The `Grade 2` races on Saturday?

Poor turnout? can`t even say decent quality have turned up, can you?

Indicative of the poor fare dished up by the Highveld these days. I remember the Gerald Rosenberg was a big event for fillies and mares.....7 acceptances is terrible!

Not the greatest fields, altthough size per se isn't everything. Note that the one which attracted a sizeable field is a handicap. Conditions races often lead to smaller fields and you often see that overseas as well. 6 runners in the King George and 30 in the Cambridgeshire handicap is not uncommon.

I have asked a few people why so many horses don't run.

Tarry won a R200K feature with Black Minnaloushe colt GOLD ONYX on debut.
There were only 6 runners, 3 of whom were beaten by 10 - 20 Lengths, so essentially a 3 horse race. He only carried 52KG.

You have to wonder why horses that are running this week didn't give it a go at 52Kg's. It's not like you can get penalized by the handicapper anymore and it's as good as any other way to have your first run.

Twenty years ago you had 2yo's who had won 5 races and now you will struggle to find a 2yo who ran 5 times. Ofcourse they have engineered a program that makes a 2yo multiple winner almost impossible to create.

I imagine all the glistening, sleek and expensive thoroughbreds either cowering in their boxes or waiting for something easier. I wonder how much easier it needs to get as there seems to be no takers.

I even wonder if it's more profitable to sit in your stable than run from a poor draw. My trainer seems to think so and after being in training for a year and a half (19 months today to be exact) we've raced 7 times. Or in my language: R13,000 per run not incl vat/vet.

hibernia Wrote:

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> Poor turnout? can`t even say decent quality have
> turned up, can you?


Cheeky bastard

Hi Gajima before I forget the cheeky bastard gave me a couple of cards for the kids?

Yep probably am