Racing matters

Well done to Otago racing commentator Jason Teaz, who tipped out Saturday's Pick6 in last Friday's paper.

Time  If you have the TV set to Trackside 1 tomorrow at that time, you will be perplexed to see a direct clash between the fourth race from Randwick and the third race from Caulfield - and there's no point blaming Trackside for it.

If you ever had career aspirations to be a starter in either the thoroughbred or harness codes, last Friday wasn't the day to be watching Trackside.

Before Radio Sport became all about shock jocks trying their best to make contrary statements just to get phone calls, there were more genteel days, when a good half hour or so was spent crossing to Plunket Shield games for bites of commentary at each venue.

When race 10 at Addington tonight is run and won, that will put the lid on another season of racing.

If I was to summarise the 2014-15 season, ''normal'' wouldn't even enter the conversation.

Back on track It's a good outcome for everyone in Otago racing with the clearance for Wingatui to be used for a race meeting on May 31.

The good ...

It's been about 18 months since Harness Racing New Zealand issued a directive to the Racing Integrity Unit to stand down trotters only if they had caused interference or fell during a race - not if they break at the start.

You must whip it

It's been a while between a round of questions in Racing Matters, so let's resurrect that old favourite with a few things to ponder. -

The fallout is still going on from what can best be described as a farce at Ballarat last Saturday night.

No mucking around - let's get stuck in for the second year of these not-so-prestigious awards.

Punting can be a tough go sometimes.

A few of you were confused last week and thought I was heading up to the Harness Jewels last Saturday. No such luck, but feel free to advocate for my 2016 trip if you see my boss out and about.

Tonight - Forbury Park. Tomorrow - I'll be on the couch. Maybe with a beer in hand (after 3pm perhaps), but definitely with my eyes firmly focused on the nine pacing and trotting races from Cambridge.

If I was to give form line comments to the communication efforts of the various racing codes in New Zealand, it would go a little something like this.

California Chrome was the favourite for the Kentucky Derby earlier this month, and duly won. Not much in the way of a story there, right?

Wingatui trainer Steven Anderton has confirmed The Glitzy One has been retired following her fourth in the Great Autumn Handicap at Riccarton on Saturday.