New Zealand Racing, 2014-15

[_ed_]

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. 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.

[my miss storm cat]

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.

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

Nice news about Habibi, by the way!

[_ed_]

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.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

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 ).

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.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

and to Rollout The Carpet (who should win easily)!

... or not!

Happy to see Flower Bomb was 2nd... can't wait for replay!

[my miss storm cat]

Frustrating! Time for ONE replay right now and on the NZ racing site if you click on R8 @ Awapuni vid you get the Gallagher Marton Cup, which was actually the 6th (and yes I did try reversing it and playing r6 which is also r6). Really wanted to see Iamishwara's 2nd in the Waikato Stud. Will try again later but ugh!!!!!

[_ed_]

Annoying! But I think I know what happened there - they had some issues with the track early in the afternoon and delayed the races significantly. I think race six ended up being at the time race eight was meant to be!