New Zealand Racing, 2011-12

[_ed_]

You're probably talking about the G1 Zabeel Classic - won by VR in 2009 and by Booming last year. Red Ruler was placed both times.

That race and 3 other graded stakes races are coming up at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, and then there's the amazing seven graded stakes races there on New Year's Day. Can't wait! But it's sad that I won't be able to post replays.

Jimmy's back from Hong Kong and having a well-deserved rest. His jockey said he just didn't sprint in the HK Mile the way he usually does, so he might need a bit of a break. It sounds like he'll have his next race in late February/early March.

[_ed_]

Boxing Day stakes fields:


G1 Zabeel Classic

1 1X411 Veyron 11 104 59.0 Leith Innes Linda Laing, Cambridge
2 50595 Booming 2 103 59.0 Jeff Lynds, Awapuni
3 0X002 Sir Slick 10 102 59.0 Jason Waddell John Sargent, Matamata
4 65442 Vonusti 18 102 59.0 Noel Harris Tim & Margaret Carter, Cambridge
5 35X58 Vosne Romanee 17 102 59.0 Jeff Lynds, Awapuni
6 X9303 Pasta Post 7 100 59.0 Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
7 00X74 Doctor Fremantle (GB) 14 96 59.0 Nash Rawiller Lauren Brennan, Cambridge
8 86680 Back In Black 16 92 59.0 Mark Hills John Steffert, Te Aroha
9 85197 Lady Chaparral 4 95 57.0 Sam Spratt Chris Wood, Cambridge
10 55008 Innocent Lady 9 93 57.0 Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
11 X2210 Postman's Daughter 6 98 56.5 Danielle Johnson Don Walker, Pukekohe Park
12 19411 Lady Kipling 13 94 56.5 Matthew Cameron Murray Baker, Cambridge
13 X2352 Shez Sinsational 3 89 56.5 James McDonald (a) Allan Sharrock, New Plymouth
14 43151 Duckworth Lewis 8 82 52.0 Michael Coleman Leo Molloy, Byerley Park
15 1X527 Star Bound 12 80 56.5 Michelle Wenn Bruce Wallace, Takanini
16 62104 The Terminator 5 80 59.0 Roger James, Cambridge
17 07633 My My Maree 1 75 57.0 Moira Murdoch & Dominic Olson, Waiuku
18 X8205 Hiace 15 72 59.0 Murray McKeagg, Tauranga

Some good ones here. I'd love Sir Slick to do it (he won this race in 2007, beating Xcellent), but I just don't see it happening. Veyron, Lady Kipling and Shez Sinsational for me.


G2 Great Northern Guineas (3yo)

1 X3125 Shuka 11 78 56.5 Peter & Dawn Williams, Byerley Park
2 1116 Burgundy 4 77 56.5 Matthew Cameron Jason Bridgman, Matamata
3 X0604 Fort Lincoln 9 75 56.5 Jonathan Riddell Lisa Latta, Awapuni
4 11 Ocean Park 1 73 56.5 Chad Ormsby Gary Hennessy, Matamata
5 27082 Vincent Street 14 73 56.5 Vanessa & Wayne Hillis, Matamata
6 16250 Caipirinha 7 72 56.5 Robert Priscott & Clayton Chipperfield, Te Awamutu
7 7X911 It Has To Be You 6 72 56.5 Vinnie Colgan Bruce Wallace, Takanini
8 13 Knight's Tour 12 65 56.5 Stephen McKee, Ardmore
9 150 Platinum Playboy 13 64 56.5 Shane Crawford, Cambridge
10 617 Lion Rock Hill 10 63 56.5 Grant Cooksley Bruce Wallace, Takanini
11 31 Samer Way 3 63 56.5 Bruce Wallace, Takanini
12 2151 Thorn Star 2 70 54.5 Andrew Scott, Matamata
13 21 Mapmaker 5 64 54.5 Nash Rawiller Paul Shailer, Matamata
14 01 Matabrahma 8 63 54.5 Danielle Johnson Paul Jenkins, Matamata

Tons of talent in this field. I like Burgundy, Ocean Park and It Has To Be You.


G2 Eight Carat Classic (3yo fillies)

1 32325 Dowager Queen 7 89 56.5 Graeme & Debbie Rogerson, Tuhikaramea
2 X2131 Planet Rock 8 85 56.5 Peter & Dawn Williams, Byerley Park
3 22262 Testa Secret 11 84 56.5 James McDonald (a) Kevin Gray, Copper Belt Lodge, Palmerston North
4 0124 Abeautifulred 1 82 56.5 Graeme & Debbie Rogerson, Tuhikaramea
5 27X11 Purpose 13 80 56.5 Tasha Collett Richard Collett, Pukekohe Park
6 X1144 Artistic 9 79 56.5 Shaune Ritchie, Cambridge
7 38130 Holy Moly 6 78 56.5 Leith Innes Roger James, Cambridge
8 111 Xanadu 14 78 56.5 Ken & Bev Kelso, Matamata
9 X9481 Melody Celebre 16 71 56.5 Louise Saunders, Pukekohe
10 X0102 Rose Of Falkirk 2 71 56.5 Harry Kasim (a) Mark Brosnan, Matamata
11 X5431 White Lies 3 71 56.5 Opie Bosson Stephen Marsh, Cambridge
12 71456 Unbelieveabelle 5 70 56.5 Danielle Johnson Stephen Crutchley, Wanganui
13 147 Full Of Spirit 17 64 56.5 Jason Waddell Roger James, Cambridge
14 21 Mapmaker 12 64 56.5 Nash Rawiller Paul Shailer, Matamata
15 21 Silent Achiever 10 64 56.5 Vinnie Colgan Roger James, Cambridge
16 3314 Blooming Hell 4 63 56.5 Chad Ormsby Richard Sherwin, Te Awamutu
17 X0680 Alley Cat 15 45 56.5 Mark Mullane, Takanini

1000 Guineas winner Planet Rock is here, along with some fillies who have looked scary good in lower grades - Xanadu is undefeated in three starts, and Silent Achiever looked phenomenal in her last-start win. Dowager Queen was good in Melbourne in October/November.


And the Newmarket Handicap:

1 1X160 Mae Jinx 17 96 59.0 Michael Moroney & Andrew Clarken, Matamata
2 X60X7 Tip The Wink 6 96 59.0 Jonathan Riddell Mike Breslin, Awapuni
3 X5758 Vincent Mangano 1 92 59.0 Jason Waddell Peter McKay, Matamata
4 1X819 Undisclosed 13 89 57.5 Danielle Johnson Peter McKay, Matamata
5 65495 Aspinal 8 90 56.0 Leith Innes Tony Pike & Mark Donoghue, Cambridge
6 243X3 Rough Odds 14 85 55.5 Alysha Collett (a) Richard Collett, Pukekohe Park
7 42325 Sweet Suitor 10 84 55.0 Graeme & Debbie Rogerson, Tuhikaramea
8 X3606 Mercury Mistress 11 83 53.0 Lance Noble, Matamata
9 X3192 Mi Payday 2 82 53.0 Tasha Collett Stephen Crutchley, Wanganui
10 4X011 Starpin 15 82 53.0 Matthew Cameron Paul Duncan, Cambridge
11 32X93 Maidantus 4 78 53.0 Graham Richardson, Matamata
12 14X24 Ready Steady 5 77 53.0 Andrew Scott, Matamata
13 3X373 Cool Storm 16 75 53.0 Stephen McKee, Ardmore
14 20X24 Viva Roma 12 75 53.0 Sam Spratt Bruce Wallace, Takanini
15 21X17 Payette 7 74 53.0 Richard Collett, Pukekohe Park
16 3X865 Eightlives 9 70 53.0 Richard Otto, Te Awamutu
17 70X60 Coretta 3 68 53.0 A J Morley, Waiuku

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

You're probably talking about the G1 Zabeel Classic - won by VR in 2009 and by Booming last year. Red Ruler was placed both times.

Booming! That's who I couldn't remember!

Originally Posted by _ed_

Boxing Day stakes fields:


G1 Zabeel Classic

1 1X411 Veyron 11 104 59.0 Leith Innes Linda Laing, Cambridge
2 50595 Booming 2 103 59.0 Jeff Lynds, Awapuni
3 0X002 Sir Slick 10 102 59.0 Jason Waddell John Sargent, Matamata
4 65442 Vonusti 18 102 59.0 Noel Harris Tim & Margaret Carter, Cambridge
5 35X58 Vosne Romanee 17 102 59.0 Jeff Lynds, Awapuni
6 X9303 Pasta Post 7 100 59.0 Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
7 00X74 Doctor Fremantle (GB) 14 96 59.0 Nash Rawiller Lauren Brennan, Cambridge
8 86680 Back In Black 16 92 59.0 Mark Hills John Steffert, Te Aroha
9 85197 Lady Chaparral 4 95 57.0 Sam Spratt Chris Wood, Cambridge
10 55008 Innocent Lady 9 93 57.0 Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
11 X2210 Postman's Daughter 6 98 56.5 Danielle Johnson Don Walker, Pukekohe Park
12 19411 Lady Kipling 13 94 56.5 Matthew Cameron Murray Baker, Cambridge
13 X2352 Shez Sinsational 3 89 56.5 James McDonald (a) Allan Sharrock, New Plymouth
14 43151 Duckworth Lewis 8 82 52.0 Michael Coleman Leo Molloy, Byerley Park
15 1X527 Star Bound 12 80 56.5 Michelle Wenn Bruce Wallace, Takanini
16 62104 The Terminator 5 80 59.0 Roger James, Cambridge
17 07633 My My Maree 1 75 57.0 Moira Murdoch & Dominic Olson, Waiuku
18 X8205 Hiace 15 72 59.0 Murray McKeagg, Tauranga

Some good ones here. I'd love Sir Slick to do it (he won this race in 2007, beating Xcellent), but I just don't see it happening. Veyron, Lady Kipling and Shez Sinsational for me.

That field is like a Chrisrmas present.

Good luck to Sir Slick of course who I don't see winning either but I worry either way... if he's entered or if I stop seeing his name for a while.

God retire him already!

If it can't be him I'm hoping Vosne Romanee or Vonusti wins but I think you're right about Lady Kipling and if I were playing that's who I'd use on top.

[_ed_]

Great day of racing.

In the Newmarket, tiny little grey filly COOL STORM finally got her first stakes win after four close placings.
Story: http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...to-smile-about

KNIGHT'S TOUR, a horse no one had really heard of, had an amazing breakout performance in the Guineas and is now the second favourite for the Derby. This was a great win, and he looks like a really nice colt.
Story: http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...s-Derby-claims

1000 Guineas winner PLANET ROCK delivered again in the Eight Carat. She had to work real hard to get the lead from her wide gate, but she just kept kicking down the straight and no others got close.
Story: http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...r-Christchurch

And, in the Zabeel, SHEZ SINSATIONAL got her first G1 win after two placings at this level. No surprise at all to see her win one, and it was a terrific performance. Veyron second, Doctor Fremantle third (whoa!), Lady Kipling fourth, Booming fifth.
Story: http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...lassic-victory

[my miss storm cat]

Do you have any idea how upset I am that you can't post the replays? For a second I thought well hooray articles but where are.... oh right.

Thanks for the links. I know if you had your way you'd continue being the ambassador of NZ racing for all of us.

Okay I couldn't find it and God knows I can never seem to find the full results but how did Vosne Romanee, Vonusti and Sir Slick look / run / finish?

Adorable little Cool Storm! Sucks about her owner getting hurt!

You're right in that I have not yet heard of Knights Tour (well I have now) and whoa Planet Rock! That is most excellent!

I can't believe that's the first G1 win for SS. I know nothing can replace people but it's always nice to read about a horse winning when a lot of other things are going wrong for the connections. A moment or two of happiness can't replace anyone but it's nice to know that maybe it lifted their spirits for a minute anyway.

She's knocked on the door for a long time. Good for her.

Is there anywhere at all were allowed to go to see replays?

[_ed_]

Absolutely - http://www.nzracing.co.nz

You have to register, but it's free. Then, to see the replays, go Meeting Info > Results > Auckland RC 26 December.

It's a bit of effort, but I think it's worth it.

The full order of finish for the Zabeel Classic:

13-Shez Sinsational (James McDonald),
1-Veyron (Leith Innes) (1.5L),
7-Doctor Fremantle (Nash Rawiller) (2.3L),
12-Lady Kipling-Matthew Cameron(2.7L),
2-Booming-Vinnie Colgan(4L),
10-Innocent Lady-Chad Ormsby(6.4L),
14-Duckworth Lewis-Michael Coleman(7.7L),
9-Lady Chaparral-Sam Spratt(8.1L),
11-Postman's Daughter-Danielle Johnson(8.3L),
3-Sir Slick-Jason Waddell(8.4L),
4-Vonusti-Noel Harris(9.8L),
6-Pasta Post-Craig Grylls(11.7L),
8-Back In Black-Mark Hills(15.4L),
5-Vosne Romanee-Hayden Tinsley(22.3L).

VR was trapped wide for a lot of the race and tired badly at the end. Sir Slick and Vonusti just didn't fire.

***

Sad news - champion sire Volksraad died today at the age of 23. I'll post in the Angels thread.

[my miss storm cat]

Does VR ever fire these days? I hope so... I'm sure there have been races that I missed though so really don't know.

Thanks for the results and okay yes I will go and register!

I remember Veyron as the horse that Sir Slick was 2nd to earlier this year. I know he (she?) has a lot of wins and don't mean to be disrespectful!

I read your post in the angels thread and cannot even believe all those great horses came from a single sire.

Sad.

Rest in peace and thank you for what (and who) you gave us.

[my miss storm cat]

Hey ed where's my good boy Upsala?

[_ed_]

Upsala's running Sunday in the G1 Railway at Ellerslie.

Speaking of which...

ELLERSLIE'S 'SUPER SUNDAY', JAN 1

G1 Railway

1 13641 Atomic Force (AUS) 15 105 58.0 Nash Rawiller Darren Smith, New South Wales
2 X8111 Durham Town 13 93 57.0 Vinnie Colgan Donna & Dean Logan, Ruakaka
3 PX560 Ego 4 93 57.0 Hayden Tinsley Ben Foote, Byerley Park
4 00X04 Atapi 2 98 55.0 Danielle Johnson Richard Otto, Te Awamutu
5 0X716 Fazzle 17 98 55.0 Jason Waddell Moira Murdoch & Dominic Olson, Waiuku
6 1X326 Double Barrel 11 96 55.0 Chad Ormsby Moira Murdoch & Dominic Olson, Waiuku
7 0X127 The Hombre 5 91 55.0 Sam Spratt John Bary, Hastings
8 8X422 Upsala 19 90 55.0 Matthew Cameron Kenny & Lisa Rae, Ruakaka
9 X2601 Guiseppina 18 99 54.0 James McDonald (a) Steven Ramsay & Julia Ritchie, Maungatautari
10 31252 Twilight Savings 9 98 54.0 Lisa Allpress Murray Baker, Cambridge
11 1X160 Mae Jinx 8 96 53.0 Michael Coleman Michael Moroney & Andrew Clarken, Matamata
12 54953 Aspinal 6 90 53.0 Leith Innes Tony Pike & Mark Donoghue, Cambridge
13 X3731 Cool Storm 7 85 53.0 Trudy Thornton Stephen McKee, Ardmore
14 31922 Mi Payday 10 83 53.0 Tasha Collett Stephen Crutchley, Wanganui
15 X4286 Magic Briar 3 85 53.0 Craig Grylls Ken & Bev Kelso, Matamata
16 43X35 Rough Odds 14 84 55.0 Scratching Richard Collett, Pukekohe Park
17 85X12 Charma 16 84 55.0 Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
18 21052 Captain Kirk 12 83 55.0 Rachael Frost, Otaki
19 X2532 Kaptain Kirkup (IRE) 1 82 55.0 Michael Moroney & Andrew Clarken, Matamata


G2 City of Auckland

1 X0011 Cassini 7 100 58.0 Lisa Allpress Mark Oulaghan, Awapuni
2 22109 Postman's Daughter 12 98 57.5 Nash Rawiller Don Walker, Pukekohe Park
3 66800 Back In Black 9 92 57.5 Vinnie Colgan John Steffert, Te Aroha
4 80214 Fazza 3 92 57.0 Jason Waddell Jeff Lynds, Awapuni
5 60905 Six O'Clock News 14 92 57.0 Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young, Cambridge
6 X5003 Castle Heights 6 91 56.5 James McDonald (a) Donna & Dean Logan, Ruakaka
7 60796 Don Domingo 1 89 56.5 Leith Innes Graham Richardson, Matamata
8 50086 Innocent Lady 5 93 55.5 Michael Coleman Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
9 13152 Sum Up 15 89 55.5 Matthew Cameron Shelley Hale, Cambridge
10 04422 Tullaroan 13 89 55.0 Danielle Johnson David Haworth & Matt Dixon, Foxton
11 0X150 Better Together 10 87 54.5 Sam Spratt John Sargent, Matamata
12 71716 Jeu de Cartes 11 87 54.5 Kelly Myers Murray Baker, Cambridge
13 X8895 Marea Alta 8 85 54.5 Noel Harris Alexander Fieldes, Wanganui
14 1X131 Single Minded 4 80 54.5 Craig Grylls Graham Richardson, Matamata
15 0X002 Top Spot 16 74 54.5 Masa Tanaka Graham Richardson, Matamata
16 82058 Hiace 2 70 54.5 Tasha Collett Murray McKeagg, Tauranga


G2 Rich Hill Mile

1 40X83 Run Like Al 1 99 59.0 Sam Spratt Jakki Good, Waiuku
2 66013 November Rain 14 100 57.5 Leith Innes Richard Collett, Pukekohe Park
3 60X13 Alegrio 10 96 57.5 Alysha Collett (a) Richard Collett, Pukekohe Park
4 639X3 Irish Opera 9 96 57.5 Nash Rawiller Stephen McKee, Ardmore
5 X5117 Platinum Princess 6 99 57.0 Kelly Myers Lisa Latta, Awapuni
6 X0053 Joku (AUS) 16 95 57.0 Jonathan Riddell Jim Litt, Hawera
7 84X10 Heza Karma Karzi 12 94 56.5 Scratching John Sargent, Matamata
8 4X620 Casabella Lane 20 96 55.5 Chad Ormsby Jim Pender, Tauranga
9 11X34 All In Tempo 11 91 55.5 Jason Waddell Bryce Revell, New Plymouth
10 X0150 Worthing 19 91 55.5 Matthew Cameron Gary Alton, Cambridge
11 13412 Sadist 15 90 55.5 Vinnie Colgan John Sargent, Matamata
12 13805 Sircross 4 89 55.0 Trudy Thornton Graham Richardson, Matamata
13 X3050 Our Ella Belle 13 89 53.0 Steven Ramsay & Julia Ritchie, Maungatautari
14 X1846 Banchee 3 88 53.0 James McDonald (a) John Sargent, Matamata
15 32029 Smoulder 8 88 53.0 Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
16 X2330 Appiel 2 87 53.0 Michael Coleman Richard Collett, Pukekohe Park
17 X2434 Floria 5 85 52.5 Danielle Johnson Stephen McKee, Ardmore
18 X5723 Gendarme 7 83 52.5 Patrick Holmes Anne Herbert, Cambridge
19 X1211 Savour The Moment 17 82 52.5 Lisa Allpress Stephen Marsh, Cambridge
20 X1112 Villifye 21 82 52.0 Craig Grylls Graham Richardson, Matamata
21 07633 My My Maree 18 75 52.0 Moira Murdoch & Dominic Olson, Waiuku


G2 Royal Stakes

1 21311 Planet Rock 3 92 56.5 Hayden Tinsley Peter & Dawn Williams, Byerley Park
2 23259 Dowager Queen 10 88 56.5 Jonathan Riddell Graeme & Debbie Rogerson, Tuhikaramea
3 2111 Zurella 5 80 56.5 James McDonald (a) Shaune Ritchie, Cambridge
4 51127 Joy's Choice 11 74 56.5 Michael Coleman Graeme & Debbie Rogerson, Tuhikaramea
5 43311 Our Famous Eve 1 72 56.5 Matthew Cameron Glenn Old, Matamata
6 X1531 Chicharita 8 71 56.5 Chad Ormsby Michael Moroney & Andrew Clarken, Matamata
7 612 Divine Spice 7 65 56.5 Vinnie Colgan Stephen Marsh, Cambridge
8 86732 Poste Restante 9 65 56.5 Jason Waddell Howie Mathews, Otaki
9 213 Lady Krovanh 4 64 56.5 Nash Rawiller Don Sellwood, Cambridge
10 8952 Glowing 2 52 56.5 Trudy Thornton Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
11 953 Nineteen Forty 6 51 56.5 Samantha Collett Paul Jenkins, Matamata


G2 Championship Stakes

1 31254 Shuka 10 78 56.5 Hayden Tinsley Peter & Dawn Williams, Byerley Park
2 31568 Estrato 6 74 56.5 Jason Waddell Peter McKay, Matamata
3 X9115 It Has To Be You 2 72 56.5 Nash Rawiller Bruce Wallace, Takanini
4 11946 Mustang 1 71 56.5 Jonathan Riddell David Miller, Tauranga
5 31503 Viking Ace 8 65 56.5 Cameron Lammas Karyn McQuade, Matamata
6 10X39 Molto Grato 12 63 56.5 Trudy Thornton Robert Priscott & Clayton Chipperfield, Te Awamutu
7 1500 Platinum Playboy 9 63 56.5 Patrick Holmes Shane Crawford, Cambridge
8 253 Barney 4 57 56.5 Craig Grylls Anne Herbert, Cambridge
9 213 Silent Achiever 5 80 54.5 Vinnie Colgan Roger James, Cambridge
10 213 Lady Krovanh 11 64 54.5 James McDonald (a) Don Sellwood, Cambridge
11 65061 Please Release Me 7 63 54.5 Samantha Collett Vanessa & Wayne Hillis, Matamata
12 28223 Asavant 3 54 54.5 Noel Harris John & Karen Parsons, Balcairn


G3 Eclipse Stakes (2yos, so don't worry if you haven't heard of them)

1 11417 Saatchi 8 73 56.5 Jonathan Riddell Danica Guy, Matamata
2 1 Taoist Master 7 65 56.5 Hayden Tinsley John Sargent, Matamata
3 1 Irish Rebel 9 64 56.5 Matthew Cameron Jason Bridgman, Matamata
4 26 Warhorse 6 53 56.5 Nash Rawiller Jason Bridgman, Matamata
5 Magic Shaft 2 47 56.5 Jason Waddell John Sargent, Matamata
6 0 I Believe 1 45 56.5 Paul Taylor Anna Scott, Byerley Park
7 Testamonial Mak 5 45 56.5 Leith Innes Murray Baker, Cambridge
8 51 Marechal 3 69 54.5 Vinnie Colgan John Sargent, Matamata
9 12 Silk Pins 4 69 54.5 James McDonald (a) Keith & Brendon Hawtin, Te Awamutu


Dunstan Championship

1 21051 El Soldado 22 85 58.5 Shohei Shirahama (a2) Graham Thomas & Paul Mirabelli, Cambridge
2 01361 Tempelten 1 83 58.5 Danielle Johnson Scott Lucock, Byerley Park
3 X2311 Green Supreme 6 80 58.5 James McDonald (a) Graham Richardson, Matamata
4 01120 Pero 16 77 57.5 Jonathan Riddell Peter Hurdle, Awapuni
5 17226 Petergabriel 9 74 57.5 Chad Ormsby Yves Seguin, Cambridge
6 6X002 Payback 5 75 56.5 Nash Rawiller Nick Duin, Pukekohe
7 83231 Yourein 10 73 56.5 Leith Innes John Sargent, Matamata
8 69212 Despereaux 7 82 56.0 Alex Forbes (a3) Jeff McVean & Emma-Lee Browne, Cambridge
9 16413 Santos 8 74 56.0 Noel Harris John & Karen Parsons, Balcairn
10 40511 Our Milly Smith 18 75 55.5 Jason Waddell Howie Mathews, Otaki
11 0X023 Mangaroa Molly 20 74 54.5 Trudy Thornton Graham Thomas & Paul Mirabelli, Cambridge
12 18714 Hot Pursuit 13 71 54.0 Sam Spratt Robert Priscott & Clayton Chipperfield, Te Awamutu
13 X3322 Suaza 2 71 54.0 Vinnie Colgan John Sargent, Matamata
14 25025 Princess Kyoto 12 65 54.0 Mark Hills Paul Jenkins, Matamata
15 X4052 Te Karo 15 65 54.0 Lynsey Satherley Richard Sherwin, Te Awamutu
16 65444 Marvon Downs 4 64 54.0 Lisa Allpress Gary Alton, Cambridge
17 X9132 Day Walker 21 68 54.0 Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
18 07632 Ashley 11 65 54.0 Cameron Lammas Nigel Mortimer, Tauranga




7 stakes races. I love New Year's Day at Ellerslie. I can't wait!

Who's gonna win? I have no idea.

[my miss storm cat]

Originally Posted by _ed_

Upsala's running Sunday in the G1 Railway at Ellerslie.

Speaking of which...

ELLERSLIE'S 'SUPER SUNDAY', JAN 1

G1 Railway

1 13641 Atomic Force (AUS) 15 105 58.0 Nash Rawiller Darren Smith, New South Wales
2 X8111 Durham Town 13 93 57.0 Vinnie Colgan Donna & Dean Logan, Ruakaka
3 PX560 Ego 4 93 57.0 Hayden Tinsley Ben Foote, Byerley Park
4 00X04 Atapi 2 98 55.0 Danielle Johnson Richard Otto, Te Awamutu
5 0X716 Fazzle 17 98 55.0 Jason Waddell Moira Murdoch & Dominic Olson, Waiuku
6 1X326 Double Barrel 11 96 55.0 Chad Ormsby Moira Murdoch & Dominic Olson, Waiuku
7 0X127 The Hombre 5 91 55.0 Sam Spratt John Bary, Hastings
8 8X422 Upsala 19 90 55.0 Matthew Cameron Kenny & Lisa Rae, Ruakaka
9 X2601 Guiseppina 18 99 54.0 James McDonald (a) Steven Ramsay & Julia Ritchie, Maungatautari
10 31252 Twilight Savings 9 98 54.0 Lisa Allpress Murray Baker, Cambridge
11 1X160 Mae Jinx 8 96 53.0 Michael Coleman Michael Moroney & Andrew Clarken, Matamata
12 54953 Aspinal 6 90 53.0 Leith Innes Tony Pike & Mark Donoghue, Cambridge
13 X3731 Cool Storm 7 85 53.0 Trudy Thornton Stephen McKee, Ardmore
14 31922 Mi Payday 10 83 53.0 Tasha Collett Stephen Crutchley, Wanganui
15 X4286 Magic Briar 3 85 53.0 Craig Grylls Ken & Bev Kelso, Matamata
16 43X35 Rough Odds 14 84 55.0 Scratching Richard Collett, Pukekohe Park
17 85X12 Charma 16 84 55.0 Graeme & Mark Sanders, Te Awamutu
18 21052 Captain Kirk 12 83 55.0 Rachael Frost, Otaki
19 X2532 Kaptain Kirkup (IRE) 1 82 55.0 Michael Moroney & Andrew Clarken, Matamata .

Oooh and Atapi too!!!!! Goiod luck to all three and Cool Storm and Twilight Savings as well.

It's kind of funny... Upsala, Captain Kirk and Kaptain Kirkup... like you could say it and go round and round (I have no life).

I think The Hombre wins that one but who knows.

Good luck to all the usual suspects, especially everyone you bolded and November Rain as well as Platinum Princess.

Oh and Smoulder!

Good luck especially to Banchee though.

Is Heza Karma Karzi alright? Any news as to why he's scratched?

Please tell me you're going to be there!

[_ed_]

I'll definitely be there! Never miss a big day at Ellerslie.

I found this about HKK:

The only significant defection is Heza Karma Karzi from the Gr. 2 Rich Hill Mile, that due to a hock injury suffered in his box and requiring treatment.

Sounds like only a minor injury. Hope he's fully fit again soon.

[my miss storm cat]

Thanks for the news and that's awesome that you're going.

I keep looking at the field for the Railway... who is the favorite?

[_ed_]

Australian visitor Atomic Force is the favourite. Australians have come over and won this race twice in the last 10 years, so we respect any Aussies that line up in the race.

Here's the current odds for all the big races...

Eclipse:

Saatchi 14
Taoist Master 6
Irish Rebel 2.30f
Warhorse 8
Magic Shaft 14
I Believe 61
Testamonial Mak 12
Marechal 12
Silk Pins 4.20


Dunstan:

El Soldado 15
Tempelten 12
Green Supreme 2.30f
Pero 6.50
Petergabriel 16
Payback 16
Yourein 13
Despereaux 26
Santos 16
Our Milly Smith 26
Mangaroa Molly 21
Hot Pursuit 31
Suaza 11
Princess Kyoto 41
Te Karo 41
Marvon Downs 41


Championship:

Shuka 4.50
Estrato 26
Mustang 3.80
Viking Ace 31
Molto Grato 41
Platinum Playboy 31
Barney 8
Silent Achiever 3.50f
Lady Krovanh 9
Please Release Me 21
Asavant 10


Royal:

Planet Rock 3.20f
Dowager Queen 4.60
Zurella 4
Joy's Choice 12
Our Famous Eve 16
Chicharita 14
Divine Spice 18
Poste Restante 26
Lady Krovanh 14
Glowing 51
Nineteen Forty 51


Rich Hill:

Run Like Al 18
November Rain 10
Alegrio 12
Irish Opera 26
Platinum Princess 18
Joku 18
Casabella Lane 21
All In Tempo 12
Worthing 21
Sadist 12
Sircross 21
Our Ella Belle 26
Banchee 9
Smoulder 8f
Appiel 9
Floria 14
Gendarme 41
Savour The Moment 10
Villifye 12

Incredibly even field!


Railway:

Atomic Force 2.40f
Durham Town 7
Ego 31
Atapi 10
Fazzle 16
Double Barrel 31
The Hombre 16
Upsala 18
Guiseppina 10
Twilight Savings 7
Mae Jinx 26
Aspinal 41
Cool Storm 21
Mi Payday 41
Magic Briar 14
Captain Kirk 16
Kaptain Kirkup 31


City of Auckland:

Cassini 12
Postman's Daughter 12
Back In Black 31
Fazza 12
Six O'Clock News 18
Castle Heights 12
Don Domingo 31
Innocent Lady 5f
Sum Up 6.50
Tullaroan 15
Better Together 31
Jeu de Cartes 8 (half-sister to NOM DU JEU)
Marea Alta 8
Single Minded 15
Top Spot 41
Hiace 100

[_ed_]

We had a lot of rain in Auckland yesterday. So the track is now slow, and quite a few horses have been scratched.

But it's a beautiful, warm, sunny day today! It's gonna be great.

[my miss storm cat]

Happy New year!

Thanks for the odds and yeah i am so excited and I'm not even going.

Special wishes to my big three haha... Upsala, Atapi and my Mr.and very, very big The Hombre!

If Banchee wins will I be able to hear you from here?

Have a fantastic time!

[my miss storm cat]

You need to tell us how it was!!!!!

Only results I have seen so far (and no replays yet) was for the Railway and hooray for The Hombre finishing 2nd. No idea where my others finished, if Banchee won, etc. (Oh except for Railway results and I guess Atapi and Upsala didn't do very well).

(That's okay, of course).

Want to hear about it from you!!!

[my miss storm cat]

Just watched a few of the replays... I am impressed with Atomic Force.

Not who I was rooting for but wow... overcame a lot there and so wide... very nice.

The Hombre gave it his best though.

A little too much to have asked from Upsala. Still llove him though.

[_ed_]

That sunny weather didn't last, sadly. And there were lots of horses scratched - including Banchee, Atapi and Six O'Clock News. But it was still a great day!

The result of the Eclipse was a surprise, with Warhorse easily beating stablemate and favourite Irish Rebel. Warhorse had failed to win in his two starts before this. But I went back and looked at them, and he was really unlucky both times - completely blocked in the stretch. He turned things around today and looked really good.

Green Supreme was impressive in the Dunstan. That's three wins in a row for him now, and he looks like a really nice horse. I was happy to see Hot Pursuit run her best race in a long time to take second.

Make sure you watch Silent Achiever's run in the Championship Stakes - WOW! Beating the boys, and doing it so, so impressively. I like this filly a lot, and I think she's a massive chance in the Oaks later in the summer.

The Royal Stakes was one of the big surprises of the day, with Chicharita flying down the outside to win it for the Moroneys. They've always liked this filly a lot, and now it's easy to see why! Planet Rock looked so good for most of the race but hit a wall near the end - this was her first race beyond a mile, and maybe that's not her thing. Chicharita's owner-breeder said it was the greatest moment he's had in racing.

Platinum Princess was amazing in the Rich Hill Mile. She was carrying a big weight and got a long way off the lead, but she was so strong down the stretch. Great performance. Smoulder finished strongly as well, and Villifye (half-sister to Miss Keepsake) did well to get third.

Then it was the Railway, which you've already seen. Atomic Force was amazing, and his connections were so excited! So even though I sometimes don't like it when Australians come over and win our races, I was happy with that result. The Hombre was so good too, and Twilight Savings got ANOTHER Group 1 placing.

And the last race was the City of Auckland Cup, which was won by one of my new favourite horses - Single Minded. He fractured a leg last year, and his career was in danger. Now he's a G2 winner and headed for G1 races. And I love the way he runs. He's not all that fast, but he just keeps going and keeps trying his heart out. Great little horse, and so well named.

[_ed_]

Oh, and Flash Hapi won on the undercard.

[my miss storm cat]

Thanks for filling me in and yes I watched all and yes it would be humiliating to tell you just how many replays I watched one after another!