New Zealand Racing

[_ed_]

Michael Walker will be back riding by Christmas.

He's coming back to riding trials this week. Amazing recovery.

[_ed_]

G1 Levin Classic tomorrow! A bit of a weird tradition, running this one on Friday. Everyone takes a day off work and heads off to the little town of Otaki. Weird, but awesome.

The field:

1 X2503 Minstrel Court (AUS) 11 86 56.0 Troy Harris Mark Walker, Matamata, Rangiora
2 19325 Altered Image 5 80 56.0 Michael Coleman Mike & Paul Moroney, Matamata
3 11532 Indacool 19 77 56.0 Jarrod Todd Allan Sharrock, New Plymouth
4 24832 Sherborne 16 70 56.0 David Walker Stephen Crutchley, Wanganui
5 4132 Spartanicus 13 70 56.0 Kelly Myers (a) Karen Zimmerman, Otaki
6 31 The Spaniard 18 70 56.0 Robert Hannam Adrian Bull, Hunterville
7 X2120 Fyfetheknife 3 69 56.0 Sam Spratt Richard & Chris Otto, Te Awamutu
8 X4843 Kiwi Hussler 15 69 56.0 Noel Harris John Sargent, Matamata
9 62140 Izonit 12 68 56.0 Vinnie Colgan Vanessa & Wayne Hillis, Matamata
10 42X21 Late Addition 8 68 56.0 Craig Grylls (a) Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
11 7X155 Macadamia 9 68 56.0 Patrick Bell (a) Grant Searle, Awapuni
12 32163 Spontaneous 4 68 56.0 Gavin McKeon Robert Priscott, Te Awamutu
13 60294 Merrymaker 10 67 56.0 Reese Jones Mike & Paul Moroney, Matamata
14 X4205 Siem Reap 14 67 56.0 Andrew Calder Royce Dowling & Linda Laing, Cambridge
15 31X38 Court Ruler 6 66 56.0 Leith Innes John Wheeler, New Plymouth
16 X2211 Daffodil 17 88 54.5 Hayden Tinsley Kevin Gray, Copper Belt Lodge, Palmerston North
17 410 Tap 'N' Gap 2 66 54.5 Grant Searle, Awapuni
18 532 Phantom Storm (AUS) 7 58 56.0 Lisa Latta, Awapuni
19 3530 Sahara 1 56 54.5 Rachael Frost, Otaki

Daffodil's hard to beat here despite the wide gate.

[_ed_]

Daffodil had a shocking trip, forget she ran.

The winner was...ALTERED IMAGE!

Replay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbzbthAip80

He started the season undefeated and looking like he might dominate the 3yos this year, but things haven't gone well - the Levin Classic was his first win of the season.

He really deserved his G1 win though, happy for him and the Moroneys.

[my miss storm cat]

Thanks for the replay and yeah, nice for the connections.

[Scurlogue Champ]

What are the two best racecourses in New Zealand as far as quality racing and Group racing?

Much appreciated.

[_ed_]

Ellerslie in Auckland is the best, with races like the NZ Derby (worth NZ$2.2 million) and 6 other G1 races.

It's a long way ahead, but there are some others that are as good at a certain time of year - Hastings in September/October, Riccarton in November and Trentham in January.

For lower levels, maiden races at Matamata are usually amazingly strong - lots of the main trainers are based there so the best horses often start off at their local track.

[Scurlogue Champ]

Originally Posted by _ed_

Ellerslie in Auckland is the best, with races like the NZ Derby (worth NZ$2.2 million) and 6 other G1 races.

It's a long way ahead, but there are some others that are as good at a certain time of year - Hastings in September/October, Riccarton in November and Trentham in January.

For lower levels, maiden races at Matamata are usually amazingly strong - lots of the main trainers are based there so the best horses often start off at their local track.

Many thanks, mate.

[_ed_]

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Thanks for the replay and yeah, nice for the connections.

They won another G2 today with Tinseltown, looks like a top contender for the Auckland Cup in March.