He's still ours . . .
Natuzzi might be firmly ensconced at Byerley Park in south Auckland these days, but we're still claiming him down these here parts.
Put it this way, regardless of what the people have backed before the Telegraph at Trentham tomorrow afternoon, I imagine there will be no shortage of cheering in Otago pubs and TABs and at the Gore races tomorrow if trainer Paul Richards, wife Leanne and Natuzzi's Mosgiel owners, Bill and Sandra Duell, find themselves lining up for the winning photos shortly after 5pm tomorrow.. . .
for now
Actually, while we're at it, we'll claim Alpine Heights if he goes back-to-back in the group 3 Trentham Stakes as well, seeing as he's owned by well-known Alexandra shearing contractor Peter Lyon.
Don't think of it as bandwagon jumping - more like climbing aboard a good cause, much like the Sailing Away campaign for KZ7 back in the 80s.
Free stuff
Yep, you don't see this in the column too often, due to my generally frugal nature. However, journalist and TV racing personality Aidan Rodley has provided Racing Matters with a copy of his new book Where Champions Are Born to review and give away.
This is not an invitation for entries, however - look out for the review next week with your chance to enter. It'll certainly be a nice addition to any racing fan's coffee table. Please note, you must provide your own coffee table. The winner will be announced in two weeks in this column.
All by himself
One outstanding performer over the summer that might have got missed among all the hooplah of holiday racing was the greyhound, Above All.
The Kiwi-bred dog is now trained by Robert Britton in Victoria and went to Tasmania in December, winning the group 1 Hobart Thousand in the Apple Isle. Since then, he has continued on his hot form in Victoria, culminating in another group 1 victory in the $100,000 Silver Chief Final at the Meadows on January 3.
Considering second-rate Australian dogs were coming over and dismantling Kiwi fields regularly four or five years ago, this is a refreshing change.
Lazy Fiver
A new year, a new path to success. Johnny Fox got the streamlined Lazy Fiver off to a good start when winning the Nelson Cup Prelude on Friday. If you followed your money through to Sunday as well, you would have been rewarded as he won the Nelson Cup.
Huka Eagle should have too many guns from barrier 1 for his rivals in the Levin Classic (race 7) at Trentham tomorrow.
