Fresh fields for Forbury
The decision by the Forbury Park Trotting Club to not run the 4&5yr-old championship has certainly ruffled a few feathers.
The presence of the Easter Cup just two days later has no doubt had a massive impact on the race and is only going to do so (even if a week apart in future years) from here on in.
Let's be frank - the horse population is dwindling and the sale of promising horses to the United States and Australia is gouging the heart out of our open-class and soon-to-be open-class pacers. This means the 4yr-olds are hitting the big time of the Grand Circuit whereas in seasons past, only the champions might have a crack at Australasia's biggest races as a 4yr-old, leaving some of these next-tier group races struggling for numbers.
The race was moved from January/February to April in 2011 to avoid the log-jam that was happening in late January with the Pelorus Classic (also scrapped this year), the summer free-for-all at Addington and feature cup races down at Ascot Park.
. . . to find a final fit
This is not a new problem. There was a Racing Matters column on this very issue three years ago, and my suggested date was late November.
I've had a rethink though. How about mid-May? Before you shake your head too much and mumble ‘‘Smith has lost the plot again'', here are my reasons:
●Forbury already holds regular meetings throughout the late autumn and early winter, and it would add a boost to the club's winter festival.
●More importantly, though, the race could be conveniently scheduled a week or so out from the cut-off for the Harness Jewels, giving Jewels hopefuls one last dash at getting into New Zealand harness racing's grand final meeting. A win in the race would boost a 4yr-old's coffers by $15,000, which could be vital if they had failed to grab a cheque in the Taylor Mile or Messenger in Auckland the month prior.
●It would also only be a few weeks after the Rangiora Classic and would give trainers a reason to keep a 5yr-old in work for a few more weeks.
Anyway, just an idea. Forbury Park plays a vital role in harness racing in New Zealand, and the race can't keep dropping away like it has in recent years.
The spelling paddock
For some reason, I receive a lot of ribbing (hopefully good-natured) about taking too many holidays.
I will take this opportunity to point out I have plenty of leave owing, which is why I'm taking the next two weeks off, starting with taking in the Highlanders playing the Rebels at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Saturday night. Racing Matters will return on April 15.
Lazy Fiver
Nek Time won very stylishly at Winton on Saturday, but, unfortunately, everyone else thought she would, too, and she paid $2.10 for the win. Smolda is brilliant, but Locharburn HAS to be worth a look at about $5 in the Easter Cup on Saturday night.
