Auckland greyhound racing club

Review 4/10/09

Just a week on from a highly successful Sister Cities Raceday,Northern Racegoers were treated to Group One Action,namely The Time Honoured Waterloo Cup.

Master Trainer Ray Adcock had seen his name engraved several times prior on The Cup,especially when racing a larger team during the 1990's.Today he presented TRICKY SHELLEY,a youngster at just two years of age,and elligible for restricted age events this season.She had recently ventured to Cambridge for her Northern Debut in an Invitational Race,and scored a stylish victory over Fancy Shelly.

Here,she again showed that running at a track for the first time was no obstacle to her,as she cleared the traps swiftly and maintained a strong run clear in the lead,nearly 6 lengths to the good of deadheaters FANCY SHELLY and FANCY MEL (both matching their Sister Cities minor placings).

Any chance of a close contest was ruined when the two favs WATMOUGH and SEASWIFT tangled and took each other out of contention inside the first 100m.

Tricky Shelley

The day's other feature NZRS Distance Final.

Race robbed of a little interest,when impressive heat winner Kitty's Thunder came into season and retired to be a mum.However an enthralling contest ensued,with no fewer than four lead changes.SHEA SHERIE jogged home ahead of fellow northerners CALM RIP,TIGGER FOOT,TEEGAN.Arch Lawrence was lining her up for her 4th distance race within a fortnight (as were Know Best/Mr Bonzalas),and his victory spoils were well deserved.Kennelmate and other heat winner Teegan was the only unlucky runner,having been halted in his tracks and shunted to rear,made up a huge slice of ground.

Shea Sherie

Impressive Winners:

EMBEZZLEMENT (30.41)..has gone from strength to strength in recent weeks,and achieved the rare feat of winning 3 middle distance races in 8 days.Recorded both the easiest/quickest win here.SUB CLASS has run 3 seconds during this same period,and may have earned himself a brief letup.Former Group Winner RIDDLEMAN ran another solid third.

Embezzlement

WITCH JASPER (18.62)..had run last at previous two starts,but reverted to sprint here,and made it 3/3 box 8.Although rear early,circum-navigated field and won powerfully going away over a very disappointing hotpot SHOW THE MONEY (an 18.05 winner last time here).The Bow Wow Syndicate can reflect on a successful purchase and transfer to Wayne Steele's kennel earlier this year,and look foward to more rewards to come.

COLLECTION (30.98)..not as quick as previous Sun,but meritorious all the same.Had fallen midweek at Cambridge,and today denied the early lead,forced to chase hard,and ran stoutly up the straight.Runnerup I'M A FOOL,a recent transfer to Gerry Darcy's kennel,gave club members Rob Lunn/Garrick McCarthy another thrilling sight.

BLACK MOON (18.49)..showed benefit of track debut week prior,when outjumping hotpot TESS TOKAAM,making a line of 3 with slick beginner KERRIE'S FANTASY,and won going away at the line for Wayne Steele.Having also won aC5 recently at Cambridge,will be a serious player in upcoming northern open sprints.

THRILLING MIX (18.45)..has developed into an ultra consistant lowgrade competitor,and today took full advantage of his first red rug,with dashing win in slick time.Both placegetters TRICKY PAULA and PRINCESS SNOWY look set to win at short notice.

FREE COPY (30.77)..bookies opened Aussie debutante YAMBLA BOB as a $1.50 fav,yet FREE COPY showed he merited such odds,spreadeagling this field by 4L,and another 6L to PRINCE ALBERTO.Trained by the Henley's for Run Off Me Synd,part owner 'Kunta' Craig Rendle gained some bragging rights and matched effort of 'Wideboy' (Genista Spirit-Race1) in their private season long owners dual!Yambla Bob appeals as an early winner.

DUSTY MISTRESS (18.71)..became first winner from handy bitch Mo Mistress,ex Ian Hastie.Bred by Greg Pomeroy,and raced with Reload Synd,named after classy singer Dusty Springfield.Had been seeking an inside box,and thanks to a redraw got her chance.Part owner Garry Donovan had every reason to enjoy collecting,as he selected her from the litter as a youngster.One to follow,Thrilling Robyn,making a swift move after tardy jump,but checked out of contention.

Genista Spirit (18.68)..Glennis Farrell was represented by 3 starters,yet pre-race downplayed her prospects.All handlers/dogs got drenched following a torrential downpour,but a 1st + 3rd finish was her result."Wideboy' left lamenting that no photos could be taken.Runnerup Botany Shelley continued her renewed lease on life after transferring to Bob Bond's Kennells.

Mr Souths (31.12)..bookies opened this guy rank outsider at $14,yet inspired tote support saw him start 2nd fav.Turning for home,a blanket covered the leading 5 runners.Spy Powers made a valiant attempt to lead throughout off the ballot,but Mr Souths advanced to C5 ranks,after making it 2 wins here from his last 3 visits.Vireya couldn't emulate Embezzlement and win 3 in 8 days,but was closeup when 3rd equal.Supreme Bash made up heaps of ground late and one to follow.

Lochinvar Polo (18.68)..recently downgraded,disputed pace throughout and kicked on best to outfinish Dream A Win and return to C5.One lone punter struck 10percent of pick six,so expect $30-40,000 Jackpot next Sunday.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Review:Manukau 18.06.09

BANKSIDE LASS C1 (18.84)...this bitch from the famed Bankside Family,made full use of the red rug and led from go to whoa,recording her first sprint victory from six career wins.Tonight was just her 2nd start for Alan Cleaver,having been purchased out of Gerry Darcy's Kennel,giving him a quick return.

TOTAL INFERNO C1 (30.90)...turned some hopeless form around (just a lone second in 14 starts since Dec 08) when working to the lead at first corner,and kept up a strong run to give Paul Cleaver a Family Double paying $787.GIRL LEG,next up after game 4th in The Silver Collar,made good ground late into 2nd.

REZENDE C2 (18.71)...had been crying out for an inside box,and tonight made full use of the red rug,beginning slickly and never in danger of defeat.A special moment for Handler Erin Gillespie,landing a winner at her first attempt.

FANCY KATE C3 (30.91)...continued a tough night for punters,when becoming 3rd winner at double figure odds,when leading throughout.Team Schofield nabbed a quinella when BULLISH MEGASTAR rushed into 2nd."The Bull" must have an iron constitution,having raced 3 times within a week (also Wanganui 1st 645m and Manawatu 2nd 457m) -a feature being his storming finish on each occasion.And this comes on the back of two gruelling 779m Silver Collar Runs.

ZENSU C3 (18.61)...its been over 2 years since this guy last reached C3 ranks.Now within 4months of his 5th birthday,this previously consistant open class runner,recorded win 22 for The Zen Synd,which includes The Lovely Greenlane TAB Agent Leigh.Major flop was fav DEVIL'S COUNTY,wide,rear,never yelped.

SIMPLY BLESSED C4 (18.61)...better known for his deeds at middle distance,became the night's 6th consecutive winner to lead throughout.Took advantage of trouble behind,and scampered away up the straight.Hot fav and kennelmate SEASWIFT received a terminal check when improving rapidly,will win again soon.

YAMBLA JACK COd (35.87)...making his distance debut,went to the box's winner of $81k,against his rivals collective $20k.Asserted his superiority early,never in doubt.

Will be a welcome addition to 'The Shorter Distance Ranks.

APPOINTED THYME C5 (31.32)...slow winning time gives clue behind this race,which was marred by a sickening pileup that resulted in 3 dogs crashing into the outside fence.Very classy on her day,this bitch easily reeled in pacemaking LIGHT WESTERLY,and gave David Schofield his 4th training success of the night.Young Rising Northern Star RASMAH came to grief,and alas will now miss next weeks Group1 NZ Breeders Final,for which he promised to be a Hot Fav.Other Fallers were last start winner BUZZ CAFE and recent Akld Oaks Winner BUT WHY NOT.Thankfully none received Vet Check Stand-downs greater than 10 days.

ROCKY BEND GIRL C5 (18.57)...made to work very hard before finding lead at the first bend,but showed rivals no mercy thereafter,and continued the tremendous 12Months Trainer Phil Green has enjoyed in these races.(Longford Annie and Tess Tokaam being the other contributers).

WHAT SHIRAZ C1 (18.85)...punters rocked with outside odds to start the night,and ended it in similar fashion.Unsighted at races for 2months,this bitch from handy stayer Shiraz Royale rolled home at odds $20 for Thayne Green,giving him Owning/Training/Breeding Kudos.Recent import KAMACO showed benefit of downgrade with late dab into 2nd,and looks set to reward Club Stalwarts Wideboy and Kunta Kinteh another winning photo at short notice.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Review:Manukau 07.06.09

R1:PERSUASION C0d (35.92)...capped off a wonderfully consistant run of form for Shirley Ross when mounting a sustained run from the back and putting in the deciding stride on the line.The Judge couldn't seperate Boatswain Wally/Catching On,with just a half-head between the first three,thus giving the large crowd in attendance an exciting spectacle to open this Very Special Raceday.

R2:CYCLONE PRESTO C4 (18.44)...this guy has been out of C5 ranks since last July,but returns after a decisive alltheway 5L dash today.Adept at both Manukau/Cambridge and over sprint/middle distance,he is proving a good moneyspinner for Craig Symes and his Hooley Syndicate.

R3:DARK FANCY C3 (30.78)...had been winless her prior 14 runs,but today after a cosy trip in the trail,nabbed hot fav and kennelmate WINSOME JESS in the last bound.Part Owner Craig Rendle was Sponsor of this race,as well as his company Commercial Plumbing being behind The Silver Collar still to come!DOLLY BREEN,on the back of a winning hat-trick here last month,raced handy but only battled to complete the trifecta.

R4:RED RUSH C5 (18.38)...made a brilliant return to winning form.With just one run (p2nd) behind him after an 8month injury enforced layoff,this Auckland Cup Placegetter made full use of Box 1,and ran his rivals off their feet.Part Owner Craig Corliss (Akld Cup Sponsor) was oncourse to celebrate the win.

R5:TEEGAN C1d (46.95)...had been extremely disappointing in Collar Heat,and had never won from box's 7/8 after 19 attempts.Yet today found the rail/trail after 50m,cruised along in slipstream of leader TIGGER FOOT,then surged through inside the final 50m to give Co-Owner/Trainer/Breeder Arch Lawrence The Silver Collar Consolation.The game runnerup did Justin Foot proud,whilst hot fav MR JAZZ never looked a winning hope,but did his best work late dashing into 3rd.BULLISH MEGASTAR (2nd fav) again paddled at the business end,but promises to be very competitive over shorter staying distances.

R6:HIFI ALLEGRO C5 (18.34)...Battle Of Sexes Final,and this girl cemented her status as NZ's Current Number One Top Sprinter.Todays easy win was her 11th from last 12 starts,and unbeaten after 5 visits to Manukau.NATIONAL DEBT made a quick jump in the red rug,and is doing sterling service for Club Members Rob Lunn and Garrick McCarthy.Abject failure was 2nd Fav WINSOME LIGHT,current points leader in GOTY,who never showed any dash from her favoured wide draw.

R7:SHE'S TOO COOL C4 (30.73)...returns to C5 Ranks,after making full use of the red rug and leading throughout,recording her 3rd win from recent 4 starts.TEE SHIRT ran his best race in many weeks when holding 2nd.Big disappointment being WILL SHE ECHO (2nd fav),who never backed up after Collar Heat Failure.

R8:VARVATOS C2d (46.15**Track Record)...all superlativeswritten about this performance are totally justified.The NZ Group 1 Hoodoo that had struck him twice previously,did not rear its ugly head today,as he powered around the track to a comprehensive 9.75L Victory,and erased past winner Cheeky Bonnie 46.25 from the record books.Thus,Proud Winning Owner and trainer Gary Harding saw the revered Silver Collar placed around the neck of his dog for the 3rd time this decade (also McDeebee/Thrilling May).SUDDEN SAM,the least experienced runner,highlighted his extreme promise with a meritorious 2nd,for part-owning Cantab Chris Earl,who has embarked on a serious breeding programm.SHEA SHERIE ran the race of her life,placing 3rd at her 2nd Collar Final Appearance,and in the process snared the $3750 NZ Bred Bonus ahead of KITTY'S THUNDER.Only runner with any semblance of excuse was GIRL LEG,who pressed on gamely into 4th.Defending title-holder and heat winner WINSOME DOSH (2nd fav) was a big flop,settling at the rear and never yelped.

R9:APPOINTED THYME C5 (30.50)...capped off a very profitable 48 hours,when making the best beginning and leading throughout.Last Fri at Wanganui he made his distance debut 645m an impressive winning one.Today he gained the scalp of latest NZ Cup Winner and recent Top Gun Victor ROCKABYE LAD,who whilst chasing hard,was no match here.Palmerston North visitor BROCKMAN LAD delivered his trademark late finish to complete the placings.

R10:ENSIGN C4 (18.61)...neither facts that he was sitting on a downgrade,or entering this field off the ballot,proved any hindrance as he led from go to whoa at double figure odds and gain C5 status.Since transferring from Co-Owner Ray Adcock as a C1 to Bethells Beach Kennells of Gerry Darcy,22 starts have yielded 8wins/4places.

**Punters Club attracted a pool in excess of $6,000..and Northern Punter Geoff Bate entrusted with selection duties.Biggest success came via $1000 Multi Hifi Allegro x Varvatos.Although 3 other main win bets ran 2nd,a $9 return per $10 ticket eventuated,and participants had much fun throughout the day.

**Oncourse Betting Figures exceeded $50,000 (where budget was $40,000)...so a top result for The Club.

**Trackside Dining was well patronised,and hopefully many newcomers enjoyed the experience enough to return again soon.

**Top Training Honours...Schofield Kennels achieving 4 Winners on Group One Day.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Review 4/6/09

*CLUB MEMBERS NIGHT:with generous sponsorship from Brad Jackson/Thornton Auctions..which saw two prizewinners drawn after each race.Some lucky winners being Gerry Darcy,Denise Cottram (Duvets):Carol Derecourt (Palm Plant):Steve Clark (Bourbon):Mark McMillan (Directors Chair):Jarrod Udy (Garden Supplies):Wayne Steele,and main prize to lucky Kathy Wilson (10 litre bucket of Pledge).

*Tonight was set to be an ordinary midweek meeting sandwiched between Sundays Silver Collar Heats/Final on a cold night...yet Two Extra Special Dogs gave the sparse oncourse crowd some Redhot Action!!!

**Most Promising Homebred seen in Recent Seasons:

*RASMAH C5 (30.53)...with memories still fresh of his sensational win last Sun,tonight he made his customary slow jump,then improved rapidly down the back,then reeled in LIGHT WESTERLY (a recent allway winner over Rockabye Lad) before hometurn and strode away to a comprehensive victory.Leading the chase was little sister VIREYA,who continues to improve with genuine efforts,with LIGHT WESTERLY outbobbed into third.

**Budding Superstar:Record Time goes begging:

*AVA APPEAL C1 (18.17)...this girl had only appeared twice in NZ,for a 16L 520m grade record at Manukau,then a 457m allcomers Track Record at Cambridge.Tonight reverting to a sprint,she trapped fast and waltzed away by 9.5L in another grade record time (ex Trial Bay 18.28)..however as start was manually started (due to earlier malfunction),then this time will not enter the record books.This excitement machine races next Monday at Palmerston North.

**Special Moment:Age shall not weary them:

*STATELY CONQUEST C4 (18.69)...at four and a half years of age,and veteran of 108 starts 'Benny' is in the twilight of his career.In fact,at Kennelling Time,he showed great reluctance to come out of his warm Trailer,as if to say "I don't want to be here".Yet on The Track,his true competitive nature came to the fore,and he led allthe way over the speedy 'n youthful LOONEY LEE.

**Great Night Messrs Roberts,McMillan,Craik:

*MISS AMY DRY C5 (18.57)...less than 30min after photos on the dias with Rasmah,they were required to pose for the camera again.With SALLY'S BABE veering out and causing carnage from box1,and ROCKY BEND GIRL walking out of box8 (missing regular handler!)...it was left to MISS AMY DRY to show her rivals a clean set of paws.ROCKY BEND GIRL recovered gamely to dash into second.

**The Drums Were Beating:

*THRILLING DARLS C1 (18.76)...on the back of a recent quick trial here,and they weren't wrong.She was not away best,but displayed rapid acceleration to burst around this field from box8,and had the race in safe keeping by the first bend.Recent winner on NZ Debut JAG'S FLYER led the chase throughout,and both these dogs appeal as likely winners again at short notice.

**Winner On NZ Debut:

*KERRIE'S FANTASY C1 (18.69)...showed super box speed,and led throughout in a manner that suggests she will be a dog to follow with confidence here in the lower grades.

**Unluckiest Runner Of The Night Award:

*CANYA SEE ME C3 ...nearing 5yo,and winless since last July for Owner/Trainer Alison Schneider...tonight was first past the post.HOWEVER all traps had opened slowly,and Race was Abandoned.

**Other Winners:

*DAPPER C1 (31.18)...ANOTHER JENNY C1 (18.74)..VALUE PACK C2 (31.07).

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

REVIEW:SUNDAY 31.05.09

Silver Collar Heats:

WINSOME DOSH (47.27)...the pre-race drama of box's failing to open did little to upset W Dosh in her quest to win back to back Collars.After jumping handy,she drifted back to 2nd last mid-race,whilst leader and 2nd fav BULLISH MEGASTAR was racing keenly with a decent lead.TAB Bookies had this guy very short in the market (surprise surprise!),and his followers must've been on good terms with themselves.Just as commentator called W Dosh had plenty to do,she got into overdrive,and circled the field with huge strides,and raced away to record a dominant 5L Victory.KITTY'S THUNDER made a great fist of her 1st race beyond 650m,and boxed on extremely gamely whilst holding 2nd position throughout.She will give Henni Laagland a battle with Arch Lawrence to win prizemoney for First Kiwi-bred.DON THE HOP maintained 3rd throughout,and makes Collar 1st Reserve.BULLISH MEGASTAR tired appreciably in the final stages to finish 4th,but showed he will be a strong competitor over the shorter staying distances.

VARVATOS (46.50)...he with the huge reputation.Has twice recently Won Group 1 Heats,only to strike trouble and defeat when hot fav in the finals.I can vouch that moments before the jump,Owner/Trainer Gary Harding was very nervous!Well,he needn't have been,as Varvatos registered his most dominant NZ Victory to date.After leading from box-rise,he extended his margin to almost 16L at the post,and ran 0.77 seconds quicker than other heat winners.A repeat box-jump next week will surely see a Gary Harding Dog 'Don The Collar' for the third time in recent seasons (after McDeebee/Thrilling May).

The forlorn chase was led by Shea Sherie,who after being rearwards early,covered much extra ground when improving,and showed staying gameness to hold 2nd.Thus rewarding Distance Enthusiast Arch Lawrence with her 2nd Collar Appearance.

The clock couldn't seperate them,the naked eye said MR JAZZ,but the important Mr Photolynx said GIRL LEG 3rd to also qualify.

Varvatos

*COOL HEART (47.33)...this looked the most even Heat on paper,and so it proved,with just 1.4L covering the first 4 home.The leading trio at post 1st time,remained till race end.SUDDEN SAM,yet to race beyond 645m,made a valiant attempt to lead alltheway,and only succumbed to strong stayer COOL HEART in the last couple of bounds.(dont know what race the form position writer was watching???).BONNIE BOUCHEA kept on to hold 3rd,and give The Central Districts their sole finalist.

Pelorus Trust Auckland Oaks:

*BUT WHY NOT (30.64)...had been the quickest qualifyer from same box,and deservably won The Auckland Oaks in dominant fashion.Always in leading trio,but forced to race on the outer,she assumed control by back straight end,then maintained a strong run to the line.WINSOME JESS,the other Heat Winner,produced another strong effort to run 2nd,thus giving David Schofield a Kennel Quinella.She appeals as a nextup winner back in her C3 Grade.VIREYA,also always in leading trio,continued her ultra consistant formline (and was 2nd in another stride).Big disappointment was 2nd fav MIDNIGHT ANNIE,who only wacked away in 4th spot,and never gave supportors much glimmer of hope.

But Why Not

Terry Ryan Battle Of The Sex's:

*HIFI ALLEGRO (18.52)...joint Track Record Holder made it 4/4 here with a strong win.Was forced to work hard early by WINSOME LIGHT before taking control into 1st bend.Thereafter she extended an amazing record from squeeze-box 5 ( 9starts:8wins/1 place).Also very impressive was runnerup ROCKY BEND GIRL,who gained 3L on the winner from back straight.

*RASMAH (30.44)...you would wait a long time to witness a more impressive open-class victory than this.(and no doubt proud partowner/breeder John Roberts felt his decision to attend here,rather than Mt Smart,was vindicated).RASMAH was a year younger than all his opponents,and gracing a full C5 field for the 1st time.He jumped slowly,was checked into last spot around 1st bend,ran widest around field when improving,then just gobbled up leader WINSOME MERC (winner 14 races) on home turn with ease,and powered to the line to record a comprehensive 4.75L Victory.Only continual tardy beginnings will hinder this dog's chances in the bigtime.His recent march to reach Open-class has been tremendous,and his future certainly looks exciting.3rd placed BUZZ CAFE looks close to another win if she can only sort out her box manners,while the unluckiest runner was LIGHT WESTERLY,who began well but received a check that extinguished his chances.

*TESS TOKAAM (18.47)...continued on her winning way here,and maintained a 50% winning strike-rate.She stepped quickly from the ace trap,and was never in danger of defeat.Handler Cynthia Earley was another regular loyal Warriors Attendee that chose Collar Heats Day as a priority.

A real highlight was the effort of runnerup RED RUSH.This now 4yo had been sidelined with serious injuries for 8months.A recent quick trial here hinted at a return to winning form,and he cut back the winner's lead by a couple of lengths from the home turn.

*TO THE CREST (18.57)...made his 1st attempt at C4 a winning one with an easy alltheway victory,and gains C5 status after only ten starts,a rare achievement these days.Loyal Club Sponsor Terry Ryan is rewarded with another Open-Class Sprinter,but I suggest he will struggle to match some of these speedsters just yet!

*SUNSET BOMBER (30.78)...this Southern Visitor extended his unbeaten record to four,much to the delight of 3 local syndicate owners oncourse,namely Craig Rendle,Brad Jackson,Geoff Bate and young fan Riley.Expected to win easy,however PERSUASION (ballotted out of Collar Heats) stormed home from an impossible position,and would have claimed the hot-pot in another bound.

*BOON DOCK (30.82)...another recent purchase out of The Fahey Kennels by Wayne Steele (as per Will She Echo).This brother of Paddy Bond showed the benefit of his first look at this track last week with an easy victory,and new connections can look foward to consistant good runs in the next grade.The big improver looks to be REZENDE,who fresh from a 9week injury layoff,raced boldly in 3rd spot throughout.

Special Highlight:3RD Running McGhie Plumbing "GOLDEN GUMBOOT CHARITY DASH":

*9 Competitors Faced The Starter..including International Entrant Corey Spliet (part owner Watmough)..and Mainlander Craig Roberts.

Winning Honours taken by THE JOCKEY aka Khan Mackesy (part owner Psychotic).

Runnerup SADDAM HUSSEIN aka Ritchie Jones (also part owner Psychotic).

Third Defending Champ SUPERMAN aka Chris Sunoa (part owner Roman Leader).

Biggest Surprise CRUSADER aka Craig Roberts being the only casualty when falling at the only hurdle.Looks like Blair on the money again (lay all day).

Winners Charity:GAP $250 on its way.

Allup On-Course Betting Comp :

*Jackpot had reached $950,and won by none other than Mr Sunline Thayne Green.Mafia Table looks foward to Winners'Shout next meeting.