New Zealand Racing, 2009-10

[_ed_]

Crazy odds for those horses, and 100-1 for Volgus is insane too.

I'm a bit worried about the draws, but it's a long run before the first turn and they have good jockeys on their backs. I think they'll be ok.

It's Derby day. Less than 3 hours until the first race, 7 hours to go until the Derby. I'll be leaving in an hour.

[my miss storm cat]

Noooo wait i forgot to ask something!

The jockey for Zarzeula? Is he the one who looks about 12?

Seriously I don't know the name but if he's the one I'm thinking of has he always been her jockey? Is he like a young sensation or right place at the right time or what?

Okay I'm out of here but hope you can answer.

Have a fantastic time!

Blow a kiss (well you know what I mean) to my Bayboy and tell him it's okay not to win here cause he's up against some really great girls and just look at Katie when she wins for me! You don't have to jump up and down or scream or swoon or any of it but take one of those pictures with your mind that you'll remember when you're an old man and do it for mne too since I can't be there (damnit!).

Have fun ed!!!!!

Good luck.

Be safe everyone!

[_ed_]

You're right, that's James McDonald. He's 18 years old...

He's only in his third season of riding and is still an apprentice. He was champion jockey last season, and will probably do it again this season. He's got 113 wins so far, 15 more than Mark Du Plessis.

He's the number one rider for Mark Walker, so he also rides Tell A Tale and lots of other nice stakes horses.

[my miss storm cat]

Wow impressive (and duh Tell a Tale... it's like I'm braindead for thinking well that name is vaguely familiar!).

Thank you ed!

Have a great time!!!

[_ed_]

Replay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLw4pX_pQwQ

[my miss storm cat]

I just woke up.

Ummm.... huh?

I mean yea, nice for Military Move but huh?

Where was she ed?

I read one little piece and she wasn't even mentioned (neither was Bayboy, Monaco Consul...)

Just very, very surprised.

I'll watch the replay later.

You okay?

[_ed_]

Yeah, it just wasn't her day. Usually in the parade she's on her toes and kicking a bit, and yesterday she looked bored. She's had 10 races this season, all stakes, and maybe she's had enough for now. Opie said she was never interested in trying.

Bayboy ran a nice race but got a bit tired at the end. Monaco went a bit crazy at the last turn! Zarzuela didn't have the same zip as she showed in her last two races.

Military Move deserved it. He opened up the same big break as he did in the 2000 Guineas, and this time there was no Katie Lee to run him down. It was great to see Michael Walker's celebration - I think it was his first G1 since his major head injury 18 months ago, and he said he had always dreamed of winning the Derby.

Great picture - http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/97...y-Images-Sport