Last week, I brought you the story of a non-existent horse in New South Wales.
This week, we are on to the controversial subject of sandwiches at race meetings in Victoria.
''What?'', I hear you say.
Yes, sandwiches. Who thought that two slices of bread (or four if you're feeling hungry) could possibly lead to three horses being scratched?
But that's what happened at Pakenham on Sunday.
Do not read on if you don't like puns.
Torquay trainer Bryce Stanaway makes his crust preparing thoroughbreds.
But when he heads to the races, all he wants is some support from the clubs where he lines up his horses.
A water, a small slice, or maybe a panini.
So, when he went to the owners and trainers room on Sunday to find an absence of sandwiches to grab for a snack, he felt this didn't cut the mustard.
... that keeps on giving
His beef with the Pakenham club escalated, and his argument with club CEO Michael Hodge was peppered with vealed - I mean, veiled - threats about not returning to Pakenham.
Stanaway scratched his runners and went home - possibly via the local bakery.
Stanaway may have got himself into another pickle, as chief steward Terry Bailey intends to investigate the matter further.
Probably a bit late to butter him up ...
Courtney in the country
Speaking of Victoria, our own Courtney Barnes had her first Australian ride yesterday as she takes in a couple of weeks in Australia on a New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing scholarship.
She rode Taser in race 3 at Sale yesterday and he improved his spot in the straight to finish eighth.
She has two rides at Echuca on Monday, while Canterbury jockey Samantha Wynne has one ride at Flemington tomorrow, another at Warracknabeal on Sunday and three at Echuca.
Winner takes it all
Earlier this week, I sent in my votes for the Harness Racing New Zealand awards for this season.
While many of the categories were clear-cut, I agonised over two awards in particular - Pacer Of the Year (Christen Me, Adore Me and I even considered Have Faith In Me) and Horse Of The Year (Christen Me, Adore Me and Stent).
I won't reveal my votes but I will say any of Christen Me, Adore Me or Stent would be worthy winners of the title, and I won't have any qualms if it goes against the way I voted.
Lazy Fiver
Matthew Williamson texted me last week after I picked Dream Collector to win at Addington last Friday.
The self-proclaimed expert across the three codes said Dyna Vickers couldn't be beaten in that race.
Unfortunately, he was right, although Dream Collector did make up ground to run third.
Pretorius in race 2 at Oamaru on Sunday is a live hope in a weak field.
• Check out Matt's two-minute racing tips video on www.odt.co.nz every Friday
