New Zealand Racing, 2010-11

[my miss storm cat]

Thanks for that and his first stakes win? Really???

That's awesome.

I like Lion Tamer a LOT but I didn't think he was still up there as one of the favorites. I have no idea why though! I mean I didn't think he was up to that level but hooray!

Who else is looking really good right now?

Sometimes there are so many of them that I start blanking out on names.

[_ed_]

Actually, now he isn't: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horserac...102-19d1i.html


At least it's only a minor injury, and he'll be back later in the season.

King's Rose is still considered a big Derby chance, but her trainer said she's more likely to go for the Oaks. I don't think any filly in NZ can beat her in that, so that's a safe target.

Jimmy Choux is back in the picture after his awesome win last week. I'm still not convinced he'll get the Derby distance, but he's obviously got the ability.

And there are a few impressive maiden winners around who haven't stepped up to stakes class yet.

It's an exciting year!

[my miss storm cat]

Oh man I wasn't expecting that.

At least he'll be back though.

See that's why I wasn't sure about Jimmy cause even after that last win with the scare I didn't know if he was still pointed to it or what.

A very exciting year!

Not that you don't have anything better to do but some day can you fill me in? Atapi... what was his best win and when?

Why did I not know his name?!

I watched that replay again and sure he may not have been the best horse in the race but he sure is a fighter.

[_ed_]

Atapi has actually never really had any big wins - his best was a listed race in Brisbane called the Falvelon. That was his only stakes win.

He's had 64 starts for 11 wins, 8 seconds and 9 thirds.

He's been second or third in all these big races:
G1 Railway Stakes 2011
G1 Railway Stakes 2010
G1 Telegraph Handicap 2009
G1 Otaki WFA 2009
G2 Sir Byrne Hart Stakes (AUS) 2008
G2 Grand Prix Stakes (AUS) 2005
G3 Higgins Challenge Stakes 2005
G3 Eclipse Stakes 2004

[my miss storm cat]

Pretty impressive and figures cause I usually end up being a big fan of the ones who don't actually win the big races but who come oh so close.

[_ed_]

No stakes races in NZ this weekend.

But there is one interesting runner - Starcheeka. This guy only won a maiden race as a 2-year-old, and hasn't yet raced at 3, but is only 15-1 in early betting for the Derby. Some people obviously like him a lot! I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes.

And speaking of the Derby, since there are no stakes fields to look through this week, have a look at the early entries for the 2011 Derby here: http://www.nzracing.co.nz/Meetings/Meeting.aspx/38383

You can find more information on each runner by hovering the mouse and then clicking profile. But don't do that for all of them - there are 231! It would take you all day.

So many good horses there. Eight weeks to go!

[my miss storm cat]

Oh this is cool!

Thanks for the link and please post a replay of this guy after the race so we can see what the fuss is about!