Chasing the stones ...
One of the best parts of the Harness Jewels is the last-minute dash for cash that happens this weekend every year.
Those trainers who have had no luck during the season with a star of the previous season - or perhaps a horse has been plagued by injury until the autumn - keep hunting around for chances to collect enough stake money to make it to Ashburton in two weeks' time.
One Over Da Moon is one such example this week. His trainer, Paul Nairn, has him entered at both Addington tonight and Oamaru on Sunday, as he tries to make up the $7100 shortfall between his 17th placing and the top 12.
If anyone could pull it off, it's probably Paul Nairn.
... and then the cup?
Looking through those fields full of smart horses - and a comment from Addington's marketing man Ged Mooar on TAB Trackside Radio highlighting the fact there's only six months until New Zealand Trotting Cup day - got me wondering: what will next season's Cup field look like?
Here's my stab at it (in no particular order):Border Control, Sky Major, Dalton Bromac, Belkmyster, Tiger Tara, Arden Rooney, Frith, Have Faith In Me, Brilliant Strike, Jason Rulz, Beautide (hopefully), Ohoka Punter, Mossdale Conner, Franco Nelson, Saveapatrol.
I'm going on the theory that Christen Me will focus on the Interdominions instead, Follow The Stars might be saved for later in the season, Venus Serena might be kept to the mares' races and Smolda will stay in Australia, as will Franco Ledger.
I could be completely wrong and injury might rule out a few, but there you go.
My two smokies from this end of the country will be The Wrath Of Robyn and New Years Jay.
No great leap
Once again, it's a little concerning to see the jumping races at Riverton so light on starters.
The Great Western Hurdle has attracted six starters, while the steeplechase has only five facing the starter at the 3900m start point.
I know the meeting two weeks ago missed out on another starter due to miscommunication about jockey availability, and the shortage of jockeys making their way south still seems to be a big issue.
There's still a market for jumps racing, as far as I'm concerned, but here's hoping more horses and jockeys are seen over country in the South Island in the next few months.
Lazy Fiver
Fight For Glory gave everything in her quest to beat The Orange Agent on Saturday but had to settle for second.
The Masters has been and gone, but Augusta National is in the right frame of mind (unlike Tiger Woods) to win the open 2100m (race 6) at Te Rapa tomorrow.
