...I thought I'd seen everything...

I confidently predict that today's decision by racing authorities around Australia to suspend racing until further notice will stand as one of the blackest days in racing administration's history.


The discovery of the Equine Influenza virus in stables at Centennial Park was the catalyst for the AJC to think about calling off Randwick, as it's within the 5 km exclusion zone. That makes some sense.


How, then, does this small outbreak lead to a shutdown of all races in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland with Western Australian authorities still considering what to do as I write this.

Racing administrators have a lot of explaining to do to justify their ongoing employment in their roles, if you ask me.

And, please, don't babble on about the precautionary principle being the most important factor. That's simply a way for cowards to avoid taking decisions.

SELECTIONS - 24 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Scone 4-10 Markworthy [23]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Canberra 2-6
Seymour 6-10, 8-4, 8-8, 8-10
Townsville 7-9

Comments: Scone 4-10 Markworthy is trying to open her account at her 11th run today. She's always thereabouts in her races and this is not a particularly strong event so she must be some chance though these sorts of country races tend to be won by horses with provincial form of which there are a few running.

Black Book: Scone 5-3 Ironside hasn't quite lived up to his BB status in two runs from a spell but drops in grade in this. He has a good turn of foot when let go so any pace in the race will certainly help.

SELECTIONS - 23 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Northam 6-10 Smooth Manouvres [10]
Northam 7-3 Danby Wiske [1]
Wyong 5-3 Sing For Us [23]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Ipswich 5-9
Mornington 6-1, 7-1, 7-2, 7-4, 7-5
Northam 3-3, 5-3
Wyong 6-5

Comments: The black book continued its good run with 2/2 yesterday at $2.70 and $6.20. Both horses can keep winning. POOMAs were also 2/3 for a profit so a good day all round. Northam 6-10 Smooth Manouvres has an unimpressive 1/15 record though it's not unusual for this system to pick horses with that sort of form. This grey mare should get a better run from her middle draw today than she did last time from gate 10 of 11 so should be some chance at good e/w odds. Northam 7-3 Danby Wiske has been sitting off the pace and running home in the placings before a change of tactics last time saw him lead all of the way and thrash a poor Maiden field. He's been a beaten POOMA a couple of times and this is a much harder race so I'll just watch him go around, though I'll have him in quaddies. Wyong 5-3 Sing For Us looks a really good chance in this race. She's from the John O'Shea camp and he is noted for getting his horses going in time for the spring carnival so if he has any aspirations with this one at all then you'd think she'd have to show up today.

SELECTIONS - 22 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Belmont 1-2 Glen Erin Lass [5]
Belmont 4-2 Kenbon [12]
Murray Bridge 1-13 Royal Stella [25]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Belmont 1-1, 3-3, 4-2
Murray Bridge 8-4
Sandown 1-4
Warwick Farm 5-1

(* Any updates at Belmont later on - UPDATED *)

Comments: Well, if the first starter, Mrs Squiggles, can't gallop then Belmont 1-2 Glen Erin Lass just wins. Won't be much of a price, though. Murray Bridge 1-13 Royal Stella seemingly plummets in class from a Saturday R1 to this midweek F&M Maiden. However, there were no winners in that race and half the field were first starters so it wasn't necessarily as strong as it looks on paper. That said, she looks a leading chance in this average field.


Black Book: Sandown 3-3 Formal Attire was beaten by a good horse, Samadji, first up last time in and flogged them at his only other fresh run. He's started favourite at every run, which is confirmation of people's opinion of him. He should just about get away with this race. Sandown 5-7 In The Shadows got home for us at double figure odds, which was terrific. He is perfectly placed in this race and looks a terrific e/w chance again.

SELECTIONS - 21 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Rockhampton 5-2 Innocent Harry [15]
Rockhampton 5-3 King Kanawa [15]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Canterbury 5-7
Moe 2-7, 3-5, 6-1, 6-10, 8-3, 8-4

Comments: Two picks in the same race at Rocky. This system has a very good long term strike rate but isn't one of the better ones this year.

SELECTIONS - 20 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Muswellbrook 4-1 Sadler Jack [21]
Wodonga 4-11 Musically [15]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Wodonga 7-2, 7-6, 7-10, 8-3

Comments: As I've noted before, Muswellbrook is my least favourite track. All systems have a low strike rate there, which means that 4-1 Saddler Jack has a factor running against him that connections aren't even aware of. That said, he's hardly up against a field of champions so should be a fair chance. Wodonga 4-11 Musically ran 2nd in a much stronger race than this on debut. 3rd in that race was Bel Mer, which came out and won the big fillies' event at Caulfield on Saturday. Expect short odds.

SELECTIONS - 19 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Sunshine Coast 7-4 Polar Wolf [23]
Sunshine Coast 8-11 Marhill [23]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Kalgoorlie 6-8
Launceston 1-2
Sale 7-5

Comments: Sunshine Coast 7-4 Polar Wolf has won 7/17 at this track and 0/20 elsewhere. He was comfortably beaten as favourite last time but he normally takes a few runs to get to his best so might be some chance of beating the topweight. Sunshine Coast 8-11 Marhill zoomed home to win here two starts back and then put in an even effort last time at Eagle Farm. Is 6/4 on the morning line, which seems about half the odds I'd want.

Black Book: Launceston 5-1 Geronimo Stilton went into the black book two starts back and then won at $16 when we could only back him on Tote Tasmania. He stepped up to a Class 2 event last time and ran OK to finish midfield. Back in distance and back in class might help. I want to watch him for a couple of runs to assess if he's got scope to go through the classes.

SELECTIONS - 18 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

There are no POOMA selections today

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Belmont 2-2, 4-5, 6-10
Doomben 1-2
Kilmore 6-1, 6-2
Morphettville 4-2
Rosehill 7-10
Toowoomba 5-5

(* Any updates at Belmont later on - UPDATED *)

Comments: No POOMAs today but there's a lot of good racing going on with many high quality types returning from spells and getting ready for a spring campaign. Doomben 1-2 Yass River looks like he'll win again but given he'll be about $1.10 there's no point having a bet.

Black Book: Caulfield 2-6 Master O'Reilly goes well enough first up to be a chance in this. First up last time in he plugged a bit when 3rd at Sale as favourite over 1400m so maybe the mile trip will suit better. He's been my long range Cups horse for a little while. If Caulfield 7-11 Stanzout can get a decent run from his gate then he'll go close to winning this. He finished on well first up after sitting deep all of the way behind the flying Lucky Secret and was only beaten 1.3L, this is easier and he's 2/2 second up. Danger is clearly Bon Hoffa, also a very good horse.

SELECTIONS - 17 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Goulburn 2-6 Heroic Quest [21]
Ipswich 3-3 Equates [23]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Geelong 9-1
Ipswich 7-12
Taree 3-14, 8-1

Comments: A bit of a stinker yesterday with what looked a certainty going down at Northam as a $1.30 shot after being held up in the straight. Goulburn 2-6 Heroic Quest is the youngster of this field at 4 years of age and is up against a 6YO mare and some older neddies. He hasn't got a spectacular record but looks a good chance in this. Ipswich 3-3 Equates looks well placed though the barrier is a bit of a trick, as he doesn't look to have enough early pace to overcome that draw and might get stuck 3 deep. For that reason I don't want less than e/w odds.

SELECTIONS - 16 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Townsville 5-3 Castle Hill Lad [23]
Townsville 6-11 Final Score [10]
Northam 5-4 Capuchin [8,12]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Cranbourne 1-3

(* Any updates at Northam later on - UPDATED *)

Comments: Townsville 5-3 Castle Hill Lad hasn't managed to crack it for a win since moving north from Victoria and has been costly for punters, being a beaten favourite at his last three runs. I don't want to take less than about $3, which might not be available. Townsville 6-11 Final Score has been thereabouts in his six runs from a spell. He's only won 2/22 and will be nice odds in an even field. Northam 5-4 Capuchin whupped them first up from a spell last time at this track when leading all of the way to win his Maiden. Steps up quickly in grade but looks too good again.


Black Book: Townsville 4-1 Back Of House returns from a let up in this and looks really well placed. If e/w odds are available then I'll have a solid crack at him.

SELECTIONS - 15 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Gawler 4-1 Bergstrom [6]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Belmont 1-3, 6-5
Canterbury 5-10, 6-4
Sandown 7-7

(* Any updates at Belmont later on - UPDATED *)

Comments: Gawler 4-1 Bergstrom is an in and out customer but his last couple at Port Augusta were OK and there's a reason he's topweight. The others don't look much good so he'd have to be a chance even though he steps up in trip.


Black Book: Canterbury 3-1 Grand Rhumba got the job done for us at a short price first up at Canberra. I expect this Rhythm gelding to win good races in his career so he should run a forward race in this. Eagle Farm 3-3 Laletta went into the BB after her first run and cemented her place with a facile victory at Rocky last time. Jumps in grade but looks very good so should measure up.

SELECTIONS - 14 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Kyneton 3-6 Bite The Count [25]
Rockhampton 1-10 Toarmina [25]
Rockhampton 4-3 Dust Haze [10]
Rockhampton 5-8 Milora Miss [23]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Cessnock 3-9, 7-11

(* Any updates later on *)

Comments: Kyneton 3-6 Bite The Count is still learning what racing is all about given her recent appearances in the stewards' reports. She's been close enough to be some chance here. Rockhampton 1-10 Toarmina hasn't got within shouting distance of them in any of her seven unplaced runs. The step up in trip might help but you'd want $16+ to have a go. Rockhampton 4-3 Dust Haze might be half a chance at OK odds in this. He's run nice 2nds at his two previous first up runs and there seems to be enough pace to help him power home late. Rockhampton 5-8 Milora Miss has a good record here and even though she jumps to Class 6 company from a Class 4 win she's in with a good weight and draw. Sequalo Blue looks the obvious quinella horse.

Black Book: Cessnock 9-2 Runaway Frisco got home narrowly for us at double figure odds last time. As I've pointed out before, and her record clearly shows, she's a complete duffer in the wet - strange for one of Frisco View's progeny. Looks a good chance again, especially with the step up in trip.

SELECTIONS - 13 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Nowra 3-5 Ilringya [25]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Nowra 6-9

Comments: Nowra 3-5 Ilringya has been racing in stronger events than this though they were 2YO races. She looks a fair chance and I'm sure connections would be disappointed if she didn't put in a good showing.

SELECTIONS - 12 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Kalgoorlie 4-1 San Vitale [10]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Casino 6-12
Hobart 3-2, 6-9, 9-3
Kalgoorlie 4-7, 7-7
Sunshine Coast 7-6
Wagga 5-1

Comments: It's hard to see how Kalgoorlie 4-1 San Vitale can win this race given he meets the same horses that beat him home easily first up from a spell at his last run. That was his first run in the west so let's hope that his new trainer has worked him a bit harder for this race.

Black Book: Sunshine Coast 7-6 Sleepy Jackson did the job for us at short odds last time after going into the BB due to a facile first start win. He should be improved at his second run back but I'm a bit unenthusiastic about taking a short price today.

SELECTIONS - 11 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Belmont 7-10 Second Omen [16]
Eagle Farm 4-3 Feline Hunter [23]
Toowoomba 7-4 Chilly Weather [10]
Warrnambool 9-2 Key Symbol [21]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Eagle Farm 1-4, 3-7, 6-3
Moonee Valley 1-1
Toowoomba 2-7, 4-4
Warrnambool 2-3, 2-7

(* Any updates at Belmont later on - UPDATED *)

Comments: Eagle Farm 4-3 Feline Hunter only has a 1/11 record but has always been competitive in his races. This is a very even field and looks a good e/w chance. Toowoomba 7-4 Chilly Weather has an equally ordinary 1/10 record but has also always been about the mark in his races. If he's around $6 then it's worth a go. Warrnambool 9-2 Key Symbol looks well placed in this race. He sits up on the pace and should go pretty close. Belmont 7-10 Second Omen has run a couple of good races in this class with her poor run in the middle of those due to being ridden upside down and trying to lead all of the way. She gets home hard and the step up to 1400m will suit.

Black Book: Randwick 4-7 Ruby Bre did the job for us at nice enough odds for us last time and looks to have a fair chance in this. Morphettville 8-9 Allsons was a tad disappointing last time but he's a talented horse and I'm going to stick with him in this ordinary race.

SELECTIONS - 10 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Canberra 7-2 Vintage Rock [23]
Ipswich 8-1 Bang Clang Alang [21]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Canberra 3-6

Comments: Well, they went like three-legged crabs yesterday. Looking for an improvement with Canberra 7-2 Vintage Rock, which won its Maiden nicely at this track last time. She looks capable of winning this. Ipswich 8-1 Bang Clang Alang steps up beyond a mile for the first time, has to give weight to the field, has drawn awkwardly and isn't really bred to go the trip though the odd Clang progeny have managed it.

SELECTIONS - 9 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Northam 1-4 Golden Nediym [23]
Northam 7-7 Smooth Manoeuvres [10]
Townsville 2-3 Jazzoom [15]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Nil

(* Any updates at Northam later on - UPDATED *)

Comments: Northam 1-4 Golden Nediym should already have won a Maiden race but has had a few too many runs in harder grade than this. I'm not too sure he has much resolve at the end of his races so I'll want $8+ to have a go. Northam 7-7 Smooth Manoeuvres is pretty well placed in this race ad if she hadn't have drawn off the track then I'd be keen to have a whack. Townsville 2-3 Jazoom was no match for the flying Mister Stevens first up but he beat the rest clearly so he must be a strong chance today.

SELECTIONS - 8 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

There are no POOMA selections today

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Belmont 7-8
Doomben 6-7
Morphettville 1-1, 1-2, 1-5, 5-1
Sandown 5-4

(* Any updates later on *)

Comments: No selections today. Sandown 5-4 comes from a system that only has between 5-10 selections per year and has a 50%+ s/r since going live in 2004. He looks a chance again.

SELECTIONS - 7 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Donald 4-7 The Castle [25]
Donald 10-5 War Dor [24]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Donald 10-2
Rockhamton 7-3, 8-2, 8-8
Taree 9-1

Comments: Another black booker wins at nice odds yesterday. I think that the last three have got home at $8, $12 & $5 and they're showing a healthy profit so far (famous last words). Donald 4-7 The Castle ran a good 4th on debut and looks a strong chance. Donald 10-5 War Dor isn't the most winningest horse going around but he's been in consistent recent form and should be a chance again. System 24's performance looks diabolical but it is due to knock out a few $10-$20 winners sometime soon, which it has done previously in its history.

SELECTIONS - 6 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Darwin 1-3 My Gift [8]
Darwin 2-1 Kirikirish [10,23]
Darwin 2-3 Ruffs [21]
Darwin 7-6 No More Jazz [10]
Murwillumbah 3-7 Watcha Poco [10]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Darwin 4-8
Forbes 7-7
Murwillumbah 8-5

(* Problems with my ISP - updates when they're fixed - UPDATED *)

Comments: We were pretty unlucky with Latvia yesterday, I thought. With a clean get away and good run she probably wins at double figure odds. Australia's losingest galloper, Sahara Noble, returns from a spell in the first at Murwillumbah today. This 9YO Success Express gelding is lining up for his 84th run and is yet to chalk up a win. No wonder his stable name is "Roger".

Black Book: Forbes 5-6 Waterfront Lass demonstrated that she can't handle wet tracks at all last time out, which I pointed out before the run. This is a much easier race and if it's dry then she'll be a big chance.

SELECTIONS - 5 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Kalgoorlie 2-2 Two Time [23]
Kalgoorlie 6-9 Latvia [10]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Gundagai 2-6, 5-1, 6-2
Kalgoorlie 7-9
Muswellbrook 2-1, 5-6, 6-3
Sunshine Coast 6-9

(* Updates for Kalgoorlie later on - UPDATED *)

Comments: Kalgoorlie 2-2 Two Time has been in terrific form this time in. Has to carry a fair lump of weight and 1300m might be a tad further than he likes so I want to see e/w odds, which we probably won't get. Kalgoorlie 6-9 Latvia seems to be pretty well placed in this race. She's drawn off the track and hasn't succeeded in four goes at 1200m so it's another one that I'd want to see good odds about to have a go; $16+ for mine.

SELECTIONS - 4 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Belmont 6-4 Is Amazing [23]
Caulfield 2-3 Listen Here [6,12]
Doomben 6-1 Blood 'N' Bone [23]
Gold Coast 6-1 Father Dex [1]
Wangaratta 5-11 You're Fantastic [24]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Darwin 5-2, 7-5, 7-6
Gold Coast 6-6
Victoria Park 4-3

(* Updates later on *)

Comments: Another $12 black book winner yesterday. The black book has been on fire lately. Hopefully, the POOMAs can improve on their 0/7 start to the month today. Belmont 6-4 Is Amazing is a more than competitive mare, which she'll need to be to beat the topweight in this. Might be a quinella hope. Caulfield 2-3 Listen Here won in Listed company in Adelaide before a spell. That wasn't much of a race so she'll need to have improved to beat Royal Asscher. Doomben 6-1 Blood 'N' Bone ran well in the Ramornie before a good 2nd here last time. Drops in grade and looks really well placed. Gold Coast 6-1 Father Dex stepped up beyond a mile last time and won a Class 1 race easily over this course. He has to give 3.5kg to the field but looks up to it. Wangaratta 5-11 You're Fantastic hasn't won since St Kilda was a good team and steps up to a mile, which doesn't look at all suitable. Will be good odds, anyway.

SELECTIONS - 3 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Geelong 3-2 Big Jet [25]
Ipswich 3-4 Mossvana [25]
Queanbeyan 3-4 Sea Urchin [21]
Queanbeyan 5-1 Green Slip [21]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Geelong 8-9
Gunnedah 5-4, 8-2, 8-3
Ipswich 8-1
Queanbeyan 8-3

(* Any updates later on *)

Comments: The POOMAs were pretty poor yesterday but another black booker lobbed at $8+ in the form of Derivative Receipt. Queanbeyan 3-4 Sea Urchin has run three 2nds this preparation, two at this track, as well as finishing a mile behing them in two goes on the all weather track at Canberra. He obviously doesn't like it there so will be much better suited with the return to Queanbeyan and drop to 1600m. Queanbeyan 5-1 Green Slip has a 1/23 record that also includes 14 placings. He's been consistent lately and is sneaking up on another win so should be a chance today. Geelong 3-2 Big Jet ran a couple of even races in his first prep and returns to racing with a new trainer, Greg Eurell, today. Looks a good chance. Ipswich 3-4 Mossvana was close up in two 2YO races at Doomben last month. She's up against older mares here so I'm not keen to have a go even though early season 3YOs in open age races have a good record.



Black Book: Gunnedah 6-2 Runaway Frisco has talent and goes very much better on top of the ground than when there's any rain about. She has enough early speed to be right on the pace for a long way.

SELECTIONS - 2 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

Coffs Harbour 3-1 Rabbit Nagina [1]
Mackay 2-1 King Kanawa [15]
Northam 3-4 Fleetfooted Mak [23]

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Hawkesbury 8-2

Comments: A $20 ruffie up again yesterday and a black booker at $12 gave us a very solid result. The black book has been providing a heap of winners since being introduced. Coffs Harbour 3-1 Rabbit Nagina seems to have worked out what the racing caper is all about given his two strong finishing recent wins. Steps up another grade but should be a good chance in an even field. Mackay 2-1 King Kanawa is an early season 3YO with topweight taking on older horses. He won an open age race last time so might be a fair chance here but I won't be taking less than e/w odds, which probably won't be available. Northam 3-4 Fleetfooted Mak has had a lot of attempts to break his duck and must be some chance to do that in this average race.

Black Book: Coffs Harbour 7-8 Derivative Receipt has been pretty costly since going into the BB with form reading 2232 unless you backed him place only. He fought really hard to the line last time when looking beaten to just miss out and that sort of resolve will help get him close again today. Mornington 8-5 Red Cord is one I'm just keeping an eye on to see whether he's come back OK at all.

SELECTIONS - 1 August 2007

POOMA selections (Location Race#-TAB# Horse [system/s])

There are no POOMA selections today

Non-POOMA selections (and ruffies in red below):

Belmont 1-3
Darwin 3-2, 5-6, 6-5
Eagle Farm 4-2, 6-8
Sandown 1-6

Comments: After setting up a solid lead and in spite of hitting the last three hurdles we managed to sneak through July with a profit so that was good. Yesterday's runners didn't help our cause at all, of course.

Black Book: Eagle Farm 4-2 Zedshee has one speed - ON - and can only just run 1000m. Must have had something go wrong last time, as noted in the stewards' report. If he's right then he'll look the winner at some point late in the race. Sandown 4-4 In The Shadows stepped up to a mile and beyond last preparation and scored a couple of strong, front running wins. He has some talent, this Toy Pindarri 5YO, and as his breeding suggests he should handle the slow conditions today. I expect a big run at e/w odds.