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August 28, 2011

"THE WEEK THAT WAS"...27/08/2011..

"TROT TACTICS"...27/08/2011...


Sad to report,the much awaited "Festival of Harness Racing' at Parklands last Sunday was blighted by miserable weather in the morning prior to the event.Fortunately for those hardy enough to attend,the rain blew out at about 10am and a bitterly cold wind dried the track and surrounds fairly well.The damage was done however,and a very small crowd was the result.Sadly,Racing Qld's best intentioned strategy,moving Saturday night's Metropolitan meeting to the Festival timeslot,failed to attract the off-course punters with TAB turnover less than 50% of a normal Albion Park meeting.Worst of all from a breeding season aspect,a service to well performed stallion,Ultimate Falcon,donated by Burwood Stud at Pittsworth as a fundraiser for Botra,made only $200 at Auction.Another "Burwood" service to Western Edition,did make $1600,but Ultimate Falcon progeny have the runs on the board well and truly at the bread and butter TAB meetings and the low value assigned to the service is frightening..

Training performance of the week must go to Minden based Graham Harriott.There were three trot races conducted over the period and G.R.Harriott prepared all three winners.Castletonian (Charlie Cini) scored at Gold Coast on 19/08,Gladys Emanuel (Gary Whitaker)took out the metro event on Festival day,and the consistent Rarangi Gold,driven by recent returnee to the sport,Mathew Clayton,got the biscuits on Thursday.A top effort by any standard.

Just a thought about ways and means to keep up numbers of horses in the "available to race" pool.For many years now,both horse racing codes have been plagued with various contagious respiratory diseases,both viral and bacterial.While most of these conditions are not life threatening,they temporarily remove large numbers of horses from the racing "pool",and often give notice of their presence by the affected horse putting in a bad run with no prior warning,such as elevated temperature or coughing.These symptoms may appear after the run and often require lengthy veterinary treatment with associated expense.It might be a positive move to introduce the practice of "fogging" the tie-up stalls at racetracks and registered training venues with suitable sanitisers (dilute bleach etc) on a daily basis."Foggers" which would fit on a tractor "carryall" complete with 100 litre tank could provide a low cost solution to at least one part of a nasty problem.

Don't forget the sale at Marburg tomorrow morning.The auction kicks off at 10am and over 40 horses are expected to go under the hammer. The only draft I have seen at this point is that of Cold Mountain Stud,and the highlights of this consignment are,Cold Real Dimpled,Cold America,Cold Ideal,and Jennas Regret.All these are colts,as it is CM policy not to geld male progeny.Among the broodmares on offer are Fox Valley Hotty,She Has Passion and Tres.CM will also sell the stallion,Quality Cam.However,among the 40,there is sure to be something for everybody.All you need is some money,and the belief that we will find a way out of the current doom and gloom situation..If verbal assurances from Harness Racing Australia several months back are correct,the green light is now back on for Show Trots in the next season..

Resultsville..Gold coast 19/08..Castletonian (Charlie Cini for GrahamHarriott)...Marburg 20/08..Eyes A Bull (Justin Pascoe)..Roslei Hilda (Glenn Dawson)... Gold Coast 21/08..Gladys Emanuel (Gary Whitaker for Graham Harriott)..Dougs Place (Pete McMulllen for John Davis)..Goodaz Promised (Pete for John McMullen)..Whata Shaw Thing (Pete for John McMullen)..Slug Of Gold (Lola Weidemann for Ricky Gordon)...Albion Park 23/08..nil...Redcliffe 24/08..Gifted Red (Lola Weidemann for Ricky Gordon)..Helava Big Dog (Glenn Dawson for Trent Knack)...Gold Coast 25/08..Rarangi Gold (Mathew Clayton for Graham Harriott)..I Am Terror (Lola Weidemann for Ricky Gordon)...

August 25, 2011

"QUICK LEBEL".WAY OUT FRONT IN "PRIX DE WALLONIE" BELGIUM..

quick lebel 02.jpg
Foto courtesy of "newstrot redac".

August 22, 2011

"THE WEEK THAT WAS"...20/08/2011..

"TROT TACTICS"..20/08/2011..

This is day one of a great weekend of light harness sport and begins with today's non-Tab meeting at Marburg.The program kicks off with the first of six trials at 11.45am and first race at 1.30pm.The last of five will go at 3.50pm.$5 gets you in the gate for the Best of Country Racing..betting ,"Benny Burgers" and a cold beer if you want one.A great way to spend an afternoon.

The action shifts to Parklands at Gold Coast on Sunday where the Botra Harness Festival runs in the same timeslot as the Australian Breeders Crown "Super Sunday" meeting at Tabcorp Park,Melton (Vic).Locals at Melton are Lanercost,trained and driven by Fernvale ace,Darrel Graham,running in the 4yo Colts and Geldings division,and 3yo Caesars Folly from the Logan Village stable of Shannon Price and Scott Miller,with Brad Cowen in the sulky.Both pacers are strong chances in their respective events.

The party at Parklands kicks off at 1.00pm with demonstrations of shoeing and harnessing and moves into a metropolitan race meeting with a $20,000 mares race as the main feature.There will be centre field activity as retired pacers demonstrate their extra-curricular skills in dressage,jumping and tent pegging.There is a "pick six" competition on the last six races,with any tipsters lucky enough to get the six going into a draw for $5,000.During the meeting seven people will score a ride in the mobile,and a further seven will get the real feel of trotting with a couple of laps in the dual seater sulky.

If you are a breeder,Sunday is a good day to choose a stallion for your mare.Bargains are the order of the day,with Burwood Stud offering a souvenir poster of Blacks A Fake if you book with any of their sires,while Cold Mountain Stud has set the benchmark by slashing the service fees for their entire lineup by a massive 50% if you book on the day and pay a $250 deposit.Bring your money with you!!The new Ipswich based stallion,Town Champion,will be paraded on the day.If you are thinking that you might like to breed a Final Champion for yourself,come along and have a look at dad.

Round out the big weekend by flicking to 31 Digital at 8.00pm on Monday night.Harness is back with a new "magazine style" show clled Blinkers Off..Touching on the big issues in our sport/industry,and hosted by David fowler and Chris Barsby,the show will delve deep into the world of light harness via interviews with trainers
and personalities,providing highlights of the week and discussion of the latest news.For info on the digital aspects of the service,phone Briz 31 on 3010-7331 or email..Yourstation@31.com.au..
New South Wales trotting is about to be turned upside down by a far reaching investigation into corruption in the sport following the resignation of two stewards and the firebombing of the car of Chief Steward,Bill Cable..The rumour mill has it that letters have been issued to a number of participants,including licencees,with a figure of 15 to 20 people thought to be under scrutiny.NSW's CEO,Sam Nati obviously does not support the principle of "decency only being indecency's conspiracy of silence".He is to be applauded for putting the cleaners through the sport at a time when NSW trotting is poised to go forward on the capital injection from the sale of Harold Park.

August 14, 2011

COLD MOUNTAIN STUD'S DRAFT..MARBURG SHOWGROUND..SUNDAY..AUGUST 28..SCROLL ON DOWN FOR "THE WEEK THAT WAS"..

BROODMARES

SHIPPS CHARM 2:00.4

Won $20,633, 8 wins, 11 seconds, 8 thirds.

First 3 dams winners and producers. Grand-dam won and placed 9 times, 3rd dam won and placed 3 times, 4th dam a winner. Half-sister to Toris Charm (1:59.8) and Rose Of Portland (2:03.9). Grand-dam half-sister to 3 winners including Aigar (2:00.6) and dams of Typical Lady (2:02.3), The Big Dont Argue (2:05, dam of 2 winners including Rosey Ogrady 2:00.3). 3rd dam winning dam of Potranca (1:56.6), Scotch Tar (TT tr1:58.9) and 3 other winners including dams of Haylin Count (2:00.3), Love Bandit (2:03.3, dam of 3 winners including Alpine Hero 1:57.8), Brenna Lass (2:07.2, dam of Beyond Paris 2:03.6) and Scotch Warrior (dam of Goanna 1:58.7, The Clergyman 1:58.7 & Highland Haine 2:01.5).

Dam of 2009 colt, Chevals Chum, by Gold Dust Beach and 2010 colt by Gold Dust Beach. In foal to Gold Dust Beach LDOS 15-12-10.

TRES USA

By exciting sire Cam's Card Shark ($2.498million, 1:50, sire of Four Starzzz Shark, Bettors Delight etc).

Half-sister to Spidermonkey (1:55.4, 4 wins, $29,822). Dam sister or half-sister to 9 winners of 163 races - Duke Duke (3, 1:52), Whittingham (3, 1:51.1), Casablanca Hall (1:53.1), Michiko (1:53.4), Fort Harrod (1:52.1), Mi Memories (1:56.2), Watfinder (1:54.3), U S News (1:55.2), Westchester (1:58.2) and to dam of Great Plains (1:50 and several in 1:54.

Dam of 2010 bay filly by Gold Dust Beach.

DRAGONS ANGEL USA 3, 1:59

3, 1:59 winner. By Dragon's Lair (1:51.6, $1,085million, sire of Dragon Again, Stand Forever etc).

Sister to Firebreathin Dragon (1:51.4) and Dragon Seeker (3, 1:55.4). Grand-dam 3, 1:59.4, sister to Partagas (1:50.3, $229,104). Third dam 100% producer. Fourth dam half-sister to Cloverleaf (1:58.4) and three-quarter sister to dam of Lobro Yes (1:56.4) and grand-dam of Winnie Letsgo (1:56.4).

Dam of 2009 gelding, Wood Blitz, by Quality Cam and 2010 colt by Camelot Hall.

BONN JAYNIE

Unraced. By Davids Pass (1:50.8, $1.652million, sire of Sophie Pass, Owner Operator etc). Dam went 2:02.5, 2 wins, 2 2nds, 3 3rds. Grand-dam half-sister to 3 winners of 27 races including Bonamax (1:58.6, $131,356, Derby winner, successful sire), Bonn El (1:59.2, dam of Bonn Rocket 1:55.2, $262,2006 and Bonn Star 1:53, $240,749) and dam of Whitlock (1:53.1, $236,157). Closely-related to Highest Honour (1:57.2, 20 wins, $232,887), Hero (1:58.8, $132,970), Kaos (1:58.2, 10 wins), Hei Princelier (1:59.4, 11 wins), Hei Shangri La (1:56.9, 17 wins, $195,334), Armin Hari (1:59.6, 13 wins, $60,132), Mattie Silks (1:59.3), Total Defiance (1:52.8, $231,265), Ice Ice (2:00.9), Atom Bomb Belle (1:58.1), L'Escalier (2:00), Atom Bomb Angel (1:58.8), The Smooth Operator (1:59.5), Redemption (1:56.6), Yes Hezanoperator (1:59.3), L E Operative (1:55.3, $121,679), Ruffiano (1:59.6), Secret Squirrel (2:00.2).

Dam of 2008 filly by Aces N' Sevens and 2010 filly by The Globe.

SHE HAS PASSION USA

1:55.2, 16 wins, 8 seconds, 10 thirds, $38,347. By Laag (1:51.4, $642,995, sire of Jet Laag, Admirals Galley etc).

Half-sister to Promiscuous (3, 1:55.1, $56,963) and Crimes Of Passion (1:55.1, $45,928). Dam 3, 1:54.4, $76,864, half-sister or sister to Cheryl Hanover (1:53.2, $243,943), Pauls Laughing (1:57.2), Pauls Lite Scooter (3, 1:54.1), Purple Passion (3, 1:54.4), Pauls Towner (3, 1:58.2), Miss Motown(1:59.1) and dams of Lord Terror (2, 1:51.3), Mr Sting Ray (3, 1:52.3), Electric Energy (3, 1:52.4), Walk Of Shame (2, 1:54.1), Onehitwonder (3, 1:55.1), Our Little Pilgrim (1:55.1), Matties Big Bang (1:59.2), Gray Ground (1:59.1).

Dam of 2010 colt by Camotion.

ARMBRO SAKER CA 2,1:58.4

1:58.8, 1 win, 1 third. By Cam Fella (1:53.2, $2,041,367, sire of Presidential Ball, Cam's Card Shark etc).

Half-sister to 6 in 1:52 including Armbro Peregrine (1:51.3, $462,194), Secret Weapon (1:509.3, $460,960), Armbro Republican (1:51, $418,002), Armbro Dane (1:49, $168,816), Armbro Vulcan (1:52.3, $162,852), Bring The Pain (1:55.1, $119,414), Nuclear Shock (3, 1:52.2, $103,142), Armbro Ambush (1:51.3), Lucky Secret (3, 1:52.3), Dieaspora (1:57.1), Highland Rocks (3, 1:52). Closely-related to Good News Lady (3, 1:51.1), Dieberspace (1:49.4), Ideal News (1:51.4), Raging Heart (1:51.4), Vilas Blue Chip (1:51), Carcalas (1:51).

Dam of 2000 colt Bonds HR Record (2:00, $14,211) by Jate Lobell, 2001 filly Delalady (1:55, $42,624) by Artsplace, 2002 gelding Armbro Colin (1:58, $42,876) by Island Fantasy, 2004 colt Tom Horton (by Astreos), 2006 gelding Never Been Better (by Breton Hanover), 2007 filly In My Wake (by Dream Away), 2009 colt by Western Ideal, 2011 colt by Gold Dust Beach.

SURE MAGIC

Unraced. By Sandman Hanover (1:53.4, $1,089,005, sire of Send Me A Dream, Revais etc). Sister to Chop Suey Louis (2:02.5), half-sister to Thunderock (2:02.3), Running Riot (2:06.7). Grand-dam half-sister to Warwick Light (2:00.2, $33,821), Warwick Way (2:02.4), Packard (2:00.4 and to dams of Rapid Elk (2:00.1, $82,684), Against The Grain (2:01.8, $23,684), Demon Rob (2:00, $22,901), Natterer (2:02.5, $21,039), Jate (2:02.6), Perfect Cam (2:03.7), Perfect Spread (2:06.4). Closely-related to Rondel (1979 Inter Dominion clean sweep), Pine Bay (1:56.8, $209,939). Dam of 2009 filly by V P Finance, 2010 colt by Gold Dust Beach. In foal to VP Finance LDOS 1-12-10.

FOX VALLEY HOTTY USA 1:56.4

1:56.4, 3 wins, $31,519. By Sportsmaster (2, 1:52.1, $755,803) sire of Fox Valley Appeal, He May Be Angel etc). Sister or half-sister to Ima Hot Sport (1:54, $126,826), Rocket Lady Red (1:59.2), Fox Valley Floozy (3, 2:03.4, $16,328), Fox Valley Pepper (1:59.3, $15,125), Fox Valley Tobasco ($13,806), Ima A Hot Tom (3, 2:03.4). Grand-dam 1:53.1, 25 wins, $227,531. Dam half-sister to 10 winners of 153 races including Egyptian Tempest (1:53.1, $227,531) and Peanut Skipper (1:56.3, $186,057).

Dam of 2009 and 2010 colts by Gold Dust Beach.

TORAGLOW

Unraced. By Torado Hanover (2:01.6, sire of Sinbad Bay, Jane Ellen etc, champion broodmare sire of winners +$22million). Half-sister to 5 winners including Any Given Sunday (1:58.4, 9 wins, $31,584), Wave Good Knight (2:00.2, $75,112), Rebellious Knight (2:01.6, $44,911), Celtic Sea (2:00.9).

Grand-dam (2:03.6, $17,307). Closely-related to Karloo Toogie (1:56.2, 31 wins, $126,067), Initial Lee (1:58.2, 20 wins, $76,154), General Chip (1:57.8, 18 wins, $49,857), The Posh One(1:53.4, 32 wins, $151,396), Northern Glow (1:59.6, $15,387),Franco's Whitby (1:59.2, $53,578), Franco Whisper (1:59.3, $93,824), Winsome Eagle (1:58.6, $65,235), Little Nick Nero (1:59.8, $19,055), Heisse Ware (1:59.4), Our Run Gigi (1:58.4, $18,795), Firpo (1:59.8, $22,315), Boomer Knight (1:58.2, $24,168), Cotopaxi (1:59.5, $14,756, Lets Thank Heaven (1:52.8, $324,930), Lady Gigi (1:59.5, $40,040), Driller Mac (1:59.7), Etoile (APG Final), Ifiseeyouinheaven (1:59.7), Safe Breaker (1:57.7, $69,883), Weekend Rustler (1:56, $28,750), Always Lacking (1:59.4) etc.

Dam of 2002 filly by Mystical Prince, 2004 filly Toratoken (by Browning Blue Chip), 2006 colt Ronaldo Shine (by Medicine Dance), 2007 colt Shoeshine Design (by Medicine Dance), 2008 colt by Ultimate Falcon, 2009 colt by V P Finance, 2010 filly by The Globe.

RUM BOOGIE NZ

Unraced. By Holmes Hanover (1:54.4, $430,787, sire of Holmes D G, Another Party etc, champion broodmare sire of Under Cover Lover, Howard Bromac etc).

Half-sister to Cruisalong Lucy (2:05.8, 3 wins, $12,005). Grand-dam 2:01, 4 wins, $42,044. Dam half-sister to Chevette Bye (1:58.4, $17,015), Youmie Bromac (1:58.5, 12 wins, $457,085), Chevey Bluechip (1:59.6, 8 wins, $31,607), Yvettes Last (2:00.4) and Yes Please Bromac (2:02.1, 5 wins) plus dam of Howard Ino (1:57.3, 11 wins, $77,684), Comeonoscar (1:59.1) and Krauthammer (1:59.6, $11,188). Closely-related to Elegant Jamie (1:58.4, $89,670), Soky's Reward (1:52.2), Bee Gee's Machine (1:54.6).

Dam of 2003 colt by OK Bye, 2006 gelding by Shakamaker, 2009 filly, Dancing Cheval, by The Globe, 2010 colt by Camotion. In foal to Camotion LDOS 5-11-10.

RACEHORSES IN TRAINING

COLD REAL DIMPLED colt

By Real Desire (2, 1:50.8; 3, 1:49; 1:48.4, $3,323,606, sire of Lets Elope, Tell All etc).

4 starts, 1 3rd. Placed Albion Park.

Dam 3, 1:59.1, grand-dam 3, 1:53.4, $347,386. Dam sister or half-sister to No Risk (1:53.1), Smileifyoucan (1:53.2, 19 wins), Touch The Rock (3, 1:50.4), Annie Mac (2, 1:55.3). Grand-dam sister or half-sister to 10 winners including Wilmington Sam (1:50.4, 68 wins, $638,145), Patty Lace (1:53.4, 35 wins, $209,314), Darten Sam (1:54, 31 wins, $202,828), Noble Lace (1:56.1, 72 wins, $178,130), Woe Sam (1:54.1, 45 wins, $178,130), Easter Lace (1:54.1, 41 wins, $108,797), and dam of In The Irons (3, 1:50.3, $461,436) and Castle Rock (3, 1:52.2).

Trainer says: "Has good gate speed, wears no extra gear, just block-eyes. The sort of horse who should get to about C3 class, then after a spell, who knows? The best prospect we are selling apart from Jennas Regret."

COLD AMERICA colt

By American Ideal (2, 1:55.2; 3, 1:47.8, $855,928, sire of American Promise, Show Me Chicago etc).

1 start, unplaced.

Dam 1:55.2. Half-brother to Big Money Man (3, 1:51.2, $316,177), American Riches (3, 1:52.2), She's Got The Loot (1:57.3), All About Power (1:56.2), Absolute Authority (1:56), Peaceful Existence (3, 1:54.1).

Trainer says: "Won a trial at the Gold Coast in July and looked good. Pulled up with a mild case of the thumps on debut. Good gate speed, wears spreaders."

COLD IDEAL 2:05.2 colt

By American Ideal (2, 1:55.2; 3, 1:47.8, $855,928, sire of 8 2YO first season winners including American Promise etc).

9 starts, 1 win, 1 3rd, 2:05.2, $1050. Won Marburg May 14 1850m 2:05.2 rate. Marburg placegetter.

Half-brother to Fully Committed (1:53.1, $305,575), Duke Of Luck (1:53.2, $143,615), Katies Moon (3, 1:58.1), Mantra (3, 1:56.3) and to dam of Transcending (1:49, 19 wins, $426,940) and Changing Gears (3, 1:51.4, $183,346). Closely-related to Rock Tol Glory (1:50.1, $135,552), Young Life (1:51.1), With Anticipation (1:47.2), Jaguar Spur (1:49.2), Little Miss Dragon (1:50.2).

Trainer says: "An ideal Saturday horse. You could race the wheels off him at Marburg and Redcliffe, and might even get through to a C3 class. Wears a lugging pole on inside."

UN-NAMED colt (10-02-09), LAST CALL CROMBIE-EXPENSIVE ASHLEY

By Last Call Crombie (2, 2:02.8; 3, 1:55.4; 1:53, $225,519, young Abercrombie sire, this is part of first crop).

Half-brother to Ash Larue (1:52.2, $153,883), Britash Redcoat (1:55.3), Artristocracy (1:58). Dam sister or half-sister to 7 winners including Tornado Sahbra (1:52), Timely Sahbra (1:53.4). Closely-related to Shifty B (1:50.1), Special Report (1:48.4, $1,494,619).

Trainer says: "Ray Pullen educated him, and did a good job. This is only his second preparation. Hasn't been put to the sword. Has plenty of spirit."

UN-NAMED colt (23-05-09), WESTERN IDEAL-ARMBRO SAKER

By Western Ideal (2, 1:54.6; 1:48, $1,455,422, sire of Rocknroll Hanover, Always A Virgin etc).

Half-brother to Armbro Colin (1:58, $42,624), Bonds HR Record (3, 2:00, $19,727) and Delaldy (1:55, $42,624, dam Fancy Creek Nolan 2, 1:57).Dam half-sister to 6 in 1:52.

Trainer says: "You'll buy him on looks. Needs grime, but I won't be surprised to see him make the grade. Spreaders and a lugging pole, but they might go with maturity and time. Has only had two preps after being broken-in by Ray Pullen."

IDEAL BURLESQUE USA colt

By Western Ideal (2, 1:54.6; 1:48, $1.455.422, sire of Vintage Master, Rocknroll Hanover etc).

Unraced. Dam 3, 1:49.2, $916,024. Half-brother to Vaudeville Margie (3, 1:51.2), Incredible Matt (3, 1:53) and Incredible Ross (3, 1:56). Grand-dam 3, 1:55.2. Dam sister ot half-sister to 8 winners including Incredible Moe (3, 1:52.1, $220,895), Go Go Moe (3, 1:49.3, $156,781), Incredible Journey (3, 1:52.3), Thumbs Up (3, 1:54.2).

Trainer says: "Has throat problems. Came from Sydney and has only been jogged. Too early to tell how good he is."

JENNAS REGRET 1:58.2 colt

By Jennas Beach Boy (1:47.6, $1,972,172 sire of Total Truth, Three Olives).

37 starts, 3 wins, 4 seconds, 7 thirds, 3, 2:01.7; 1:58.2, $11,9080 to date. C1. Won Albion Park June 27 2138m 2:00.7 rate. Multiple Albion Park winner, Gold Coast winner. Newcastle 3YO winner.

Dam 1:55.6, $107,827. Dam sister or half-sister to Montana Anna (2, 1:59, $230,863), Aikido Whitby (1:55.1, $181,115), Zerina Whitby (1:55.6, $107,827), La Roya Whitby (1:59.8, $106,649), Whitbys Tyson (2, 1:59.5) and dam of Mon Poppy Mia (1:57.8, $114,220). Closely-related to Whitby Timer (1:56.2, $314,899), Fiscal Miss (1:59.6), Whitbys Miss Penny (1:55.2, $568,289), Ace Of Whitby (1:58.8, $317,247), Lady Legacy (TT1:57.5), Whitby Heritage (1:58.8), Our Heritage (1:59).

Trainer says: "Just the horse for someone who wants to race at Albion Park and the Gold Coast. Has good gate speed and tries hard. Wears spreaders. Consistent type who loves to lead."

RACEHORSES SPELLING

COLD GRINNER colt

By Grinfromeartoear (2, 1:51.6; 3, 1:50.2; $1,746,009, sire of Mister Big, Mr Feelgood etc).

Unraced. Half-brother to Four Starz Aimster (1:58.8, $57,823) and Alpine Jubilee (1:56, $61,716). Dam went 1:56.4, 4 wins, $46,015.

Trainer says: "Needs time. Small, solid, nuggety type has been four months in the paddock. Wears spreaders."

COLD MOUNT MYSTERY USA filly

By I Am A Fool (1:51.4; $1,392,293, sire of Hectic, Killer Quakes etc).

5 starts, 1 3rd. Placed Albion Park. Dam went 2, 1:58.6; 3, 1:53.4, $59,658. Half-sister to Emma M Hanover (1:59.4) and Good Gams (2:01.4) and 2 producers, dams of Grudge Match (1:52.3), Sidecar (1:55.4) and Maxs Chic (1:56.1). Closely-related to Ho No Sputnik Lo (1:50.2), Lunar Landing (1:50.3).

Trainer says: "Has been spelling for seven months. Was tipped out after the floods. Wears spreaders. Tries hard."

COLD MOUNTAIN SUE USA filly

By Metropolitan (2, 1:52.2; 3, 1:50.2, $1,317,315, sire of Nitro Blue, Kickittochris etc).

2 starts, unplaced. Dam went 2, 1:59.4, 3, 1:54.2, $31,865. First foal of half-sister to 5 winners of 47 races including Im Jo (3, 1:55, $101,973) and 2 others in 1:55. Grand-dam 1:55.1, 34 wins, $187,848, half-sister or sister to 9 winners including Cool Martha (1:57.1, 25 wins, $111,7602, dam Im Cool 1:54.1, 16 wins, $61,063).

Trainer says: "Not suited to a big stable but might win a couple of the weaker ones. Just the sort for a smaller trainer to try."

THE KNIGHT COMMANDER USA colt

By Shady Character (2, 1:53.6; 3, 1:51.2, $1,225,905, young Falcon Seelster stallion, this is part of first crop).

11 starts, 1 second, 1 third, $1015. Placed Gold Coast and Albion Park. Dam 3, 1:59, half-sister to 4 winners including Classical Director (3, 1:55). Third dam 3, 1:55.1, dam of 12 winners of 138 races including Gimmebackmybullets (1:49.3), Ferbank Filly (3, 1:51.4), You're Killing Me (3, 1:55.2)

Trainer says: "Better than his form reads. Hasn't raced this season - tried to jump a fence and cut his back leg, has been in the paddock since. Not a hopeless case."

* Statistics as of August 1 2011.

* Trainer Murray Sullivan.

Cheers

Derek Payne | Finance Director

Cold Mountain Stud Pty Ltd

Tel: 07 3235 8517 | Fax: 3832 2021 | Mob: 0413 483 012

Email: d.payne@mineralogy.com.au

GEORGETOWN'S WINTER CUP...MICHAEL LANGDON IN THE CART"

georgetown 2.jpg
photo by Corey Pearce Images.

"THE WEEK THAT WAS"...

"TROT TACTICS"...13/08/2011..

We must begin this week's column with a sincere apology to Mr Jim Madden and his family for the hurt caused by my reference to "the late Jim madden in an item referring to the sale of Paragon Park at Marburg.Mr Madden,who is hale and hearty at 87,and his family were understandably upset by this,and again,I apologise.

It must have been a bad day,as I also robbed Narissa McMullen of a win on Whata Shaw Thing at Gold Coast on the previous Wednesday night,when reporting the weeks results.Brother Pete's "quaddie' is now a treble..

The focus now shifts to Lockyer Waters,where final year mini trotter driver,Lauren Jones,is 40 points in front in the Queensland Junior Harness Racing Premiership.Lauren's stable star,Twebby Twotter is well in front in the "Pony Of The Year" standings and second string,Dani-Elles Dash is running a comfortable third.It is very likely that Lauren will do the Mini-trotter demonstration at Botra Festival Day at Gold Coast Parklands tomorrow week,August 21.Come and have a look as Lauren shows you how to gear up a "mini" and talks about her recent trip to New Zealand.

The Botra Festival of Harness Racing is going up in big company as it will be running in tandem with the Australian Breedrs Crown "Super Sunday" at Tabcorp Park Melton (Vic).On the racetrack we have a full Metropolitan meeting,with a $20,000 mare's race as the main feature.The meeting kicks off with the only non-TAB race of the day,the Western Edition "Dash For Cash".The harness equivalent of the "drags" is run 100 metres down the Parklands home straight from a standing start.There is $1,000 up for grabs,and the winner gets the lot.There is also $1,000 Botra bonus for paid up members on a race to be selected.

On the infield,the "Life After Racing" group will display their converts considerable talents in dressage,jumping and tent pegging.It's all happening from 1.00pm trackside with industry marquees for trade stalls and stud represetatives.Horse demos will include shoeing,gearing up the trotter and pacer and interviews with personalities.There will be an auction of a service to Western Edition and various competitions,including a "pick the last six winners" to be in the draw for $5,000,or to win a ride in the mobile barrier or the dual seater sulky.All the betting facilities and big screen NRL coverage,bar,snackbar and sausage sizzle..Just rock up on Sunday week.It will be a great day..

Resultsville..Redcliffe 05/08..Le Brique (Gary whitaker for Bill Crosby)..Etched In Black (Lola Weidemann for Ricky gordon)...Albion Park 06/08..Yul Brynner (Pete McMullen for Shane Sandeson)..Jasper Gold (Gary Whitaker for Shane Sanderson)...Marburg 06/08..Our Titus (Mathew Clayton for Darrel Graham)..Scenic Rim (Scott Neaves for Jenny Halliday)..Semi Precious (David Litzow for Steve Benham)..We Need A Hero (Pete McMullen for Ken Belford)...Albion Park 09/08..nil....Redcliffe 10/08..Princess Meg (Ron Sallis)...Gold coast 11/08..Jet High (Pete McMullen for Shane Sanderson)..Castletonian (Charlie Cini for Graham Harriott)..Wild Knight (Pete for John McMullen)..Vinnies Adventure (Cassie Saunders for Al Barnes)..Marlos (Al Barnes)...


August 08, 2011

THE WEEK THAT WAS ...08/07/2011..

"TROT TACTICS"...06/08/2011...

The greater Ipswich trotting community is the poorer for the passing of Plainland resident Max Bellve in the last week.Max,a former New Zealander,could best be described as a "putter in" rather than a "taker out",one of those people that put a foundation under the game year in and year out so that a few more fortunate souls can taste the wine of continuous success.Fortunately,the last few seasons saw Max put the polish on The Fourth Bay,a former trotter,which,thanks to a blistering finish was MB's competitive ticket to the top tracks.What do we say about Max Bellve..three things.He was an avid hobby breeder,he loved his horses,and he loved the light harness sport.We who are left will miss a man whose thoughts on trotting were always for the greater good..

The wheel life has turned a full circle and the next few weeks will see Paragon Park at Marburg come to the ownership of Jenny and Gordon Francis.This pleasant 72 acre training establishment was home to the Francis's for six years when Gordon took over from Gerrard Yates as private trainer to Jim Madden,whose best horse at the time was Little Brett,a pacer that won two Christmas Cups and just on $37,000 when that sum was money indeed.Jenny and Gordon are in no rush to open the gates for business.It will happen,but only after a lot of TLC on the paddocks and facilities.It will be a horse farm,on that you could bet your life's savings but just what type of horses is not yet decided.It could,(perish the thought) become hack paradise.We can only wish Jenny and Gordon the best of success..

Two great local performances this week were the win of Our White Knight in the Redcliffe Cup,a top training effort from Brett Cargill to have the pacer spot-on for the $40,000 standing start feature and a well rated drive by Chris Petroff to make it look easy..Pete McMullen took the driving honours at Gold Coast last Wednesday night with three winners on what was a strong program..exciting stuff.John McMullen cracked the 100 winners for the season two weeks back,and,you guessed it,three out of the four blokes come from Fernvale/Glamorganvale..it must be in the water..

IT HAD TO COME..THE "AUSSIE ECLIPSE" SULKY...ECLIPSE FIRST AND THE REST NOWHERE..

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First public showing of "Aussie Eclipse" sulky..Manufacturers..Gavin Crone and Steven Doyle..Ipswich..Queensland...Photo by Kelsey Shulz..

August 03, 2011

FROM "BITS AND BITES OF HISTORY" C.K.G.BILLINGS..AMATEUR DRIVING TO WAGON..

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From "the two minute horse"..Millard Sanders..1922..