A Day at the Races

[Dee Zephyr 17,900]

3 hours ago, Wadda We Sing said:

Best Bet

So Wadda is back in Ballarat and this week hes come up with the Macedon Special, direct from the Australia Day big meeting!

Hanging Rock R5 No 2 Zontario $2.35

Back with a bang!

Must say, I enjoyed that race, in amongst the obstructed view from those beautiful trees, Zontario ran like it was in the 55 second challenge. What a win at The Rock!

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

10 minutes ago, Macca said:

Leg 1 on the board ... you're back with gusto Wadda! 

But this ain't no picnic,  we need 2 more for the collect!

 

Best Bet Strike Rate (running tally)

76: 30 - 12 - 11

Australian Group & Listed Races

Thanks Macca, the plunge on the Macedon special has come off! Great to start the year with a win.

[Macca 16,173]

Just now, Wadda We Sing said:

Thanks Macca, the plunge on the Macedon special has come off! Great to start the year with a win.

While I've got ya,  on the Monkey Business thread DZ and myself have been trying out a 3pick only ... I pick each if it's just the 3 of us.  I cashed out on the first 2 picks last week for a handy collect for the cost of 3 coffees.

I then reloaded on the 3rd pick in another multi but dipped out ... but,  most importantly,  the collect was there to get on the board.  Not sure what DZ did but he might have let it ride.  And but for a line of scrimmage infraction in the NE/KC match,  we would have snagged 3 from 3 at 20-1.

[Dee Zephyr 17,900]

15 minutes ago, Macca said:

While I've got ya,  on the Monkey Business thread DZ and myself have been trying out a 3pick only ... I pick each if it's just the 3 of us.  I cashed out on the first 2 picks last week for a handy collect for the cost of 3 coffees.

I then reloaded on the 3rd pick in another multi but dipped out ... but,  most importantly,  the collect was there to get on the board.  Not sure what DZ did but he might have let it ride.  And but for a line of scrimmage infraction in the NE/KC match,  we would have snagged 3 from 3 at 20-1.

I let it ride Macca, for some reason TAB didn’t have the 1-13 markets in the NFL game markets, if they did I couldn’t find it. Took the Chiefs head to head. 

[Macca 16,173]

Just now, Dee Zephyr said:

I let it ride Macca, for some reason TAB didn’t have the 1-13 markets in the NFL game markets, if they did I couldn’t find it. Took the Chiefs head to head. 

I'm newly rusted on to Laddies so I'm not sure what the TAB offers now DZ

Going straight out on KC wouldn't have been all that different anyway in terms of the odds offered ... and lets face it,  the 3rd pick should have saluted anyway.  But sometimes the close one and the luck goes the other way and you get the win.

[Macca 16,173]

Endless Drama blows the start and then Tom Melbourne wins.  What are the odds?  That's racing!

Good old Tom still has his supporters though - started at 4-1. 

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

22 minutes ago, Macca said:

Endless Drama blows the start and then Tom Melbourne wins.  What are the odds?  That's racing!

Good old Tom still has his supporters though - started at 4-1. 

Yep, sometimes they dont jump. Even Winx does it.

[Macca 16,173]

Former Australian galloper and last year's QLD Derby winner 'Dark Dream' is contesting the G1 Hong Kong Classic Mile tomorrow ... won it's last start up there in a good grade by 4.5 lengths.  The HK Mile is obviously much tougher but it has been installed as favourite.  The race is for 4yo's only which is the Derby age in HK.

The preceding race (Centenary Vase) will be a keenly contested affair as well - some old favourites are running around again but it's looks a trifecta race with at least 3 winning chances out of the 9 runners.

• Group 1 Hong Kong Mile
• Group 3 Centenary Vase

Best Bet Strike Rate

78: 30 - 12 - 12

Australian Group & Listed Races

Edited January 26, 2019 by Macca

[Macca 16,173]

8 hours ago, Wadda We Sing said:

Maybe you are Macca !

https://www.punters.com.au/horses/maccas-magic_241026/

Currently on 644 day spell.....get back to work!

That horse is a mare ... I'd rather come back as an entire.  A Group 1 performing entire.  They can retire me as a triple crown winning 3 year old because we all know what comes next. 

Actually,  in theory,  that 'entire' lifestyle sounds quite exciting.  Where do I sign up?  ?

 

[Macca 16,173]

With the recent addition to the racing calendar of the 'All Star Mile' & 'The Golden Eagle', we now have 18 Group 1's (or equivalent) worth between $1.5Million & $15Million in prizemoney.  By World standards that is phenomenal for a country of our size & population.  Here's the top 10

• $15.0Million - The Everest
• $8.6Million - Melbourne Cup
• $7.5Million - Golden Eagle
• $5.0Million - Cox Plate
• $5.0Million - Caulfield Cup
• $5.0Million - All Star Mile
• $4.0Million - QEII Stakes
• $3.5Million - Golden Slipper
• $3.0Million - Doncaster Mile
• $2.5Million - TJ Smith Stakes

Plus,  we have another 3 x $2Million races that come under the Magic Millions & Inglis banners.

As well as that there are 5 other Group 1's that are worth $2Million including the Sydney Cup.  Speaking of which,  'Etymology' won the Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm today and is now being set for the Sydney Cup.  The horse has found a rich vein of form and is a Blackbooker.  Read more here ... Etymology too strong in Australia Day Cup

Edited January 28, 2019 by Macca

[Macca 16,173]

 Record number of Australian Entries for World Cup Meeting (Dubai)

Quote

Group 1 stars Santa Ana Lane, Brave Smash and Viddora headline 18 Australian entrants for the lucrative Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan in March.

The trio feature in the nominations for the AUD$2.8 million Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) alongside the likes of Darren Weir’s Land of Plenty and Voodoo Lad, Godolphin galloper Osborne Bulls and Chris Waller’s Lean Mean Machine, Performer and Strathmore.

Weir and Waller could also be represented in the $8.5 million Dubai Turf (1800m) in which Comin’ Through, Shillelagh and Land of Plenty hold entries next to Oohood and Aloisia, as well as global stars Beauty Generation, Benbatl and Almond Eye.

US$6,000,000 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic Group 1 | 2400m | Turf

Libran (Chris Waller)

US$6,000,000 Dubai Turf Group 1 | 1800m | Turf

Aloisia (Ciaron Maher)
Comin’ Through (Chris Waller)
Eshtiraak (David Hayes)
Land of Plenty (Darren Weir)
Muraaqeb (David Hayes)
Oohood (Tony McEvoy)
Shillelagh (Chris Waller)

US$2,500,000 Dubai Golden Shaheen Group 1 | 1200m | Dirt

Faatinah (David Hayes)

US$2,000,000 Al Quoz Sprint Group 1 | 1200m | Turf

Brave Smash (Darren Weir)
Faatinah (David Hayes)
Illustrious Lad (Peter Gelagotis)
Land of Plenty (Darren Weir)
Lean Mean Machine (Chris Waller)
Osborne Bulls (James Cummings)
Performer (Chris Waller)
Santa Ana Lane (Anthony Freedman)

Strathmore (Chris Waller)
Viddora (Lloyd Kennewell)
Voodoo Lad (Darren Weir)

US$1,500,000 Dubai Gold Cup Group 2 | 3200m | Turf

Libran (Chris Waller)

Edited January 29, 2019 by Macca

[Macca 16,173]

On 01/26/2019 at 4:32 PM, Dee Zephyr said:

 

 

On 01/26/2019 at 5:30 PM, Wadda We Sing said:

 

Huge story breaking re Darren Weir

What's the latest?

[Dee Zephyr 17,900]

1 hour ago, Macca said:

 

 

Huge story breaking re Darren Weir

What's the latest?

Reading a few articles now, sounds really ugly.

Edited January 29, 2019 by Dee Zephyr

[Macca 16,173]

1 hour ago, Dee Zephyr said:

Reading a few articles now, sounds really ugly.

Deception for financial gain ... could be anything.  I am surprised but not completely shocked.

Midweek racing has always made me doubt certain outcomes ?

Edited January 30, 2019 by Macca

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

40 minutes ago, Macca said:

Deception for financial gain ... could be anything.  I am surprised but not completely shocked.

Midweek racing has always made me doubt certain outcomes ?

You would think he would have enough money not to be involved ....2 staff arrested as well. Probably he had no idea. Arrested as a matter of course.

[Macca 16,173]

15 minutes ago, Wadda We Sing said:

You would think he would have enough money not to be involved ....2 staff arrested as well. Probably he had no idea. Arrested as a matter of course.

Probably had no idea?

Not sure on that one Wadda ... he is CEO

 

 

[drysdale demon 4,193]

They have been looking into Weir for the last 12 to 18 months, reports i have had is that racing victoria did not know how to approach it given the size of Weir's status and the ramifications it would have on the industry. My thoughts are that a new approach has been taken and that he is looking at being charged with obtaining funds by deception instead of other breaches under the rules of racing.

[Macca 16,173]

Just in case ... we should refer to said person as he or him.

[Macca 16,173]

Might be a while before we find out what exactly has gone on but apparently it's business as usual and the stables' 600+ horses are still allowed to run according the RV. 

Racing.com,  Racenet & RSN are covering the story in detail but it's still quite murky ... the 4 'jiggers' (tasers) found on the properties are going to be hard to explain away and the associated 'deception for financial gain' is another aspect that could bring about hefty punishments (both from a legal sense & from RV)

I never grow attached to these sorts of personalities so I'd like to think that my view will be completely unbiased.  I feel for the horses,  the family's involved & the staff (who are almost certainly mostly innocent) The whole operation is quite huge so a hell of a lot of people are involved ... the care and training of 600+ horses is a massive task.

Edited January 30, 2019 by Macca

[Macca 16,173]

Excellent article by Michael Lynch

Cobalt, then Aquanita, then the Weir arrests ... racing's PR disaster

Quote

Racing also depends on integrity for its well-being. As a wagering and gambling sport it needs punters to believe that the playing field is as level as it can be made so that they can bet with relative confidence that they will get a run for their money.

Anybody who destroys the fabric of that trust deals the sport a potential body blow.

 

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

3 hours ago, Macca said:

Might be a while before we find out what exactly has gone on but apparently it's business as usual and the stables' 600+ horses are still allowed to run according the RV. 

Racing.com,  Racenet & RSN are covering the story in detail but it's still quite murky ... the 4 'jiggers' (tasers) found on the properties are going to be hard to explain away and the associated 'deception for financial gain' is another aspect that could bring about hefty punishments (both from a legal sense & from RV)

I never grow attached to these sorts of personalities so I'd like to think that my view will be completely unbiased.  I feel for the horses,  the family's involved & the staff (who are almost certainly mostly innocent) The whole operation is quite huge so a hell of a lot of people are involved ... caring and training 600+ horses is a massive task.

Ive had a flat out day so have only heard bits and bobs including the tasers.....(maybe belong to MFC?) (help break in the rookies?).

Yes there have been rumours so your right maybe he would know in that case, the stables would know if there are rumors around what thats all about. I didnt realize this.  It is the biggest stables in the land and trained over 450 winner last year an Australasian record. Its a massive thing. Whatever happens the stables will be tainted with it forever.

His horses being allowed to race today though says something. He had 5 or 6 running at Mornington? Unregistered firearm? There would be a few of those in Ballarat, see a few down at the 7/11 everyday. Guess we just wait and see.

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

Aquinita are in VCAT atm, apealing their license ban/revocation. Thats a wait and see also.

[Macca 16,173]

39 minutes ago, Wadda We Sing said:

Ive had a flat out day so have only heard bits and bobs including the tasers.....(maybe belong to MFC?) (help break in the rookies?).

Yes there have been rumours so your right maybe he would know in that case, the stables would know if there are rumors around what thats all about. I didnt realize this.  It is the biggest stables in the land and trained over 450 winner last year an Australasian record. Its a massive thing. Whatever happens the stables will be tainted with it forever.

His horses being allowed to race today though says something. He had 5 or 6 running at Mornington? Unregistered firearm? There would be a few of those in Ballarat, see a few down at the 7/11 everyday. Guess we just wait and see.

Without naming names here's what I reckon might have happened.  And regularly (?)

The tasers (jiggers) obviously can't be used on race days but they can be used in training. 

• So a horse is put on a treadmill with blinkers on as opposed to when it usually runs without blinkers.
• The taser is used on the horse whilst the horse is on the treadmill (with blinkers on)
• The rest of the time when the horse is trained or races (previously) it doesn't wear blinkers
• In an upcoming race the blinkers are put on and the horse then might think it's going to be tasered so it gets a 'move-on' in anticipation.
• A pin placed strategically inside a jockeys gloves can act in the same way ... pin is jabbed into the horses neck area and then tasered (again,  whilst on the treadmill)
• On race days the concealed pin is applied in the last 200m ... and it is no coincidence that said trainers horses are renowned as strong finishers.

The above is how I heard it explained today (through the media) and it's awful and it's graphic but that's the theory on what might have gone on.  Makes me sick to the stomach if true and as previously stated,  my sentiment lies with the horses,  the families involved and the staff who knew nothing about what might have been going on.

Please don't take the above as gospel though.  We'll know more down the track Wadda.

Edited January 30, 2019 by Macca

[Wadda We Sing 10,685]

30 minutes ago, Macca said:

Without naming names here's what I reckon might have happened.  And regularly (?)

The tasers (jiggers) obviously can't be used on race days but they can be used in training. 

• So a horse is put on a treadmill with blinkers on as opposed to when it usually runs without blinkers.
• The taser is used on the horse whilst the horse is on the treadmill (with blinkers on)
• The rest of the time when the horse is trained or races (previously) it doesn't wear blinkers
• In an upcoming race the blinkers are put on and the horse then might think it's going to be tasered so it gets a 'move-on' in anticipation.
• A pin placed strategically inside a jockeys gloves can act in the same way ... pin is jabbed into the horses neck area and then tasered (again,  whilst on the treadmill)

The above is how I heard it explained today (through the media) and it's awful and it's graphic but that's the theory on what might have gone on.  Makes me sick to the stomach if true and as previously stated,  my sentiment lies with the horses,  the families involved and the staff who knew nothing about what might have been going on.

Please don't take the above as gospel though.  We'll know more down the track Wadda.

Maybe that sort of thing is standard practice in a lot of stables and the VRC know about it. Maybe Weir just perfected a technique and had too many winners, so they decided to get him. Who knows. ....and we probably never will.

[Macca 16,173]

Just now, Wadda We Sing said:

Maybe that sort of thing is standard practice in a lot of stables and the VRC know about it. Maybe Weir just perfected a technique and had too many winners, so they decided to get him. Who knows. ....and we probably never will.

A small stable could conceal those types of activities Wadda ... in a small stable the numbers knowing what is going on might number 2 or 3 people only.  But in a super-huge stable and with so many people about,  the info can get out.  He may well be a victim of his own success as well (as you've indicated) 

The shot over the starboard bow might have been when 'Trap for Fools' was denied a run in the Cox Plate.  Maybe RV was trying to send a message?  And the 'Tasers/Treadmill/Blinkers/Pin' operation can be connected to the 'Deception/Financial Gain' outcome.

Or there might be more to this story (I suspect there is more)