THE SOON TO BE HISTORY PLUS WHAT'S ROUND THE NEXT CORNER..
"TROT TACTICS"..13/06/2009..
Time marches on,and the clock is ticking down to the final meeting at Rocklea Showgrounds.July 25 is the day,and extra prizemoney will be on offer to ensure that the iconic venue goes out in style.Put it in your blackbook and keep Rocklea in your memories.For a lot of the trainers and drivers who were regulars at the Ipswich circuit 30 years ago,to venture to the Rock and win was high achievement indeed.There was a distinct step up in class.A horse that could consistently get 4th money at Rocklea in maiden class,would win four or five at Ipswich in a short time.More of the Rock in weeks to come.
An analytical study of the relationship of field size (number of starters) to turnover,recently conducted by Harness Racing Queensland,has thrown up a couple of interesting points.HRQ discovered that turnover increased by 9.3% when there were 9 starters as opposed to 8,and 15.9% when there 10 rather than 9.Happily,the price of the favourite follows the same trend,especially when there is a full field.The favourite's price increases by 5.4% in the 10 rather than 9 scenario.For a 3 months trial from July 1st,Albion Park race fields for 3yos and older at 2138 and 2680 metres will now have 11 starters in the 7 front and 4 trailers format.Events worth more than $50,000 at 2680m will have 12 runners.
A good move,as it is aimed at improving turnover and is a statisticians approach to a knotty problem.This initiative on its own will not plug the leak in the dyke,but it's a start.The lights are on in the halls of power,and the occupants are beginning to think.Denis.