Austrotforum

"TROT TACTICS"...09/04/2011...

Sadly,by the time you read this,the 2011 Inter-Dominion Grand Final will have been run and won.It's a bit like Christmas morning when you charge out to have a look under the tree.Looking at the situation as far out as Thursday night,the No 2 barrier has put Blacks A Fake right in the firing line to win the Grand final for an unprecedented fifth time.Trainer/driver Natalie Rasmussen would be ecstatic with the draw as the Black Superman put in a fabulous run in his second round heat,taking big ground off a desperately driven Smoken Up in the run home.Apart from Villagem,the more favoured Aussies drew the second line.It's just a bit harder from there in a race where you need luck as well as incredible ability to get the cash..

The Hackett inquiry into allegations of team driving has found that,while the perception of problems remains,after close study of a great many race videos,and interviewing a number of paticipants,hard evidence of collusion is difficult to find.Acting Chief Steward,John Hackett,fully cognisant that this finding does not properly address the matter,will instruct his stewards panels to apply a vigorous proactive approach to any race tactics which appear not to be kosher.Hackett believes that this pressure will keep trainers and drivers focussed on their obligations to the betting public..Questions will be asked and satisfactory answers will be required.Combining that policy with an easily understood and punter-friendly racing format will go a long way towards selling our product to Joe and Jo-Anne Average-Punter.

Debbie Summerhayes is a hobby trainer based at Bundamba.This concerned and thinking lady has sent yours truly her thoughts on one factor which affects us in our fight (if our leaders are actually engaged in such a battle) to grow TAB turnover.

Debbie writes...."If you want a more graphic and instant idea why the corporates are leaving the Totes for dead click on to UNiTAB and see what it has to offer. Then click on to www.sportsbet.com.au and glance at the services available to
all punters big and small. Little wonder the tote turnovers are spiraling downwards.And the saddest aspect is that it’s the Tote that keeps the industry going.Profits from the corporates or at least the big operators go off-shore.That is why it is imperative that NSW retains its landmark Federal victory in the turnover tax case that is now subject to appeal by the corporates who wish to pay a percentage of gross profit,rather than a smaller percentage of their turnover,which at the end of the day,should be their correct,and much larger fee for the use of our product."

Today's big deals are the Farmcraft Equine Expo which runs at Rosewood Showgrounds from 8am to 4pm and features a huge trade fair, exhibitions,lectures,campdraft and rodeo to finish off..All things for the horse and horse lover.Marburg trots are racing with trials starting at 11.45am and the first of five races at 12.45pm.Bookies,Beer,Barbeque and the Best of Country Racing.Make it a big day out..go to both!!

Selections for Marburg today..R 1: E/w 5: Cold Ideal (M.Sullivan)..R 2: E/e 6: Sweet Sacrifice (L.Hinze)..R 3: E/w 1: Dreams On Spot (R.Gordon)..R 4: E/w 4: Bundy Sunrise (G.Whitaker)..R 5: E/w 1: Say Again (L.Weidemann)..

Selections for Albion Park tonight..R 1: Quinella 1-4: Duly Elected (B.Cowen) and Something Slippery (J.McCarthy)..R 2: Box trifecta 3-5-10: Rainbow Stride (J.McCarthy)--Makin Magic (G.Dixon)--Badge Of Honour (P.McMullen)..R 3: Quinella 3-5: Glengarry Sunrise (C.Turpin) and Girl With Promise (G.Dixon)..R 4: E/w 3: Astro Khan (T.McCarthy)..R 5: E/w 1: Maria Callas (C.Turpin)..R 6: Quinella 4-7: Abbey Tiara (G.Dixon) and Fleur De Lil (L.McCarthy)..R 7: Quinella 1-3: White Eye Markei (D.Graham) and Jollygood Gent (J.McCarthy)...R 8: E/w 3: Watchandwonder (D.Chalk)..R 9: E/w 5: Miniature Classic (D.Russell)..R 10: Quinella 6-9: Une De Mai (G.Dixon) and Willy Lightfoot (B.Birch)..