To steal a phrase from Monty Python's Eric Idle, I would like to think I always look on the bright side of life.
But it wasn't exactly hard to exude a sunny disposition at Wingatui on Monday as the hard work of two clubs - the Beaumont Racing Club and the Forbury Park Trotting Club - culminated in a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon at Wingatui.
As we well know, the success of a race meeting in Otago can very much hinge on the state of the clouds a few kilometres above us, and - aside from the briefest of brief drop or two of rain just after midday - the weather gods decided to play ball.
... of unbridled positivity
The warm weather played a part, but there was plenty more to be enthused by:
- the good-natured ribbing between the jockeys and drivers as they leaned over the birdcage fence watching each other's races.
- the glowing reports from the drivers who described the racing surface as ''lovely'' for trotters and pacers.
- the good crowd, with a mixture of families and regular racegoers, which fanned out across the grass verge in front of the public grandstand.
- the cutaway rail, put into place by Wingatui track manager Wayne Stevens, which ensured bad luck was minimal and the stipendiary stewards had very little work to do in terms of interference in the running.
Top five surprise
There is a healthy debate going on both on TV and Twitter at the moment with the guys on the television programme, The Box Seat, having a crack at naming their top five New Zealand pacers in the last 20 years.
The rules are that the horse must have been trained by a New Zealander and also raced at least 50% of its career in New Zealand. Presenter and The New Zealand Herald correspondent Michael Guerin released his list last night which comprised (in order from one to five) Chokin, Christian Cullen, Elsu, Monkey King and Holmes D G.
Even in the Otago Daily Times office, the exercise is drawing plenty of debate as day editor and former racing writer extraordinaire Dave Cannan figures out his top five. He could not quite believe the absence of three-time New Zealand Cup winner Terror To Love from Michael's list.
Taking the parameters above into account, what's your top five? Flick it through by email, and I'll forward some on to The Box Seat team for a representation from the South.
Lazy Five
rI must admit I was surprised Sicilian Secret ended up as second favourite at Methven on Sunday, but at least it placed, even at the slightly skinny place odds of $1.90. Jetset Lad, on the other hand, will be quite rough in race 8 at Awapuni on Saturday, but could be a threat in a fresh state.
