NOT A BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE!

While I was more than happy to come away from the Belmont races yesterday with a double, I have no doubt that things could have been even better with a bit more luck. I use the word luck loosely?!

As I said, it was great to book-end the meeting with the wins of TERADA and BASKERVILLE STREET, both horses winning courtesy of top class rides. It really re-enforces my belief that most winners win despite of the rides however some wins really are due in no small degree to top class rides. I would have to say that this was the case with the two rides from Clint Harvey and Jason Whiting yesterday. Both riders appreciate how much work goes into getting the horses fit and at their best to compete on race day and both riders feel for the stable when things don't go according to plan whether it be the horse or the ride.

We also had a two year old having his first start named BLEEJAR run a nice race coming from well back in the field to run fifth. One of my other runners in the 2yo event suffered bad interference just when she looked like running on while TWISTS OF FATE needs to get some racing under her belt which will be a big plus for her. Old war horse STRIKEN had no luck when being caught three deep the entire before finishing a game fourth. He will run a nice race next time out over 1600m.

My other runner for the day CAMPOBELLO, also ran a mighty race when finishing second in the main event the BELMONT CLASSIC over 2200m. Although he covered extra ground throughout it was exactly how we wanted him ridden and I think there is a good future for him over a trip as he gets older. He was beaten on the day by a filly which has improved out of sight since coming to W.A. and continues the good form of the stable.

I hope to have an easy day today while the young bloke is away as I am sure he will find plenty for me to do as soon as he gets back.

THE KIDS TRYING TO KILL ME

What the hell is he doing? Here I am trying to enjoy my semi-retirement (according to the rumours) when one son goes and nominates half the bloody team to race at Belmont on Saturday. He has a strange sense of humour this boy! At last count I think we had nine horses accepted for, for the meeting at Belmont on Saturday. I haven't been that busy since back in the days when I was leading trainer. I am going to have a serious talk to this boy. Its all well and good for him to be swanning around in his Versace suit and tie, talking to the media and staying cool calm and collected while Sarah and I do all the work.Maybe we may be able to get him to get his hands dirty on Saturday and give us a hand?

Seriously though, it is good fun and a good feeling to go to the races and have a busy day with plenty of runners. Especially if some of those runners are a genuine winning chance as some are. I know I will sleep well that night while his lordship jumps on a plane and heads east to inspect more yearlings.

CHIRON ONE TO FOLLOW

Now don't tell me I didn't tell you. I know we kept him to ourselves plus the owners on Wednesday and even though he only ran third, it was a fairly good result at 25/1 each way and $8.50 for the place. You win some you lose some! It would have been a great result had we won on Wednesday but to be honest, I did think he had the job ahead of him but would still run a mighty race. He didn't let us down.

I am not sure if he will have another run this preparation or not as we may send him straight to the paddock for a good spell. Either way, make sure you stick with him next campaign. I doubt that he will be sharp enough to come back for the Guineas however the 2011 Derby is firmly on his agenda.

I know it is early days however this horse gives me the feel that he is capable of developing into a top line stayer if he can get his act together. At the moment he is a big kid with plenty of raw ability but not much idea what to do with it. I reckon he will work it out!

COLD AND WET COUPLE OF WEEKS

Just when we didn't think we were going to get any rain this winter, it all turned around quickly with some heavy rains and storms followed by heavy tracks and cancelled meetings. Hey, its winter!!!

I have always been the one to say that I actually enjoy cold weather but I hate the rain. At least we can keep racing in cold weather. I guess it hasn't had to big an impact on my team as we didn't have any runners last weekend and only a few during the week. After our recent Belmont treble we have had nothing but placings with more than our share of hard luck stories and below average rides. On the flip side I guess when we have a win it is sometimes courtesy of an above average ride but not often! I better get off that subject before I upset someone!!!!!

We have certainly had a few runners of late who have put in great performances however to be honest most of them are not top class horses, they are simply running up to their best and a bit of luck goes a long way with them.

If we can have our share or preferably more than our share of good luck this coming weekend, we may end up having a good day. Jason whiting is back on board most of my runners again this weekend after having missed nearly six or seven weeks due to injury. He has only had a handful of rides for me since he has been back in the saddle and he has not taken long to get the feel of things. Now that he is a bit more "match fit" I expect him to start kicking home more than his share of winners.