New Zealand Racing, 2014-15

[_ed_]

Yeah, happy for all the connections.

A little apprehensive about this Saturday. Avondale, just a short walk from my house, has its first major raceday since December 2009!

It's had a lot of financial troubles, and its facilities are not great (to say the least). The Avondale Cup and Guineas have been across town at Ellerslie for the last few years.

Avondale faces a pretty big test this weekend, filling in for Pukekohe which was meant to be the venue but is having problems of its own. If Saturday is a success it might get its Cup and Guineas back in future.

I have mixed feelings - it's nice having a track so close, and I wish them well, but Ellerslie is just so far ahead of it in every way.

[my miss storm cat]

The noms look really good. Some huge names!

Hope it all goes smoothly and that the facilities are safe and all.

[_ed_]

Time After Time is an interesting entrant in the Bowl. He was good enough to finish second in a G1 in Hong Kong last year, so I'm looking forward to seeing how he goes on his NZ debut. There's a bit of quality in that race.

[my miss storm cat]

Oh yeah I remember him! Hope he does well, Rooting for Durham Town but that would be awesome if he pulled a Fay Fay!

Looked at the noms for January 1 (oh well I do look for Veyron at times and besides... I watched the replay of Bounding's win in the Railway yesterday just because) ) and noticed Pinzaara's name! Might she go out on that kinda high? That would be amazing.

[_ed_]

Yep, that's going to be her last ever start... and it's a G1! I think it's a bit of a longshot, but it's nice to dream and she has at least earned a chance.

[_ed_]

Derby noms are out now as well, all 145 of them! I've heard of about half of them. I have some research to do!

[my miss storm cat]

With your new position not sure if you'll have the time to do the annual Derby contenders spotlight this next February but I hope you will! Always look forward to that.

Special good luck wishes this weekend to Postman's Daughter. I just watched the replay of her last win last October... that was such a nice field she beat what with I Do and Ididit and all.

No rider listed as of yet... does that mean Derek Nolan doesn't have the mount?

Wow this will be her 67th start? Wonder when they'll be retiring her.

It would be the best to see her win.

Originally Posted by _ed_

Yep, that's going to be her last ever start... and it's a G1! I think it's a bit of a longshot, but it's nice to dream and she has at least earned a chance.

She sure has!