"THE WEEK THAT WAS"
"TROT TACTICS"..19/03/2011..
Up,up and away, was the story on Thursday as Blacks A Fake and Natalie Rasmussen jetted out for Auckland NZ bound for a sixth tilt at the Inter-Dominion Championship.The "winningest" pacer in the long history of Australasia's premier event confirmed his ticket with a convincing win at Albion Park last Saturday night.Taken straight to the front by Rasmussen,"Blackie" posted a mile rate of 1-56 and change for the 2138 metre mobile and was untroubled to do so.The New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club is ecstatic to have the four time Grand Final winner in the series,and expect the "Black superman" to pull thousands of extra fans through the gates of Alexandra Park.Their claim that Kiwis appreciate a true champion was borne out many years ago (1968) at the very same track and Carnival.Yours truly was able to witness the crowd reaction when Lordship came onto the track.Although well past his best,the son of Johnny Globe was greeted by a roar from the crowd and a surge to the fence as he paraded for each heat.Nothing has changed,and Rasmussen's charger will get the reception he has earned..
There are just 22 pacers left in the rankings,due no doubt to the natural disasters of the last few months.Given that Australian owned entries claim 4 of the top 5 spots,Blacks A Fake (1) Monkey King NZ (2) Themightyquinn (3) Mr Feelgood (4) and Washakie (5),it looks likely that the money and trophies will finish up in Australia.Racing is a chancy business however,and Auckland is a righthanded track.It won't be over till the numbers are in the frame..
Not much on today?Slip out to Marburg showground about 11.30 am and catch the five race non-tab card.Bookies,beer,good food and very keen racing make for an afternoon of fun.Anthony Perkins of Trump Bloodstock and Tony Nutley,representing Horsepower feeds and supplements have done the sponsorship thing and the main race carries an extra $250 a rug and a heap of Horsepower supplements,while winning drivers and trainers in the remaing races will receive gifts and products.Just be there!!
Meanwhile,if you want to make a positive contribution to the future of trotting in Queensland,ring the office of the new Minister For Racing,Mr Tim Mulherin,and speak with his racing adviser.You will get a good hearing from this gentleman.Remember,it is too late when the sport is consigned to the bin.Act now..Numbers do count..Phone.3239 3000..