Freda

Line-breeding to superior females is a pattern acclaimed by many successful breeders - Tesio being just one worthy of mention...and Danehill himself has Natalma carried through different daughters on each side. The incompatible Best in Show is carried twice in Colin's stallion, so he's done his homework.

A good start. For mine, the problem will be policing [ given that so many have little idea about correct whip use] and in the same vein, rider education.

Likewise....

Yes, Terry has a work ethic second to none. At the track riding work yesterday, when asked how he was, quipped ' a bit second-hand, but way better than the horse! '.

Bruised and sore, left the races moving very carefully, but ok.

Southerners are a resilient lot. I recall the open hcps on the Coast being used as lead-ups to the Wellington Cup. And, although the satellite stable concept like Te Akau and the now defunct Marsh operations at Riccarton are beyond most, there are some who regularly send horses north to accommodating trainers to take in suitable races..Kenny Moore and Kelvin Tyler immediately come to mind. I've looked after horses for N.I trainers for years, the same service in reverse, as have many others. Where there's a will there's a way.

There might be a nice 1200m race at the Xmas polytrack meeting...

No one should ever doubt Tim's passion for racing.

My thoughts too, wrt Jessica Brosnan.

Overnight Saturday, not a lot I don't think.

Was pretty firm on Saturday morning when we galloped

Oh. Yeah. Didn't factor in the gross/ net thingy. No wonder I can't do this stuff. But jumpers not the black hole purported- at least not significantly worse than anything else.

That's the crux, surely? the shabby spectacle we now produce - no disrespect to the wonderful horses or their handlers - is just so far removed from how the best do it. UK/Ireland so far ahead there is little comparison, embarrassing.

So, while not startling, at least not a loss then? Am I understanding that?

Would the numbers of people surrounding the parade rings in the UK have to do with the rails bookies? They do help a lot with colour and atmosphere, never mind just getting a bet on.

I know you aren't a fan of BdL, but I couldn't find anything to take issue with here. Mary's comments very good too.

Cynical.....

Feasible, do you think?

Hell, there's a shitload of 65's around here.

Of course.

I don't get that. Why would Entain continue to throw money at NZ racing for 50% ? Have we seen significant increases in TAB 'profit ' to date?

Yes, I find that more than a shade biased.

Bruce is a top bloke, irrespective of his views on handicapping.

Sadly indeed, but you're right I feel. I love the jumpers, I know you do too, but - although Warrnambool is a place I've never been too - the product [ horrible word ] just can't compete with that, or the UK/Irish version. No one does jumping like the Brits, how we fell behind so badly has to be another topic but watching the lesser lights flounder over tatty obstacles is not doing much for the sport. The CD is really the only area keeping it going now.

Well I, for one, have had to send a nice mare back to her N.I owners because of the appalling [ his words ] programmes. How do your owners cope, he said, no grass opportunities for weeks, I will not run her on the poly down there, her action won't suit it. Send her home.