Glad you're back and hope it was great!

Very excitng reading the plans for Soriano a few days ago (Auckland Breeders’ Stakes (is that this weekend or next?) , Captain Cook, Zabeel Classic, Herbie Dyke Stakes)!

I loved the way The Soultaker fought back to win the Murdoch Newell. I was so sure Manolo Blahniq would beat him, but he refused!

Caellum was very impressive in the Bowl.

Tavy!

And now Vavasour!

Soriano was the best of them all!

"She's an absolute... superstar.."

Yes she is! Haha that was brilliant!

That was insane!

Doesn't Authentic Paddy have such heart though? Beautiful run by Farm Boy too.

VERY nice! Good for The Auld Floozie too!

* * *

Not taking anything away from Silverdale but how unlucky was Tyne Cot? I was surprised at the run or the non-run from Oceania.

Oh and I just read your Soriano piece which I loved, of course. Nice of you to mention the really outstanding runs from both Queens Rose and Kelly O’Reilly. :)

Thanks! It's a relief to hear it wasn't too bad - I had to write that piece in about 20 minutes because we were heading to a Fleetwood Mac concert that evening!

It was really very good (and I hope you had fun)!

Will you be at Ellerslie on Saturday?

Yep! Looking forward to it. The 3yo race (Trevor Eagle Memorial) is always really good - recent winners include Ocean Park, Habibi and Rising Romance!

Wow! I recommend watching the win of Hiflyer at Te Aroha today.

Derby?

What the.. :D

It was like doing a doubletake. I just had to watch that finish three times haha cause man where did THAT even come from?! That was great!

Totally had not realized the recent winners of the Trevor Eagle Memorial. Sounds awesome!

Awww poor Platinum Witness.

Good luck to Tomorrowland on Friday and oh wow just looked at the fields at Wanganui... looks like a fun weekend. :)

Tomorrowland!

Yay!!!!! Feels like we've waited a long time now to see that but oh he remembered how to win! I am thrilled!!! :)

A nice end to Thanksgiving watching that one.

Welcome back, Natuzzi. Maybe next time. :)

Very much enjoyed your piece on Tomorrowland (and thrilled still :)) and love the way you add in things that are interesting like the last part about the sire. :) Well done once again!

Man this is getting hard to keep track of cause it's depressing.

This is Giant Turtles 4th start in HK today... I turned it off after he reared at the start.

So now he has finished 12th twice and 14th twice. Wish he'd go home.:(

http://racing.hkjc.com/racing/video/...no=07&lang=eng

edit - Keep forgetting to say that was some win by Alamer!

Sorry to hear that. :( Hong Kong is a very different environment. Some horses love it, while a lot of others never get comfortable. I'd like to see him come home too.

Yeah, Alamer was sensational. 60-1! Looking back through her replays, she'd been a bit unlucky in her recent races. But I never thought she could take that step and beat such a good field. She did!

Ed I realize it was never certain but there's a notice on the JRA site that Rising Romance will not run in the Arima Kinen and I was wondering if you have any idea what the plan might be for her (?). Thanks!

Finally watched Tavago (sometimes it take me a while to catch up - very nice!) and Saint Emillion (... how easy was that?). :)

I believe I am all caught up now. :o

Tavago was excellent - that's exactly the sort of performance you want to see over a mile for a horse heading towards the Derby. Exciting times. :) I'll be calling one of his trainers within the next hour, so there should be an update on the website later today.

It sounds like Rising Romance has gone out for a break - http://www.horseracing.com.au/news/n...ising-romance/

Thanks for that.

Exciting field for the Captain Cook Stakes!!! (Hoping for Soriano but oh how I love them all).

Please blow a kiss to Storming the Tower for me at Ellerslie after he wins that first race (he should!). Oooh Selfie and Strata Lady and oh...that field for the Concorde H... gotta root for Durham Town but will be thrilled for whoever wins. That is my kinda field. :)

Lest I forget, godspeed, Locket at Riccarton on Friday.

Beautiful day at Ellerslie at the moment. Can't wait for the races coming up here today!

I actually picked Salford Art in the first race - 5th in the Counties Cup last time, and this should be easier than that. But we'll see. :)

Busy day ahead, covering Trentham as well. But it should be really good racing at both venues.