Good luck to the Wingatui connections of New Years Jay, who makes her North Island debut at Alexandra Park tonight.
It's clear from several conversations how chuffed the owners and breeders Brian Anderton and the Kennedy family get when the mare is on top of her game, and you couldn't ask for a better trainer in the North Island than Barry Purdon.
Her first assignment isn't easy, taking on Jewels runners like Hug The Wind, Shandale and Bettor Spirits.
But when you compare it to her last start, there isn't a Christen Me or Titan Banner in tonight's Winter Cup.
Don't be put off by the preview comments.
On track
In lieu of squeezing in a brief yesterday, it is worth a mention that Otago Greyhound Racing Club was among the 20 clubs or industry bodies to be successful with an application to the Racing Safety Development Fund for its second round of funding for the year.
The Otago club has been granted $27,000 for new running rails. Four clubs received $45,000 in funding, including the Southland Racing Club.
The money will go towards the Ascot Park track development which has been ongoing since late last year.
Checking inAs promised, I went along to the new TAB area at the Dunedin Casino a couple of weeks back.
It's cosy - you wouldn't want to be swinging multiple cats in there (and if you do, definitely don't tell the SPCA) - but with the self-service machine, screens with both racing channels and a leaner or two, it won't be the last time I visit.
Mac with no cheese
Continuing on the Southland theme, good on Sport Southland for recognising long-time Southland commentator Dave McDonald with the Service To Sport award at their annual awards ceremony last weekend.
Dave, a track athlete of some note in his younger days, is one of the most enthusiastic racing men you could meet across all three codes, and has always got a yarn from the past if you've got time to kill between races.
Dave is not far off 40 years in the industry but his passion for racing is near unmatched.
Lazy Fiver
$1.50 times $1.20 doesn't get you that far, but it was a win anyway with On The Rantan and G I Joe at Addington last Friday.
Try out Hypervelocity in race 6 at Waterlea this afternoon.
