Rusty

And the carpet. How good is this carpet in one (possibly more?) of the rooms under the grandstand?! Classy. Stay classy Cambridge.

Very good question. I'm picking Merlin to run a place, behind the winner, Millwood Nike!

Nervous times ahead! Imperative to get a quick wicket, ideally two, early on day 4. If not, this may become an uncomfortable watch.

All on Henry. And gotta hold catches. Pitch flat and getting flatter.

Just have to bat, and bat, and bat, and bat. But easier said than done against this aussie bowling outfit. Forming lengthy partnerships will be key on Day 3 and perhaps targeting the bowling of Marsh and Green may be the key here.

Not bad.

I've got my 5-day match pass ready, along with hat, deck chair, sunscreen, a "BRING BACK WAGS" banner, drink, food, and enough car parking coins to cover for three and half days. I'm pretty sure that's all I'll need. Australia will win fairly comfortably. No sign of rain anywhere in the forecast. NZ bowlers will struggle to take 20 Aussie wickets for the match. The Aussie batters, as a collective, haven't quite clicked into gear for a while now, so they are overdue. Southee doesn't have the tactical nous as captain to get up over Australia. That 10th wicket partnership at the Basin was embarrassing. To not throw Phillips the ball in the first innings at all, (yet use 6 other bowlers), and then he comes out in the 2nd innings to take a five-for is beyond belief. Fingers crossed Ben Sears will let rip, and do well. Williamson. As much as I love him, he needs to fire up for this game. A deer in headlights v Australia, he is. Doesn't usually excel against them. Australia at $1.46 is overs.

Way back in the day Stead was my cricket coach (I was 12/13 years old). He suggested a big change to my run up for bowling. It was God awful and the subsequent results were pitiful. Makes me laugh now, but at the time I was so mad at him. "Get more springy. Bounce!" He would yell at me. I reverted back to my former run up (more of a walk up, being a leg spinner, based on S.K Warne's delivery style) and by season's end the wickets flowed. The following season my cricket team coach was Craig McMillan. Personally I found him to be a much better cricket coach than Stead, although he was often distracted by the fairer sex and was easily distracted. Both good guys though. And both put in a lot of time helping the young cricketers at local clubs. Stead and Southee should have gone with Wagner for Hagley Oval though. And everyone that knows, knows it.

A bloody shame he is not playing in the second test. "Bring back Wags"

These trainers seem to have more than their fair share of horses dropping out of races about 400m out from home, having done bugger all work (if any) during the race. Unlucky. I can't recall other trainers having this happening multiple times. Especially when the horses are not racing in a fresh state. It's very unlucky indeed.

And another one today. Same trainers. DELIGHTFUL CHIC - commenced to weaken from the 350m hampering trailing runners and contacted a track marker near the 220m. When questioned Driver J Dickie could offer no explanation for the disappointing run. A post-race veterinary examination revealed no abnormality. Stewards will follow up with connections in the coming days.

Ordered to pay $10k, and it's likely just as much, if not more, is owed to the KC he engaged to fight the case.

Are these things becoming more common these days, especially in the last couple of years, or have they always been seen in racing to this extent? And what causes them? Do some trainers experience more than their fair share? Asking for a friend that did their money cold, on a suspected case in race 6 at Addington tonight. Cheers.

Nice work! Self Assured, one of my favorites to watch. For the FFA he was paying $44 fixed just before the scratching of Akuta, and $8's to run top 4! Ridiculous money.

Hell yes. But most (not all) people don't care, or choose to stay quiet about it. Not even question it. And no point posting about it on here. Only you, Happy and I seem to give a monkey's about it. Much like George W Bush said. "You're either with us, or with the terrorists." And before the lefties get carried away, it means you're either on their side, or ours.

Yes that's correct. From memory it was a figure between $15-18k on Akuta at $2.20, ten minutes before Swayzee was scratched.

Got off light.

I agree. Young guy that does an excellent job imo. Easy to listen to and paints an accurate picture. Hope he gets every opportunity to ply his trade here, and we don't lose his talent overseas.

Akuta out to $2.20 after the barrier draw, which has landed him on the second row. I don't think 15 is at all as bad as some are making it out to be. Especially given it's a NZ Cup "standing", walking, running, mucking around, start.

That'll do me. I won't be betting on any Auckland TC races ever again.

Can't wait to read the "world media reacts" stories, run by the NZ mainstream media. Said no one ever.

SA: 17 - NZ: 12

Very sad news. The great thing about our sport is that people in the racing game all come together and always help out in tough times. If in a position to do so, please donate and let's try and help Katie out a wee bit.

Harness Racing community rallies around Katie Cox 21 October 2023 , News by Jonny Turner Trainers, drivers, and administrators are rallying to encourage their peers in New Zealand harness racing to support Katie Cox in her battle against cancer. The 33-year-old Cox, who is both a highly popular figure and a highly talented horsewoman, has recently been diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer. Rural personality Craig Wiggins has formed a charitable trust in Cox’s name to help raise funds for her treatment, which includes medication that costs more than $100,000. Champion reinsman Ricky May and Bruce Taylor have joined Wiggins as trustees. Leading Southland trainer-driver Kirstin Green was touched when hearing of Cox’s cancer battle, and she immediately wanted to contribute. Green is pledging to donate one of her driving fees every week for the next month. The reinswoman hopes the move can be followed by drivers across New Zealand. “Like everyone else, I was so shocked when I found out about Katie’s diagnosis,” Green said. “We are in the same industry and around the same age group. Her team is flying, and she is an outstanding horsewoman.” “I thought if every driver could donate a driving fee each week, it would be a really quick way to raise quite a lot of money. I want to get into it right away, and I hope more drivers will get on board. I am sure they will.” Harness racing clubs have quickly moved to get behind the efforts to support Cox. Southern Harness Racing general manager Jason Broad said his organisation had pledged $1000 to the cause, and the group hopes clubs across New Zealand would do the same. “Southern Harness is right behind Katie and her family during this very difficult time,” Broad said. “It is great to see so many people in the industry offering their support, and we encourage anyone who can to do so.” The Northern Southland Trotting Club has also pledged to donate $1000 to Cox’s charitable trust. “Our committee was unanimous; we really wanted to get behind Katie,” President Greg Tither said. “We are wishing her and her family the best in this very difficult time.” “We hope other clubs will be able to come forward and support the cause, as well.” Invercargill Harness Racing Club President Craig Heyrick has personally pledged $100 to the campaign. He is calling on club presidents across New Zealand to make a personal donation, as well. Harness racing owner and journalist Jonny Turner has donated $500 and hopes as many owners can get behind the cause, too. “I have no doubt Katie’s story will have touched many owners across New Zealand, and I hope they can contribute to the campaign.” “I am also encouraging my colleagues in the media to get behind the cause, as well.” “Harness racing is a tight-knit community made up of some great people; I am sure they will.” Donations to the Whatever with Wiggy Charitable Trust (CC59951) for Katie Cox can be made by bank deposit. Account name: Katie Cox Appeal Account number: 06-0837-0390071-01 More information can be found at the Whatever With Wiggy Facebook page.

Agreed, a massive loss. I've never been a fan of his, (I'm a Storm supporter and can't stand the wahs), but he has taken his game to the next level this season. Very impressive.