Two months to go . . .
You know New Zealand Cup week is near when an email arrives from Addington outlining the details for media accreditation. I know, I know - a week in Christchurch covering some of the best horses and greyhounds is a suffering I have to bear for you, the loyal readers.
An early look at the nominations across the thoroughbred and harness codes is pretty inspiring. The stand› out 2yr old of last season, Vespa, adds a certain touch of class to the 2000 Guineas nominations, and a couple of Southland›trained horses in Elusive Catch and Belle Miraaj could feature, too.
As mentioned last week, The Solitaire will fly the flag for Otago in the Coupland's Mile against quality animals such as Nashville and Sacred Star. Somehow, though, I managed to miss the nomination of the Joanne Hillis-trained Ridley who underwent a wind operation late last year. He was a stylish galloper at his best, and is already well up in the ratings.
. . .until racing galore
The New Zealand Trotting Cup so often promises to be a great race two or three months out, but the nominations particularly from Australia drop out as things go wrong and preparations are interrupted. But, consider this for a potential Cup field: Terror To Love, Christen Me, Adore Me, Smolda, Themightyquinn, Hands Christian, Locharburn, Tiger Tara, For A Reason, Franco Ledger, Fly Like An Eagle, Jason Rulz, Franco Nelson, Bit Of A Legend and Pembrook Benny. I'm giggling just thinking about it.
Getting mobile
After talking about a mobile app for some time, the TAB finally released the app for iPhones and Android devices on Tuesday - depending on your device's capabilities. At this stage it is for sports only, with the racing part of the app to come later.
Less than ideal
Unfortunately, my weekend in Wellington last weekend was a mixture of good and bad. The good part? Catching up with a bunch of mates and doing what lazy men in their mid-30s do - eat, go to the pub, sleep and repeat. The bad - failing to win our annual punting competition after being a live chance with one race to go. The tag of loser still hangs around my neck. There was one positive from the weekend, though . . .(read on)
Lazy Fiver
No, your eyes didn't deceive you. Yes, I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, it paid less than I hoped for a Lazy Fiver. But the win of Soubrettes at Riccarton on Saturday, paying $4.70, was long overdue. So time to go back to back. I reckon southerner Phoenix Warrior is worth a go in race 7 at Addington tonight.
