curious

Definitely is a correlation, just not a linear one. A 3.5 million dollar race will always attract a stronger field than an 18k maiden.

Not necessarily but the handicapper still has discretion to consider it. • A winning performance will usually attract a weight and /or ratings increase. Any increase is at the Handicapper’s discretion and is based on the Handicappers assessment of the horses performance in the race, taking into account factors which include: previous form and performance, strength of the opposition, authority and merit of the win, track conditions, position in running, Stipendiary Stewards reports, having regard to the weight carried, winning margin and time for the race, stake level of the race, as well as any other relevant factor.

Why not? The handicapper can.

Yes. As above.

Where did I say I have no issues with what he posts online? He well knows I sometimes do.

Agree. Whatever you may think of his social media comments, his business behaviour is impeccable and honourable. Anyway, if there is nothing otherwise set down between the parties, the standard NZTR training agreement applies. where an amount has not been provided for in the Fees Notice, if the Owner sells the Horse to a third party, for the purposes of racing, during the Commission Period or during the 3 month period immediately thereafter, such sum as is equal to ten percent (10%) of the sale price plus Goods and Services Tax, if applicable.

I'm not so sure about that. The man's not stupid and this seems like a sensible move for the horse, owner and trainer.

I'd say more. I heard that had already been turned down for 50% before the last win.

Cambridge Stud Purchase Interest in Star Filly Pivotal Ten Media Release - Sunday March 2 Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay have announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in exciting three-year-old filly Pivotal Ten from her owner, Colin Wightman. The daughter of Ten Sovereigns will carry the stud’s black and gold colours in next Saturday’s $3.5m NZB Kiwi at Ellerslie. Pivotal Ten is a triple SW and has won five races in succession - Race Images “Jo and I are thrilled to be involved with Pivotal Ten,” Brendan Lindsay said. “Like many people we were very taken by the record she has developed, particularly her win in the Southland Guineas.” Pivotal Ten has strung together five consecutive wins for trainer Samantha Wynne. In her most recent victory, she posted an impressive 8.8-length margin in the Listed Southland Guineas on February 12. Wightman is keen to see his star southern filly take on her northern rivals and hopes the partnership will benefit Pivotal Ten’s future on the racetrack and beyond. “In discussion with Brendan, I was convinced that the partnership was good for the filly’s future as both a racehorse and broodmare given the international pedigree she has,” Wightman said. “I am pleased to be associated with owners who are as passionate about racing as I am. All we need now is the luck of the Irish.” Pivotal Ten, who will run in the Selangor Turf Club’s Kiwi slot, joins fellow Lindsay runner First Dance in the showpiece event on Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day. “The inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi is going to be part of a historic day for New Zealand racing and we are incredibly excited to have two runners representing us in the Kiwi,” Lindsay concluded.

Hopefully her tail is still not hanging out then!

Apparently she went in at the trials with 4 secs to spare. Interesting to see what happens today!

That's one reason why you might gallop them on a race morning isn't it?

Yes. Agree. I've certainly seen horses gallop on race morning and done it myself on occasion.

Why would they do that?

Must have gone in the gates ok. Out of season now. One of the quietest trials I've ever seen after that! Nominated for Saturday I see. Hope they have her on regumate.

Indeed. Wouldn't be going at all if it were not to support the SI interest.

The family friendly ATR eh? Looks like my grand-daughter, wife and I will be at the pub supporting the owner of one of the SI runners and his family.

Is that a jump out rule specific to Riccarton?

Not sure quite what you mean but I think it's 90secs to load, races or trials.

I'd say there will be some anxious connections at the trials tomorrow.

EARS BACK (K Hercock) - Declared a late scratching at 4:11pm after refusing to load. Connections were advised that EARS BACK is required to barrier trial to the satisfaction of a Stipendiary Steward prior to racing next.

That's from 32 starts with never even a warning from the stipes about her barrier manners?

My understanding is (as in CW's comments above), that was because she was ridden at the jump outs by a stable track work rider and it was ruled she had to be ridden by a licensed jockey in order to receive a barrier certificate.

The problem I think, as has been mentioned, is that he has no financial resources to do so unless they immediately reduce stakes significantly. He possibly has an even larger problem looming in that there appears to be no plan B in the strategy for the likely event that the Entain deal will mean substantially reduced code distributions in 3 years unless they can pull a rabbit out of a hat.

I know you'll probably say it is just Wightman moaning again, but really, give me a break. He also knows that I am part owner of Ears Back a very capable 6yo mare that is being aimed at a Group 3 race this coming Saturday except that she’s on the barrier list after not entering the gates at her last start at Wingatui when in season (first time in her life). The trainer has tried valiantly this past few days to have her cleared for the race. Jump-outs last week were declined at the last minute as suitable because the mare didn’t have a race day rider on board. Off to Ashburton today to take part in an exhibition gallop by agreement of the club, a senior stipe and the barrier team .. an expensive float trip .. but sadly John Oatham decided at the last minute (when the mare arrived) that he would not allow the barriers to be used for the gallop which included a top Dunedin Guineas chance. He over-ruled everyone else who had earlier supported the trainers efforts. So here we are after 2 failed attempts to clear her to race (jump-outs & exhibition gallop), the trainer has to now take her to the trials at Ashburton on Tuesday to then back up again on the Saturday. In an industry where we battle to recover our costs. In an industry where we all try to help and respect others around us (RIU staff, other trainers, riders .. and other owners) .. isn’t it sad when someone like John Oatham can’t be more helpful???? Be more sympathetic and show greater empathy for those in the game??!?