New Zealand Racing

[_ed_]

He doesn't look like the same horse as that now. Another disappointing run.

But you picked the Waikato Guineas winner, Nom du Jeu. At 14-1!

He's been a little bit disappointing for most of this season, but he was back at his best today. Huge run from way back, his owners must be so excited about the Derby now.

Replay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G82qbQUc5wo

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

He doesn't look like the same horse as that now. Another disappointing run.

But you picked the Waikato Guineas winner, Nom du Jeu. At 14-1!

He's been a little bit disappointing for most of this season, but he was back at his best today. Huge run from way back, his owners must be so excited about the Derby now.

Replay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G82qbQUc5wo

14/1? I'd thought he'd be the heavy favorite but what do i know.

Poor Giftie.

[_ed_]

Two G1s down at Te Rapa on Saturday...one's a reasonably even field (Sir Slick looks the likely winner to me though), the other is not. Seachange will be even money and I really don't think anyone can stop her winning her seventh G1. Under the weight-for-age scale no horses in NZ can run with her over 1400m (7 furlongs).

Apparently Ted Durcan is likely to commit to ride Seachange for all her Northern Hemisphere engagements. I know he wins quite a few races, but I don't know very much about him beyond that. What do you guys think of his riding ability?

[brockguy]

Ted is OK, not flashy but decent and underrated by many.. she does look like an uncomplicated ride..

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

Two G1s down at Te Rapa on Saturday...one's a reasonably even field (Sir Slick looks the likely winner to me though), the other is not. Seachange will be even money and I really don't think anyone can stop her winning her seventh G1. Under the weight-for-age scale no horses in NZ can run with her over 1400m (7 furlongs).

Apparently Ted Durcan is likely to commit to ride Seachange for all her Northern Hemisphere engagements. I know he wins quite a few races, but I don't know very much about him beyond that. What do you guys think of his riding ability?

I think he's good.

Hey... is Best Gift gonna go in this one?

http://www.nzracing.co.nz/Meetings/M...492/1#raceLink

edit - CARLISLE BAY! I really need to call him by his name!

[_ed_]

Not sure, haven't heard anything from the trainers about that...he did make a bit of ground late in his last race so maybe the 2 miles will suit him?

He would have a big weight though and it's looking like being a race with some good horses low in the weights. Tough task for him if he does try it.

He's at 40-1 for that race at the moment.

[_ed_]

It's been a long time since I saw the stands at a NZ racetrack full of people all on their feet clapping for a horse, but I saw it today when Seachange won her 7th G1 race.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpciMzF22Gs

Her trainer said she was "a bit fat" today so the win wasn't as dominant as we were expecting but she was so tough in holding the lead from Kay's Awake down to the wire.

When Gavin McKeon rode her back after the race he took her a furlong up the straight and came back past the crowd. There was a whole bunch of people from the stable down by the rail wearing blue & white holding up a sign that said "Go Poppy!". Apparently that's her stable name.

The other races were really exciting too, although the other G1 didn't help with trying to find the Derby winner. Against older horses in the International Stakes (2000m/1m 2f), a 3yo colt by Fantastic Light called Mission Critical led all the way and bolted in against horses as good as Sir Slick. It was an incredible performance by a horse who hasn't really been considered a Derby contender before today. It was...amazing.

Really happy for the Moroneys (trainers) after they lost Jokers Wild and had to retire Xcellent in recent weeks. They've got a new star.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD2WPJxuVmY

And Kaatoon was a nice winner of the G2 Fillies Classic over 2000m (1m 2f). She's been waiting to run over a distance like that. I loved the run of Insouciant for 2nd though, this race was too far for her and she was tired at the final turn, got so tired that she hit the rail more than once down the straight, but was so brave.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5ONoEVgd2k

Great day of racing!

3 weeks 'til the Derby, I'm totally confused now.

[brockguy]

ed thanks for the video.. another one for seachange.. i must ask though. how does mckeon feel that he wont get to ride her in dubai.. he mustnt be happy..