New Zealand Racing, 2014-15

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I still get a bit starstruck in this job when I see some of the big names in racing, and yesterday I ran into Brendon McCullum! Probably not a name that means much to you, but he's a huge sports star in NZ and I've always been a fan.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

Turn Me Loose is heading to Australia and will probably resume in the Hobartville Stakes, which I think is in mid/late Feb.

I'm getting the feeling the Platinum Witness will go to the Oaks. Her Derby odds are 18-1 and she's only 6-1 for the Oaks - I think there's probably something in that.

Giant Turtle has disappointed me a little bit in his last couple of races, but he could still put himself into contention with a good run next time. He might be in the noms for the G2 Waikato Guineas when they come out later today.

Similar story with Dartmoor - he was last in VSB's race. But he was quite good before that and can bounce back.

Thanks for the updates!

Originally Posted by _ed_

I still get a bit starstruck in this job when I see some of the big names in racing, and yesterday I ran into Brendon McCullum! Probably not a name that means much to you, but he's a huge sports star in NZ and I've always been a fan.

So embarrassed to say I don't know who this is but that is awesome that it meant something to you.

[my miss storm cat]

Happy to see Giant Turtle's name in the noms for the Waikato Guineas.

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It's a nice group! Gaultier and McQueen stand out for me, but I'm interested to see the fillies Vavasour and Palace Rock lining up against the boys instead of waiting for the fillies' race next Saturday. Maybe they're thinking of going for the Derby?

[_ed_]

http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...an-on-Saturday

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

It's a nice group! Gaultier and McQueen stand out for me, but I'm interested to see the fillies Vavasour and Palace Rock lining up against the boys instead of waiting for the fillies' race next Saturday. Maybe they're thinking of going for the Derby?

Very nice group and I will continue to root for the horse with the silly name but I really do like Prince Mambo and think he might just win against the big(ger) names.

So Opie is onboard Mongolian Khan instead of Craig Grylls (who I know doesn't always have the mount but he has for his latest wins...)... who snaps up MDP?

Nice that Mark HIlls rides my Turtle boy once again.

Fun race with Survived and Blood Brotha (didn't realize he was 9).

Originally Posted by _ed_

http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...an-on-Saturday

Oh SO happy to read this!

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I think Craig is still serving his suspension for careless riding causing that spill in the Royal Stakes on Jan 1. He comes back next week, if I remember right. So Opie is taking that ride in his absence.

I'm not sure who MDP is going to ride! I would guess he will ride Prince Mambo, Margin Trader or Palace Rock. Hopefully should be confirmed soon.

[my miss storm cat]

Oooh I do hope it's Prince Mambo!

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MDP rides Palace Rock, Matt Cameron takes Prince Mambo. So I wonder who's going to ride Prince Mambo in the Derby - somehow I doubt Matt will give up the ride on VSB!

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

MDP rides Palace Rock, Matt Cameron takes Prince Mambo. So I wonder who's going to ride Prince Mambo in the Derby - somehow I doubt Matt will give up the ride on VSB!

Does Sam have a Derby horse? I know he's had a few different jockeys but since she rode him to what I think is his best win I would maybe be go with her.

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Good point! I don't think she has any confirmed at the moment, so that's probably quite a likely option for her.

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This was a nice story to write. I hope she keeps running so well!
http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...s-Auckland-Cup

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

This was a nice story to write. I hope she keeps running so well!
http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...s-Auckland-Cup

Nicely done!

[my miss storm cat]

Wonder if they are fans of my boy too...

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2475184/th...E-facebook.jpg

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.s..._brothers.html

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That is amazing!

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Te Akau sent me this nice video of my girl Auriol working:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhxfQrxQPfI

She trials Feb 10.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

Te Akau sent me this nice video of my girl Auriol working:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhxfQrxQPfI

She trials Feb 10.

How lovely she is, ed! Best of luck with her.

Goodness where is Archie? Had you told me and I forgot? If so, sorry!

Well I just deposited $ so I could play the big race tonight but alas... tvg decided to allow us to bet the other track and the racing day is now over there so that, as they say, is that!

Will look forward to checking results later on. Good luck to you!

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It was a shame that they called those races off - the biggest day of the year for that track. But the Waikato Guineas should be a great race.

Archie had a leg injury and had to be retired. But he's found a nice new home with a dressage group, which is great to hear.

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WOW, what a great performance from Giant Turtle!

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But I have to say well done to Mongolian Khan. He's proven me wrong, and he's a deserving second favourite for the NZ Derby after that.