Davis

I think Mark Jones is right. I don't like the writer, at one time he was the best in NZ, today he is just another St Jacinda disciple. And he does seem to have something against harness racing but I don't know what.

I'd be worried about the start drawn out there if Lamb has a shocker. CB could easily be checked by Nandolo or Lamb could let the field go before CB turned around and standing straight. I can see Lamb letting them go while CB is still facing the wrong direction.

I think Krug should still win the race, he's a bit better than the rest. But the draw evens it out and there could be an upset. The fillies' race the same with Amazing Dream drawn bad also giving other fillies a chance. I think Amazing Dream will probably win too, but again the draw evens it out. Could be some place prospects at good odds in those races... just got to find them. 🤣

Addington Cup Day sold out. Not interested in Riccarton. so don't know.

Yes, but with the knowledge that Lamb could ruin my chances...

Lamb is the key...

It is likely that the new Racing Minister will be on hand at Addington? Grant Robertson is fond of free pies and beer.

He was checked at Kaikoura. That could happen again at Addington also, either from a Lamb starting mistake (I'm being polite) or checked by another runner during running. You will need to be handy if not in front with 800-1000 out in both the Cup and Domininon. Many horses will be dropping out at the 800m, breaking, stopping... traffic problems for those behind.

I don't think it is a strong field either mate. I think Spankem will probably win, but Self Assured can also win. I think that will be the quinella. I will probably back Ashley Locaz for a place. I like the way the horse is looking, big and strong, he looks more robust than last season. He could place at good odds. Tim Williams will probably drive Ashley Locaz too, that's another plus.

The present situation in Christchurch is down to a government cockup. How the hell are they letting planeloads of Covid infected Russian and Ukraine fishing boat crew into the country for? It's a fucking joke. In this situation of course it would spread into the community. Couldn't the saintly Jacinda see this coming? They should have told the fishing industry to take a hike, either employ NZers or leave the boats tied at wharf. It would probably do the fish stocks good to be left alone for a season. I don't think there will be any more lockdowns Brodie. Dear Leader has won the election so not necessary anymore.

It is interesting that these rule changes only seem to apply when Lamb is the starter. As Happy said, from now on if a horse gets checked at the start, or is not standing straight, or out of line when "Right" booms out, the trainer/driver/owner can ask to be late scratched. Perhaps the horsemen/women have decided this is the only way they can take action against Lamb. They must get sick of his shambolic starts as much as we do?

You wouldn't be barred from betting over there, mate. Meadowlands you could wager as much as you liked with no restrictions. 😆

Yes.

Brodie, the whole day starts been a shambles. First two mobiles, false starts, Standing, walk, run, wait, up... r-i-g-h-t!! The guy is actually getting worse with experience. 🤣

How long would Lamb last at the Meadowlands?

Sorry, it is all to do with starter. Yea You was not standing straight. Stevie Wonder could have seen that yet the starter said go. This is not an isolated incident he does it all the time. I also can't understand why he is the inside runners bunched up on the inside and then there is a four or five metre gap to the outside horses who are spaced wide apart. At Methven this was an advantage for the outside horses as most made flyers while those bunched on inside were hampered by breakers.

He'll stuff at least one start probably more... and that will be a problem on that tight track. When will something be done about the clown?

Of course the horse is outstanding with the record to prove it. But regardless of the fillies' ability it was still a great drive from Williams as he had to dodge a few horses early in the race.Some other drivers wouldn't have managed to do that....

The stipes are generally more lenient with trotters but this is getting beyond a joke. The horse should not be allowed back at the races until it has trialed at least twice and where it has managed to trot the whole way. Joke.

Tim Williams does it again. What a great drive from Williams to win the MAGNESS BENROW SIRES STAKES FILLIES CHAMPIONSHIP MOB PACE (Gr1) last night at Alexander Park on Bettor Twist. He had a tricky second row draw, had to dodge a breaking horses just after the start and then made his move at the right time to get up outside the leaders. He got the horse to relax and then left them to it in the home straight. Williams really has taken his driving to a new level this season.

Yes, at a Lamb start. Yea You was not standing straight and not ready to start when "right" boomed out. We get this all the time with Lamb, horses not ready and yet he lets the field go. Now that a precedent has happened drivers, trainers and owners will probably complain if their horses get an unfair start to try and get a late scratching. Some will succeed others won't. If Lamb got the starts right we wouldn't have this situation. I think you are right Happy, best to treat it as a joke because while Lamb's around it will continue.

Poor fields overall and some crazy cutthroat driving. I thought that Sybkah Lane stuck on well considering the way it was driven... driver thought he was on Niatross!

Yes. No, Lamb cannot be criticised. Until he retires (hopefully soon) harness racing will have to put up with frequent starting stuff ups from this so-called starter...

Classie Brigade & Ashley Locaz quinella!

Yes, the race was delayed by a minute or so. Don't know the reason for the delay. In front the place to be today at Ashburton as difficult to make ground on leader in straight.