The Good Sports Syndicate
February 2015 Newsletter
Rob Carr – Syndicate Liaison
P O Box 202101, Southgate, Takanini, Auckland 2246
Tel. (09) 291-9034 Mobile (021) 227-6444
Fax (09) 291-9035 Email [email protected]
Welcome
Once again, I must CONGRATULATE you on yet another individual winner;
CTHEBALLERINA wins at only her fifth race start, at Thames on the 1st February. This
brings your total number of wins to an amazing 11 wins by five individual winners
from your eight fillies … and hopefully there is more to come.
You now have ALANNAH HALL (1 win, $4,851), BIG LUCY (2 wins, $18,452), LINDA
LOVEGRACE (6 wins, $166,461, Group 1 winner) and LOVE IS A DRUG (1 win,
$25,721), CTHEBALLERINA (1 win, $5,966), as well as the placed PINUP PONY (2
places, $4,201) and the raced but unplaced HOTHOOVES ($2,950), so you now have
11 wins on the board and total gross stakes of $228,602 – a great achievement !!!
Lucy, Tina, Judy, Pinny and Linda have all been racing well over the January/February
period, with one win, two 2nd placings, a 3rd placing and three 4th placings between
them over this time. To add to this, Linda also had a stylish win at the workouts, but
Pinny was a little disappointing on the grass at Thames.
Tina and Judy are to return to the races tonight (Friday, 13th February) at Alexandra
Park, so more exciting times are upon us.
After a minor setback with a strained joint, Alannah is now back on track and set to
attend the workouts in about 4 weeks.
Glitzy is coming along nicely and working down in her times in readiness to attend the
workouts or trials in the next couple of weeks, so the excitement should continue with
plenty happening, or about to happen.
Unfortunately, as you are aware, Hotty has been sidelined with her troublesome foot
and with further investigation this has been found to be a small fracture to her
pastern. It has been screwed to stop it getting worse, so hopefully she can make a
full recovery and be able to fulfil the potential that she has already shown, but this will
take time.
Good Luck
for all your upcoming action, especially in the next few days and
weeks.
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
Page 1
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Ctheballerina
… wins at Thames, on 1st February 2015
What a win !!!
Photo courtesy of:
Sharlene Mitchell Photography
This win brought up win No. 11 for The Good Sports Syndicate and an amazing
Syndicate record of 52 starts, 11 wins, 11 seconds, 5 thirds, for $226,019 in stake
earnings. WELL DONE !!!
… and it took Tina’s record to 5 starts, 1 win, 2 seconds and stake earnings of $5,966.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
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Here is the latest information on all your fillies:-
Trainer
Mark Purdon & Natalie Rasmussen :-
Alannah Hall (Angus Hall – Regal Volo):After her pre-training with Grant Payne,
Alannah transferred to Mark and Natalie’s
stable early in January and completed
further jogging, before having her first fast
work in training at the beginning of
February.
Unfortunately, Alannah suffered a minor
setback when she strained a back joint,
however it settled down in just 5 days, but
she was to be set back a couple of weeks in
training.
Alannah Hall wins at Ashburton 20.07.14
Mark reports, “She is coming along good now and is about 4 weeks away from a trial.”
So, although she has been delayed by a couple of weeks, all now appears to be fine
with Alannah and it will be great to see her at the trials in a month’s time.
Big Lucy (Badlands Hanover – Halcyon Franco):After trialling at Ashburton on the 7th
January, it was initially thought that Lucy
would have a further run at the trials
before making her return to racing, but
Mark decided as Lucy’s work had been
good at home, she would now make her
return to the races on the 16th January.
This was to be at the NZ Metropolitan TC
Meeting at Addington Raceway, where Lucy
was to line up in the $11,000 Granite
Benchtop Company Mobile Pace, for 3YO &
Older C1 pacers, over 1950m.
Big Lucy wins at Melton 8.08.14
Lucy drew Barrier No. 2 and was to be driven by stable driver by Tim Williams.
Lucy was sent out the win favourite for this race and Tim eased her off the gate at the
start, to avoid the early fireworks and landed nicely in the one-one. This was not to
be for long however, as the second favourite Better Scoot moved forward from the
parked position with about 1400m to run, leaving Lucy to face the breeze.
Tim sat back a length or two off the leader, as they went through the second-to-last
half in a sedate 65.4 seconds, so it was going to be a sprint home, but then they only
went through the next quarter in 31.1, as they straightened for home.
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Lucy was about 1½ lengths off the leader as they turned in and finished off her race
OK, with only the horse on her back in the one-one Nevertheless and the trailing
horse Always Yours getting passed her in the run home.
Lucy finished in 4th placing, only 2.5 lengths from the winner and a ½ length and a
neck from second.
The winner was Better Scoot in a time of 2:26.8 (MR 2:01.1), with good closing
sectionals of 57.1 and 26.2.
Lucy came through her race well and was to then race next at the Marlborough HRC
Meeting, at Waterlea Raceway, in Blenheim, on the 23rd January.
This was in the $9,500 Doug Beattie Memorial Mobile Pace, for 3YO & Older C1 pacers,
over 2300m, in which Lucy drew Barrier No. 1, in a 12-horse field (reduced to 11 with
a scratching) and was to be driven by co-trainer Natalie Rasmussen. Of course, this
was the same night as Tina and Judy were racing at Auckland.
Lucy got out quickly to lead and remained there throughout, staying some 2-3 lengths
in front of the second runner throughout, but didn’t kick on as was expected in the
last 50m or so and finished a somewhat disappointing 6th placing, but was close-up
being only 1.2 lengths from the winner.
The winner was She’s Got It, a $68 shot, in a moderate overall time of 2:51.8 (MR
2:00.2), but with good closing sectionals of 56.4 and 28.2.
Lucy was then to line up again on the second day of the Meeting, on the 25th January,
once again at Waterlea Raceway in Blenheim. This was in the $12,000 Asure
Sundowner Mobile Pace, for 3YO & Older C1 pacers, over 2300m.
Lucy once again drew Barrier No. 1, in a 12-horse field and was to be driven on this
occasion by stable Junior Driver Matt Anderson.
Lucy got out quickly from the mobile to hold her place and had to do a bit of work
early to hold out Going Going Gone who was looking for the early lead. With a lap-togo there were several moves from back in the field and the favourite Bracken Ridge
came forward and Matt handed up to take the trail.
Lucy enjoyed a good trip from then on and was able to take the passing lane run in
the home straight, but just battled into 4th placing, some 6.5 lengths from the winner.
The winner was Alta Leroy in a time of 2:50.3 (MR 1:59.1), with good closing
sectionals of 56.5 and 28.5.
Mark said later, “She pulled too hard on the first day and it was her second-up run,
that appeared to knock the stuffing out of her. In hindsight, I wouldn’t have lined her
up on the second day, but when you travel away like that, it’s a bit hard not to line up
when you’re already there.”
Mark has spoken to Ken and advised he thinks her earning capacity is much better in
Australia, so Lucy is soon to cross the Tasman again.
After returning from Marlborough, Lucy was given time to get over her trip away and
is being worked down now in her times in training and will have a good hit out at
home and should be ready to make her big trip to Australia, leaving on the 18 th
February.
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Lucy will first fly to NSW, where it is planned that she will contest a $20,000 heat of
the NSW Oaks on the 21st February and hopefully qualify for the Group 1 $200,000
Form 700 NSW Oaks Final, to be staged on the 1st March, at Tabcorp Park Menangle,
just out of Sydney. It is likely that Lucy will stay on in Australia after this and
possibly even travel down to Melbourne to contest further races there.
I will confirm details to you, once they are available of each of Lucy’s races in
Australia.
GOOD LUCK and GO LUCY !!!
Linda Lovegrace (Bettor’s Delight – Linda Grace):After her Northern campaign, Linda headed back home to Canterbury, where she was
given an easy time for a week and then started back doing hoppled work the following
week.
She was ready to attend the Rangiora Workouts on the 28th January, where she
competed in a C1-C4 Mobile Pace, over 2000m. Linda drew Barrier No. 8, coming into
No. 7 with a scratching, but nevertheless the outside of the mobile gate. She was to
be driven by Mark Purdon.
Linda got out well from her wide draw and was initially eased to get into the one-one,
but when her stablemate Supersonic Miss went to the front she was left parked. As
they entered the straight with a little over a mile to run, Mark moved forward to look
for the lead, but Supersonic Miss raced her and they drew away from the others by 5
or 6 lengths, with Linda finally making the lead with a lap-to-go, having done a fair bit
of work.
Rounding the home turn, New Deal came forward and pressured Linda in the lead, but
as they ran for home Linda fought her off and went on to win well without being really
pushed from her classy stablemate Supersonic Miss, who rushed at her late up the
passing lane.
Syndicate Member, Glenys Kennard reported, “It was a beautiful day at the Rangiora
workouts today where the Good Sports Syndicate had Linda Lovegrace racing. She
won beating her stablemate 'Supersonic Miss' by a head in a time of 2:29.1 last 800 in
58.6 last 400 in 28.1. Mile rate was 1:59.9. Margins were head, 3 Lengths, 1/2 head.
Distance was 2000m. Mark drove her and was thrilled with her. She now heads to
Ashburton on February 7th where she will contest a heat of the Nevele R Fillies Series.”
Many thanks Glenys, your report and photos are most appreciated.
Mark has also reported, “That was a good run. She went well.”
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
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Here are some photos taken by Glenys at Rangiora on the 28th January …
All set to race
Before her race
After her race
Enjoying a well-earned
drink of molasses
All washed
down
In the wash bay
So, Linda was all set to start next, as planned, in the $14,000 Nevele R Fillies Series
(Heat 1) Mobile Pace, for 3YO Fillies, over 1609m, at Ashburton on the 7th February.
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
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She drew Barrier No. 5 (into No.4 with a scratching) in a quality 4-horse field and was
to be driven on this occasion by stable Junior Driver Matt Anderson, as the stable had
three runners in the heat and Mark was away in Australia with Adore Me and Follow
The Stars.
Linda was eased back off the gate at the start and settled at the tail of the field, some
3 lengths off her stablemate Supersonic Miss. Linda closed the gap going into the
back, but at the 1200m point Supersonic Miss went forward to take over the lead,
while Linda bided her time at the rear still.
The pace was strong, but it was eased off as they headed towards the end of the back
straight and Linda was pulled out at the 400m pole to make her move, with Fight For
Glory coming out in front of her, so she was to get a drag into it turning for home.
Linda was drawn to the outside and finished off her race well, for a good 2 nd placing,
going down by a 2 length margin.
The winner was Fight For Glory, in quick time of 1:54.5 for the 1609m, with closing
sectionals completed in 56.8 and 26.0.
Mark said, “She ran home really good. I was pleased with her.”
It is now planned that Linda will head back up North, to race at Alexandra Park. She
is scheduled to travel up on the 13th February and look to race first in the $15,000
Northern Oaks Prelude, on the 20th February and hopefully qualify for the Group 1
$125,000 Pascoes The Jewellers Northern Oaks, on the 27th February, the first night
of the Auckland Cup Carnival.
After her mission to win the Northern Oaks, it is likely that Linda will look to contest
another suitable heat of the Nevele R Fillies Series, as her 2nd placing in Heat 1, may
not necessarily qualify her for the prestigious Group 1 $140,000 Final, set down for
the 9th May at Addington.
I’m sure these upcoming major races will bring you lots of thrills and excitement.
GOOD LUCK and GO LINDA !!!
Trainer
Tony Herlihy :-
Ctheballerina (Bettor’s Delight – Cheyenne Girl):So, Tina was to return to the races at Alexandra Park, on the 23 rd January. This was
in the $12,000 Join The 2015 ATC Racing Syndicate Mobile Pace, for 3YO & Older
Fillies & Mares C0, over 2200m.
Tina drew Barrier No. 5 and was once again to be driven by stable Junior Driver Tony
Cameron, as Tony Herlihy had two runners in this race.
Tina made a good beginning from the mobile start, showing some good gate speed,
but was to settle 3-back on the markers when crossed by the favourite Start
Dreaming and Jo’s Dream, and was to remain there throughout.
She did get a little keen in the running, but ran on well in the home straight for a
good 4th placing, only 2.5 lengths from the winner.
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
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The winner was Start Dreaming in a good time of 2:43.5 (MR 1:59.6), with closing
sectionals in 57.9 and 27.6.
Tony Cameron said, “She went pretty well really. I was happy with her. She turned
her head around and shook it, just as the whistle went and got the earplugs out, so
that was a shame. She got a little keen in the running, but that was understandable,
having lost the plugs. He [Zac Butcher, on Start Dreaming] got it pretty easy in front
really.”
Tony Herlihy added, “She went alright again. I’ll just see how she comes through it
and decide where we go next.”
Here are some photos taken at Auckland on the 23rd January …
Return
Heading back to the stables
Ungearing
Off to the wash
A drink after
Walking to cool off
Tina came through her run well and was to race next at Thames, on the grass, on the
1st February.
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This was in the $5,500 Francie Walters 100th Birthday Mobile Pace, for 3YO & Older C0
pacers, over 1700m.
The sponsor, Francie was oncourse and given a special
presentation and Happy Birthday was sung to her just before the race. Her actual
birthday was on the 7th February.
Tina drew nicely at Barrier No. 3, with your other stable runner Pinup Pony at Barrier
No. 5. Tina was to be driven on this occasion by trainer Tony Herlihy.
Tina was sent out favourite for this race and got out well once again from the mobile
start, but was tending to run out a little as they headed towards the first bend, but did
make the lead as they started around the turn.
It wasn’t long before Khloe came forward to take over the lead, giving Tina a nice trail,
which she enjoyed for the remainder of the race.
As they reached the 800m mark, Pinny came forward to sit parked outside Tina, as
Tony patiently awaiting the passing lane run.
As they turned for home, challenges were mounted 3 and 4-wide and once over the
crossing and into the home straight Tina made her run up the passing lane, finishing
off her race strongly to win very well, pricking her ears right on the line.
Tina’s winning time was 2:14.7 (MR 2:07.4), with closing sectionals in 62.6 and 29.7,
winning by the official margin of 1¼ lengths.
Tony said, “She started mucking around once she got to the front, but she won well.
I was happy with her. It was a good win.”
Here are some photos taken at Thames on the 1st February …
Heading on to the track with Pinny
Out well at the start
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
Warming up
Up the passing lane
Page 9
Going clear in the run home
At the finish
Into the Winners Circle
… members await
Celebrations in the Winners Circle Bar
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The presentation to Bruce Tarry
Watching the replay
… and the speech
The
trophy
Relaxing after
Tina has come through her race win well and will now line up, as advised by email, at
Alexandra Park tonight (Friday, 13th February), along with Judy in the same race. This
is in Race 3, timed to start at 6:55pm, the $20,000 Nevele R 3YO Fillies (Heat 2)
Mobile Pace, over 1700m. Tina has drawn Barrier No. 3 in this 7-horse field and will
be driven by stable Junior Driver Tony Cameron. The field is certainly strong on talent,
with the likes of Democrat Party and The Orange agent, to name a couple, to line up
in it. Hopefully, Tina will be competitive in this field.
GOOD LUCK for this race.
I look forward to seeing you at The Park, if you can
make it along. Hopefully Tina will be able to qualify for the final of this prestigious
series.
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
Page 11
Trainer
Cran Dalgety :-
Glitzy Gal (Bettor’s Delight – Diamonds N Gold):After qualifying and then having 6-week spell, Glitzy returned to training on the 8th
December.
She got away a little on Cran, packing on a bit of weight, but over the next few weeks
she has tightened up well.
Cran advises, “She’s working down pretty good. She’s actually dappled up and still a
little over weight, but that’s a good problem to have; it’s better than the other way
round. We’ll work her at home over the next two Saturdays and then look at going to
the trial and getting ready to race. She’ll win races for us.”
So, things are progressing well with Glitzy and she should be ready to attend the
workouts in the next few weeks, so I’ll keep you posted with when and where this will
be, once details are available.
Trainer
Barry Purdon :-
Hothooves (Bettor’s Delight – Matter Of Fact):After being sent to Breckon Farms for her extended spell, to hopefully get over her
foot problems, Hotty was still sore on her foot two weeks later. There had been no
change, even after various things such as re-shoeing her with her shoe pushed back
for support and putting a bar shoe on, she was still lame.
So, after further consultation with the vet, it was decided best to x-ray Hotty’s foot.
The x-rays showed a 1.5cm incomplete fracture of the pastern. There was also a tiny
little cyst, that could possibly hamper her recovery, but this is in an awkward area and
the vet recommended leaving this alone.
So, Hotty was to have two screws put in her pastern, to stop the fracture becoming
worse and splitting completely and to aid her recovery.
It is hoped that this will now allow things to heal properly and give her, her best
chance of making it back to the track.
In some ways, it was lucky that her pastern hadn’t fractured all the way, as this would
have spelt the end to her racing career.
This is very unfortunate indeed, but now all we can do is wait and see if the remedial
action has been successful and monitor Hotty along the way, to hopefully make it
back to be a successful racehorse, as she had certainly shown some ability already.
It is likely that Hotty will still have her planned 6 months spell, to give her the chance
to get over all her troubles completely, but as things progress this will be monitored
along the way and decisions made accordingly.
We can now only hope for the best for Hotty.
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
Page 12
Love Is A Drug (Art Major – Loma Fay):Judy was to have a run at the Alexandra Park Workouts, on the 17th January, in
preparation to then race next on the 23rd January, also at Auckland.
This was in a C1-C2 Mobile Pace, over 2200m, where she drew Barrier No. 4 and was
to be driven by Zac Butcher.
Judy was quickly out from the mobile to lead through the first 175m, until Ambro
Courage came forward and crossed her to take the lead with two circuits to go.
Judy was then to enjoy a nice trail throughout, until with about 500m to run, Zac
peeled out and went forward outside the leader as they rounded the home turn. They
drew about 4 lengths clear of the others as they turned to run for home.
Judy ran on strongly to go on and win well by 2 lengths.
Judy’s winning time was a moderate 2:47.6 (MR 2:02.5), but she ran home nicely
with quick sectionals of 56.2 and 27.0.
Zac said, “That was good. I wanted to give her a good hit out, so I came out and ran
the last bit.”
Here are some photos taken at Alexandra Park on the 17th January …
Warming up
Settles into trail first time past
A lap-to-go
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Page 13
At the finish
Return
… and leaving the track
Ungearing
… and a hosedown
So, Judy was to have her next race at Auckland on the 23rd January, the same night
as Tina was also to race and Lucy too at Marlborough.
This was in the $13,500 The Whale’s Harness Hotline 0900-900-99 Mobile Pace, for
3YO & Older Fillies & Mares C1-C2, over 2200m.
Judy drew nicely at Barrier No. 1 and was once again to be driven by Zac Butcher.
It was interesting to see that Judy was not selected in four, by the sponsor, Craig
“The Whale” Thompson; tipster and Trackside TV frontman.
Judy held her own at the start and Zac eased to hand up to the favourite Better B
Amazed to take a nice trail. Judy enjoyed a good trip throughout and as there was no
pressure on the leader, it was going to be a sprint home.
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
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Judy travelled nicely down the back and took the passing lane in the home straight to
run home strongly for a good 2nd placing, holding out Lincolns Megastar who came up
the passing lane inside her and only going down by ¾ length.
The winner was Better B Amazed in a time of 2:45.4 (MR 2:01.0), with the closing
sectionals completed the good times of 57.4 and 27.0.
Zac said, “He [Scott Phelan, driving Better B Amazed] got away with murder in front.
I was going to pull myself. I was seriously thinking about it. She’s gone good.”
This was an ideal run to prepare her for her big race approaching the following week.
Here are some photos taken at Alexandra Park on the 23rd January …
Return to scale
Ungearing
… and heading back to the stables
All ungeared
Back from the wash
Alert after
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So, the following Wednesday, Judy was to fly to Christchurch to take her place in the
prestigious Sales Series Final, at Addington, on the 30th January.
This race was the $160,000 PGG Wrightson NZ Yearling Sales Series No.23
Championship, for 3YO Fillies, over 1950m.
Unfortunately, Judy was to “draw out in the carpark”, at Barrier No. 9 (coming into
No.8 with a scratching), but still the outside of the Front Row. She was once again to
be driven by Zac Butcher.
Zac eased Judy back from her wide draw, looking for a position to slot down into. She
was still wide and back in the field going into the first bend and then rounding the
bend, Joanne’s A Delight broke and Judy copped some of the backwash, having to go
wider still around her. Once she was passed the trouble, Zac took Judy back down to
the markers to settle 4-back and locked away.
Approaching the 1000m pole, Delightful Lana went forward to take the lead, posting
Judy now 5-back on the markers and needing some luck. With about 650m to run,
going down the back, Zac pushed out to be 5-back in the running line and he
managed to get around the tiring Major Overdrive and switched back to the markers
heading into the final bend to be once again 4-back on the inner.
Just inside the 400m mark Zac moved out once again and turning for home was
running up behind the leaders. In the home straight Zac once again switched back to
the inside and was able to take the passing lane run and fought on strongly to finish
an amazing 3rd placing.
The winner was Fight For Glory, in a time of 2:21.0 (MR 1:56.3), with closing
sectionals of 56.7 and 28.
Zac said afterwards, “I was wrapped. We had to cover a lot of ground early. We were
outside up on the track, then down. At the top of the lane she run right up behind
them and I had a handful. She just couldn’t go with those other two, but they’re
pretty nice fillies. She’ll do a job.”
Barry said, “We’re very proud of this filly. You just wouldn’t have got any better than
that; from a wide draw and over that distance, coping interference too. It was a good
drive by Zac and Mark’s one drew 3 and Cran’s is a pretty nice filly. It was a super
run.”
Judy travelled back to Auckland by road, arriving back the following Tuesday safely,
looking good and having done well on her trip away.
Judy came through her trip and her race at Addington well and will now line up, as
advised by email, at Alexandra Park this Friday night, along with Tina in the same
race. This is in Race 3, timed to start at 6:55pm, the $20,000 Nevele R 3YO Fillies
(Heat 2) Mobile Pace, over 1700m. Judy has drawn Barrier No. 4 in this 7-horse field,
that is certainly strong on talent, with the likes of Democrat Party and The Orange
agent, to name a couple, to line up in it. Hopefully, Judy will be competitive in this
field.
GOOD LUCK for this race.
I look forward to seeing you at The Park, if you can
make it along. Hopefully Judy will be able to qualify for the final of this prestigious
series.
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
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Trainer
Geoff Small :-
Pinup Pony (Art Major – Tarena Jay):After her run at the Franklin Workouts on the 10 th January, Pinny was to race next at
the Kapiti Coast HRC Meeting at Otaki, on the 16th January.
This was in the $6,000 Alan Colman/Wings International Fillies & Mares Mobile Pace,
for 3YO & Older Fillies & Mares C0, over 2100m. Pinny drew well at Barrier No. 4,
coming into No. 3 with a scratching and was to be driven by David Butcher.
This was to be Pinny’s first go on the grass and she got away OK from the mobile start
and settled 3-back on the markers. There was a good tempo being set with Royal
Kate leading.
Approaching the 400m mark, David was able to get Pinny off the fence and into the
one out running line and as they entered the home straight drew across the back of
the front runners to get out wider to make her run.
She ran home well, but Royal Kate had put a winning break on the field with about
200m to run and although Pinny couldn’t pick her up, she did make up good ground to
go on for a good 2nd placing, only 1½ lengths away.
The winner was Royal Kate, in a good time of 2:36.2 (MR 1:59.7), with closing
sectionals of 60.1 and 30.1.
Pinny was then to back up on the second day of the meeting, on the 18 th January.
This was in the $6,000 Henri Janssen Painting & Decorating/Ohau Wines Ltd Mobile
Pace, for 3YO & Older Fillies & Mares C0, over 2100m. Pinny drew Barrier No. 8
(outside of the Front Row) in a field of 13 runners and she was once again to be
driven by David Butcher.
Pinny dropped back from her wide draw, to settle at the tail of the field, with only
Aquickone behind her, who had played up in the score-up and was to take no part in
the race.
With about 950m to run David thought about going forward, but he would have been
3-wide without cover, so he restrained Pinny back to the tail once again and then
began a move forward, this time on the inner, at about the 700m point.
As they turned into the home straight, Pinny had a wall of horses in front of her, so
David drew her to the outside and she finished off her race well once again, for a good
4th placing, from back in the field.
The winner was Wave Song, in a time of 2:38.7 (MR 2:01.6), with closing sectionals in
61.7 and 30.4. Pinny was officially only 3.7 lengths from the winner.
Pinny then returned home and was just jogged quietly to allow her to recover from
her trip away. She was then given a couple of canters before fast working to then
race next at Thames, on the grass once again, on the 1st February.
This was in the $5,500 Francie Walters 100th Birthday Mobile Pace, for 3YO & Older C0
pacers, over 1700m. Pinny drew Barrier No. 3, with your other stable runner
Ctheballerina inside her at Barrier No. 3. Pinny was to be driven on this occasion by
Phillip Butcher.
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
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Pinny was sent out third favourite for the race and got out reasonably well from the
mobile start, but was putting in a few rough ones, so had to be eased back in the
running.
As they went into the back and passed the 1200m mark, Pinny was still caught out 3wide, so Phillip moved her forward down the back and got up to sit parked, outside
Tina, with about 800m to run. At about the 600m mark Pinny was vying for the lead
and may have even got her nose in front, but as they turned for home she was sitting
in second place, still in the breeze.
Pinny battled on in the home straight, but others managed to sprint passed her and
she finished in 9th placing, only 3.8 lengths from the winner.
The winner was, of course, Ctheballerina, your other runner, in a time of 2:14.7 (MR
2:07.4), with closing sectionals in 62.6 and 29.7.
Phillip said afterwards, “She went very rough early; her legs were all over the place
and that’s why I didn’t press on. Then she got a bit angry, so we went forward, but
she got angry again and wasn’t pacing that cleanly again. She finished it off OK and
kept trying. I was happy with her considering. It was OK.”
Here are some photos taken at Thames on the 1st February …
On to the track with Tina
The start –
Pinny 2nd
from right
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
Warming up
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Relaxing after
Unfortunately, Pinny was kicked by another horse in the float on the way home from
Thames, just as they were pulling in to the stables and almost home. It was only a
minor bump, but because of this she has had a quiet few days and this is why she
hasn’t backed up at the races since.
Instead she will attend the Cambridge Workouts for a run tomorrow, Saturday the
14th February, before looking to race again. I’ll keep you posted with when and where
this will be, once details are available.
The fields for the Cambridge Workouts are not yet available, so I will email you the
details of Pinny’s heat when they are released.
Newsletters On the Website
Don’t forget, your monthly newsletters are also displayed on the Breckon Farms
Website, so you can access them there whenever you wish, especially if you can’t find
them amongst your emails.
The Breckon Farms website address is:- www.breckonfarms.co.nz
So good luck and many more wins to come …
Cheers
Rob
The Good Sports Syndicate
Rob Carr – The Good Sports Syndicate Liaison - Tel: (09) 291-9034 or Mobile: (021) 227-6444
Fax: (09) 291-9035 or Email: [email protected] or Post: P O Box 202101, Southgate, Takanini, Auckland 2246
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
Page 19
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
You have another winner !!!
Ctheballerina wins the …
$5,500 Francie Walters 100th Birthday Mobile Pace, on 1st February 2015, at Thames
WIN
Photos courtesy of …
Sharlene Mitchell
Photography
ACTION
RETURN
Proof Sheets & an Order
Form from Sharlene Mitchell
Photography are enclosed
with this newsletter, for you to
order your photographs
GROUP
The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
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The Good Sports Syndicate - February 2015 Newsletter
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