Karrots Weekly Midweek Harness Round Up

[karrotsishere]

2 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

Well folks we are a couple hours out from the debut of new Kid on the Block 2 yo Nicolas Cage. He’s also the Whales Best Bet.

Could he potentially be the flag bearer for the North for the age group? Will he potentially give the top 3 in South, Akuta, Franco Indie & Republican Party a run for their money?

As long as he doesn’t hang/break/kamikazi driven tonight.

Ill be looking at the time he runs tonight & if he wins, how he wins.

See you on the other side.

Crunched into $1.15 win. He won, but it wasn’t impressive. Commentator said he looked like he was guna put the boot in in preliminary.

Felt like they were going too slow for him. The drivers were having a good old chat down the back last time lol.

Dunno after that race, need to see him race 1 more time.

Still a win is a win.

[Lightning Blue]

3 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

Well folks we are a couple hours out from the debut of new Kid on the Block 2 yo Nicolas Cage.

$1.20 in Aus too Karrots for Nicolas Cage .People must love your tips Karrots !!  Andy Neal has been going a fair while. He owns the 3rd horse in that race himself named Claude.

An Interesting story for you is his dad used to have a property at the Top of the South Island so Andy started off in that area. Near Blenheim somewhere he was training in the 80's and a huge flood happened in Marlborough around the 10th July 1983 and somewhere around 12 of Andys horses were lost drowned as they tangled in fences trying to escape the fast rising flood that roared through .The horse photos were very disturbing at the time . I was very shocked so can only imagine the Trauma that Andy went through .  I met Andy later that year in Auckland and was quite taken back by the images and the experience he suffered that Winter. Can only ever wish him good luck after that natural disaster that flooded whole towns and killed thousands of livestock 1983 . This furry guy got on a factory roof ,so in all likelihood made it through. quite an extreme event.

 

[karrotsishere]

11 hours ago, Lightning Blue said:

$1.20 in Aus too Karrots for Nicolas Cage .People must love your tips Karrots !!  Andy Neal has been going a fair while. He owns the 3rd horse in that race himself named Claude.

An Interesting story for you is his dad used to have a property at the Top of the South Island so Andy started off in that area. Near Blenheim somewhere he was training in the 80's and a huge flood happened in Marlborough around the 10th July 1983 and somewhere around 12 of Andys horses were lost drowned as they tangled in fences trying to escape the fast rising flood that roared through .The horse photos were very disturbing at the time . I was very shocked so can only imagine the Trauma that Andy went through .  I met Andy later that year in Auckland and was quite taken back by the images and the experience he suffered that Winter. Can only ever wish him good luck after that natural disaster that flooded whole towns and killed thousands of livestock 1983 . This furry guy got on a factory roof ,so in all likelihood made it through. quite an extreme event.

Wow thanks for sharing, didn't know about this Blenheim flood. Sounds horrific, losing 1 horse be bad enough but 12. So yes good luck Mr Neal. 

Just quickly thought Id do an update on how the South horses are going at Cambridge. That have taken up the transport offer.

Results - quite well approx 1/2 a dozen to race in 1-2-3 starts so far & 3 horses that have come away with a win. (Not including any House runners - as not sure they have transport subsidy).

Yea You, Tommysonaroll, Glenthorne. So approx 50% have had a win. All up in grade now as were either maidens or in the low R40-50 grade. So be interesting to see how they get on. But great results. Obviously being selective with those that are being brought up. 

House had a team of approx 8 in last nite & no wins but got a 2nd. Just showing as a comparison to how it is racing at Mana different level to Camb & even harder at Alex, as House is able to clean up at Mana. 

Glenthornes win was great last nite. Broke 2.40min which at Cambridge track isn't done often. Thought thats how Cage would of been driven. Anyway Glenthorne ran the legs off them. Won by 4.5 lengths.

Edited December 16, 2021 by karrotsishere

[Mike]

14 hours ago, Lightning Blue said:

$1.20 in Aus too Karrots for Nicolas Cage .People must love your tips Karrots !!  Andy Neal has been going a fair while. He owns the 3rd horse in that race himself named Claude.

An Interesting story for you is his dad used to have a property at the Top of the South Island so Andy started off in that area. Near Blenheim somewhere he was training in the 80's and a huge flood happened in Marlborough around the 10th July 1983 and somewhere around 12 of Andys horses were lost drowned as they tangled in fences trying to escape the fast rising flood that roared through .The horse photos were very disturbing at the time . I was very shocked so can only imagine the Trauma that Andy went through .  I met Andy later that year in Auckland and was quite taken back by the images and the experience he suffered that Winter. Can only ever wish him good luck after that natural disaster that flooded whole towns and killed thousands of livestock 1983 . This furry guy got on a factory roof ,so in all likelihood made it through. quite an extreme event.

 

Andrew's parents (Peter and Jean) had moved from Rai Valley to the Tua Marina area before the flood

I don't remember 12 horses not surviving, I thought it was much less than that, but it was 48 years ago so perhaps my memory is clouded (If Andrew says it was 12, then it was 12)

I do remember a few swam away, in the opposite direction, from being rescued and were found a couple of days later on what could loosely be described as an Island

A number were towed out behind small boats, which was quite tricky with outboard motors, and since the roads and fences were all under raging waters we had to take a stab at where the roads were so that we could navigate around the fences

I was a lot younger and fitter then and remember being given 3  days off work to be allowed to don a wetsuit and go help

Andrew and Lyn later relocated to Wrekin area in Fairhall, Marlborough before moving up North and enjoying success (such as the Auckland Cup with Flight South)

Andrew's father was a very popular member of the local racing community who sadly passed away during a harness trial or workout at Blenheim. Andrew's mothers cooking was a feature of Trials days back then

Andrew (don't think I've heard him called Andy that much) was a very good blacksmith in Blenheim before going on to much better things as a trainer and businessman in the Waikato

Andrew was also an exceptional judge of a next up winner, one being "Friendly Lord" who ran last on the 1st day at Blenheim for Bruce Graham (there were 2 Bruce Grahams) and then won the 2nd day at $70 odd after Andrew tipped it

Andrew & Lyn were certainly too good a trainers to stay in Blenheim!

 

[karrotsishere]

Cage is in tomorrow & starting fav with bookies at $3.80 - backed into $2.70. Gawh some punters aren't fazed obviously by the just got there, manoeuvre - altho are thinking that he had probs getting around that final corner - lost ground. Saw on Box-seat 1 punter had a Hit, put on $10k at $1.20, wow, too much to lose, with a lot less to gain, but he got up so got the collect. 

Lets see how he goes tomorrow. Wont be giving the tip - after 1st up being my tip of the year (which he won) T Mitchell retains the drive.

Congrats to Royal Nod for Republican Party winning today at Ashburton. Nice win. 

[karrotsishere]

On 10/18/2021 at 2:29 PM, karrotsishere said:

As mentioned last week will take a look at Miki.

1. G Rogerson points out a yearling called Luka Doncic is 1 to watch out for. Luka Doncic an Always B Miki has caught his eye & will be aimed at next years Jewels as a 2 y-o. 

More 2yos are hitting track either learner or trials. Recall mentioning this horse due to G Rogerson in an interview said this horse caught his eye. It was seen 1st time in public yesterday at trials in Pukekohe & qualified. 

[Royal Nod]

On 12/23/2021 at 8:26 PM, karrotsishere said:

Congrats to Royal Nod for Republican Party winning today at Ashburton. Nice win. 

Thanks Karrots.  He out for a spell now with long season coming up.  These horses get more holidays than teachers lol

Happy to be avoiding Akuta for now

[karrotsishere]

Hola All,

Just popped in to say a quick brief hi & do a 1 off update. Started catching up on NZ Harness a couple weeks ago & here are some things that caught my eye.

Live foals 2021. Surprised by the low Live Foal count, approx only 923 pacers. Split that up into North & South Island based. Then split it again into male/female. Then take away some that will get exported before starting or during their careers, take out those that sadly pass away or get injured so don’t make races.

Always B Miki 130

American Ideal 21

Art Major 65

Betting Line 26

Bettor Dream 2

Bettors Delight 118

Bettors Wish 0

Bird Parker 0

Buy Kiwi Made 6

Captain Crunch 127

Captaintreacherous 34

Capt Midnight 0

Carlton 7

Downbytheseaside 53

Dream Vacation 0

Gold Ace 8

Lather Up 33

Lazarus 0

Locharburn 2

McWicked 0

Poster Boy 1

Raging Bull 36

Rock N Roll Hanover 10

Rock N Roll Heaven 15

Sky Major 54

Sweet Lou 68

Terror to Love 18

Vincent 68

Ultimate Sniper 0

Ultimate Machete 21

Total 923

Of note Captain Crunch is the new sire breeders have been going to. He’s Sweet Lous nephew.

Speaking of whom is on his way out the door sad. Lou served only 52 mares in 2022 & has in 2021 live foals 68 - down from 149 in 2019. What more do sires have to do from small crops? He has a good rate of starters to winners. At higher end has produced:

* 1st NZ Crop 5yos Sweet On Me & Spirit of St Louie - Is Spirit the next top Australian Pacer?

* Next crop (4yos) 2 yo filly of year She’s No Lady, Millions Aladdin, & current racing in FFA grade Sugar Me.

* 3yo Duke of Cornwall $500k sold - My Ultimate Chevron Sapling stakes winner

* 2yo Forever Me Young Guns winner fillies what a win!

Latest report is Sweety Lewey is doing well!!

THE RACE has nearly arrived. Good luck to the club! Hope its a major success. 1 slight concern is the price tag they have put on 1 of those rooms. $190 which doesn’t include drink!? If its the area/lounge Im thinking, sorry but that’s embarrasing. Hopefully they have done some re-novations to it. Or at a bare minimum will try to spruce it up. Yes I get the club is trying to make money. However that room is not up to standard. Its old & rinky dink IMO. Nice final field. Looks like will be a fun evening.

A couple of drivers have stood out recently at certain meetings, Southern Driver Jnr S O’Reilly & Northern Driver P Ferguson.

Alexandra Park the number of runners/noms looks like it is getting worse than what it already has been. At least as a positive the club are trying to do something to attract/cater for lower graded runners by offering up an incentive. Goodness will hit an all time low when the crop born 2021 come of age.

Edited April 14, 2022 by karrotsishere

[karrotsishere]

Hi Y’ll!

Harness site looks quiet.

Just watched The Race replay to see how it went.

Winner Self Assured. Congrats. He deserved it! Best horse in NZ. Parked with a lap to go.

2nd horse Majestic Cruiser never heard of it, wondered if this was the claimer that won the Interdom for same trainer. So checked his stats alas no, this is a different horse, same trainer Grimson. Eye catching run 3 wide with cover at bell. 4 wide with 500 to go at Cambridge running past the likes of Krug & NZ best Open class horses! Then nearly gets past Self Assured. Lets look at his stats. Came into Grimson care with 88 starts for 14 wins starting on 17 July 2021. Never had he run at any level in any Group race prior. But alas he gets 1 soon after with G3 wins in a row. G3 win is his best he has done.

17 July win

24 July 7th

7 Aug win

21 Aug Win G3

6 Sept Win G3

25 Sept Win G3

Has had 19 starts for Grimson for 7 wins & 3 2nds & a 3rd, 2 4ths. Within those 19 starts this 7y/o horse he has been racing in races like Interdoms heats & final, Miracle Mile, The Race, Schweppes Sprint, Len Smith Mile. His record now sits at 106 - 21 wins including a G3 win & G1 2nd.

3rd Spankem - great run & great drive all things considered.

4th South Coast Arden - Krug/Orange went out of gate, SCA on his back, 3 wide round the 1st bend, then Krug/Orange decide to go back. Not continue forward. Taking SCA with them all the way back to last. This put Self Assured ahead of Krug in running line. 1 slot closer to tempo & potentially cost SCA his chance of winning. Having to move forward again from rear. Too hard with the record breaking time they ran.

Hope it was a success for the club. And they get to hold onto The Race for years to come & it doesn’t get taken off them e.g. to Addington or

Alex Park - which I hear they ATC have won many millions from the 1st developer in court, but that developer is in liquidation so hard to get all of it but they may get some assets or part payment. Good news for them, hope they get something back!

Also hope next year The Race they nom an emergency early on in piece. So ALL slot holders have a runner.

On another note did anyone notice the 3rd place getter in Young Guns fillies final AardiebytheSeaside was a weanling purchase for $1500! What a bargain. Already won back her purchase price with that nice 3rd.

Edited April 14, 2022 by karrotsishere

[Lightning Blue]

6 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

Just watched The Race replay to see how it went.

Winner Self Assured. Congrats. He deserved it! Best horse in NZ. Parked with a lap to go

Gday Karrots. Yes the Super horse is going great guns with only a narrow 2nd to Southcoast Arden his only loss this year.

Thought he would win a 2nd NZ Cup last November but Copy That thwarted him. Perhaps this year he gets his 2nd?

6 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

 

Also hope next year The Race they nom an emergency early on in piece. So ALL slot holders have a runner.

That would be a smart thing to do as it panned out. although I really like 9 horse fields. Good betting races,  as every horse can get a chance to win , even over short distances and from bad barriers as well , with the way those races are run. Lot more horses with best ability win than those racing for luck. (e. g The race had a quinella from awkward barriers but the smaller field still gave them a shot at victory )

[karrotsishere]

On 4/15/2022 at 9:41 AM, karrotsishere said:

Alex Park - which I hear they ATC have won many millions from the 1st developer in court, but that developer is in liquidation so hard to get all of it but they may get some assets or part payment. Good news for them, hope they get something back!

Was just whats-apping about this with someone, found it interesting, so took a quick peak online & company ATC had probs with is Canam. For anyone interested this is what I found online as a Recap.

Might pop back in a months time. Say hi again to Y’all. Happy EASTER.

ATC dismissed Canam in 2018. Canam in media stated “ATC owed them money”. ATC replied saying “this allegation is not true”. ATC in an annual report stated it would “pursue claims for damages from Canam”. There was a bond of $3M provided by Canam in place with BNZ.

Remember hearing a rumour & posting J Key / ANZ were behind ATC. As per 2018 annual report it states ANZ & Westpac were behind ATC. From a property industry article states “best & worst times have arrived with demand souring BUT so has costs & labour shortage”. As per Canam website projects says they did M Social Hotel. That is opposite the Viaduct. Recall construction going on around it, obviously haven’t been down there for a wee bit so no idea if its finished or not.

https://propertyinstitute.nz/Story?Action=View&Story_id=2707

(For New Zealand's construction industry, the best and worst of times have arrived together. Demand is soaring, but so are costs and labour shortages, and even some big-name builders have found it tough to make a profit. You don't have to look far to see the tensions in the industry. Late last month, for example, Canam Construction said it had stopped work at Alexandra Park, where it was building more than 100 units, while Corbel Construction stopped repair work on an 81-unit Parnell townhouse complex).

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/major-contractor-stops-work-at-alexandra-park-apartment-project/WZS3LHOAZTX7V7Z4GOODAFBLW4/

https://www.nbr.co.nz/story/canam-construction-seeks-damages-after-being-dumped-alexandra-park

https://www.alexandrapark.co.nz/assets/uploads/2016/10/2018-Annual-Report.pdf

The ground & weather conditions certainly delayed both projects and this has been well documented. However, these delays were then exacerbated by a tightening sub-trade market that made things even more difficult for most constructors. ATC was not immune, and we now have been delayed on both projects even more.

Coupled with the environmental and market conditions was a contractor which had a series of serious defaults and as a result, in July 2018, the ATC Board decided to terminate the contract with Canam Construction on Building A and replace this contractor with CMP Construction Ltd.  Following their termination, Canam is pursuing the Club legally, and this led to media reports and some misrepresentations relating to the development. Due to pending legal action we are limited in what we can say but we can categorically state the following:

• Westpac and ANZ fully support the ATC and have been excellent to deal with during an extremely difficult period for the construction of our buildings in a market that has seen some spectacular failures;
• ATC has paid all certied amounts under its contracts with Canam and Ganellen;
• ATC and the contractors were all served by Auckland Council with a Stop Work Notice in April 2018. The Stop Work Notices have been lifted. Responsibility for, and entitlements arising from, the Stop Work Notices are the subject of disputes between ATC and the contractors. ATC maintain the imposition of the notices arose because of delays and failures to provide quality assurance documentation by the contractors;
•  ATC terminated the Canam contract in July 2018 due to several defaults. Canam disputes the termination and ATC maintains the termination was lawful and will be pursuing claims for signicant damages from Canam via arbitration
• The bond of $3M provided by Canam is still in place with BNZ. Canam is seeking an injunction in the High Court preventing ATC converting the bond to cash until the outcome of the arbitration is known. ATC is opposing the application which will be heard during November 2018; and

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/alexandra-park-apartment-months-behind-original-schedule/FDT6CDCX4JXR5HAPE47FEKKZ3E/

"Auckland Trotting Club wishes to make it clear, contrary to any allegations, that it has complied with its payment obligations under its contract with Canam," the statement said.

https://canam.co.nz/projects

[karrotsishere]

On 12/16/2021 at 4:03 PM, karrotsishere said:

Well folks we are a couple hours out from the debut of new Kid on the Block 2 yo Nicolas Cage. He’s also the Whales Best Bet.

Could he potentially be the flag bearer for the North for the age group? Will he potentially give the top 3 in South, Akuta, Franco Indie & Republican Party a run for their money?

This is interesting looking back on, posted back in Dec last year. Hear hes won 4 or 5 out of what 7 or 8 starts now. 

[karrotsishere]

On 11/15/2021 at 10:17 AM, karrotsishere said:

 2 y-o Nicolas Cage qualified Friday. Won by 14 1/4 lengths in sleek MR2-00.8 over 2200m at Cambridge.

Nicolas Cage. 

Called it back Nov 2021 when he was an unqualified unknown 2yo.

See in results he beat the heavy weights Copy That & Akuta. 

Whoop whoop.

Just the beginning?

[Globederby19]

He got it easy in front ,first half in 65 I think, then left them to it. Nice finish by Copy That from the rear but the horse had bolted.(pardon the pun). Stewards would surely have to question the tactics of the two favs , just sitting back . They wont underestimate this horse next time.

[karrotsishere]

1 minute ago, Globederby19 said:

He got it easy in front ,first half in 65 I think, then left them to it. Nice finish by Copy That from the rear but the horse had bolted.(pardon the pun). Stewards would surely have to question the tactics of the two favs , just sitting back . They wont underestimate this horse next time.

All good Globie

Heard the latest?

I said it before Ill say it again. Id be surprised if CEO is still in his job in a year.

Nothing to do with scandal etc about him, so please dont get that mis-conception. And certainly dont want to come across as there is some witch hunt. Its not.

But from what Iv heard the people have spoken & its a big majority.

TBC. Watch this space. Be the man & step down. Be interesting to see what transpires. 

[karrotsishere]

11 minutes ago, karrotsishere said:

All good Globie

Heard the latest?

I said it before Ill say it again. Id be surprised if CEO is still in his job in a year.

Nothing to do with scandal etc about him, so please dont get that mis-conception. And certainly dont want to come across as there is some witch hunt. Its not.

But from what Iv heard the people have spoken & its a big majority.

TBC. Watch this space. Be the man & step down. Be interesting to see what transpires. 

Mr Handicapper too.

Edited March 11, 2023 by karrotsishere

[karrotsishere]

On 3/11/2023 at 4:36 PM, karrotsishere said:

All good Globie

Heard the latest?

I said it before Ill say it again. Id be surprised if CEO is still in his job in a year.

Nothing to do with scandal etc about him, so please dont get that mis-conception. And certainly dont want to come across as there is some witch hunt. Its not.

Oh yip here we go. Sad tho it turned out to be health reasons.