"TROT TACTICS"
"TROT TACTICS"...09/05/2009...
The old saying,"not just a pretty face" was borne out at Gold Coast on Thursday,when Cold Mountain Stud's gelding,Honkytonk Hanover,was successful in race 9.The son of Western Hanover had starred at Marburg Show last Saturday,taking,among other ribbons,"Supreme Standardbred Exhibit".It was a family affair,with Jodie Whitaker,wife of Thursday's winning reinsman,Gary,having the lead at Marburg.Meanwhile,head trainer for "team Palmer",Simon Burrows,is headed to Melbourne with four pacers,including the flagship,Lonestar Legend.You can check progress by watching the Young (Southwest NSW) harness action tonight where Fancy Cardshark and Topshelf Hanover will be going round in the $36,000 Cup..
The concept of severe reduction in whip use is about to become a reality.The new format,which recognises the need to retain the whip as a tool of communication includes holding the whip and a rein in one hand.It will be a breach of the rules to hold the reins in one hand for any purpose other than releasing ear plugs or hopple shortener pins.The whip itself,seems likely to be a longer,more flexible version,to be applied only with a gentle flicking action.There is a bonus for the punters here as well as our four-legged friends.It will be a step closer to the level playing field,as an ability as a flogger will no longer be relevant in the driver selection process..September 1st seems the favoured date for introduction of the new deal.
Tonight's four feature races contain such a depth of talent,that a hatpin and a blindfold would be a reasonable tool with which to find a winner.For the statistics hounds, I reduced the performances to an average of earnings per start across the entire field in each race.4yo colts and geldings..$1577....4yo mares..$1218...3yo colts and geldings..$1496...3yo Fillies $890...2yo colts and geldings..$5223.These are the geese that lay the golden eggs...Denis..