Davis

I think it was more a case of the horse not handling the track. The track surface looked very loose, dusty (don't they have a water cart at 4bury?). She trotted roughly the whole way, skilful drive from Gerard showing his class who had to hold her in check throughout. He kept her trotting to the line, many other drivers wouldn't have achieved that.

I wil not back her today so she will probably bolt in! 🙄

Perhaps they have decided not to continue a Cup campaign? The horse is well down in the rankings and would have to win at least one race before the Cup to get a start. I don't think he is going well enough to win a race. I think they would be better to concentrate on a race like the Junior FFA on Cup day, that would suit him better?

The Queen must win today Happy?

It was a long time ago so my memory is hazy, but I can remember that Tussle ran a lot of seconds before finally winning a race. I am sure it was more than six but could be wrong? I could have a look at Tussels race record I guess but better things to do at the moment. 😁 Once Tussle won a race she was away and won many races. I think Queen of Stratfield will be the same!

Who will the Haras des Trotteurs Sires Stakes Championship Mobile Trot at Alexandra Park tonight? It is disapointing that there is only a small field of six trotters and realistically there are only two or three that have a chance. Will the Williamson pair improve enough to beat Tony Herlihy's Bolt For Brilliance? I don't think they can after Bolt For Brilliance bolted in last start in a NZ record. To my mind, the Williamson horses haven't been performing as well this season as they have in the past. Perhaps the trainer has lost his mojo or are the horses not good enough? The small field will help Herlihy as his horse has the speed to sit off the pace and make his move when he chooses. It will be an interesting race but where have all the trotters gone?

Are you getting ready for Cup Day Rebecca?

Agree. Williams is driving well and has mastered his craft. The fact that he drives for both of the countries top stables, R. Dunn and Purdon/Rasmussen, says it all. These stables would not use him if wasn't producing the results.

Good picking Happy. Fred's a great trainer.

I'll back a couple tonight R4 - Enchantee (7) good mare, she has beaten better fields than this, should win. R6 - Queen of Stratfield (5) - a win is overdue, tonight's the night? BB: R10 - Five Star General (2) - well-bred, should win this but will be to short to back.

I am sure there won't be any more lockdowns unless things get really bad. If there are only one or two cases nothing will happen. Her saintliness has got what she wanted by scaring half the population prior to the election that we were all in mortal danger. Now, that she is back in power she doesn't need to grandstand anymore.

Yes, he been on the angry pills again! Don't worry he'll get help soon now that St Jacinda has been reelected. She pledged to increase spending on mental health so Forbury will get the help he needs? But then again she promised more mental health funding last term and it did not happen. Who knows!

Dave Cannan worked at the Christchurch Star back in the good old days when harness was popular and addington always packed. Times have changed...😧

Should be an easy trifecta 3, 2, 1.

Harness racing is only popular in Canterbury and Southland, Brodie. The South Island is probably a small market for the TAB in both harness and gallops. Despite what they say the government is not interested in the South Island, businesses like the TAB likewise. Auckland, Auckland, Auckland is where it is at.

Yes, it was a good election to lose. Nothing much will happen in the next three years though because Labour are incapable of getting things done. In three years time we can say. I told you so. But will the sheep listen? If St Jacinda is still around probably not.

Minister of Tourism as easy job at the moment Brodster. There are no tourists thanks to St Jacinda's lockdowns.

I agree Brodster, however, I don't think the new CEO will make any difference. I don't know what it is but Lamb is never held accountable and if anyone speaks out against him they are quickly shut down. I remember a few years back Mark Jones criticised Lamb a couple of times on the Boxseat. A week or so later Jones had to do a grovelling apology and he has not really been on Trackside or Boxseat again. Lamb has not improved as a starter since then but there has been no more criticism from the horse fraternity. Lamb is protected and I don't know why.

Should not be starters either! 😅

Corruption is the only word for it. Disgraceful.

Oamaru is not one of my favourite tracks but I have a bit to spend after a good collect on Friday. I have looked through the fields and nothing stands out. Anyone know anything? I'll stick with Sonoma Tyron (3) in Race 6. I think this mare has ability and it is not a great field. R10 Gerry Garcia (9) he usually goes well on this track so back him for a place. Hope everyone has a good day on the punt

I agree Chief. The marae painting handout was a last hurrah by the loudmouth buffoon Shane Jones to try and buy a seat. Thankfully, it didn't work. The only thing worth celebrating in this election results is that NZ First are gone. There should be an inquiry into the money that Jones handed out from his three billion dollar pork barrel. Few, if any, of the recipients of this fund will create jobs or succeed. I know this government will achieve little in the next term, it will echo their first term... all talk and no action. I expect one of the first things they will do is increase benefits.

Brodie, do you think the re-election of St Jacinda will have a positive or negative impact on the racing industry?

You are dead right and on the money Brodie. Lamb is probably a decent guy but he does a poor job as as starter. Standing starts are a lottery; some are walk up starts, others some horses are moving while others standing still and they are off, often horses are facing the wrong way, starters' assistants in the way... the list is endless. Mobiles are not his speciality either. False starts are common. Yet, he is never criticised, never asked to explain by the RUI. Some say he cannot be expected to see every horse is straight and standing still when the tapes fly. I say bullshit to that. I have been attending Addington for over 40 years. The late Jack Mulcay and the other starters before him were far, far superior to Lamb. Furthermore, there were bigger fields back in those days and horses starting off 10, 20, 30, 40 but the starters got the fields away evenly. Lamb cannot do that.

There needs to be quite a few changes Brodie. Lamb is one that needs to change or be sacked. He is one of the reasons I do not bet on harness as much these days. You never know what is going to happen at the start when he is starter. He's a shocker. He has even stuffed up NZ harness racing greatest race the NZ Cup more than once. I know the drunks at the Met on Cup day couldn't care about the start; they wouldn't even know who the starter was or what he does. But true harness fans like me, and you Brodie, have had enough. Addington is the Southern Hemisphere's premier harness racing track yet we have an absolute idiot starting races there. The excellent track is maintained by professionals who do their jobs. We have some of the best trainers and drivers, Purdon/Rasmussen, Dunn, Dalgety/Purdon, Ken Barron, Paul Nairn and the O'Reilly family to name a few. Blair Orange, Ricky May, the Tomlinson sisters etc, all of these people do their jobs and do them well. Lamb does not and yet he is a stipe and continues to stuff up at least one start at every meeting he officiates at. When will something be done...?