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HRV REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TROTTING

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) wishes to respond to articles relating to Harness Racing Australia’s (HRA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Hobart on Monday, October 18, where it was voted to discontinue the Inter Dominion Trotting Championships from 2013.

HRV Chairman, Ken Latta said: “I am disappointed with the decision, however it’s important that HRV puts on public record that our commitment to trotting will not diminish. In fact, it is HRV’s view that international interest and support for trotting in Australia is growing and this must be encouraged.

“Therefore, in the absence of the Inter Dominion Championship, HRV will commit to continuing with a race series under a new banner that will promote trotting internationally, as well as in Australia. HRV wishes to assure the members of the Victorian Square Trotters Association and the many trotting enthusiasts that this decision at the HRA AGM will not inhibit the growth of trotting in Victoria.”

The HRV Board will meet in the coming months to consider what form a replacement for the Inter Dominion Trotting Championships will take.

Mr Latta continued, “The industry must know that this should be seen as an opportunity for the long term success of trotting and harness racing in general.”

Courtesy of Alistair Hogg, HRV Media & Communications Manager

OK COURAGE 3RD IN ADDINGTON WORKOUT

OK Courage, unraced since being pulled up at Rangiora on May 9, is being aimed at a $35,000 3-win mobile 2600m pace at Addington on NZ Cup day after his sound third when resuming at the Addington workouts on Monday, October 18.

Now five, the Courage Under Fire gelding has the impressive overall record of nine wins and five placings from 21 starts for $81,246 in stakes.

OK Courage showed good stamina over the mobile 2600m at Addington in April last year, winning a junior drivers mobile 2600m pace in the hands of Dexter Dunn in a smart 3:11.3 (1:58.3 mile rate).

He trailed up in Monday’s 3 win and faster workout for Burnham trainer Mark Jones and finished solidly for third, just under a length from pacemaking Kotare Mach (Mark Purdon), who held Spero Denario (Dexter Dunn), handily placed on the outer, by three-quarters of a length.

Kotare Mach paced the 2600m (stand) in 3:23.9, quickening the tempo over his last 800m in 57.7s and final 400m in 27.5s.

Jellignite (3g Courage Under Fire-Badjelly The Wytch), spelled after beating Southwind Arden in a 2YO pace at Invercargill in May when with Bruce Negus at Waikouaiti, resumed for the Mark Jones stable with a half-length win in a non-win 2000m pace on Monday.

He paced the journey in 2:36.5, the leaders running their last 800m in 59.2s and final 400m in 28.1s.

Tough Tiz resumed for the Mark Jones stable in a learners pace on Monday, running a half-length second to Bowen Delight in  2:42 for the 2000m (stand), the last 800m in 60.4s and final 400m in 28.2s.

The Jones-trained 2YO pacers Waitati (Courage Under Fire-Stephanie colt) and Ohoka Vermont (McArdle-Millwood Petrouchka colt) are both likely go for spells. Mark said they were not advanced enough at this stage to match it with the Ken Barron-trained pair of Chancellor Cullen and Midnight Dylan, who are both headed north for the Young Gun Series in Auckland.

Chancellor Cullen (Christian Cullen-Nivea Franco colt), trailed Ohoka Vermont to the turn, and scored by a neck from Midnight Dylan, who settled fourth, in 2:34.5 for the mobile 1950m, the leaders running their last 400m in a sharp 27.2s.

By Jeff Scott

BASSHUNTER TOPS RTR SALE

Basshunter, who trialled over 800m in 55.6s and his final 400m in 26.1s at Ashburton last month, fetched the top price of $90,000 at PGG Wrightson’s Ready To Run 2YO Sale in Christchurch on Wednesday, October 13.

The Mach Three colt, a half-brother to nine winners including The Pukekohe Pirate (1:56.2h, US), The Millionairness (1:56m, US) and The Pukekohe Panther (1:55.4f, US), was knocked down to Australia buyer, Dean Shannon of Montana Park P/L.

Burnham trainer Mark Jones purchased Falcalla, a Falcon Seelster colt from the same family as former big-winning pacers Margaret Shannon (43 Aust. wins) and former Interdominion Grand Final and Auckland Cup runnerup Gaelic Skipper (13 wins), for $7000.

Falcalla, a half-brother to Callavision (1:52.2, US) and WA winner My Boy Roy (p3, 1:59.5h, 4 wins), ran over 800m in 58s and his final 400m in 26.9s at Ashburton on trial day.

Results were:

1 A/c L R HANRAHAN: Highview Johnny, blk c Elsu-Ta Jin, passed $17,500.    

2 A/c J P STORMONT: Tricky Way Out, b f Dream Away-Tricky Clout, withdrawn.    

3 A/c G PAYNE: McArdles Art, b c McArdle-True Art, passed $17,500.

4 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Charm Alarm, b f Bettor’s Delight-Vain Franco, Andrew Grover, Australia, $60,000.

5 A/c S A DOLAN: Candy Styx, b f Christian Cullen-Armbro Moonlight, passed $25,000.

6 A/c G J MOFFAT: Axl Rose, b c Courage Under Fire-Ashes Of Rose, withdrawn.

7 A/c F M CRIDLAND: Nia, ch f Sundon-Whizdom, passed $15,000.

8 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Bronze Seeker, b c Mach Three-Bronze Lady, passed, $50,000.    

9 A/c R C JOHNSON: Cowgirls N Indians, br f Real Desire-Barn Dance Betty, withdrawn.

10 A/c L R HANRAHAN: Sixonenine, b g Live Or Die-Torridon Lassie, C J De Filippi, Christchurch, $13,000.

11 A/c J R ALLEN: Beat The Feet, b f Julius Caesar-Bealey Corner, passed $19,000.

12 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Mrs Devine, b f Christian Cullen-Countess Caroline, passed $30,000.    

13 A/c B C HUTTON: Falcalla, b c Falcon Seelster-Calla Shannon, MARK JONES, Christchurch, $7000.

14 A/c J E FOKERD: Art Connoisseur, b c Falcon Seelster-Classic Art, passed $21,000.

15 A/c R BUTT: Empathy, blk f Elsu-Cocobana, passed $15,000.

16 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Kiwi Chapel, b c Bettor’s Delight-Electric Kiwi, Montana Park P/L, Australia, $34,000.

17 A/c W E HIGGS: Classy Ambition, b c Falcon Seelster-Classy Return, Riverside Lodge, Pukekohe, $5500.

18 A/c M I SHINN: Maltan, b g Live Or Die-Belle Mystique, withdrawn.

19 A/c W G CAMERON: Just Kris, b f Falcon Seelster-Cyclone Lady, passed $11,000.

20 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Cullenflashingholme, b c Christian Cullen-Flashing Holme, passed $19,000.

21 A/c MS D M LEWIS, MESSRS M C & C SEDDON: Bad Dancer, br f Badlands Hanover-Dream Dancer, withdrawn.

22 A/c GOLDSTRIKE BLOODSTRIKE LTD: Eastwood Falconet, b f Falcon Seelster-Eastwood Lady, withdrawn.

23 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Curtins, b f Mach Three-Free Wheel, passed $11,000.

24 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Eyreloom, b f Christian Cullen-Franciscan, passed $30,000.

25 A/c L R HANRAHAN: Giggle Pantz, b f Grinfromeartoear-Zenorita, Neil Edge, Christchurch, $5000.

26 A/c CHATSWORTH LODGE LTD: Sayang, b f Live Or Die-Electrify, withdrawn.

27 A/c  M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Jolly Jean, b f Christian Cullen-Jolly Jill, Rosehill Farm Ltd, Gore, $7000.

28 A/c G PAYNE: Grin And Win, b c Grinfromeartoear-Gigi Boone, Montana Park P/L, Australia, $20,000.

29 A/c HOME FIRST BREEDING LTD: Equalizer, br c  Courage Under Fire-Especial Franco, Neil Pilcher, Pukekohe, $18,000.

30 A/c A L CLARK: Zachary Smith, b g Thanksgiving-Ezackly, Neil Edge, Christchurch, $1000.

31 A/c C J ROBERTS: The Dip, b c Bettor’s Delight-La Filou, passed $19,000.

32 A/c G PAYNE:  Grufello Bromac, b c Mach Three-Gilt Laughter, Neil Edge, Christchurch, $5000.

33 A/c M J STRATFORD: Blytheburn, b c Armbro Operative-Ferniehurst, Max Russell, Christchurch, $13,000.

34 A/c P N FENSOM: The Penny’s Dropped, b f Elsu-Gone N Dunit, John Greaney, Oamaru, $2500.

35 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Basshunter, b c Mach Three-Madam Jodasc, Montana Park P/L, Australia, $90,000.

36 A/c D A & MRS H D HOWE: Charming Seelster, b f Falcon Seelster-Golden Charm, Phill Anderson, Christchurch, $10,000.

37 A/c GOLDSTRIKE BLOODSTRIKE LTD: Incomparable, br f Live Or Die-Infinite Dreams, Mrs E Barker, Christchurch, $5000.

38 A/c JAYTEE SYNDICATE: Another Man, b g Falcon Seelster-Ann Other Vance, passed $17,500.

39 A/c G PAYNE: Aveross Mac, b c Bettor’s Delight-GTH Aveross, passed $12,500.

40 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Beni Rai, br f Christian Cullen-Mai Ban Rai, passed $9000.

41 A/c M I SHINN: Lord Jowers, b g Live Or Die-Hanover Robyn, R L Sandford, Christchurch, $29,000.

42 A/c D M Moore: Western Dancer, br f Western Terror-Happy Saga, withdrawn.

43 A/c R BUTT: Taniwha, br f McArdle-Jaguar Strike, passed $10,500.

44 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Alta Sinatra, b c Mach Three-Minni’s Folly, passed $70,000.

45 A/c J A PRIMMER: Jacks Falcon, br g Falcon Seelster-Lady Lilly Denover, John McCarthy, Australia, $27,000.

46 A/c L R HANRAHAN: Emma Maguire, br f Dream Away-Dame Nellie, Montana Park P/L, Australia, $67,500.

47 A/c G PAYNE: Lotta Boom, br c Presidential Ball-Lotta, Ricky Thurlow, Australia, $18,000.

48 A/c T PRICE: Motu Firefly, b f Courage Under Fire-Motu Annabell, Cran Dalgety, Christchurch, $20,000.

49 A/c W E HIGGS: Lynnes Cullen, b f Christian Cullen-Lynne Falcon, withdrawn.

50 A/c G PAYNE: Castacolo, br f Western Terror-Magiccolo, passed $9000.

51 A/c GOLDSTRIKE BLOODSTRIKE LTD: Time Ball, b f Presidential Ball-Lively Dash, passed $2000.

52 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Rhuben, b c Bettor’s Delight-Nemesis Choice, Francis Renner, Ashburton, $20,000.

53 A/c G PAYNE:  Caesar’s Bardon, b c Julius Caesar-Margaret’s Last, Montana Park P/L, Australia, $70,000.

54 A/c MISS M A PERRITON: River P, b c Red River Hanover-Meadowlands Dream, withdrawn.

55 A/c MR D BROWN: Never Eyre, b c Falcon Seelster-Never Before Franco, W Higgs, Christchurch, $15,000.

56 A/c G PAYNE:  Charm Thee, b f Mach Three-Natural Franco, passed $10,000.

57 A/c M I DONALDSON & B WALDON: Gran Torino, b c Bettor’s Delight-My Party Doll, withdrawn.

58 A/c M I SHINN: Kerry Orelly, b g Live Or Die-Scottish Bella, Montana Park P/L, Australia, $16,000.

59 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Fearless Leader, br  c Bettor’s Delight-Party Baby, Ashdon Valley Racing, Australia, $20,000.

60 A/c W G CAMERON: Stout, br c  McArdle-Navigator Franco, Mark Peace, Australia, $80,000.

61 A/c A L CLARK: Galaxy Hunter, b g Thanksgiving-Solar System,  A J & V G Shirley, Invercargill, $15,500.

62 A/c A R TURNER & L R HANRAHAN: Sachin Arden, b c Elsu-Madam Maroussia, E W Knight, Christchurch, $13,000.

63 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Hugh, b c Mach Three-Penthouse, G Small, Pukekohe, $24,000.

64 A/c ULTIMATE BREEDING: Ultimate Paua, b f Christian Cullen-Princess Paua, withdrawn.

65 A/c R D & MRS B M HOLLOWS: Chance Smart, b c  McArdle-Ohappy Daze, P F Boag, Ashburton, $46,000.

66 A/c GOLDSTRIKE BLOODSTRIKE LTD: Highview Red, ch c P-Forty-Seven-Night Girl Franco, withdrawn.

67 A/c T PRICE: Party Queen, b f American Ideal-Queen Of Angels, passed $15,000.

68 A/c G PAYNE:  Ronald DC, b c Washington VC-Rich Touch, passed $10,000.

69 A/c PARKHOUSE PROPERTIES SYNDICATE: On Guard, b f Christian Cullen-On Scroll, Phill Anderson, Christchurch, $14,000.

70 A/c D BROWN: Romance In The Eyre, b c In The Pocket-Rachel Romance, Neil Edge, Christchurch, $5500.

71 A/c GREENFIELDS FARM: Glenstrae, b g Falcon Seelster-Penscroft, Montana Park P/L, Australia, $52,500.

72 A/c J D McKENZIE: Flyin Crusa, b f Sands A Flyin-Satara, withdrawn.

73 A/c G PAYNE:  Besotted, br c American Ideal-Saturation, passed $24,000.

74 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Dan Dan, b c Christian Cullen-Ritzy Reba, Atherton Farm, Leeston, $7000.

75 A/c JORDASH BREEDING TRUST: Girl With A Pearl, b f Art Major-Pegasus Pearl, Montana Park P/L, Australia, $41,000.

76 A/c M I SHINN: Marble Ridge, b c Courage Under Fire-Seacrest Franco, G Lee, Wyndham, $30,000.

77 A/c GOLDSTRIKE BLOODSTRIKE LTD: Ima Flash Harry, br c Badlands Hanover-Seafield Lisa, Chris Garrard, Australia, $33,000.

78 A/c M J & MRS M M HOUSE: Mach Danny, b c Mach Three-Sokin Rain, Tony Price, Australia, $42,000.

79 A/c W G CAMERON: Misty Magic, blk f Falcon Seelster-Star Of Liberty, Bernard McDonald, Oxford, $18,000.

80 A/c A L CLARK: Armed Force, b g Thanksgiving-Stylish Voss, Phill Anderson, Christchurch, $10,000.

81 A/c S A DOLAN: Augustus Time, b c Elsu-Swell Times, Mr V P and Mrs M C Barrett, Ashburton, $3000.

NZ METRO TC NEW

STAKES SCHEDULE

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club (NZMTC) announced on Friday, September 17, a range of enhancements to its basic stakes structure, commencing from October 1, 2010.

Under the revised stakes structure, a different basic stake level will apply depending on which day of the week an NZMTC meeting is conducted.

Headlining the announcement is basic stakes for the majority of Friday night NZMTC meetings will increase to $10,000, under the revised structure.

Saturday night meetings will carry a basic stake of $8000, while basic stake levels for Thursday Nights will be set at $7000.

Where the NZMTC is conducting a lower-key Friday night meeting – i.e. a meeting that coincides with a Premier meeting in Auckland or another feature meeting in Canterbury, a basic stake of $7000 will apply.

Premier meetings will continue to carry a basic minimum stake of either $15,000 or $20,000, while restricted Tuesday fixtures will be run for stakes of $3000 and $3500.

SUMMARISED BASIC STAKE LEVELS – NZMTC MEETINGS

Friday Night Feature Meetings: $10,000 (all grades).

Saturday Nights: $8000 (all grades).

Thursday Nights: $7000 (maidens, 1 win races), $7500 (2-3 win races), $8000 (4+ wins).

Non Feature Friday Nights:  $7000 (maidens, 1 win races), $7500 (2-3 win races), $8000 (4+ wins).

Premier Meetings: $15K/$20K (1 win), $15K/$20K (2-3 wins), $20,000 (4+ wins).

Restricted Tuesday Meetings: $3000 (maidens), $3500 (1 win and faster).

The enhancements to basic stake levels represent a considerable increase on the $6500 basic stake that has applied at NZMTC night meetings in recent months.

In order to balance the Club’s budget and fund the basic stakes enhancements, one race will continue to be programmed for a stake of $5000 at all non-Premier meetings and non-Tuesday fixtures, while penalty-free races will also be programmed at lower levels given their penalty free nature.

The revised basic stake structure has also been made possible from reductions in feature race stakes as announced by the Club earlier this week.

NZMTC Chief Executive, Shane Gloury (photo left), believes that the increases to basic stake levels will be extremely well received by Industry participants.

“Our Club is very conscious of the need to provide healthy basic stake levels in the classes for the majority of horses, owners and trainers.”

“We cannot justify having feature races accessible to a minority few at unsustainably high levels while the majority of participants race for low basic stakes. The revised basic stakes structure better rewards the majority of participants for their involvement and investment in the Harness Racing Industry.”

Gloury also feels the revised stakes structure will provide enhanced earning opportunities for South Island-trained horses and assist trainers in placing their horses.

“The $10,000 Friday night meetings are designed to complement existing Premiers and to assist owners and trainers in maximising their stake earnings.”

“There are 16 meetings at Addington from October 1 through until the end of the season that will carry a basic stake of $10,000 or more.”

“We believe that this enhanced stakes structure will reduce the need for owners of South Island trained horses to send their horses north in search of higher basic stakes events.”

“The revised stakes structure is a commitment from the NZMTC to preserving participation levels in Canterbury and throughout the South Island. We are committed to the successful delivery of these enhanced basic stake levels and believe that they are achievable.”

“The only situation that would force us to revise these basic stakes levels in 2010/11 would be if turnover was to significantly reduce even further, which hopefully won’t happen.”

See below for a list of all NZMTC racemeetings (excluding restricted Tuesdays) from October 1 to  July 31 and the respective basic stake levels.

NZMTC MEETINGS 2010/11

Fri 1, October 2010: Premier meeting, $15,000/$20,000 basic.

Sat 9, October 2010: Saturday night, $8000 basic.

Fri 15, October 2010: Feature Friday night, $10,000 basic.

Thurs 21, October 2010: Thursday night, $7000 basic.

Sat 30, October 2010: Saturday night, $8000 basic.

Tues 9, November 2010: Premier meeting, $15,000/$20,000 basic.

Fri 12, November 2010: Premier meeting $15,000/$20,000 basic.

Fri 19, November 2010: Feature Friday night, $10,000 basic.

Sat 4, December 2010: Saturday night, $8000 basic.

Thurs 9, December 2010: Dual Code Thursday night, $6000 average stakes.

Thurs 23, December 2010: Thursday night, $7000 basic.

Fri 21, January 2011: Feature Friday night, $10,000 basic.

Sat 5, February 2011: Premier meeting, $15,000/$20,000 basic.

Fri 11, February 2011: Non-feature Friday night, $7000 basic.

Thurs 17, February 2011: Thursday night, $7000 basic.

Fri 18, March 2011: Feature Friday night, $10,000 basic.

Fri 25, March 2011: Premier meeting, $15,000/$20,000 basic.

Fri 1, April 2011: Premier meeting, $15,000/$20,000 basic.

Sat 9, April 2011: Premier meeting, $15,000/$20,000 basic.

Sat 23, April 2011: Saturday night, $8000 basic.

Fri 29, April 2011: Non-feature Friday night, $7000 basic.

Sat 14, May 2011: Premier meeting, $15,000/$20,000 basic.

Fri 20, May 2011: Premier meeting, $15,000/$20,000 basic.

Fri 27, May 2011: Non-feature Friday night, $7000 basic.

Fri 3, June 2011: Non-Feature Friday night, $7000 basic.

Fri 24, June 2011: Feature Friday night, $10,000 basic.

Thurs 7, July 2011: Thursday night, $7000 basic.

Fri 15, July 2011: Feature Friday night, $10,000 basic.

Fri 22, July 2011: Non-feature Friday night, $7000 basic.

Fri 29, July 2011: Feature Friday night, $10,000 basic.

2011 Inter Dominion Grand Final Date Change

The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club (NZMTC)  have announced a change in date for the 2011 Christchurch Casino Inter Dominion Grand Final meeting.

Originally scheduled to be conducted on Saturday Night 9 April 2011, the Inter Dominion Grand Final meeting will now be conducted at Addington on Friday night, April 8, 2011.

The change in date has been necessitated by the recent release of the Super 15 Rugby Draw. On Saturday night, April 9, the same night originally set down for the Inter Dominion Grand Finals, the Canterbury Crusaders are drawn to play the reigning premiers the Bulls in Christchurch in one of the season’s blockbuster Super 15 Rugby games.

New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club CEO Shane Gloury explains: “The switch is unfortunate but it simply doesn’t make any sense for two major sporting events to clash on the same night in Christchurch. We had been liaising with the Crusaders in an attempt to avoid a clash in dates but the tri nations nature of the Super 15 Competition has not been able to accommodate this. In the interests of maximizing attendance at the Christchurch Casino Inter Dominion Carnival, we have little alternative but to now conduct the Grand Final meeting on Friday Night 8 April 2011.”

While the change in date is unfortunate, Gloury believes that a big crowd can still be expected to at Addington on the Friday Night.

“We have put together an outstanding night of harness racing that will arguably be, the best ever conducted in New Zealand.  We have five Group 1 events set down for this night including the Pacers Grand Final, Trotters Grand Final and the NZ Derby plus a host of rich feature support races.”

“A cavalcade of harness racings elite is targeting the 2011 Inter Dominions including Blacks A Fake, Monkey King, Auckland Reactor, Smoken Up, Sundons Gift and One Over Kenny.  They will lock horns with an awesome array of up and coming stars headlined by Stunin Cullen, Tintin In America, Sleepy Tripp and Let Me Thru amongst others.  All in all it promises to be a magnificent carnival and one not to be missed.”

The Christchurch Casino Inter Dominion Carnival will be conducted at Addington Raceway on Friday Nights 25 March, 1 April and 8 April 2011.

Tickets and hospitality packages are now on sale and can be viewed and purchased online at www.addington.co.nz.

Courtesy of NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club

BIG FOUR SIRES DOMINATE SALES ENTRIES

A total of 322 combined entries by top four sires _  Bettor’s Delight, Mach Three, Christian Cullen and Art Major _ will provide the main nucleus for purchasers at the February 2011 Yearling Sales in Auckland and Christchurch.

The Australasian Classic Sale at Karaka (Saturday, February 19) has attracted 184 entries, up 11 from last year, and includes 20 from South Island vendors.

PGG Wrightson representative Rachel Deegan (pictured right) has advised this will be the first year the Premier Sale in Christchurch (February 21-23) has been fully selected over the three days.

Day One and Two have both been capped at 175 entries. Day Three wil provide 90 lots, rounding off the catalogue of 440 horses for the Christchurch sale.

Leading trot sire Sundon will be represented by only 15 lots nationally next year.

The trotting numbers are boosted however by Monarchy with 23, along with Dream Vacation and Love You, who both have five lots, and the outstanding Muscles Yankee, with three in Auckland.

“While the economy and the racing industry as a whole in New Zealand is in a down cycle, we believe the outstanding sires available will be a huge stimulus to the market,” said Deegan.

The 2009/10 season saw the PGG Yearling Sales produce a record 76 Group wins, including 30 Group One victories.

“Given 48 of those Group wins were in Australia, 20 of them being Group One, there should be substantial interest from across the Tasman,” said Deegan.

Stallion totals, with more than 10 lots in the sales, are:

Christchurch (colt numbers in brackets)

Bettor’s Delight 60 (33), Mach Three 62 (36), Christian Cullen 50 (27), Art Major (27 (15), McArdle 22 (11), Jereme’s Jet (23 (10), Monarchy 14 (8), Falcon Seelster 14 (9), Grinfromeartoear 10 (5), Lis Mara 14 (7), Sundon 12 (6), Live Or Die (14) 10), Elsu 8 (5), Courage Under Fire 12 (10).

Karaka

Bettor’s Delgiht 36 (16), Mach Three 28 (21), Christian Cullen 16 (9), Art Major 25 (14), McArdle 16 (9), Jereme’s Jet 3, Monarchy 9 (4), Falcon Seelster 8 (6), Grinfromeartoear 6 (4), Lis Mara 2 (1), Sundon 3 (3), Elsu 5 (5).

MY MAN DAN AMONG NZ CUP NOMS

Quality and depth are the two shining characteristics of the nominations for the 2010 Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup to  be run at Addington on November 9.

Though the club has received 32 nominations this year.

Among the marquee nominations are last year’s winner Monkey King, the only other horse guaranteed a Cup start at this point, Stunin Cullen, and a raft of internationally performed pacers including Bettor’s Strike, Bondy, Kiwi Ingenuity, Power Of Tara and Tintin In America.

Australians are staging another assault on the great race too.  Smoken Up is back for his shot at redemption after his fine third in 2009, while Karloo Mick and a rejuvenated Mr Feelgood complete the Australian contingent.

Fixed Odds for the Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup will be released at 10.00am on Thursday, September 30.

Burnham trainer Mark Jones has fast stand start beginner My Man Dan among the noms for the cup after his improving workout run behind Kiwi Ingenuity at Rangiora last Saturday.

Nominees are:

Bettor’s Strike 6g 16 (13) $854,250

Big Dog 7g 12 (10) $206,682

Bondy 9g 23 (22) $779,447

Cullen’s Creek 5h 9 (7) $103,494

Cullini 6m 7 (6) $62,608

Fake Chance 9g 11 (10)  $208,563

Georgetown 6g 10 (8) $395,106

Highview Tommy 5h 12 (8) $512,981

Karloo Mick 10g 53 (42) $1,457,055

Kiwi Ingenuity 6m 11 (9) $501,687

Lord Forbes 6h 11 (7) $128,071

Monkey King 8g 35 (32) $2,915,055

Mr Feelgood 8h 27 (25) $3,072,732

Mr Molly 7g 14 (11) $262,850

My Man Dan 5g 9 (7) $100,691

Niraadi 7g 9 (8) $96,531

Ohoka Arizona 6h 7 (6) $259,679

Ohoka Dallas 6g 10 (9) $243,353

Pembrook Benny 6h 10 (8) $279,359

Percy The Punter 5h 10 (7) $233,036

Power Of Tara 8g 18 (16) $524,726

Raglan 5g 7 $112,683

Second Wind 5g 9 (8) $155,285

Sleepy Tripp 5g 11 (7) $546,632

Smoken Up 8g 38 $1,469,566

Spero Denario 5g 8 (6) $74,523

St Barts 7h 14 (9) $150,552

Stunin Cullen 5h 11 (7) $854,696

Tennis Ball 7g 9 $166,270

The Gigolo 7g 12 (6) $127,000

Tintin In America 5h 16 (12) $934,305

Yokozuna 8g 8 (7) $38,851.

TAB Opening Fixed Odds prices (left-hand number represents TAB number) are:

12 Monkey King $3.50

10 Kiwi Ingenuity $5.50

31 Tintin In America $6.00

25 Smoken Up (AUS) $7.00

28 Stunin Cullen $7.00

24 Sleepy Tripp $14.00

23 Second Wind $15.00

3 Bondy $16.00

19 Pembrook Benny $17.00

1 Bettor’s Strike $21.00

8 Highview Tommy $21.00

13 Mr Feelgood (AUS) $26.00

18 Ohoka Dallas $26.00

20 Percy The Punter $26.00

4 Cullen’s Creek $31.00

9 Karloo Mick (AUS) $31.00

22 Raglan $31.00

7 Georgetown $41.00

21 Power Of Tara $41.00

32 Yokozuna $51.00

29 Tennis Ball $61.00

6 Fake Chance $81.00

11 Lord Forbes $81.00

2 Big Dog $101.00

5 Cullini $101.00

14 Mr Molly $151.00

17 Ohoka Arizona $151.00

27 St Barts $151.00

15 My Man Dan $201.00

26 Spero Denario $201.00

30 The Gigolo $201.00

16 Niraadi $301.00

SACKED AT TWO, NOW A SUPREME TURNAROUND

Burnham trainer Mark Jones edged a step closer to the training century when Supreme Christian led over the last 1400m for driver Regan Todd at the Forbury Park Tuesday meeting on September 28.

Mark, in only his 4th season as a public trainer, advanced to 97 career NZ training wins with the victory.

The Tuesday win was Mark’s seventh training win for the new term, putting him only one behind former employer Cran Dalgety, and cousin Tim Butt, on the early premiership table.

Mark kept his driving total ticking over with a well-timed finish with favourite Partyboysimon for Rangiora trainer Andrew Stuart to win the claiming pace on the programme _ Mark’s 14th driving win for the new term.

“Supreme Christian was a bit of a tricky one because I qualified her at two, then sacked her,” Mark said.

“I thought she was going to be quite good then she disappointed. The owners ended up giving her a decent break and the fella that works them up for Mike Stratford got her going again.”

Now four, Supreme Christian bounced back with two useful Motukarara workout wins, before leading up then being run down for third in her race debut at Forbury Park on Friday, September 24.

She improved with the outing for Tuesday’s fixture, having to work early from the outside front row alley.

After being left parked, Regan sent the favourite forward with purpose to wrest the lead from Rock Of Ireland (Dexter Dunn) mid-race and she was much too good in the run home.

Supreme Christian came clear by two and three-quarter lengths from Rock Of Ireland to win in 2:50.1 for the mobile 2200m, quickening over her last 800m in 58.8s and final 400m in 28s.

Regan was picking up his second driving win of the season and his 39th career win.

Supreme Christian has enhanced her eventual broodmare potential win the win.

She is the second foal and the first to race from lightly-raced winner Supreme Holmes, by Holmes Hanover from Supreme Adios, whose single win came for trainer Tim Butt at the expense of Hei Di Votion, Pay Me Tu and subsequent NZ Oaks winner Caps Off, in the $15,000 Sires’ Stakes Silver for 3YO fillies at Cambridge in December 1999.

Supreme Holmes, a half-sister to Adios Atom (14 Aust wins, 1:58.3h, 1700m) and Oh So Fair (11 Aust wins, 1:57.7h, 1700m), rated a smart 1:58.8 for the 1700m that day, running her last 800m in 57.9s and final 400m in 27.6s.

Supreme Adios, the dam of Supreme Holmes, was an unraced Bachelor Hanover sister to the former Alister Kerslake-trained Derby winners Bachelor Star (1971 NZ Derby) and Main Star (1978 GN Derby), and half-sister to other NZ Derby winners in Game Adios (1979) and Main Adios (1975).  

Supreme Christian’s 4th dam Adio Star was the 1978 NZ Broodmare of the Year.

By Jeff Scott

DAUGHTER OF FLYING SANDS WINTON-BOUND

Supreme Gem, the first foal from speedy racemare Flying Sands (11 wins, 1:56.5 mile rate, 1950m), will be aimed at a maiden mile at Winton next month after clearing out at the Rangiora workouts on Saturday, September 25.

Mark recalled he was bidding for the Christian Cullen filly to help the vendor at the yearling sale when he ended up with the winning bid.

“I was bidding for Vicki Cowan at the yearling sales. She said if I go to 60 she’d buy her back. I got caught on a $60,000 bid. When I said I got that horse for you, she said thats a good buy for you !”

However, Vicki has subsequently retained a share in the filly.

“By the time I got from boxes back to the sale ring I could have sold her five times over,” Mark said.

“She will get better with time as she’s quite a big lean horse.”

“Murray Alfeld broke her in. The quiet second prep he gave her was probably the makings of her,” Mark said.

“I’ll most likely look at racing her on Wairio mile day at Winton on October 17.”

“You’ve got to win some money down there to get in the Southland Oaks this season, but she’s got to improve a bit yet to think about that.”

“There’s a maiden here at Addington next week, but I’d rather take her down there.”

Supreme Gem has only had one official trial, qualifying at Ashburton in April.

She cleared out by 5 1/2 lengths in a 2YO fillies mile pace in 1:59.1, running her last 800m in 57.3s and 400m in 27.4s.

Supreme Gem was untroubled to lead throughout Saturday’s maiden heat.

She ran clear in the straight to win as she liked by five lengths in 3:32.4 for the 2600m (stand), running her last 800m in 59.2s and final 400m in 28.1s.

King Of Strathfield, a newcomer to the Mark Jones team, led out then trailed Conagher in the 1 win or faster trot.

The Armbro Invasion gelding rallied well in the run home King Charlie (Nigel McGrath) stormed home to win by a length in 3:27.5 (2600m stand), the leaders running their last 800m in 59s and 400m 28.2s.

“Neil Munro has ripped the muscle away from the bone on a bicep, so he’s left him with me until after the NZ Cup meeting. King Of Strathfield’s a good addition to the stable,” Mark said.

Guadeloupe, back in the Burnham stable, broke early and tailed the field afterwards.

My Man Dan, after moving up parked over the final 1200m, was an improver’s 5.1 lengths fourth behind Kiwi Ingenuity (30m), Indy Village and Four Starzzz Flash, in the 4 wins or faster special handicap pace.

Kiwi Ingenuity kept up a strong effort to win by two lengths for Robbie Holmes in 3:15.1 (2600m stand), the leaders running their last 800m in a serious 56.1s and final 400m in 27.2s.

Juvenile fillies Rose Fire (Courage Under Fire-Zara Rose) and Saskia Finn (Artsplace-Maggie Finn) stepped out for the Mark Jones stable in the 2YO mobile pace over 2000m.

Rose Fire, after trailing, was a sound fourth a length from winner Internationaltuffguy, who ran the mobile 2000m in 2:38.1, the last 800m in 60.2s and 400m in 28.6s.

Both the winner Internationaltuffguy, and runnerup Scandalman, are prepared by John Thompson).

Saskia Finn tailed the field of five throughout.

Meanwhile, Mark teamed up with the promising Andrew Stuart-trained Mr Chrome in the 1-2 win stand start pace at Saturday’s workouts, in preparation for next Friday’s Addington premier meeting.

Mark was one of three drivers Andrew Stuart utilised for his trio of wins at Forbury Park on Friday night, partnering Siena Franco to finish best from the trail to upset front-running favourite Hasana Franco in the fillies and mares 1700m.

Mr Chrome, the winner of three (one penalty-free) of only five starts, stepped well to lead at the workouts, then trailed Limited Edition from the 1200m.

They were too good in the run home coming clear by 2 1/4 lengths to stop the clock at 3:25.3 (2600m), the leaders quickening over their last 800m in 57.3s and 400m in 27.8s.

By Jeff Scott

NZ TROT DERBY WINNER IN VICTORIA

Shezoneoftheboyz, last season’s NZ Trotting Derby winner for Burnham trainer Mark Jones, will be based in Victoria for most of her 4YO racing.

“She’ll do a bit of racing for Craig Demmler,” Mark said.

“Owner Peter Chambers is a man of his word and he always said she was to race in Australia this season.”

“I was lucky to have her as long as I did. She may come back over for the 4YO Jewels but we’ll just wait and see.”

“Craig said she was super when she arrived.”

The younger half-sister by Brylin Boyz to King Charlie won five of only nine starts in New Zealand, earning $76,624.

She was spelled in the north after last racing at Cambridge on May 13.