly developed 'Longevity' and I'm sure you'd be very happy with his very low vet bills and the fact he taught himself all the skills required to train and drive against the top professionals.

Well Brodie I actually shocked you have switched off your 'go-to' post of my TAB not letting you get enough on...hopefully you took my advice and spoke to Dean Shannon personally. Early in thread you Questioned why AC was even selling horses ,adding folk should be wary this fact. Again too long inside padded cell bemoaning fact that sizable FO place bets not welcomed. As I pointed out ,selling horses is what AC does ,his bread and butter. Gets them up and running earlier than most and they all for sale ...even TFG was when at his peak ! You were well off the money and adding some fuel to Galahs fire !

Give it a rest Brodie......start knocking someone else . If ,If If.....if your Auntie had balls she would be your Uncle. AC...living the dream I reckon....it was mentioned earlier he didn't have a track ...WRONG ...he built his own house and his own track.Just down the road from another sporting legend Jeff Wilson !

Galah , I'll assist you with your query re LONGEVITY ! As I attended most Jewels I can remember at least 7 trotters in the green & white there. Pinup boy The Fiery Ginga came 2nd and went on to win 28 races from 134 starts ,including Aussie trips.Cocktail Waiter ran 5th and went on to race 53 x times . Twice AC had 2 x horses in the Jewels race .Dark Ops 2/48 returned later year with a different trainer and I saw one of her progeny race last night at the Park ! Often AC's horses beat home those from our top stables[Purdon &Dunn] and even beat home Sundees Son who raced 12 x times as a 2 yr old ! Other Jewels horses of AC's......Imperial Whiz 24 x wins from 243 starts ...WOW. He was sold after setting a record at 2....28 x starts ! Others...Solana 4 wins/ 63 starts , Castletonian 12 / 94 , Rhythmic Sun 12 /70 , . Earlier horses.......Armed Guard 20 wins /199 starts. , Armed Raider 8 / 91 , Prince Harry 14 / 112, Regal Assassin 16 / 111 Night Watch [out of Dark Ops ] 6 /49 , Constar 7 / 29 , Mr Majestic 7 / 93 ,Sunnys Dream 1/48 , Heather Castleton 8 /52 Wait there's more .......The Jinja Ninja 4 / 41 plus dam of Superstar Ninja 10 / 95 Sunscoming 4 / 35 , Christmas Babe 11 / 128 ,Latheronwheel 5 / 25 ok ,ok also Zoogin 0/29 , Crown Range 0/32 , Eye To Eye 1 /25 ,Speedy Success 1 / 53 So the LONGEVITY question answered above !

Not at all Galah , you quite prepared to join in a thread that ,as has happened in the past many times ,was only going to get more negative with derogatory comments about a good honest couple of grass roots battlers. I think you are like the rooster who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow. I wasn't getting at you ...in NZ there are other posters not just you. But you did question the LONGEVITY of horses he raised and developed and suggested there were 'failures'. You were leaning toward negativity. What trainer doesn't have poor performers ,especially those who breed from average stock or buy from bargain basement ?

The Northern raiders will be down South soon. Entain Boss owned the trifecta in the main race plus took out two other wins. Merlin looks the goods , i guess he'll need to be v the Aussies while YourtheonethatIwant like greased lightning ! And Cold Chisellooks very tidy too !

Other slot holders are Dreams are Free synd who should be a contender. That horse's major Owner is Mr Fahy a genial Southland farmer and passionate Harness owner and breeder. His fellow owners in this horse are a bunch of young Southlanders , some in their first horse. The Dunfords are a Father and Son combo who buy just one decent horse a year at sales and have have some amazing success from Mark Purdon barn. Their current contender would be 'We Walk By Faith ' .They partown the very talented 'Don't Stop Dreaming' and a few years back won the Auckland Cup etc with 'Have Faith In Me'. Studhome Bloodstock has been one of NZ's top breeders in recent years. Summit Bloodstock is a huge Australian breeder/owner !