It was just a wonderful performance, wasn't it? I thought she had no chance from last at the top of the stretch, but she flew. A really great win and she totally deserved it.

Very nice run from Pondarosa Miss as well! Can't wait to see her up over a mile and a half.

I think it's 90% certain that the amazing Pinzaara is retired now, but there is still a chance she might run in the Railway. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I'll keep you posted!

Fun day at Ellerslie today! Nowhere near Boxing Day with its crowd or the quality of racing, but still some nice performances.

Kolaman and Kaharau are both on the Derby trail, The Justice League was amazing on debut in the 2yo race and it was nice to see G3 winner Shezhardtocatch back at her best.

Pinzaara confirmed for one more race in the Railway! :eek:

The New Year's Day fields at Ellerslie are stunning. I can't wait!

http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...Derby-campaign :)

Great fields! Have a wonderful time if you're going (which I will assume you are) and happy New Year.

GOOD LUCK!!!!! Exciting beyond belief!!!!! :)


(edit - Feel better, Bounding.)

Finally read it...nicely done. I like this one!

Lots of scratches today!

Good luck to your girl. :)

Ellerslie looks absolutely beautiful this afternoon. Race one is five minutes away. So excited.

Marky Mark! Wow, he really went up a level today.

There's an awful-looking incident in the Royal Stakes, so beware of that when you watch the replay. But I can report that horses and jockeys are all okay. :) Stolen Dance had an irregular heart beat, but otherwise all fine.

Volkstok'n'barrell, Sakhee's Soldier and In Style were all absolutely fantastic.

Another spill in the City Of Auckland Cup. :( The horse is fine. Michael McNab was sitting up on the track but has been taken to hospital. Hope he's okay.

Thanks for the advance warning(s)...

Just woke up and have not even emailed my mom yet to wish a happy new year BUT I did just watch Pinzaaras race and, while I'm sorry she didn't win, it it WAS wild and fantastic to see her bow out in the Railway, for God sake!

A lovely run and a game try... quite a field.

Wishing a very happy retirement to a VERY good girl...

I see that you posted on retirements and while I have not yet looked I think she should be both the last on 2014 and first on the new one.

Looking forward to seeing Fastdane Rocky on Tuesday!

Oh I just read the Veyron piece on the Informant.....

I do think he's done more than enough (... but my heart is completely pained for Ms. Laing).

Yeah, a very sad end to a wonderful team. :(

Happy about this: http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...d-to-Derby-day

The more big races on Derby day, the better.

Speaking of the Derby, how about an early top 10?

1. Volkstok'n'barrell - he's been so impressive and really has to be at the top at the moment. Donna Logan says he's possibly the best horse she's ever trained. :eek: Habibi, Rising Romance, Durham Town...

2. Rockfast - he hasn't won since September but he's impressed me a lot with seconds in big races in his last two.

3. Tavy - she's desperate for more distance, and I can't wait to see her get it. Trainer Roger James has won the Derby five times.

4. McQueen - the first surprising one! I really like the look of this horse. He flew into second on debut, then scored a nice win second time out. The horse who ran second there, Suffire, won her next race by six lengths. This guy runs at Ellerslie on Saturday and we can get a better idea of him after that - he might move down or up!

5. Kolonel Kev - a really nice win at Trentham, followed by a strong third in the Guineas. Watching this guy closely.

6. Margin Trader - another one who's caught my eye with his last couple of races, and I think stepping up over more distance will be a big help for him.

7. Stratocaster - I was a bit disappointed with his last race, but we know how good this horse is. He's way too good to leave off this list. His trainer told me he was a bit fat going into that race, so hopefully he'll improve on it. The distance should be good for him too.

8. Sound Proposition - this horse scored a VERY nice three-length maiden win last time. I'll be watching him closely as he steps up in grade over the next few weeks.

9. Midnitemagicman - another Logan horse. He took a while to win his first race! But he's been stakes placed three times, he loves Ellerslie and he tries really hard.

10. Mongolian Khan - a stakes winner at Ellerslie, but I'm not totally convinced by that performance. Craig gave him a brilliant ride in front and basically stole the race, and I don't think he could do that in the Derby.

Thanks for the list, ed! Have to get caught up on about a fourth of the runners...

I shall hold out hope for Giant Turtle to step it up big time. :D

Will you be at Ellerslie on Saturday? Have a great time if you go.

Nice news about Habibi, by the way!

Yep, I'm at Ellerslie. :) How good was McQueen? Wow!

I think he moves up my Derby list after that, possibly even as high as two.

Very nice win (but my favorite part was the "Giant Turtle off his back" line :D).

Surprised Graphic couldn't do it today (nice win by Delveen, who I have not heard of).

Good luck wishes to Flower Bomb and The Grinner especially (won't win) and to Rollout The Carpet (who should win easily)!

Have fun!!!

* * *

edit - Love and respect to Nashville and Survived and all but I am kinda rooting for the always hard-trying Ismishwara to win the Waikato Stud at the other track today. :)

edit - Looking at the twitter stuff from Awapuni... track safe? Fingers crossed.