Home again . . .
Before you ask - yes, I had a lovely week away, thanks.
The West Coast of New Zealand is magnificent, as is the drive from Hokitika through to Wanaka.
It did help that I struck two sunny days in a row on the Coast - which is about as rare as rocking horse excrement.
I also managed to drop in to the Reefton and Hokitika racecourses to tick a couple more off the list.
Probably should have dropped in to Kumara and Omoto, but I'll save those for the next time I'm over that way.
... and time to remember
On the eve of Anzac Day, it's timely to mention the efforts of the Forbury Park Trotting Club as it plans its commemorative race meeting next week.
If you're anywhere near the track next Thursday, do go along - whether it's for the racing, the march-pasts or for a glimpse of Terror To Love.
Things to ponder
Not quite time for another round of questions but a few thoughts. -
• If you've had a bet on-course (whether on the meeting you're attending or another one), it's not really tip-top customer service if you are told you can't cash in your ticket because all the tote windows have closed less than half an hour after the last race, is it?
This wasn't me either, by the way ...
• When is a speed duel between two drivers not a speed duel?
When it's at Manawatu, it seems.
• To ensure a bit of positivity, how good is the 4 and 5yr-old pacing crop at the moment?
That Taylor Mile last week was supersonic in speed. And the win of Mossdale Conner franks the form from the Forbury 4 and 5yr-old championship quite nicely.
Lazy Fiver
It's been a couple of weeks so I had to look it up. Looks like Rub Of A Green finished second which, as we know, is not acceptable in the new Lazy Fiver era.
I'm hoping Passing Shot can continue to frank the form out of the Wellington Guineas with a win in the Cambridge Breeders Stakes (race 5) at Te Rapa tomorrow.
