New Zealand Racing 2013-14

[_ed_]

Very proud of her! I did make it to the track in time for that race, and she did so well. Fantastic.

Here's what Jason Bridgman had to say about Archie in his first trial last week:

Brochaine ('Archie') (2 c Pins – Lowland) – Matt Cameron; jumped slowly and ran on, finding the sprint trip far too short in his first trial.

Although finishing near the rear in a small field, he was there for education and it was difficult to make any ground. He was quite field shy and will take good experience. Being a big colt that will take time to mature, he will benefit a brief spell before returning to training. I will keep you updated.

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2000 Guineas field:

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

Very proud of her! I did make it to the track in time for that race, and she did so well. Fantastic.

Here's what Jason Bridgman had to say about Archie in his first trial last week:

Brochaine ('Archie') (2 c Pins – Lowland) – Matt Cameron; jumped slowly and ran on, finding the sprint trip far too short in his first trial.

Although finishing near the rear in a small field, he was there for education and it was difficult to make any ground. He was quite field shy and will take good experience. Being a big colt that will take time to mature, he will benefit a brief spell before returning to training. I will keep you updated.

Glad you made it to watch your girl run and thanks for the Archie update! Exciting!

Odd on Lucky Feather surprised me... figured he'd be the longest shot on the board but I guess maybe with that last run of his (?)...

Happy to see Darryl Bradley has the mount again. That seemed like a nice fit last time.

I couldn't recall seeing Chambord before so went back and watched his win... very nice! Didn't seem like a strong field or anything but still... nice horse. (Either both he and Swinging are very large or there were a couple of very small horses in that one cause they looked gigantic! ).

Who is your pick, ed?

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I'm still trying to figure it out! Atlante was the most visually impressive in his last race, but I don't think the field he beat was very strong (apart from All Decked Out, who didn't fire at all that day).

Sacred Park is so brave. If he's in a two-horse war down the stretch, he'll win that.

But I'm starting to think Chambord could come flying down the outside like he did when he came 2nd to Costa Viva in the Ray Coupland Stakes. And maybe he'll go straight past these guys. He seems to be improving a whole lot with every race.

I think the fillies are a stronger group this year. The 1000 Guineas next week is going to be Bounding, Costa Viva, Spellbinder, Miss Foxwood... Can't wait for that one.

[Scurlogue Champ]

Originally Posted by _ed_

I'm still trying to figure it out! Atlante was the most visually impressive in his last race, but I don't think the field he beat was very strong (apart from All Decked Out, who didn't fire at all that day).

Sacred Park is so brave. If he's in a two-horse war down the stretch, he'll win that.

But I'm starting to think Chambord could come flying down the outside like he did when he came 2nd to Costa Viva in the Ray Coupland Stakes. And maybe he'll go straight past these guys. He seems to be improving a whole lot with every race.

I think the fillies are a stronger group this year. The 1000 Guineas next week is going to be Bounding, Costa Viva, Spellbinder, Miss Foxwood... Can't wait for that one.

That damn Atlante is a fighter. Looked drowned at the top of the stretch and kept plugging along like a freight train. Just wore everyone down it looked like in the studio. I was commenting to co-worker that he was done and obviously Atlante didn't get the quit memo. Exciting race to watch.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

I'm still trying to figure it out! Atlante was the most visually impressive in his last race, but I don't think the field he beat was very strong (apart from All Decked Out, who didn't fire at all that day).

Sacred Park is so brave. If he's in a two-horse war down the stretch, he'll win that.

But I'm starting to think Chambord could come flying down the outside like he did when he came 2nd to Costa Viva in the Ray Coupland Stakes. And maybe he'll go straight past these guys. He seems to be improving a whole lot with every race.

I think the fillies are a stronger group this year. The 1000 Guineas next week is going to be Bounding, Costa Viva, Spellbinder, Miss Foxwood... Can't wait for that one.

I'm assuming you had this and oh, what a nice win and very nice run from Chambord as well.

Ummm Sacred Park... is he okay? Didn't quite look himself there at the end but what do I know.

I was SO disappointed re Lucky Feather! What happened, ed? All they said was "a late scratch" and wow sucks for his people and of course I really do hope he's okay (?).

Can't wait for the fillies.

Any word on my Mr. The Hombre? Still no barrier trials or anything.

[_ed_]

Originally Posted by Scurlogue Champ

That damn Atlante is a fighter. Looked drowned at the top of the stretch and kept plugging along like a freight train. Just wore everyone down it looked like in the studio. I was commenting to co-worker that he was done and obviously Atlante didn't get the quit memo. Exciting race to watch.

Yeah, exactly. Such a tough win. I thought some weak opposition had made him look better than he was in the Canterbury Stakes, but clearly I was wrong. He beat them fair and square. Really impressive.

It'll be interesting to see whether they push on to the NZ Derby now. I get the impression a mile and a half is a bit of a stretch for Fastnet Rock 3yos. But this guy doesn't look like he'll shrink away from a challenge.

Originally Posted by my miss storm cat

Ummm Sacred Park... is he okay? Didn't quite look himself there at the end but what do I know.

You were absolutely right. I found this in the stewards' report:

"When questioned regarding the performance of SACRED PARK, rider L Innes reported that the gelding had travelled comfortably in the running, but failed to respond when pressured and was disappointing. Innes added that SACRED PARK felt indifferent in its action over the final stages. Stewards ordered a post-race veterinary inspection of SACRED PARK, which did not reveal any obvious abnormalities."

A bit of a mystery.

Lucky Feather had a meltdown in the starting gates. He ended up turning himself around and facing the wrong way, and he got himself stuck. They finally got him out, and then the vet scratched him - just minor cuts and bruises, but enough to take him out of the race. So disappointing for Lucky Feather and his team, in one of the biggest races of the year.

Good question about The Hombre! I can't find anything either. Weird. I'll do some further investigation!

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It was a really fun trip down to Christchurch yesterday. Loved it. A kind of cold day, but awesome racing action all the way through. And I managed to get up close to the man of the moment after his life-changing win.


I can't wait to do it all again next week!

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THE HOMBRE NEWS!

http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...a-reappearance

...The Hombre hit out well in work.

“We’re all in a happy mood here,” said Bary. “It’s been a bit of a drought for the stable but things are looking up. The three stakeswinners are all coming up well and some young ones are showing promise.”

...

The Hombre is set to start fresh-up in the Listed $50,000 Counties Bowl (1100m) at Pukekohe on November 23.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

THE HOMBRE NEWS!

http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...a-reappearance

Oh thank you so much for finding that!!!!!!! Made my day.

Originally Posted by _ed_

It was a really fun trip down to Christchurch yesterday. Loved it. A kind of cold day, but awesome racing action all the way through. And I managed to get up close to the man of the moment after his life-changing win.


I can't wait to do it all again next week!

Beautiful shot, ed!