Happy Sunrise

I find this a bit off the mark. Gradual? Harness racing has been around for a long time so the space of 7 years is not that long.

So did harness racing leadership/policy create this or did harness racing itself create this?

I wouldn't be too concerned about growth, I would simply try to maintain existing numbers for a start. I also wonder what the minimum threshold for the North is?

Here it is.

https://harnesslink.com/new-zealand/cambridge-raceway-forums-provide-blueprint-for-ni-industry-change/

1 hour ago, Rusty said:

It's almost a "maximum bet" job. 

The TAB ceiling of $2000 needs to be reached on multiple family accounts. 

Forbs, what do you think?

I will be very interested to watch as I think some of these 3-year-olds will have more ability than the current lot of open-class trotters next year. 

Noms for Addington.

Thunderbirds are go.

My wallet is ready. I am hoping for an opening $1.70ff quote.

Who will win? 

BD Joe no chance it seems going by the odds.

How many off the front?

34 minutes ago, Globederby19 said:

They have  from all accounts changed their mind after vociferous opposition. 

If true, and without even considering the rights and wrongs of the change, it is ridiculous they backtrack once again on a decision like this. 

Are they foolish or just fools?

18 minutes ago, Rusty said:

It was one of few Addington meetings that I didn't attend.

So, attendance figures were halved yesterday? 😂

4 hours ago, Forbury said:

Mark Jones is the best trainer in NZ as he's not a cheat and a outstanding horseman.hes my idol!

I didn't say he was. Bella Button could always trot. He has got it going great. 

There are certain horses who could do with a change of trainer to see how good they actually are. You see that when some go to Oz.

4 hours ago, Forbury said:

im very surprised that your questioning John Morrison integrity

I should have put a smiley face after my comment about betting on Special Dream.

As the stipes say, failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures is different from trying to not win the race. I don't think going 4 back the outer to 4 back the inner is seen very often on the track and is worthy of questioning. The defence of saying more favourable runners were on the pegs is a unique argument too. 

I don't believe drivers try to cheat in races, it is hard enough to win at the best of times. Decision-making and competence, on the other hand, is a different kettle of fish.

4 hours ago, Forbury said:

You may want to wait with her

I agree, not sure she would get around in one piece at Alex Park but watch out if it was her preferred way!

If the TAB had done their job they could have taken my money and most likely kept it if they opened her in the market originally. I must say I have often wondered if the TAB deliberately leave some horses out of their futures markets on purpose to create the illusion of the market actually being the 'field'.  A more likely explanation is it is just very tricky keeping up with all the horses.

6 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

C Fergusons 2020 stats 34 starts / 1 win / 2 seconds / 3 thirds - .0915 & his 2021 stats are average. So he suddenly out of nowhere got a magic winning formula from 2022.

type...delete....type....delete.

Can't even make a joke.

2 minutes ago, Rusty said:

I'm dead set serious. 

They do use them. But they need to start using them down south. For you know... Looking at, and recording stuff. Like animals.

Like they have done previously in Canterbury a few months back. 

I know you are.

They need to get down there quickly.

TAB now includes Sunnys Sister. A weak effort and even a touch misleading to leave her out of the original market. 

4 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

Gronkowski,

4 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

858055

I have followed Gronkowski over recent months, I thought it might have gone ok on the coast but it was flat as a pancake. If it was running on it was barely noticeable. Poor Gavin Smith must have had enough.

4 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

What is T Dewe doing to make his horses run along so well during the running, to a point the drivers have to have a good hold on them? As soon as they start for him, they go from no form to instant winners or like today a just miss.

Can't answer that.

4 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

And why did the punters come for this horse as the commentator stated?

Because they know it will improve out of sight. They don't back the horse, the draw or the driver. Punters know it is nearly free money. After seeing it happen over the last few years with other trainers punters are familiar with the drill.

1 hour ago, karrotsishere said:

The Race

No Matter Wot drawn 1 will test her manners and gait enormously. She would never have experienced what is about to happen at Cambridge at the start and around the bends. Hard to see not throwing in a few rough ones.

15 minutes ago, karrotsishere said:

Saw a twitter post by G Knight that he disagrees with these changes. He also stated he knows for a fact the Hopes are not happy about it also being so close out to the actual date/s making these changes.

Questions,

Why do HRNZ do this? 

Do they not remember the trouble over the same matter from last year?

12 hours ago, Rusty said:

Just another example of the harness game in NZ being treated like the retarded ginger cousin. 

Starts at 1.30 and goes to 6.53pm for the last race, they will have to turn the lights on for the last couple. 

Why not start earlier, it is on Trackside 2 after all

As for Monday, there are 40 min gaps to start the day until the middle of the card. Work that out. The crowd won't see many races as they disappear at about 4pm. Who will remain for the last race at 5.24? Somebody needs to remind them daylight saving has finished.

9 hours ago, Rusty said:

I attend most Addington meetings, and in my opinion, I reckon the glory days ended about 25 years ago. Slowly but surely since then, the numbers of average punters (not directly involved with the horses or their connections) attending on-course have decreased year on year. 

I read once that Gary Woodham had a share in Pathfinder and it took part in the Superstars 4-year-old championships. If you are old enough to remember those races with Trident, Captain Cavalla, Laser Lad, Floyd, and Here Comes Duke then you would know what Addington was like at a good time. I wonder why he doesn't think back to those days and try to create those races - maybe he is with the handicapping of the new events.

2 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

Gosh could be ackward

It is not awkward. Woodham spouted that he listens to participants when he first got the position which is all part of the leadership model these new-wave modern leaders adhere to until they have to hear about their own failings.

9 hours ago, Rusty said:

the numbers of average punters (not directly involved with the horses or their connections) attending on-course have decreased year on year. 

At most meetings, you can count the number of actual punters (not attendees for a picnic or there for a watch) on one hand. 

You would think HRNZ would learn after the debacle of the handicapping of some of the major races last year eg Invercargill Cup and its back mark and the NZ Cup, but no, they are at it again.

The first race is on April 21!

The timing (and logic) of these decisions is mystifying.

https://www.hrnz.co.nz/news/two-northern-features-to-be-run-as-handicaps/

and another driver who is sailing close to the wind.

He got a month last time he did it.

Will probably be charged under the 'Failed to take and reasonable and permissible measures to win race' rule. In my view, Mr Morrison is a bit lucky he won't get the same for his decision despite what he says.